September 30-October 7, 2011 by C.C. Observer

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The Campbell $1. County Observer

Volume 1 • Issue 26

September 30 - October 7, 2011

www.campbellcountyobserver.net

June 17 - 24, 2011

Bricks for Veterans

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

Run 4 Riley’s Friends By Sandra Boehler

The Wyoming Biker Association held its 3rd Annual “Run 4 Riley’s Friends” bike run on Saturday September 24. The non-proﬁt association works year-round to assist families of chronically ill children in Northeast Wyoming with medical expenses. The run is in honor in one of WBA’s children, Riley, who passed away. Sad to say we work so hard but sometimes we cannot save all of our children from their illness. This year’s run started at Center Bar in Gillette where participants signed in to enter the poker hand and draw their ﬁrst card. At each stop on the run, players draw an additional card to determine the highest hand and lowest hand of the day. The stops this year were at Dewey’s Place (Moorcroft). Devil’s Tower Trading

Post, “R” Place Bar & Grill (Pine Haven), Ruff’s Bar (Rozet) and ended at Sports Bar back in Gillette. Approximately 80 riders enjoyed a beautiful fall day with sunshine and friends. At the end of the ride Sports Bar had a barbeque dinner for all who participated in the day’s fun. The winners of the high and low poker hand along with the winner of the 50/50 drawing donated winnings back to WBA to help in paying for recent medical expenses of children we now assist. Thanks to all who attended this event and thank you to all the sponsors who help throughout the. Without the support of our sponsors, members and the great community we could not help these families in need. We would like to extend an invitation to the commu-

A Veterans Memorial is planned to go up in Lasting Legacy Park thanks to the efforts of Everett Boss and the City Council. Grants are being applied for and bricks are being sold to raise money for this project. The bricks will be inscribed with whatever veteran’s name the purchaser chooses. “You can do a whole family brick like I did for myself; I put my son, my brother, and myself on that brick,” Boss describes. Bricks are 4”x8”, black granite and are laser inscribed. Inscriptions on bricks must be no more than 3 lines and 20 characters long (including spaces) per line. Bricks are $110 each. Also available is an 8”x8” brick with no more than 9 lines and 20 characters for $250. Included on the brick is an American ﬂag and a branch of service emblem. “It’s going really well. We started off almost a year and a half ago, and we’ve gotten our nonproﬁt set up through the American Legion Post 42,” Boss explained. “We just received a grant that I signed and sent back yesterday to the Wyoming Culture Trust Fund, and that one we’ve been working on for about eight months and they’ve given us $5,000 to buy the United We Stand sculpture which is sitting in front of the City Hall as we speak,” Boss says. “We want to move it to Lasting Legacy Park.” So far, there has been $10,000 raised for the project. People who are not veterans, but believe in the cause, are encouraged to participate by form of donation. To learn more about the project, or how to contribute, go to www.bricksforvets.com.

nity to join us on November 19 when we will host our 8th Annual “Jayden’s Friends Beneﬁt Auction”, also honoring one of our departed children. The event will start with free dinner at 5:00 PM with the auction starting at 6:00 PM. We welcome any items for donation and encourage you to contact Sandie at 680-2982 before that date so all items can be placed on the auction list. A huge thank you to Barb and Jim Hays at Jakes Tavern for allowing us to hold the event at their establishment and to Chuck and Carol Wood who donate their auctioneer services for the evening. Once again, we could not do this without all of your help. We hope to see you at this event.

Young Boy in Campbell County Grows 24 Inch Zucchini

Please be on the lookout for an endangered, missing eight-year old girl, Kerra Wilson, from Mitchell, Nebraska. She was last seen near her school on the morning of September 21, 2011. Call 1-800-843-5678 if you have any information about Kerra’s whereabouts.

Dylan Hatch has made an impressive debut in his first year in gardening. “I grow them for my grandpa and grandma,” he said. The garden, which is in the middle of a rock bed, was his first time trying. On this first try, the young man was able to grow a zucchini that weighed exactly 9lbs and measured 24 inches. “I planted the garden in April,” said Dylan. “I watered it every night, but I didn’t do anything special. It must have been my green thumb.” Dylan is not sure if he wants to be a professional gardener when he grows up but he is sure about one thing. “I’m not eating it. I grew it for Mom. I don’t like zucchini.” He did, however, say that he is going to try to grow a bigger one next year. Good luck Dylan, and good job!

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Community Keyhole Fishing Report

Warden’s Corner

By Mike Smith - Empire Guesthouse & RV Park Pine Haven, Wyoming http://www.empireguesthouse.com/

October 1 is opening day for the regular deer and antelope seasons in Campbell County, and the Game and Fish Department’s walk-in areas are a great place to start your hunt. The county has many walk-in areas, and the department’s Walk-in area atlas lists when each area is open and for what species. Pay special attention to the rules for each ranch, which are printed in the atlas, and obey the signs posted on the walk-in areas. You do not need to contact the landowner for permission to hunt any of these enrolled areas, but please respect the landowner and the land. Happy hunting!

Walleye ﬁshing at Keyhole has not picked up much yet, but with cooling water temps it is only a matter of time. The good news is the crappie bite. After being seemingly absent since early June, the crappie have started showing up again in big numbers and size. Two ﬁshermen that stopped in this past weekend caught 50 on Saturday, 25 on Sunday and released several others. Fish averaged around 10” with

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By Mike Smith - Empire Guesthouse & RV Park Pine Haven, Wyoming http://www.empireguesthouse.com/ Duck season came in calm and sunny which does not make for good duck hunting. Three of us hunted Keyhole on the opener and managed to take 14 ducks. It was a mixed bag of Blue-winged Teal, Pintail, Spoon bill, & widgeon. The Blue wings may have already migrated thru as we did not see the numbers that we had seen the past couple of weeks. It could also have been the weather. Without wind the ducks

do not seem to fly as much. There are a lot of geese using the lake right now and if you get set up right, you could get some good action or if you can find some fields where their feeding, it could be better yet. For the ducks, set up in some shallow bays with the wind to your back with a 2-3 dozen decoys and you should get some shooting. Once the weather starts changing, the duck hunting will pick up.

Fishing Report By Mike and Roxan Smith Empire Guesthouse & RV Park

Fishing is starting to pick up at Keyhole Reservoir with cooling water temperatures. Walleye are spotty. Crappie and smallmouth bass were good last weekend. Try minnows in deeper water near rocky cliffs.

some approaching 12”. Another fisherman stopped in and showed one that measured 14 1/2”. Fish were big and thick and made great fillets. Most were caught in 20-25’ of water off of rocky areas. Beetle spins & road runners tipped with minnows and other plastics seemed to do the trick. Until the walleye bite comes on, give the crappie a try for some real fun and tasty fillets.

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For the last couple of years, we’ve been using heavy-metal shotgun shells and have seen number of cripples drop dramatically compared to other shells. We used 3” #2 in S.D. a couple of weeks ago on decoying geese and did not notice any cripples out of 31 birds taken. BB’s may be a little better on geese. Try 2’s & 4’s on ducks depending on how well they are decoying.

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Accepting Entries 10/3/11 thru 12/9/11 during the 2011 Hunting Season! 6 Divisions of Contest:

Antelope • Deer(Muledeer) • Deer (Whitetail) • Elk • Big Horn Sheep • Moose INFORMATION 1. Each entry will receive a chance for 1st place prize (set of tires) in each division. 2. Weekly drawings(gift certificates –various businesses and service) 3. Each entry will be posted on our website . 4. A big buck contest wildlife series cap will be given to each contestant with a valid entry. 5. One entry will be drawn out of all participants for the grand prize of a rifle. 6. Entries will be judged on the following in each division: · Size. · Appearance. · Uniformity. · Measurments can be submitted but will not determine the winner. · Photos - we encourage quality photos for the judging process. · Comments on hunt and area info as well as stories are encouraged. 7. Information can be obtained on our website and entry forms can be picked up at store locations or online,www.bighorntire.com. 8. Photos will be uploaded on the website and posted at both stores. RULES OF COMPETION 1. Entrant must possess a current/valid Wyoming license for division entered . 2. All entries must adhere to all Wyoming Game & Fish rules & regulations. 3. Entry must have been taken in the 2011 season in Wyoming. 4. Photo of contestant/harvest must accompany entry form. 5. Entry form and photo must be dropped off to either store location in Buffalo or Gillette , Mailed to 501 Westside Drive, or emailed to bigbuck@bighorntire.net or by December 9th 2011.

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Community Fight like a Girl against Breast Cancer

You never intended to give marriage a try

Submitted by Karen Clarke Nurses from the Heptner Cancer Center at Campbell County Memorial Hospital will be stationed at the Gillette Walmart Monday, October 3 from 9 am-3 pm to provide education and information on breast and testicular cancer. Free breast and testicular selfexam shower cards will be given out to raise awareness of these diseases

during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Participants can register for a free mammogram to be given away. “The survival rates for breast cancer are good when it is detected in the early stages,” said Deb Lubkeman, Supervisor of the Oncology Unit and registered nurse. “We also wanted to focus on tes-

ticular cancer because it is often diagnosed in men in their 20’s. The Heptner Cancer Center provides both medical and radiation oncology services to Campbell County and the surrounding region. More information is available at www. ccmh.net.

You intended to DO marriage. So did she. This anniversary, celebrate what you’ve done, what you do. and what you will always do.

307-686-6666

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

“C” Cups for Cancer Auction and Class

Your last chance to participate in this event is quickly approaching! On October 5th, for a small fee of $15, you can help local women in need. The AVA Art Center is holding a class from 6:30-8 p.m. to glaze coffee mugs to be auctioned off on October 28th. The funds raised by the mugs will be donated to 3 local women, who have either had, or have, cancer. They are currently accepting nominations for these

three women. You can pick up a form at the art center to do so. The two previous classes had a lower turnout, so the goal is to ﬁll up this ﬁnal class for a good cause. All of the mugs are made by local potter, and former teacher, John Werbelow. There are 30 cups available for glazing and registration is open. If the interest in this event grows, then more classes could be offered before the auction.

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

The auction, itself, will also be at the AVA art center. An assortment of food and drinks will be provided for anyone wanting to come and enjoy the people and atmosphere while bidding on the “’C’ Cups for Cancer.” For more information, or to register for the event, you may stop by the AVA Art Center at 509 W. 2nd Street or log onto their website at www.avacenter.org.

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Road Construction Updates Lincoln Street Rail Spur Crossing

Lincoln Street on each side of the Rail Spur Crossing will be closed in Industrial Park for emergency repairs to the rail road spur and the crossing at Lincoln Street from September 28th until September 29th at 7:00 p.m.

Market Street

Market Street will be closed to through trafﬁc from Wednesday, September 27th through Tuesday, October 4th for the installation of a box culvert. This work is part of the Interstate Industrial Park Drainage and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Shalom Avenue

Shalom Avenue from Chara Avenue to Butler Spaeth Road will be closed Monday, September 26th from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for paving. This work is part of the City of Gillette’s Pavement Management Schedule B and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Villa Drive

Villa Drive between Parkway and Shoshone Avenue will be closed from Friday, September 23rd through Monday, October 10th for repairs.

East 2nd Street

East 2nd Street from Conestoga Drive to the Cul-de-Sac below Rocky Mountain Cummins and R.S.C. (in Industrial Park) will be under construction to replace damaged concrete panels in the road from Thursday, September 15th through Saturday, October 15th.

