Powell Tribune August 20, 2024

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024

POWELL TRIBUNE

SERVING PARK COUNTY, WYOMING SINCE 1909 | 115TH YEAR | ISSUE 66

Voting machines retested, reaffirmed after mistake made

| BY CJ BAKER Tribune staff writer

Following scrutiny from the Republican Party and guidance from Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, the Park County Clerk’s Office conducted a second round of tests on its electronic vote tabulators early Sunday morning. The additional testing reaffirmed that the machines are ready for today’s (Tuesday’s) primary election, the clerk’s office said.

mandates that, “a different number of valid votes shall be assigned to each candidate, and for and against each measure.”

Differing totals offer a way to double-check that the tabulators are assigning votes to the right candidates. However, that may not be possible when two candidates have the same number of votes.

“ Voting is a crucial aspect of our republic, and I am proud of our efforts to ensure we are ready for election day.”

“We feel that the retest was successful and that we are ready and eager for Election Day,” said Park County Elections Deputy Katie Johnson. “[W]e hope that we have a strong turnout for the primary election.”

Chuck Gray Wyoming Secretary of State

The clerk’s office initially tested its Election Systems & Software (ES&S) tabulators without issue on July 8-9, but controversy arose earlier this month, after the Wyoming Republican Party and Gray pointed out apparent problems with the tests conducted in multiple counties.

At issue is a section of state law related to testing, which

Gray’s office specifically highlighted the requirement in a June 25 memo to clerks, but on Aug. 6, the Laramie County Republican Party reported that its local clerk had conducted a test that featured the same number of votes for each candidate. When Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee didn’t immediately schedule a new test, the party filed a formal election complaint and then a lawsuit, while the Wyoming Republican Party urged its members to look into their counties’ tests.

Working in conjunction with the state party, Park County Republican Party Chair Martin Kimmet filed a couple requests seeking the results of Park County’s earlier testing. His

More NWC students opt to live on campus

| BY ZAC TAYLOR Tribune editor

As Northwest College rolls out the welcome mat for new and returning students, more are opting to live on campus.

“Occupancy in the halls continues to trend up,” NWC President Lisa Watson said at a mid August board meeting.

“ Occupancy in the halls continues to

There are 334 students slated to enter residence halls this fall, up from 321 last year. The trend has been rising for a few years, as there were 306 students in the halls at the start of the 2022 school year, up about 40 students from 2021.

Lisa Watson NWC president

The evidence of increasing campus residents was on full display Saturday, as families were busy helping move students into the halls soon after opening as part of kickoff weekend.

It’s not just the traditional residence halls that are growing in popularity. The apartments at Trapper Main are at full occupancy and Trapper West is at 71% for units available to be rented.

Watson said with housing so tight in Powell, she has been asked by companies whether she would rent out those extra apartments to the public — currently they are only rented to students and employees. She said that’s not the goal of the college to compete with private sector for renters.

“We’re not trying to run 100 units for

the public,” she said, adding that they have helped specific entities such as the hospital in the past when it needed space for certain employees.

Recently, with the National Guard barracks building now part of the campus, she said they’ve been able to use the