Arrowhead Drive

Arrowhead Drive will be under construction from Saturday, September 17th through Friday, October 21st. Work on Arrowhead Dr. will include asphalt milling, asphalt pavement repair, overlay, concrete sidewalk and subgrade prep. This work is part of the City of Gillette’s 2011 Pavement Management Schedule A is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Fitch Drive

Fitch Drive will be under construction sections of which will be temporarily closed at various times throughout the construction process - from Saturday, September 17th through Friday, October 21st. Work will include asphalt milling, asphalt pavement repair, concrete sidewalk and subgrade prep. This work is part of the City of Gillette’s 2011 Pavement Management Schedule A and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Harder Drive

Harder Drive will be under construction from Saturday, September 17th through Friday, October 21st. Sections of Harder Drive will be temporarily closed at various times throughout the construction process. This construction work is part of the City of Gillette’s 2011 Pavement Management Schedule A and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Wall Street

Wall Street will be closed to through trafﬁc with detours around work area from Tuesday, September 20th through Tuesday, September 27th. The closure is to cross Wall Street with a box culvert. This work is associated with the Interstate Industrial Park Drainage and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Westover Road/ Madison Pipeline work

As part of WYDOT’s Hwy 50 construction project, a portion of the new Madison Pipeline along Highway 50 between Westover

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Road and Lakeway Avenue has recently been installed. This week, the contractor and City crews will be filling the new 36inch PVC pipeline for pressure testing and sterilization purposes. Motorists will notice a lot of activity in the vicinity of Westover and Skyline as this line is being filled and disinfected. Fire hoses and temporary piping will be installed across Westover as the new line is filled. Please drive accordingly and observe and obey posted construction and traffic control in the area. The City of Gillette and the contractor will drain water from the pipeline after the pressure testing and sterilization process has been complete. The City and the contractor will treat (remove the chlorine from) the drinking water before it is discharged to a natural drainage near Lakeway and Hwy 50. Fresh drinking water will replenish the new pipeline after the sterilization process has been complete. The waterline should be pressurized and operational by the end of September. The City does not anticipate any disruptions to existing customers during this process. However, customers within the immediate vicinity of the project might notice a slight decrease in water pressure and/ or cloudy water during this process. This is normal. The water should clear up and pressures restored after the line has been filled.

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1st Street

1st Street from 200’ east of 4J Road to Richards Avenue will be closed from Sunday, September 4th through Sunday, September 18th for the installation of a sanitary sewer drop manhole. This work is part of the Stonepile Sanitary Sewer Project.

Celebrate Campbell County’s Centennial! fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Miss Campbell County Scholarship Program

Wilderness Drive, Granite Court & Foxhill Avenue

Wilderness Drive, Granite Court and Foxhill Avenue will be under construction from Wednesday, August 31st through Friday, September 30th. This construction is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax and is for the City’s Pavement Management Schedule A and includes activities such as asphalt milling, asphalt pavement repair, asphalt overlay, waterline installation and subgrade preparation.

Tickets: Single $40 Couple: $75 No tickets sold at door. Tickets on sale until October 31, 2011

Enzi Drive Widening Project

Enzi Drive construction is not complete, but the new lanes are presently open. The trafﬁc signals at the Enzi Drive/Shoshone Avenue intersection are now working - please drive accordingly. There will be lane restrictions in both directions as crews continue completion of the project. Please observe and obey speed limits and construction signage in the area. The Enzi Drive Widening Project is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

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Church Avenue

Church Avenue from Highway 14/16 South to 500’ south of 5th Street will be under construction from Friday, September 2nd through Friday, September 30th for the removal of the existing surface, subgrade preparation, installation of concrete improvements and road paving.

Alley Closures

Tickets on sale at: Top Notch Auto, Inc. 1502 West Second, Gillette, WY 82716 Call 660-1798 or 660-7993 for information

- Saunders Alley will be closed from Tuesday, September 6th through Friday, October 11th while crews replace the asphalt surfacing with concrete. This project is part of the City’s 2011 Alley Pavement Management Schedule.

Community

Savageton Bar holds first annual burger eating contest By Nicholas DeLaat There were three contestants, two adult males and an 11 year old female. In front of us sat the dreaded three pound burger. It was huge, taking up more than what the size of a normal plate would be. The meat itself was the three pounds, which was about 12 inches in diameter and about 2 inches thick. Around it sat about another ½ pound of trimmings including lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles that you had to stick on top of your burger. Oh, I forgot, the bun was not one of the common fluffy pieces of bread you normally find on burgers, but home-made, hardy, and very filling. As the waitress poured us all a pitcher of water we stared at the mound of food behind us. We all had one hour to eat it all, including an entire basket of french fries. This contest was the first annual burger eating contest put on by Savageton bar. The patrons in the crowd looked very interested as the contestants were named and the massive plates brought out. Many speculated whether they, themselves, could step up to the challenge, but no

more dared enter the contest. Finally, the time started and the eating commenced. John Lewis took a fast lead, eating half his fries and about a third of his burger quick. 11-year old Cherylann Hicks took a different approach and ate consistently, hoping to wear down her larger opponents. It did not take for her though, and by the first 30 minute mark she was full and could go no farther. She had every reason to be proud though as she ate almost a third of her burger and many fries. As soon as she was done, her little brother and sister handled the rest. It was down to John Lewis and me. There was some friendly trash talking going on, but the patrons looking on could tell by our looks that we were both in the suffering state. The last quarter of the burger went down very hard and slow. With comments like “There is nowhere it can go, I think my throat is full of meat” and “I feel hung-over and I haven’t even had a drink,” I think that the rest of the bar knew that we were in torcher. Finally, the hour was

up, and Savageton Bar crowned their 2011 champ. Now, maybe I should have told them that I am in the hotdog hall of fame (my name is on the wall in the Corner Bar in Michigan), have eaten a 32 oz. boneless prime rib with all the sides, and that I once won a contest were you had to eat the most pizza. The Savageton Bar burger eating contest was a close race at the end, but tilted toward the man who ate the entire burger. Overall it was a great night. The patrons loved it and three people got to go home and not eat for 3 days. I am not sure what Cherylann did when she got home, but knowing an 11 year old metabolism, she was ready to eat before bed. I can, however, guess what John, Cherylann’s father, did, and it was the same as me. That is drive home with the seat all the way back because I couldn’t sit up straight, lay on the couch, groan, and sleep a long time. “Cheers” to the contestants of the charity contest, and good luck beating me next year, as I will be defending my title!

Wyoming Air Guard heading to fight Texas fires The Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing left, today, to continue fighting wildfires throughout the United States - specifically in Texas. The two C-130s and 27 guardsmen flew out to replace the 145 Airlift Wing, from the North Carolina Air National Guard. This is the third aerial firefighting deployment for the 153rd Airlift Wing this year. The first was in April, also to fight wildfires in Texas. The unit returned from Idaho, where they assisted with

fires in Oregon and Idaho, earlier this week. “The Wyoming Air National Guard is proud to respond to the request for assistance from our interagency partners at the U.S. Forest Service,” said Maj. Brian Diehl, the wing’s MAFFS coordinator. “The MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) mission is one of the most rewarding missions we do in the versatile C-130.” The Wyoming Air National Guard is one of four military units equipped with

the MAFFS II, capable of dispersing 3,000 gallons of fire retardant per load. Select aircrews from the 153rd Airlift Wing are certified annually, by the U.S. Forest Service, to fly the aerial firefighting mission. The Wyoming Air National Guard began aerial firefighting in 1975, with the original Modular Airborne Firefighting System. The unit has fought fires throughout the United States and in Indonesia.

Community What’s Going On? Friday, September 30

-Banned Books Week, CCPL -Rawhide Picture Day -Wyoming Chamber Partnership Fall Conference/Annual Meeting, 307-322-3977 -PACA Regional Corriente Convention, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Cam-plex East Pavilion -Annual Hunter/Rancher Chili Feed, 5 p.m., Wright Town Hall -Scholarship Dinner, 6 p.m., Gillette College Tech. Center, 686-0254 ext. 1304 -Ringwars, 7 p.m., Cam0plex Wyoming Center -Double Vision @ Jakes Tavern

Saturday, October 1

-Banned Books Week, CCPL -National Preparedness Month- 1-800-BE-READY -SAT Testing, 8 a.m., CCHS -PACA Regional Corriente Convention, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Camplex East Pavilion -N.E.W. Quilters Guild, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Camplex Energy Hall- Free Admission -Win Kitchen & Bath Design & Gillette Winnelson - Annual Inventory Blowout Auction, 10 a.m., 112 Bundy Ave, 682-7502 -AVA- Van Gogh Kiddos, 10 a.m. -Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -Pumpkin Festival, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Camplex Central Pavilion -4-6th Grade WiiPlay Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -PACA Banquet, 6-9:30 p.m., Camplex Wyoming Center -Double Vision @ Jakes Tavern

Willie Nelson rocks the Cam-plex By Sandra Boehler Well, after months of waiting spectators were excited to finally be entertained by the legendary “Willie Nelson.” A huge crowd arrived early to get their seats for the concert. Of course, lines were long to purchase Willie t-shirts, scarfs, posters, mugs, etc. Willie did a great concert. What a great guitar player this entertainer is. Even with his age, playing a part in life he can out pick the best of them. Young spectators, and the not so young, enjoyed listening to his music. It was fun to see some of the younger generation join in on singing the tunes that some of remember oh so well. He was joined on stage with his sister, who plays the piano, along with his original drummer. His harmonica player is also a quite talented man as is his guitar man. He pleased the crowd with several well-known tunes. He was quick to spot some very young ladies in the crowd which he tossed out the headband he was wearing to them. While he was sick earlier this year and the doctor suggested he not use his voice, Willie used that time to write a few new songs. They were the usual suggestive and funny tunes you would expect to hear from him. Many seem to think that his recent arrest has piqued the interest in our younger generation who enjoy the “pastime” that seems to have caused a little trouble in the entertainers life. Any way you look at it, Willie can still draw a crowd that loves to hear him play and sing. He has a new song “Roll me up and smoke me when I die” that you will have to listen to in order to truly appreciate. I, for one, was very satisfied with the talent of one of our nation’s best entertainers. We hope for many more generations of fans being able to attend and enjoy future concerts. Keep going “On the Road Again” Willie. God Bless and God’s speed as your tour continues across our great nation.

Sunday, October 2

-Senior Center- Carry-In Game Day, 12 p.m. -N.E.W. Quilters Guild, 12- 6 p.m., Camplex Energy Hall- Free Admission -UMF & WBA Meeting @ Jakes Tavern

Monday, October 3

-Rozet 3-4th Grade Program, TBA, Camplex Heritage Center -Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., K2 Technologies 686-3025 -CCMH- Breast Cancer Awareness Booth @ Gillette College, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. -Fight Like A Girl Against Breast Cancer, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Wal-Mart -Customer Service Week Webinar Series: Refresh, Recharge, Reconnect, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., www.thinkhdi. com/resources/webinars/ oct-2011-customer-serviceweek.aspx -K2 Focused Seminar: Edit Photos with PowerPoint, 1-3 p.m., K2 Technologies 6863025 -AVA- Little Tikes, 1 p.m. -AVA- Life Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

Former Soviet Union President to discuss Global Unrest and International Leadership at University of Wyoming University of Wyoming students have an opportunity to dine with one of the most influential world leaders of the 20th century, former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev wants to answer students’ questions following his Oct. 14 talk at UW. He will discuss “Global Unrest and International Leadership in the 21st Century” at 3:30 p.m. in UW’s Arena-Auditorium. “Five to 10 questions from UW students will be selected by retired U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson to pose to Mr. Gorbachev,” says Jim King, UW professor of political science. “Those whose questions are selected will be recognized by Sen. Simpson during the program, and they will be invited to have dinner with Mr. Gorbachev.” Gorbachev’s talk is during Homecoming weekend at UW, and people from around the state are encouraged to attend. King says the talk is part of the univer-

sity’s continuing emphasis on internationalization. “This will be an incredible opportunity for our students, faculty, alumni and the Wyoming community to listen and interact with a world-changing political figure,” UW President Tom Buchanan said when announcing that Gorbachev had accepted an invitation to speak at UW. Gorbachev dedicated himself to building a relationship of mutual trust between the Soviet Union and the United States, signing two broad disarmament pacts that dramatically reduced the danger of worldwide nuclear destruction. For his efforts, he was awarded the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize. Now retired from politics, Gorbachev continues to strive toward achieving his global vision of peace. For more information, UW students can email Gorbachev_Survey@uwyo.edu .

Tuesday, October 4

-HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab 6881222 -Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds,

10:30 a.m., CCPL -Physician Recruitment & Retention, 12:15 p.m., CCMH -QuickBooks Pro 2010Advanced, 1-4 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -AVA- Preschool Art, 2 p.m. -Wii Family Fun, 2-8 p.m., WBL -AVA- Grade School Pottery, 4 p.m. -Teen Card Game Club, 4-6 p.m., CCPL -Sunflower 5th Grade Music Program, 7 p.m., Sunflower Gym

Wednesday, October 5

-Children’s Immunization Clinic, 8-11:30 a.m., Public Health -Microsoft Excel 2007 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -College Planning Day, 9:30-11 a.m., CCHS North Campus -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -Storytime, All Ages, 11 a.m., WBL -AiE “Craicmore” for 6th Grade, 12:45- 1:45 p.m., Camplex Heritage Center -QuickBooks Pro 2010Advanced, 1-4 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -Children’s Immunization Clinic, 4-7 p.m., Public Health -Artist Reception for Dara Corkery & Janice Hamilton, 5-7 p.m., Camplex Heritage Center Lobby & Gallery, 682-8802 -AVA: Glaze a Cup, 6:30-8 p.m., 682-9133 -Craicmore, 7-10 p.m., Camplex Heritage Center, 682-8802 for Tickets

Thursday, October 6

-HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab 6881222 -Senior Center- The Lodge Bus, 9 a.m. -Microsoft Excel 2007 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -Toddlertime, 18 months- 3 yrs. old, 9:30 a.m., CCPL -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -Microsoft Windows 7- Basic, 1-4 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -AVA- Homeschool Kids, 2:30 p.m. -AVA- Grade School Kids Club, 4 p.m. -Families & Jammies, Birth - 6th Grade, 6:30 p.m., CCPL -AVA- Painting Class for Adults, 6:30 p.m. -Adult Anime, 7-8:30 p.m., CCPL -Teen Anime, 7-8:30 p.m., CCPL -Prenatal Series, 7-9 p.m., Series of 4 Classes begins first Thursday of every month, 688-2200 for more info. & to register

Friday, October 7

-Microsoft Word 2007 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -Senior Center- 1st National Bank Dinner -NW Barrel Racing Association Finals, 12-9 p.m., Camplex East/Central Pavilion -AVA-Uncorked! 7-9 p.m. -Open MIC Night, 7 p.m., Brother’s Coffee -Jackdanny Band @ Jakes Tavern

Weekly Trivia Question How old was His Excellency George Washington when he became Commander in Chief? Look in next week’s paper for the answer

Jireh’s Light Book and Gift Store Specializing In:

Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev will answer questions from University of Wyoming students during his appearance Friday, Oct. 14, in the UW Arena-Auditorium.

Opening October 3rd

Spreading the word of God! Clark and Vicki Kissack ~ Owners Clark ~ 307.689.7290 Vicki ~ 307.696.3570 e-mail: v.kissack@yahoo.com

Community

Lifestyle Homes holds block party By Candice DeLaat A block party? I have not seen one of these since I was growing up in Chicago. In Sleepy Hollow, we have a small neighborhood party, and they do the same in Antelope Valley, but not a block party. I am always surprised to see that the downtown neighborhoods do not throw more. My guess has always been that there were either complaints about noise from that one neighbor who does not like having a good time or some kind of ridiculous rule or regulation against it, because people love them. Last Saturday, there was a great block party held in the new neighborhood of Remington Estates. It was put on by the Ed and Mary Russ, who owns the construction company which built all the houses. This kind of party is rare, especially coming from a construction company. If you met Ed and Mary however, you will understand why this was taking place. Everything was free for

the neighborhood. There was ice cream, beer, drinks, and Joes BBQ (who indecently won the people’s choice awards on “Smokin on the Prairie” in Gillette). To top it all off, Just Clowning Around was there to give all the kids their choice of face paint and balloon animal. As usual, the clowns were the hit of the party. Oh, let’s not forget the horse drawn carriage that was brought in from Rapid City. The residents of Remington Estates, who are now living in new homes constructed by ED, love the area. “It is nice, quiet, and there is a new elementary school going up next to us,” said Rita Smith. “You can’t beat the price.” Other neighbors were so proud of the work being done by Mr. Russ that they all pitched in and bought a sign for the event and for Ed’s business. They all signed it later for a memento. This is what you get for

hiring a local company. One key point that Lifestyle homes offers is that they have a flex plan. The home buyer can change the plans on their homes to fit their needs. Throwing this block party is their way of saying “thank you” for the business. Tim Leathers, one of the home owners, said of his new home “I love my new home. It’s affordable, and it is very sturdy quality. The company is easy to deal with, and very nice.” If you are looking at building a home, Ed and Mary from Lifestyle Homes is a good option. If you know them professionally than you know the quality of their work. If you know them personally, like I do, you know that the owners of this local business are the kind of warm hearted and loving neighbors that Campbell County needs as owners of a local construction company, because you care about your neighbor’s house!

Banned Books Week

September 24th to October 2nd marks the recognition of banned books in America and celebrates our freedom to read. This is a nationally recognized week and our very own Campbell County Library is partaking by putting a number of “banned books” on display for checkout. A book is considered “banned” if it has ever been challenged in history or actually been banned. Since it is no longer ethical to ban

books, all the previously banned books are available for people to read. It was an infringement on American’s rights and, now, we have a week to remind us of that. Some highly popular and widely known books that were once banned are “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Tom Sawyer,” “Catcher in the Rye,” “Flowers in the Attic,” and “Grapes of Wrath.” There are still organizations trying to censor

what individuals can read. Whether it be books, magazines, internet articles, etc. anything these people find offensive, they try to ban. This is why it is important to protect your intellectual rights. So, use this week to read something new and stimulate your brain while exercising your rights as an American. Encourage everyone around you to do the same.

USS Constitution

School board approves loftier standards for early release

Weekly Trivia Answer from Last Week The USS Constitution, USS United States, USS President, USS Constellation, USS Congress, and the USS Chesapeake

By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News At Tuesday evening’s Campbell County School Board meeting, the trustees heard a presentation from Associate Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Boyd Brown and high school principal Kirby Eisenhauer. “The issue came about as we have some senior student who, over the course of the last 15 or 16 years, have been allowed to take the last period of the day off, the only requirement being that they have to be on track for graduation,” explains Eisenhauer. “We’d like to set a higher standard and have students earn that right to that that time off.” Eisenhauer said he was impressed with the board as far as their interest in adopting higher standards as well. Therefore, beginning next year students will have to meet two of three requirements before they can take off the last period of the day. “Criteria that would be very present and very understandable to be a 21 on the ACT, the PAWS test we need to be proficient or advanced on that at 3 or 4, and do a good job with the GPA which is a 3.0,” explains Superintendent Richard Strahorn. “Now they don’t have to have all of those, but the recommendation is going to be that they have to have two of the three.” In all, Eisenhauer says he looks forward to the student’s ability to meet the challenge.

Battle between the frigates HMS Shannon and USS Chesapeake off Boston during the War of 1812; detail of a lithograph by J.C. Schetky.

With the formation of a Department of the Navy still several years away, responsibility for design and construction fell to the Department of War, headed by Secretary Henry Knox. As early as 1790, Knox had consulted various authorities regarding ship design. Discussions of the designs were carried out in person at meetings in Philadelphia. Little is known about these discussions due to a lack of written correspondence making determination of the actual designers difficult to assemble. Secretary of War Knox reached out to ship architects and builders in Philadelphia, which was the largest seaport in North America at the time and possibly the largest freshwater port in the world, meaning many discussions of ship design took place in Knox’s office resulting in few if any records of these discussions being available to historians. Joshua Humphreys is generally credited as the designer of the six frigates but besides Humphreys, Revolutionary War ship captains John Foster Williams and John Barry, and shipbuilders Josiah Fox and James Hackett were consulted.[31][32] The final design plans submitted to President Washington for approval called for building new frigates rather than purchasing merchant ships and converting them into warships, an option under the Naval Act.[29] The design was unusual for the time, being long on keel and narrow of beam (width) and mounting very heavy guns incorporating a diagonal scantling (rib) scheme aimed at limiting hogging while giving the ships extremely heavy planking. This gave the hull greater strength than that of the hulls of other navies’ frigates. The designers realized that the fledgling United States could not match the European states in the number of ships afloat. Therefore the new frigates had the ability to overpower other frigates, but were capable of a speed to escape from a ship of the line. Knox advised President Washington that the cost of new construction would likely exceed the appropriations of the Naval Act. Despite this, Washington accepted and approved the plans the same day they were submitted, 15 April 1794 The 44-gun ships usually carried 50 or more guns, and Constitution was known to carry 24-pounder guns in her main battery, instead of the normal 18-pounders most frigates carried Secretary Knox suggested to President Washington that six different construction sites be used, one for each ship. Rather than building at one particular shipyard, separate locations enabled the allotted funds to stimulate each local economy and Washington approved the sites on 15 April 1794.

“I think they’ll work hard,” he says. “I think most of them will accept the challenge and do well.”

BRN Photo by Paul Wallem

High School Principal advocated for higher educational requirements before seniors would qualify for early release.

Community Sleepwalking girl tells neighbors her house collapsed Sheriff Deputies were called after a 10-year old girl arrived at a neighbor’s home on Hackamore around 1:00 a.m. Saturday and told them that her house just collapsed on top of her parents. Campbell County Undersheriff Scott Matheny said deputies cancelled that call in-route, however, after it was determined that the little girl was sleepwalking. “The girl’s parents had retrieved the girl and had her home safely before deputies arrived,” Matheny says.

Courageous By Elizabeth Albin - Wright, WY

Hunting for a cause Again, this year, there is an opportunity to provide meat for needy families in Gillette. Already, $2,300 has been donated to the Council of Community Services to pay for processing donated game animals by hunters. Of course, hunter do not need to go out and hunt specifically for the program but if somebody finds they have extra or just feel the need to donate,

they may do so. The organization is asking that there only be one animal per hunter donated to the program as they only have a limited amount of funds for Olds Processing to process the meant. However, if the funds run out and there are still people wanting to donate they may do so at their own expense. The program will see to it that the meat gets to the appropriate

people. Last year, 33 animals were donated to families and this year they have the means to do 35. To participate, contact Irah Leonetti at (307) 680-3583. Donations may start as soon as the season opens on October 1st.

Cantaloupe-related outbreak sees more Wyoming cases Submitted by Kim Deti - Wyoming Department of Health Wyoming Department of Health officials have identified two more Wyoming cases of listeriosis, including one resulting in death, and believe each is associated with an ongoing multistate cantaloupe-related outbreak. The newly reported cases include a Sheridan County woman who has died and a Laramie County woman. Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health, noted both individuals had risk factors and underlying conditions known to place people at higher risk for listeria illness. Wyoming has now reported three total listeria cases in recent weeks. Department officials believe all three are linked to the cantaloupe-related

outbreak; one so far has been confirmed as connected by lab testing. Investigative efforts have linked the outbreak to “Rocky Ford” cantaloupe from Jensen Farms of Granada, Colorado. “Wyoming residents should not eat cantaloupe shipped from this farm,” Murphy said. A Kansas food processor known as “Carol’s Cuts” has also issued a recall notice for their fresh cut cantaloupe products from fruit grown at Jensen Farms. “It may be hard to tell if a particular cantaloupe is affected,” Murphy said. “If you’re not sure it is safe, don’t take any chances. For some people, listeriosis can be severe and even deadly.” Listeriosis is a rare and serious illness caused by eating food contami-

nated with bacteria called listeria. A person with listeriosis usually has fever and muscle aches. Persons who think they might have become ill should consult their doctor. Murphy noted that it can be several weeks (up to two months) before listeriosis symptoms develop in a person they eat the contaminated food. Listeriosis can be fatal, especially in certain high-risk groups such as older adults, people with compromised immune systems and certain chronic medical conditions, unborn babies and newborns. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious illness or death in newborn babies.

Campbell Co. Fire Dept. September 21, 2011

- At 8:31 AM to the 800 block of North Gurley Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 1:39 PM to the area of H Court for an EMS assist. - At 3:44 PM to the parking lot at Albertson’s Grocery store for an EMS assist. - At 3:47 PM to Westover Road near White’s Energy Dodge for a 2 vehicle collision. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a rear-end type collision. Two occupants of an involved vehicle were injured and transported to CCMH-ER. CCFD assisted with care of the injured and disconnected the electrical system of an involved vehicle and contained fluids leaking from it. - At 5:57 PM to 2800 South Douglas HWY for a gasoline spill. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 1 gallon spill. The spill was contained to the parking lot and CCFD applied Bio-Solve to it. The responsible person/vehicle had left the scene prior to CCFD arrival and could not be located. - At 8:43 PM to the area west of Cam-Plex Park for an unknown type of fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined the fire was from an incinerator located in the area.

September 22, 2011

- At 6:02 AM to Hitt Drive for a medical assist. - At 7:28 AM to the 1400 block for a medical assist. - At 12:18 PM to mile marker 129 on Highway 387 for a grass fire on the south side of the Highway. Firefighters contained the fire to 557 acres. The fire was declared under control at 2:23 PM. The fire was started by a tire blow out on a semi-truck. Firefighters were assisted by Converse County Firefight-

ers, US Forest Service and surrounding ranchers. - At 1:54 PM to the 700 block of West 6th Street for a medical assist. - At 2:30 PM to the 2500 Block of Emerson Avenue for a medical assist. - At 3:59 PM to the area in front of Universal Athletics on South Highway 59 for a two vehicle accident with no reported injuries. - At 5:58 PM to the north side of Interstate 90 (by mile marker 139) for a report of smoke coming from an oilfield pump jack. Firefighters found a belt on an electrical motor had burned in two causing no additional damage.

September 23, 2011

- At 4:42 AM to the 6500 block of Ichabod for a medical assist. - At 5:58 AM to Enzi Dr. (by Southern Dr.) for a 2 vehicle accident (a pickup rear-ended another) with injury. - At 12:30 PM to Winland Dr. for an automatic fire alarm, cancelled en route. - At 1:59 PM to Wal-Mart for an EMS assist. - At 2:15 PM to Wind land Dr. for an automatic fire alarm, crews continued in to investigate. - At 5:12 PM to Enterprise for an EMS assist. - At 9:00 PM to Burma and Westover Rd. for a 2 vehicle accident with injuries.

September 24, 2011

- At 12:44 AM to the 1000 block of East Highway 14-16 for a medical assist - At 1:06 AM to the 4100 block of Hackamore for a medical assist – cancelled enroute. - At 8:46 AM to the 4600 block of Spring Hill Road for a medical assist – cancelled upon arrival. - At 9:51 AM to the 1200 block of East Rawhide Drive for a medical assist.

- At 3:33 PM to Garner Lake Road (north of Highway 51) for a motorcycle accident with injury – cancelled upon arrival. - At 6:28 PM to the 800 block of East 7th Street for a medical assist. - At 9:54 PM to Hayfield Place for a medical assist. - At 10:22 PM to the 900 block of West 8th Street for a medical assist.

upon arrival determined that the alarm was caused by plumbers working on the water supply for the building. CCFD assisted Cam-Plex staff with resetting the alarm system.

September 27, 2011

- At 2:26 a.m. to HWY 51 for an EMS assist. - At 6:06 a.m. to Foothills Blvd for an EMS assist. - At 6:08 p.m. to Hi Line Road for the report of a residential fire alarm activation. The alarm was caused from burnt food. - At 7:17 p.m. to Redrock Drive for a semi-truck fire. Fire department units arrived on scene and found a fire in the engine and passenger compartment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation but is believed to have been caused from an electrical short. - At 9:05 p.m. to Cheryl Avenue for an EMS assist.

September 25, 2011

- At 10:42 AM to the 900 block of Mountain Meadow Ln. for an EMS assist. - At 11:20 AM to Interstate 90 mile marker 141 for a report of a motorhome that blew a tire and had possibly breached his propane tank. Upon arrival an odor of propane was evident, crews monitored the area with no detectable levels and found his propane tank to be intact. The tank was shut off and we believe he may have severed a propane line going to the water heater when the tire separated. - At 6:39 PM to S. Burma for a motorcycle accident with injuries. - At 6:46 PM to Camillia Ct. for an unauthorized burning complaint.

This weekend Sherwood Pictures, creators of the hit independent movies FLYWHEEL (DVD only), FACING THE GIANTS, and FIREPROOF (2008’s top indie film) will be debuting it’s fourth film. Opening in close to 1,000 theaters across the nation, COURAGEOUS deals with the issue of fatherhood. There are some staggering statistics about fatherhood or the lack thereof. Some 24.7 million American children (36.3 percent) live without their biological fathers. Only 60 percent of these children have seen their fathers in the past year. Children living without their biological fathers, on average, are more likely to be poor and to have educational, health, emotional, and psychological problems, to suffer child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior, than peers living with their married mother and father. Fatherless homes produce: 63% of youth suicides, 90% of all homeless and runaway children, 85% of all children with behavioral disorders and 85% of all youths in prisons. On the flip side, Fathers teach their children empathy— A 26-year study published by the American Psychological Association found that children with actively involved fathers in their lives are more likely to be sensitive to the needs of others in adulthood compared to those who do not have involved fathers. Fathers give confidence—Fathers are more likely to challenge their children to try difficult things by taking safe and measured risks. Fathers who are slower to help their children through frustrating situations create greater problem-solving capacity and confidence in both boys and girls. Fathers increase vocabulary—Children who spend extended time with their dads during their childhoods are more likely to have larger and more complex vocabularies. A mother, being more attentive to the needs of her children, tends to talk more on the level of the child. Dads’ directions to their children tend to be longer than moms’, providing children with the opportunity to hear more words and then learn how they fit together to convey a thought. Fathers protect against crime and violence—Fathers are more likely to keep their sons out of gangs, but more importantly, fathers give boys the things that can make gang life attractive. Boys learn from their dads that they matter, and don’t feel they have to force their way into manhood. Likewise, girls with good fathers are not as likely to fall to the pressure of sexually enterprising young boys, because well-fathered girls are more confident, having already gained the love of a good man. COURAGEOUS deals with four men, who have one calling: to serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they face danger every day. Yet when tragedy strikes close to home, these fathers are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, and their faith. From this struggle comes a decision that changes all of their lives. Filled with action-packed police drama, COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Riveted moviegoers will once again find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Foothills Theater in Gillette is showing this movie for three nights this weekend. September 30th: 4:00pm, 6:30pm and 9:00pm. October 1st: 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:30pm and 9:00pm. October 2nd: 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:30pm and 9:00pm.

Should the sale of raw milk between two individuals be regulated by the Federal Government? No 95.12% (156 votes) Yes 4.88% (8 votes) Visit www.campbellcountyobserver.com to vote in our Poll of the Week

SWEDE’S SPECIALTIES Check out our new health care products from

Healing Leaf

September 26, 2011

- At 7:02 a.m. to West Hills Loop for an EMS assist. - At 6:24 p.m. to 3005 South Oakcrest Drive, Pronghorn Elementary, for a trouble alarm in the fire alerting system. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival were advised by custodial staff that the alarm had reset itself. CCFD was unable to determine what caused the trouble alarm. - At 9:02 p.m. to Hayfield Place for an EMS assist. - At 9:29 p.m. to 1635 Reata Drive for automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and

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Public Pulse Bold Republic Weekly Ferret Stew! By Glenn Woods

Imagine how shocked I am (not) to find out that the once thought to be extinct Black Footed Ferret was found to be alive here in Wyoming. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The “EXPERTS” were wrong about something? How did we find out that they were still alive? Well -- a ranchers dog KILLED ONE! --- Oops. Bad dog. What if that little fellow was the last one? Not to worry there is a program to breed them back into the wild and over 1000 have been released. Now, about that extinction thing: Once again the so called “experts” who told us that man had killed every last one were proven wrong. How often do these experts need to be wrong before they are taken off the payroll? Just how much did this little mistake costs the state of Wyoming, and the hard working ranchers and their families? How many ways drillers and diggers need to alter their profession at the cost of how much to their livelihood in the name of junk science? You know there is another endangered species out there that these so called environmentalists don’t seem to care about: The American Family. They build their shelters and try to raise their young just like any other species on the prairie, but who cares if they are cut off from feeding their young. Better to save some furry faced rodent or a funny looking bird than a human child. Speaking of birds, I still can’t figure out how it is that if the Sage Grouse is a bird that we should be worried about. Environmentalists do not want us to hunt the Sage Grouse, however, at same time those “Earth Saving” windmills are killing them by the truck load. I’ll confess I am not sophisticated enough to be as stupid as the experts. I am not educated enough to know as little as they do. I mean, after all, I did not spend all of my time sitting in an air-conditioned classroom studying theory in order to earn some degree to hang on a wall. I, actually, took the time to go out into the real world and learn how things work first hand before I opened my big mouth to speak about it. So you can see why I don’t know anything. Now - while I have your attention, I found a great recipe for SAGE GROUSE in a crock pot!

Governor Mead announces Unique Collaboration between State, Local and Military to address Alcohol Use

Governor Matt Mead has announced the formation of a unique collaboration between the State of Wyoming, City of Cheyenne and F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The goal is to prevent underage drinking and to encourage responsible drinking practices by people 21 and over. The collaboration will focus attention on various techniques including best practices in prevention, education, media involvement and enforcement to meet this goal. “Speciﬁcally this collaborative effort means the State and the City of Cheyenne can support and expand a model that was originally developed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base,” Governor Mead said. “We all share the common goal of creating an environment where making safe and responsible decisions around the use of alcohol is supported at every level. The success of this endeavor will hinge on creative solutions arising from the combined efforts of multiple agencies and different levels of government, from the military to city councils.” “We all play a role in edu-

cating our young service members about the dangers and potential consequences of underage drinking. F. E. Warren strives to foster a culture of responsible choices for our Airmen and dependents and this collaboration will bring us closer to our unified goal of reducing underage drinking throughout our community,” Colonel Christopher Coffelt said. Col. Coffelt is the Commander of the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. “Alcohol was involved in 79% of the 19,000 arrests Wyoming law officers made in 2010, and it is the leading cause of vehicle crashes and deaths of our youth.” Chief Brian Kozak of the Cheyenne Police Department said. “My hope is that through this collaboration, strict enforcement of underage drinking laws and aggressive DUI task force operations, we can prevent crime.” The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provided funding for the project. The Wyoming collaboration is an outgrowth of a larger effort developed between the National Institute on

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the Department of Defense and the Ofﬁce of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). It follows a review of dramatic results obtained from the “0-0-1-3” program developed at F.E. Warren AFB. The program “0-0-1-3” is based on research by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Academy of Sciences. This research underlined the importance of setting an unambiguous standard. “0-0-1-3” stands for: • 0 - Zero drinks if you’re under 21. • 0 - Zero DUI’s. • 1 - One drink per hour. • 3 - Three drinks max! “Expanding this program will produce data and ideas for communities across Wyoming to keep citizens safe, especially young adults,” Governor Mead said. Colonel Coffelt added, “We at F.E. Warren look forward to addressing this issue in collaboration with our local government and community.”

2 Sage Grouse boned out and cut into bite size pieces 1 Lg. can cream of celery soup 2 tbls. Worcestershire 1 tbls. honey 2 tbls. stone-ground mustard 2 celery stalks cut up

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I find it amusing when the local politicians claim to be for small government. State government spending has gone up every single biennium for which data is easily available, that is, back to 1996. Not only that, it goes up at a very fast rate. In 1996, spending was 3 billion. Now, it’s 8 billion and on track for 9. Did Wyoming’s population triple? Did our landmass triple perhaps? No, nothing tripled, yet the government somehow tripled. The Campbell county government’s budget has likewise continuously gone up since before I was born, and at a rate far outstripping population growth. Look up the numbers. This county’s government is a huge, highly profitable racket. These politicians are all -- every single one of them -- for big government. They have consistently given us more and more big, bloated, corrupt, stinking government. They are all -- every single one of them -- two-faced liars and fakes. The good people here believe in small government. Why do you keep voting for these liars? Are the voters here really that comfortable with being lied to year after year? Is reality irrelevant as long as the right lines are spouted each election time? Apparently so. By John Wiltbank From Editor Nick De Laat: Thank you for the letter. I know that I believe in smaller government, and I believe that most people around here do. The difference is that most people do not do anything about it. As I understand, you ran for office last election cycle and continue to get involved in politics. You do more than many and that is commendable. I do have an answer for some of the spending growth. I am not sure if it is the correct one, nor is it justified but the thought just came to mind. Prices of goods and inflation has gone up tremendously while the value of the dollar has gone down. Maybe the spending, based on percentages has not risen, but just the cost of the day-to-day operations (i.e. road maintenance, buildings, law enforcement, and much more) because of prices and dollar value. I will not dare to say that

3 carrots cut up 3 Yukon gold potatoes 1 med. onion cubed, sautéed and added to crock 3-4 garlic cloves chopped ﬁnely 1-2 c. broccoli tops cut up Directions: Sauté them in a cast iron skillet with a couple teaspoons of good olive oil. Brown lightly on all sides then put into crock pot. Next sauté onion until translucent and add to crock. Add garlic as is without sautéing. Cut potatoes, and add the remaining ingredients. Add enough water to cover all ingredients. Set the crock pot on High to get everything up to heat (30 - 45 min.) then turn to Low and simmer for a few hours (2 - 3) until meat and potatoes are cooked. Remember to add your broccoli about 30 minutes prior to serving. Remember - the more endangered the “EXPERTS” say that the bird is the sweeter it tastes! (Environmentalists hate it when I say that). Now - about those pesky little “EXTINCT” Black Footed Ferrets, as long as Fido is killing them and bringing them back home is his slobbering mouth... 4 skinned ferrets Flour Salt Pepper Butter 1 cup Sherry 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of celery soup 1 jar sliced mushrooms Cover whole ferrets with ﬂour, salt and pepper. Brown in melted butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat until nicely browned on all sides. Remove pieces from skillet and arrange in oven casserole with cover. When ferrets are browned, add 1 cup white wine or sherry to skillet. Then mix in 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can cream of celery soup, and 1 jar sliced mushrooms. Mix well and bring to boil, then pour over ferrets. Cover and bake in 325-degree oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until done and tender. Remove ferrets to serving platter and pour some of the sauce over, and serve the rest alongside. Serves 4. Now - I don’t want to see any angry letters from anyone regarding this article. I mean, after all, I was hired by this newspaper to “STIR THE POT!”

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

this is true because I cannot be sure, nor will I stand and say that I agree with all the very loose spending. I am just giving you something to think about as a possible factor. Hope to hear from you again soon.

““Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” - Mark Twain

Letters to our delivery driver Ken McCoy. He was recently in the hospital, and received instant support from the community. Hello, I am so sorry to hear about Ken your delivery driver. Please tell him from us that we are thinking about him and hope that he will be delivering to us soon. Kristin – letter submitted via. E-mail

Are you paying $1,000 a month rent or more?

Tell Ken from us that we hope that he will be better soon. Tom – letter submitted via. E-mail

Own a home for less than you rent!

Get well Brother John Lacek-submitted via. Facebook

Come see us at

Tell him to get well! We miss seeing him at the ofﬁce Campbell County Chamber of Commerce submitted via. Facebook

Home Team Associates

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

From Editor Keary Speer: Thank you so much to all who have showed their love and support to our dear friend and co-worker, Ken McCoy. We are happy to see he has improved signiﬁcantly and was able to go home! Please continue to write in with your support for him. There is nothing like positive thoughts for speedy healing!

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

Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse Design of Wyoming Health Care Project remains secret By JP Eichmiller - Wyoming Liberty Group

BRN photo by Paul Wallem

Ric Shuyler, Owner of Pokey’s BBQ and Smokehouse, and Tesha Lynde, a server at that restaurant, asked the Gillette City Council to change the ordinance restricting 18 to 20-year olds from serving alcohol drinks.

Liquor server age issue packs city council workshop By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News City of Gillette Mayor Tom Murphy said he thought the community did well for itself last night, and now council members have a decision to make. Murphy was referring to a 90-minute discussion Monday evening from both sides of the issue about whether or not 18, 19, and 20-year old servers should be allowed to bring alcoholic drinks to restaurant patrons. The discussion began with local business owners who believed the City of Gillette should follow Wyoming law which permits 18 to 20-year old servers to carry alcoholic beverages from a restaurant’s bar to the customer’s table. The state law, the restaurant owners said, provides better opportunities for employment within Campbell County’s youth, allows for better service and better tips in the industry, and increases the labor pool. One fresh approach in the debate that has been going on for weeks was deployed by the owner of Pokey’s BBQ and Smokehouse, Ric Schuyler. He introduced the council to a local restaurant server who he feels is directly affected by the city’s ordinance. Tesha Lynde, a 20-year old server at Pokey’s told city council members how her job is affected by the local ordinance prohibiting her from serving alcoholic drinks. “When I go to a table and I don’t have time for a bartender to take my drink to the table I’m losing money,” Lynde said. “They’re not going to tip that bartender my tip. They’re going to tip me less money if they have to wait on their drink.” Lynde also told council members that with the amount of responsibility she already has, such as carding customers, bringing drinks from the bar to the table doesn’t add that much risk to underage drinking. Representatives from Humphrey’s Bar and Grill and Applebee’s were also present during Monday’s city council workshop to express their support in allowing 18 to 20-year old servers bring alcoholic beverages to restaurant customers. At the same time, the local restaurant owners had support from outside Gillette as well. Johnson Restaurant Group Inc. president John Johnson represents restaurants in Cheyenne and Casper. He said he would like to open an Old Chicago in Gillette, but the current city ordinance on underage servers is a hindrance to that possibility. Yet, not everyone in attendance supported the restaurant owner’s opinion. There were a large number of people on the other side of the debate present as well, including representatives from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council, the Y.E.S. House, local paramedic Matt Stroot, and Campbell County Administrator Robert Palmer. Substance Abuse Advisory Council Project Coordinator Kellie Furman spoke first among the group opposing any change to the city’s ordinance. She said the city’s current stance protects children by curbing underage consumption. According to Furman, there is plenty of research to support the idea that changing the ordinance would put children at risk. Furman said Gillette is a leader when it comes to curbing substance abuse in youth. Citing the city’s liquor protocol measures, Furman also noted that allowing individuals under the age of 21 to serve alcohol would not fix Gillette’s tight labor market. One of the many other members from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council was Matt Stroot. As a local paramedic who also worked as a paramedic in Laramie, Stroot offered the council anecdotal evidence to illustrate his point. “Approximately half or greater of our ambulance calls dealt with alcohol, and very many of them were underage drinking,” Stroot said. “That was one reason when we begin to talk about this issue in the Substance Abuse Advisory Council, it was very impressive that Gillette had the ordinance that it does that only 21-year olds could bring the drink to the table.” According to Stroot, the city’s ordinance sends a clear message about alcohol to individuals in Gillette under the age of 21. Likewise, Campbell County administrator Robert Palmer encouraged the council to resist taking a “step back” on their message about underage drinking. Rather, Palmer said the council should continue their “high profile” stance on combating underage drinking and other alcohol related issues that affect the community. Monday’s meeting was only a workshop on the topic, and no official decision or vote was taken by the Gillette City Council. Next, the city council will have to discuss whether or not to even bring this issue up for a vote.

If evidence exists that the Wyoming Healthy Frontiers Demonstration Project can save the state money on public health costs and divert residents away from Medicaid, the Project’s designers are keeping it a secret. Despite receiving numerous public records requests over the past several months, neither the state nor the private firms it contracts with have been able to provide evidence of any research used to develop the Project or support its theories. “You’re looking for data that does not exist,” said Sen. Charles Scott, R-Natrona, when asked for research used to support funding the program. “You can’t know what the benefit is until you try it.” Scott was the 2010 Senate sponsor of Healthy Frontiers [Scott twice failed to secure funding for the project prior to 2010]. Originally granted $750,000 in appropriations, the project received an additional $1 million for operating expenses this year from legislators. According to Scott, the additional funding will allow up to 250 residents to enroll with Healthy Frontiers. Healthy Frontiers targets uninsured, low-income residents through prior involvement with Wyoming Department of Workforce Services programs. Project enrollees are expected to participate in preventive-care screenings in order to earn public funding into their respective Personal Health Accounts (PHAs). The PHAs are then used to cover the premium and co-pay costs of enrollees. The state guarantees all costs exceeding individuals’ PHA balances up to $50,000. Any medical costs exceeding the cap become the responsibility of the individuals. Scott and other players in the state’s socialized healthcare programs have credited the Cheyenne-based, private health care and consulting firm Human Capital Management Services [HCMS] and its founder Dr. Hank Gardner with creating the design for Healthy Frontiers. Gardner says HCMS possesses large amounts of data and research to support Healthy Frontiers design. “We’ve kept a pretty exhaustive database,” said Gardner, regarding HCMS’s claims of possessing files on thousands of state welfare recipients. “The difference between [HCMS] data and what the [the state] produce[s] is we provide cross-agency analytics.” But despite numerous requests made to HCMS since May, the company has delayed and withheld access to any information relating to the project’s design. Similar requests made with project’s insurance administrator, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, and multiple state agencies have turned up little else regarding the research or development of Healthy Frontiers. On April 29, Wyoming Liberty Group began making email, phone and inperson requests to representatives of The Office of the Governor, the Department of Workforce Services, The Department of Insurance, The Department of Health, Human Capital Management Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield for information regarding the Healthy Frontiers Demonstration Project. “I don’t think we can get you someone to talk substantively for a week or two,” wrote Renny MacKay, communications director for the Governor Mead’s office in a May 4 email. During a phone interview the same day, Gardner said he could produce the requested project research and data, but that he was very busy and “it might take him awhile.” Wendy Curran, senior director of planning and development for Blue Cross and former health policy advisor for the Governor’s Office, responded to requests for HCMS and Healthy Frontiers data on May 13 through email. “There aren’t many ‘set in stone’ financial data since the design and concept(s) of this program are ‘pilot’ in nature,” wrote Curran. “If you could let me know where you’re headed, that might make it easier to see what I might have.” On May 23, Curran emailed Wyoming Liberty Group again: “there is some concern about providing information that might be mis-interpreted or used in a misleading way.” Curran’s email contained several cost

estimates attributed to Gardner and Scott regarding Healthy Frontiers. “These are only projections based on estimates and comparisons,” wrote Curran. The Wyoming Liberty Group acquired copies of numerous contract agreements between various state agencies and HCMS on May 27 from the State Purchasing Office. According to the contracts, HCMS signed $3,605,000 in agreements with the state beginning in 2003 for consulting and data accumulation projects. The contracts also show in 2010 -- the year Healthy Frontier received legislative approval -- annual payments from the state to HCMS increased 398 percent over previous years’ averages. Several weeks passed without responses to the inquiries of Healthy Frontiers. On June 8, Wyoming Liberty Group mailed records requests to the Office of the Governor, the Department of Workforce Services, Human Capital Management Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. The requests, pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act, pointedly sought records of research, data and communications regarding the development of the Wyoming Healthy Frontiers Demonstration Project. The public records requests were met with varying degrees of cooperation. “We have kept a pretty exhaustive database,” said Gardner during a call to Wyoming Liberty Group offices on June 13 in response to the records request. Gardner offered to provide all of the information and data HCMS had accumulated regarding Healthy Frontiers to the state. Gardner declined to provide a timeline or details as to which agencies HCMS would submit its research. Gardner deferred any further questioning to Heather Roe Day, an HCMS consultant. In a June 20 email, Roe Day wrote: “(HCMS) received your request and are working with the State regarding next steps. We don’t have an exact timeframe to provide, but it will be as soon as possible.” Blue Cross Blue Shield chief legal counsel John McBride responded by letter on June 17 to the records request his office received. McBride wrote: “In the spirit of cooperation, (Blue Cross Blue Shield) has gathered the documents it possesses on the Wyoming Healthy Frontiers Program and provided them to the Wyoming Health Insurance Pool (WHIP) Board to review and disclose, as appropriate pursuant to (Wyoming Public Records Act).” Wyoming Department of Insurance staff attorney James Mitchell reviewed the documents and on June 24, the Department released 817 pages it received from Blue Cross. Wyoming Liberty Group was charged $326 for the copies. The released documents contained inter-company correspondences between Blue Cross employees and with state and HCMS contacts regarding Healthy Frontiers implementation. Also detailed in the emails is an agreement to pay HCMS a $7.40 per enrollee per month commission for “clinical prevention services” for Healthy Frontiers enrollees. Joan Evans, director of the Department of Workforce Services, responded to Wyoming Liberty’s records request in a letter dated June 28: “the Department provides the enclosed documentation which includes information that can be readily and feasibly obtained… it must be noted that further extraction of records to the detail requested will require considerable time and significant expense to acquire.” The included documents featured photocopies from the Department’s website describing its programs and receipts of payments for services to HCMS. On June 29 MacKay responded by email regarding the Governor’s Office receipt of the request: “I have met with HCMS to find out more about what they do and what they produce. Yesterday, a CD from HCMS arrived at our office… We will respond as soon as we can.” In a separate email dated June 29 MacKay wrote: “It is likely that this request will involve State Archives

Paid for by the Wyoming Country Party

locating archived documents from past administrations at their facility. That is a challenging and time-consuming process.” On July 28, the Governor’s office agreed to release the CD received from HCMS. At a meeting in the Governor’s offices in the Capitol, MacKay told Wyoming Liberty that the information contained on the CD is largely inconsequential to the requests. According to MacKay, HCMS submitted only copies of state contracts and work statements to the Governor’s office. MacKay stated it would be extremely difficult for his office to locate any of the requested documentation, as it had been produced during the previous Governor’s administration. No information pertaining to research or data regarding Healthy Frontiers was included on the CD given to the Governor’s office by HCMS. MacKay stated HCMS may be the only available source for the information used to develop the state project. Gardner and HCMS, however, have refused to comment further or respond to specific inquiries. Tobi Wickham, an administrator for the Department of Workforce Services, agreed to a second interview on July 12 regarding her office’s involvement with Healthy Frontiers. Wickham spent an hour with Wyoming Liberty at her office in the Herschler Building, describing the finer points of recruiting recipients into Healthy Frontiers. Wickham operates as the front line in implementing the project by identifying applicants and contacting them directly. Although Healthy Frontiers has the funding for up to 250 residents, at the time of the July meeting, less than 30 had been successfully recruited. According to Wickham, the project’s Design Committee may have to consider loosening several of its qualifying restrictions concerning individuals’ training and employment if project enrollment is ever to reach its allowable limits. But Wickham and Workforce Services are not the designers of Healthy Frontiers – they simply implement the project. The responsibility of creating the project’s structure, she acknowledged, was left to Hank Gardner. Only Gardner understands the how and why of Healthy Frontiers; the state is simply a tool for implementing and funding his theory. “(Healthy Frontiers) is definitely born on data,” said Wickham. “The problem is finding it.” Wickham, who divulged she is a former HCMS employee, promised to reach out to Gardner for the research and data used to develop the Project. It does exist, she assured, somewhere in the Cheyenne offices of HCMS. “I apologize in the delay in getting this to you,” wrote Wickham in a September 8 email. “I have had several discussions with HCMS and they are suppose(d) to be getting me the research documentation we discussed. I will follow up with them to see where they are at and when we can expect something and will get back to you ASAP.” The Legislature did not pass Healthy Frontiers simply on good faith. Sen. Scott was able to offer the state’s lawmakers one figure -- $4,559 – an estimate of annual costs to enroll residents in the project. But two other numbers also stood out: $3,068 – the average annual cost to enroll a Wyoming adult into a private insurance plan (Blue Cross estimate), and $2,316 – the state’s average share for covering non-disabled adults enrolled in Medicaid (2010 figures). “I’ve got enough data already,” said Sen. Curt Meier, R-Goshen/Platte, at this year’s Senate session. “[Healthy Frontiers is] not going to work – it’s going to be too expensive. “Ask yourself the question: Do you want to pay $2,316 -- or $4,559? And what is the better deal for the state of Wyoming?” “We could buy insurance for these people and it would be more cost effective,” noted Sen. Phil Nicholas, R-Albany. Soon after Meier’s and Nicholas’s comments, the Senate and House voted to expand Healthy Frontiers funding through 2012.

Public Pulse Wyoming Chamber partnership launches efforts to educate employees and voters

What’s Going On In Government?

Wyoming Chamber Partnership to deploy national grassroots and employee political education program with Wyoming Prosperity Project

Monday, October 3

Submitted by Felicia J. Messimer The Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Wyoming Chamber Partnership, a statewide business organization, to deploy its national grassroots and employee political education program known as Wyoming Prosperity Project; www.wyomingprosperity.org. The Wyoming Chamber Partnership has joined the growing number of leading business entities that recognize the Prosperity Project’s unique structure and tools making it the most effective method of communication to employees and associates on economic issues, public policy, and the elections process. Prosperity Project (P2) gives employers the means to impact public policy by capitalizing on the relationship they have with their employees. Those employees view information that pertains to their jobs and prosperity as highly credible. P2 utilizes web sites and other communications methods to share information about legislation, regulations, elected ofﬁcials and voter involvement tools. Its goal is to allow employees to engage in the political process and be informed about how public policy and political debates affect their job, their industry and the economy.

“The Wyoming Chamber Partnership believes that advocacy for business is one of our main responsibilities,” Julie Simon, President of the Wyoming Chamber Partnership and CEO of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, said. “Working with BIPAC and Prosperity Project is an all-around WIN for our business partners, chambers, and the state of Wyoming. This tool is an important part of the education process for any generation and we are proud to be a venue to push this out to employers. BIPAC uses research-driven methods that are coupled with the latest technology and are guided by top level political analysis to develop communication programs that are unparalleled in the grassroots ﬁeld. The success that the organization has enjoyed in reaching growing numbers of employers and employees throughout the nation is leading more state organizations to join the program each month. Partnership with statewide business organizations is one of the key ingredients to Prosperity Project’s success. By working closely with experts at the state level, the program provides participants a full range of information that is most relevant to the constituency in each state. The experience that comes

with partnership with BIPAC and Prosperity Project helps employers and business organizations become more effective with their outreach and communications right away. Information shared with employees and associates through Prosperity Project is well-received by employees because it provides them valuable information, but respects their right to decide and choose when it comes to issues and elections. Rather than telling people how to vote, it arms them with valid data to help them reach informed opinions of their own. Cooperation with the Wyoming Chamber Partnership is evidence of BIPAC’s continuing success in growing the nation’s largest business grassroots network, now approaching 45 afﬁliated state and regional programs, and an estimated potential audience of more than 20 million individuals. About WCP: The Wyoming Chamber Partnership (WCP) supports a core set of principles that will be used to evaluate public policies, and their effect on general business, at the local, state and national level of legislative and regulatory making policy bodies. Our principles are based on the tenant that business and its prosperity are the foundation of our country and that entrepreneurialism protects

the American Dream. Capitalism and free enterprise are the bedrock of a secure economy. A strong nation, state and community exist through a strong military, tax policy that is not punitive or that picks winners and losers, an infrastructure – physical and socially – that meets the local community needs, an education system that allows personal advancement and achievement and the availability and access to health care. About BIPAC: BIPAC was founded in 1963 with the goal of electing pro-prosperity candidates to higher ofﬁce. Enhancing member policy inﬂuence remains the BIPAC vision today. An independent, bipartisan organization, BIPAC is supported by several hundred of the nation’s leading businesses and trade associations. BIPAC enables more effective business participation in the political process. It does not lobby. Instead, BIPAC offers a wide range of tools and strategies to help more than 4,000 businesses and associations reach their public policy goals. BIPAC takes an integrated approach to political involvement, combining grassroots advocacy and PAC Resources, all directed by nationally-recognized political analysis.

Sports Report Star RB out as undefeated Gillette hosts Laramie

Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Answer from last week

Floyd and Shirley Donaldson

By Ted Ripko - Basin Radio Sports The #2 ranked and undefeated Gillette Camels return home tonight to take on the 2-2 Laramie Plainsmen who are coming off back-to-back blowout victories over Kelly Walsh and Cheyenne South. The Camels look to improve on their lackluster performance last week against winless Kelly Walsh as they squeaked out a 30-23 victory in Casper. Nick Bazemore, who is third in 4A in rushing, will be held out of tonight’s game for precautionary reasons according to Camels Head Coach Vic Wilkerson. “[Bazemore] tried going on Wednesday in practice. He wasn’t too bad but he definitely wasn’t 100 percent,” explains Wilkerson. “With high ankle sprains like that you don’t want to push him and take the chance of pushing it too early and losing him for more weeks.” Expect Taylor Bigelow, who filled in last week and racked up career highs in total offensive yards, to do just fine once again along with sophomore Tichun Aipperspach. “Taylor will get the start, and he’ll get the majority of the carries,” Wilkerson says. “We’ll use Taylor and Tichun both in some two-back sets and Tichun in some one-back sets when Taylor needs a break because he’s playing defense also.” Last week Gillette was forced into two turnovers and Kelly Walsh was able to turn those mistakes into points. Laramie’s Head Coach Bob Knapton says that to be successful against the Camels, they’ll have to force Gillette to make more mistakes. Laramie comes in averaging just over 200 yards

-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, October 4

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

Wednesday, October 5

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

Thursday, October 6

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

Fox News poll Fox News has a poll on its website currently about an issue regarding banning the American Flag in America. Below are the current results, which will be changing daily. We will print the final results. We would like to point out the 607,148 votes that are for banning it. Thank you to Fox News for allowing the Campbell County Observer to print the current results. What do you think the results would be if MSNBC was posting this poll? Poll Should the American Flag be Banned -- in America? Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/ opinion/2010/05/06/american-flag-bannedamerica/#ixzz1ZGm7bpy1 No. This is a lame decision. Teach the kids what the flag means, instead of banning it. 86.36% (5,268,573 votes) Yes. The safety of students comes first. 9.95% (607,148 votes) Not sure, but of all things to ban, the American flag would seem the least ‘incendiary.’ 0.18% (10,820 votes) Other 3.51% (214,429 votes) Total Votes: 6,100,970 To vote on this poll, go to http://www. foxnews.com/opinion/2010/05/06/american-flag-banned-america/

SIMPLY THE BEST WHERE THE NAME SAYS IT ALL MISTY PETERSON OWNER/STYLIST

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601 E. 4TH STREET GILLETTE WY 82718

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Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio

Nick Bazemore will miss Friday’s game against Laramie with a high ankle sprain that forced him out in the game against Kelly Walsh. On the season, Bazemore has averaged 9.2 yards per carry for a total of 708 yards. on the ground, but it’s not just one guy doing all the damage on the ground. The Plainsmen have 6 different players who have rushed the ball at least 16 times this season. They’re led by Tanner Ibarra who averages 70.5 yards per game. However, their most dangerous offensive weapon just might be Tate Hilgenkamp who averages over 13 yards per carry and leads the team with 3 rushing TDs. Gillette Head Coach Vic Wilkerson knows they’ll have to get back to basics to be successful against Laramie. “They’re deﬁantly a quality team. They’re athletic. They’ve got some big linemen. They run the ball very well and control the line of scrimmage which eats the clock,” says Wilkerson. “And when they’re

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able to do that successfully and have been able to do that they put points on the board.” Wilkerson says the Camels have to hold the Plainsmen to short gains. “Not giving up the long runs or the long passes and converting on third downs,” the coach says. “When we get in a third and seven or more, we need to convert defensively and get off the ﬁeld, force a punt, and get the ball back to our offense.” The Camels looks to remain undefeated tonight against Laramie when things get kicked off at 7:00 pm from Camel Field in Gillette. Catch all the action on your ﬁrst choice for Camel Football 97.3 KAML-FM and online at http://network1sports.com/ station/kaml#menus

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ENough SAid

Sports Report Wright Cross Country results from Saratoga meet By Head Coach Sarah Glasser

Gillette Softball rolls right along By Coach Jim West and Ted Ripko - Basin Radio Sports The Lady Camels had a perfect weekend of softball, going 5-0 in their last games before the State Tournament in Casper on October 8 and 9. “The girls have really come together as a team, and are working very well together,” said head coach Jim West. “Our bats have finally showed up, and we had our best hitting games so far. All the girls can bunt and slap. Now they are all consistently hitting the long ball.” Kendra Kaness hit .555 this weekend, with 2 home runs, 3 triples, 2 doubles, and 3 singles. Kylee Brown also came out big, hitting .667 with 7 RBI’s in 12 at bats. “The whole team did their job and it shows on the scoreboard,” said Coach West. In Sunday’s opening game against the Rock Springs Tigers the Camels started out a little slow, but they came out in the second to score 3 with the team batting around. Not looking back the Camels quickly jumped out to an 8-0 lead by the end of fourth inning. Kaylee Petritz was perfect at the plate against Rock Springs and stole 3 bases, while Kylee Brown was also perfect at the plate and had 4 RBI. Emily Pfiefli wound up getting the win on the mound in Gillette’s 10-2 win. Next up was Casper and the Lady Camels jumped out quick and ran away with the 12-0 victory in just three innings. Taylor Constable got the win, and every Lady Camel had at least one hit. Hannah Kienzle made some great defensive plays, and hit the ball well for the Camels, as did Kaness, who hit a triple and a homer. In the last game of the day, the Lady Camels once again faced off with Rock Spring as Taylor Constable was credited with the win and Pfiefli was credited with the save. In the end, Gillette made quick work of the Tigers winning the game 8-1. In that game, Randi West drove in 2 runs and stole 3 bases. Hailey Hatzenbihler did an outstanding job catching for the Lady Camels. Freshman Hatzenbihler, and the youngest varsity player, has worked hard to move up to the varsity level, and she has done an outstanding job for the team according to Coach West. Gillette now has two weeks off before the State Tournament on October 8 and 9 in Casper.

The Wright Cross Country Team travelled to Saratoga on Friday, September 23. Dedication and hard work paid off for the team, who came back loaded down with awards. Despite the scorching sun bearing down, Cameron Thomas took advantage of the flat golf course to complete the five Kilometer race in less than 20 minutes at 19:35. This was a personal best. He led the Junior Varsity race to medal in first place. Also in the JV boys’ race, in the freshman medals, Aaron Kanatzar finished in 6th place, just missing his personal best by one second. Right behind him was DJ Bohne medaling in 7th place. He did PR by one whole minute. Finishing out the freshmen medals was Lee Slinger at 8th place. In the JV Girls race, Jeanette Tate led the Panther pack to medal in 3rd place. Lori Souza medaled in 6th place. Her time of 34:14 was a personal best by nearly three minutes. Holly Real medaled at 10th place. This was also her best time this year by thirty seconds. The Junior High Girls ran in a combined race against some larger schools. Kylie Murphy led the Panthers to finish the longer two-mile course in 15:00 flat. This earned her 13th overall, yet 1st for eighth grade if they had divided the race results by grade. Brooke Thayne was close as well finishing 15th overall at a time of 16:57. This would have placed her third in 8th grade girls. Shelby Buchanan ran in 20:06 in 26th place- just in front of Aspen Bailey in 27th at 20:38. Our sole Junior High Boy was Caleb Bremer. He stepped it up to run the longer two-mile distance. Caleb showed his speed as a 6th grader to finish 29th among 46 total 7th and 8th graders. The team would like to thank Coach Jones, Manager Tiffany Williams for all of her help, as well as Red Leroy for the transportation. Appreciation goes out to the friends and family who made the long trek to Saratoga to cheer us on! Flamingo supporters of the week are: the Burkes, the Butlers and the Schafers. Next week, the Panthers host our home meet with the graciousness of the Haycreek Golf Course. The meet kicks off on Saturday, October 1st, 2011 at 10am. Please come and root for the HOME TEAM.

What’s Going On In Sports? Friday, September 30

-WJSH Volleyball @ Midwest

Saturday, October 1

-CCHS Girls Swim/Dive Gillette Invite, All Day, Aquatic Center -CCHS XC Cheyenne Invite, 1 p.m. -CCHS Football(SO/V) @ Cheyenne Central, 3 p.m. -CCHS Volleyball(SO/ JV/V) @ Cheyenne South, 4 p.m. -WJSH Football vs. Glenrock, 7 p.m.

-CCHS Girls Swim/Dive @ Mandan, ND -CCHS Tennis(V) State Meet, Gillette -WJSH XC @ Wright, 9 a.m. -CCHS Football(JV) @ Sheridan, 11 a.m. -CCHS Volleyball(V) Border Wars @ Sheridan

Photos by John Lacek

Monday, October 3

-CCHS Girls Swim/Dive @ Mandan, ND -CCHS Tennis(V) State Meet, Gillette -WJSH Volleyball vs. Big Horn -WJSH Football @ Tongue River, 2 p.m. -CCHS Football(V) vs. Sheridan, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, October 4

-WJSH Volleyball vs. Sundance -CCHS Volleyball(SO) vs. Rapid City Stevens/Central, 4 p.m.

Friday, October 7

“Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire’s eye or on the ball.” - James Patrick Murray

Where is this picture taken? Answer from last week The ranch property on the south side of Union Chapel Rd. as you are heading toward Fairbanks Rd. Submitted by Jean Wilts

Sports Report

Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio

Dani Fischer picked off Laramie twice Friday night, as the Camels routed the Plainsmen 35-14 to remain undefeated.

Gillette powers their way to 5-0 By Ted Ripko - Basin Radio Sports Gillette Camels (5-0) Head Football Coach Vic Wilkerson wanted the Camels to come out fast against Laramie (2-3) and they did just that in their 35-14 win over the Plainsmen at Camel Field. It took Gillette just :50 to put points up on the board as Kade Wasson ran for 54 of his career high 118 yards on the opening drive, including a 14 yard TD to put the Camels on top. They never looked back. Defensively, Gillette also came out on fire as Dani Fischer picked off the first of his two interceptions during the Plainsmen’s first offensive possession, returning it 24 yards into Laramie territory to set up Tichun Aipperspach’s 4 yard TD run that put Gillette up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Laramie put together their best drive of the game at the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter as QB Billy Hysong dove in on fourth and goal from inside the one to make it 14-7 Gillette with 8:17 left in the first half. The Camels added their third TD on their third offensive possession of the night when Kade Wasson scored his second and final TD of the game on a 4 yard scramble on a busted

pass play with 5:39 left in the half. Gillette went into the halftime break up 21-7. When both teams took the field in the second half, it would be the job of backup QBs Cole Petty and Drew Burman to step in for their injured starters as both Wasson and Hysong were knocked from the game in the second quarter. T Although the extent of Hysong’s injury is unknown, Wasson is expected to be back in time for the 41st Annual Energy Bowl against Sheridan. Petty led Gillette on their final two scoring drives of the game in the third quarter as Tyler Bigelow scored on runs of 30 and 13 yards to put the game out of reach. Bigelow finished the game with a game high 122 yards on the ground and he caught 3 passes for 27 yards. Laramie added the final points of the game with under :30 to play as Tyler Loose ran in from 2 yards out. Wasson and Petty combined to go 8-15 for 100 yards, and most importantly, no interceptions. Coming into the game both coaches, Vic Wilkerson and Bob Knapton, knew how important the turnover battle would be to the outcome of the game and they were correct as Gil-

lette won 3-1, with 2 interceptions by Dani Fischer and a fumble recovery by Nathan Driver. Gillette turned those 3 turnovers into 14 points. As a team, the Camels combined for 361 yards of total offense and all five of their TDs came on the ground. Next up for Gillette they host the Sheridan Broncs on Friday in the 41st Annual Energy Bowl at 7:00 pm. You can hear minute of action beginning with the Shell Food Mart pregame show at 6:30 p.m. on your first choice for Camel Football 97.3 KAML-FM and online athttp:// www.network1sports.com/station/ kaml#menus Other scores from around 4A include Natrona’s huge win in the annual Oil Bowl over Kelly Walsh 49-6, while East dominated South 49-6, Sheridan shutout Rock Springs 28-0 and Evanston comes from behind to beat Central 30-26 on the road. Some scores from around the region have Newcastle beating Wright 20-0, Wheatland shuts out Moorcroft 22-0, Buffalo loses to Douglas 27-21, Sundance was all over Upton 55-7 and Dubois beat Kaycee 50-34 in 6-man football. All player statistics are unofficial.

The Campbell County Observer Staff

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

Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com Misty Williams - Sales/Marketing MistyWilliams@CampbellCountyObservber.com Brittany Miller - Sales Marketing BrittanyMiller@CampbellCountyObserver.com Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken McCoy - Distribution Manager Pattie Ladd - What’s Going On PattieLadd@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Writers

College rodeo teams have another “up and down weekend” This weekend proved to be another “up and down weekend” for the college rodeo team. The girl’s team finally got on track with a good second-place finish. Leading the way was Lance Creek Junior, Jordan Thurston. Jordan placed 2nd in the goat tying and 2nd in the barrel racing. Other girls scoring points for the team were Marlyss Meguire and Crystal Hershey. The girls moved up in the overall regional standings 2 spots making them 4th in the region a big and much needed improve-

By Coach Will LaDuke Submitted by Ruth Benson

ment. On the men’s side of things, the team placed 5th overall. The team was led by Freshman Bull Rider Ezera Coleman, winning second in the bull riding. Others scoring points for the team were Casey Bruer, 3rd bareback riding, Travis Nelson, 3rd Saddle Bronc Riding, Jason Schaffer, 6h Steer Wrestling, Taylor Miller, 6th bull riding and Donny Scantling, 5th team roping. The Men’s team now sits 4th also in the Regional Standings.

Regional Standings Men 1. UW 1455 pts 2. Casper 1350 pts 3. EWC 1420 pts 4. Gillette College 985 pts 5. Chadron State College 715 pts Regional Standings Woman 1. CWC 950 2. NJC 728 3. UW 620 4. Gillette College 490 5. LCCC 425

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

Our Roots James Dean By Mike Borda

James Dean, the man, was simply an actor. He started young and earned himself some key roles. It was his death, however, that vaulted him to his status as a legend, and in this act, his legacy was finally cemented. Indeed, it was that accident which set his name in the American vocabulary, becoming synonymous with rebellion and machismo. Dean was born February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana. His family later moved to California, a place that would become highly influential for James later in life. He could not experience it fully as a child, however, as his mother died when he was only nine years old. He left the west coast at that point, going back to Indiana to live with his Aunt and Uncle. In Indiana, he was raised in a very strict religious household, a stark contradiction to his later life. It was in these years that he apparently developed his fondness for his talent in acting, as well as his hobbies such as car racing. Once in high school, Dean’s talents began to shine. He played on several sports teams, as well as participating in multiple clubs including the school plays. After high school, Dean decided to move back to California, to live with his

father. There he enrolled at Santa Monica College, attempting to go to law school. He soon transferred to UCLA, deciding to concentrate fully on starting his acting career. The balance between school and career would become too much, however, and in 1951, his second year of college, he dropped out in order to act full-time. The acting world did not offer quick success, even for James Dean. After several extremely small parts, he eventually moved to New York City, still finding only small parts and backstage work. Dean knew at that point he needed to hone his craft, and he enrolled in a very prestigious acting school, becoming one of its youngest members. This proved to be the spark his acting career needed, as he soon began finding more acting roles that were to his liking. His main break came when he starred in director Elia Kazan’s rendition of East of Eden in 1953. That role led him to his most famous film, Rebel Without a Cause in 1954. It would be this film that gave him national recognition. His portrayal of Jim Stark, the angst-filled teen who rejected the rest of society’s norms, was a hit with younger audiences. They flocked to the theatres to

witness Dean, whose good looks and bold style would make him an instant sexicon. He later added the film Giant to his résumé. Sadly, this would be his last role. James Dean had long been a fan of fast cars and racing, and once he began filming large-scale movies, he finally found the money to support his passions. He purchased a Porche 356 Speedster in 1954, and immediately began racing competitively, finding some success. This success would be short-lived, however, when on the morning of September 30, 1955 Dean found himself driving with his mechanic to a race in Salinas, California. At a fork in the road, a black coupe crossed into Dean’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision. While everyone else involved was able to escape the accident with their lives, Dean was not so lucky. He died on the way to the local hospital, at the age of 24. James Dean was a man, whose premature death stole his acting greatness away from the world. His position as an icon and a legend, however, is what the world will remember, and maybe - just maybe – that is the way he would have wanted it.

“All my children have spoken for themselves since they first learned to speak, and not always with my advance approval, and I expect that to continue in the future.” - Gerald R. Ford

Classifieds Help Wanted

Wanted to Buy

Autos, Trucks and Vans

Garage Sales

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

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

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!

Garage Sale Sat. Sept. 24th 8-2 St. Matthew’s Parish Hall.

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

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

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

Toy Parts & Accessories

‘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.

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

1994 Ford Ranger. Black. With Topper. Runs Good. 85k Miles. 2300 obo. Call 307-299-0223

Harley Accessories for sale. Call 307-6708980. Ask for Tammy.

2003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS (White) with 137,000 mi; $6500. Call 307 - 689 – 0966

Delivery Driver wanted. Retired? Want a little walking around cash? Work one day per week delivering the Campbell County Apartments for Rent Observer to people’s homes. Contact the Campbell County Observer at (307) 670- 1-5 bedroom units available for rent. 8980. Please contact Real Estate Systems of Gillette Inc at 307-682-0964 for all the updated details.

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.

Homes for Sale

Home for sale by owner in Western Way. Asking $239,000 for the 1,800 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an unfinished basement and a two car garage. Fully fenced, large landscaped yard with a sprinkler system. Home is within walking distance to the new recreation center and the new elementary school that is being built. Please contact me at 307-670-1209 if you are interested. Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 670-1925. Gorgeous 3 bedroom 2 bath with den. 1800 sq.ft/Culdesac lot. Financing available. For a personal showing, call 6870333.

Child Care Need a full time babysitter in the Gillette area? Available any time, including nights and weekends, for shift workers. Call 307-461-7120, ask for Dee.

Heavy Equipment/Trailers

Home Appliances/ Furnishings

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

Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967.

Personals

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

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

Camping/Fishing Minnows, crawlers, leeches, fishing tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire Guesthouse & RV Park 307-756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com

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 1961 Aristrocrat Camper $600. Call 307299-4662

Merchandise 1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 6871087 7mm Mag rifle with optics. Call 670-8980 Spyder Semi-auto paint ball gun. cal..68 Special Edition.Only used twice! New $300 For you $175 plus two canisters. Call 680-1302

Toys (ATV’s, Boats, etc.) Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.

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

- LIMITED TIME ONLY -

Free Classified Ad - 10 words or less (Private ownership only - No businesses) For more details visit www.campbellcountyobserver.com

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

or call (307)

670-8980

Our Roots Mass Transit of the Plains By Jeff Morrison Travel between the remote communities of preautomobile Wyoming was a difficult, tedious, and sometimes dangerous ordeal. For most early Wyomingites, a trip between towns was a rare event undertaken maybe once or twice a year, unless business concerns dictated otherwise. Most people did not have the time or opportunity to dash about the countryside like Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright. Amazing as it seems, there were people living in western communities who didn’t even own a horse. But when travel was necessary, there were a couple of mass transportation options. Passenger trains, for communities fortunate enough to be located near the tracks, offered a fast, comfortable method of travel. For all other destinations, there were the stage coaches. Stage service had existed in Wyoming as early as the late 1850’s and continued into the early 1900s. The first major line owned by Ben Holladay, originally crossed Wyoming on the Oregon Trail. When the Civil War started, the army pulled most of the soldiers used to protect the trail from Indians so Holladay moved his stage line south to the Overland Trail, and his stage line became the Overland Stage Company. Holladay’s stage route extended in excess of 2,000 miles and was very expensive to operate, since it included a road station about every 10 to 15 miles, several hundred head of horses, and an army of drivers, shotgun riders, hostlers, cooks, and blacksmiths. Holladay supported this enterprise much like rural transportation companies do today – with government money. In Holladay’s case, he carried the U. S. Mail from Missouri to Oregon. He also contracted to haul gold from mines in Montana. Holladay sold the stage line to Wells Fargo in 1866, but it was closed down for good in 1869 after the transcontinental railroad made the service redundant. Another major stage line made its debut in 1876. The Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage and Express Line, a. k. a. the Deadwood Stage, as its name implies, ran from the Black Hills gold camps to the nearest railroad depot in Cheyenne. In later years, this line was made famous in the “Deadwood Dick” novels and by Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, but it was notorious for being the most robbed stage line in the west. Lesser known than either the Overland Stage of the Deadwood Stage, but serving a vital transportation need between the Union Pacific railway in southern Wyoming and the Chicago Northwestern railway in Montana was the Patrick Brothers Stage Line. It ran between Rock Creek (later becoming Rock River) and Billings Montana, utilizing the old Bozeman Trail for much of the route. It began service in 1880 and continued into the late 1890s. Smaller lines sprang up in northeast Wyoming to

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

connect communities to the nearest railroad community – Sundance to Moorcroft, Sundance to Newcastle, Buffalo to Gillette, Buffalo to Clearmont, Birney MT to Sheridan, just to name a few. Like the Overland, Deadwood and Patrick lines, these smaller lines augmented their fares by carrying mail and freight as well as human passengers. Many of these smaller companies continued to do business long after the more famous and lucrative stage lines had long since disappeared from the western landscape. One of the more interesting and unusual stage lines was the W. F. Cody Transportation Company which ran from the Sheridan Inn to Deadwood SD. It was established in 1893, after passenger train service had been established from the southern Black Hills to Sheridan, which was a faster and more comfortable method of travel. The only real reason for making the 200 mile journey via stage coach would have been for the novelty of experiencing a taste of the “Wild West”, which Bill Cody was the undisputed expert at packaging. The original “Deadwood Express” continued to operate right into the 20th century. There were at least three different kinds of stage coach designs used in the west, made by several different manufactures. But the iconic stage coach, popularized by television and movie westerns, was the Concord. Developed by the team of Lewis Downing and J. Stephens Abbot, and manufactured in Concord New Hampshire, the Concord was the height of horse-drawn luxury. Made with sturdy wood throughout, which made it heavy, the wagon design incorporated thick ox-hide leather thorough braces to cradle the passenger compartment. These braces allowed the coach to sway back, forth and sideways, providing extra comfort for passengers and the horses pulling them as well. The Concord came in three sizes: six-passenger, ninepassenger and twelvepassenger. The four-foot wide interiors included leather seats and luggage was stowed on the sturdy wooden roof. Because of the stage’s weight, they were pulled by teams of up to six horses. They were also expensive. A much more economical stage was the Celerity wagon. These wagons closely resemble Concords and are often mistakenly identified as Concord stages today. They were made of lighter wood and had canvas roofs. The luggage was stowed in a boot behind the coach. The interior featured fold down seat backs that created sleeping bunks for the long overnight journeys. The Downing and Abbot model included the same thorough braces as used in the Concord design. Being lighter than Concords, they required fewer horses and could get around better in rough terrain. The cost of manufacture was about 35% of the

cost of the Concord. The Mud Wagon was probably more widely used on the smaller stage lines than the other two designs. It was made of even lighter construction than that of the Celerity wagon and was much boxier looking. The roof was made of light canvas as were the rolldown side curtains. What luggage didn’t fit on the small rear boot was stowed on the interior floor, sometimes causing the passengers to ride with their knees against their chests. Although the Mud Wagon could also be equipped with thorough braces, most had leaf-springs. What it lacked in passenger comfort was made up for in mobility. As the name implies it was designed to get around in the mud, muck and rough terrain of the hills and mountains. Riding in a wagon is a pleasant experience on a nice sunny day, with no wind or rain, on flat ground. But when it gets cold and windy and the road gets rough, the pleasant ride becomes something else altogether. During winter months some stage lines encased their stages in canvas in a feeble attempt to keep the biting wind out of the interior. Some companies issued dusters to their passengers to keep the dirt from covering their clothing during the journey and were warned not to use hair oil that would get caked with dirt. George Rex Buckman, a passenger on the Patrick Brothers Line in 1881, described part of his 36 hour non-stop trip from Rock River to Powder River: “Darkness descends, and the stage rumbles on. The night grows cold; we pin down the canvas curtains that serve as doors, brace ourselves each in a corner, and proceed to pass the night as comfortably as we may. The stage rumbles on through a desolate country over an endless succession of “divides,” and across innumerable gulches, down into which we are precipitated, only the next instant to be projected against the opposite almost vertical bank. How much we slept may be imagined; and when the dawn once more brightens the eastern sky, and the curtains are again rolled up, the same billowy, dreary, water-scarred plain is seen to stretch away in every direction.” Even though stations were located every 10 to 15 miles, passengers were not encouraged to get out and

stretch their legs. Horses were changed out on the fly, the fresh team usually pre-harnessed by the station attendants and situated so that as the stage came to a stop the old team was unhitched from the tongue, walked ahead still harnessed together in tandem while the fresh team was led into place and hitched up. The station attendants then unharnessed the old team after the stage pulled away. The entire process would take less than ten minutes to complete. In this way a typical stage could travel 100 miles or more in a day.

seeking passengers on Bill Cody’s stage were probably fed better, not to mention allowed more time to eat. As civilization and progress gradually caught up to the west, train travel became even faster and more luxurious. But interestingly, the number of rail lines travelling north to south did not really increase. Nor were tracks built to every community on the plains. This left a void which the local stage lines happily filled for many years. In the end it wasn’t the railroad that put the stage lines out of business but the automobile.

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The only break given to the passengers was meal times, where they were give 40 minutes to eat and take care of any other necessities they might have. Not that the meals were much of a highlight. Buckman described them this way: “The bill of fare was to be a dreary constant. Breakfast, dinner, or supper,-- it mattered not, -- the identical quartette invariably appeared, -- vis, fried bacon, soda or baking powder biscuit, dried apples, and a decoction of various materials dignified by the name of coffee.” One would imagine that the adventure

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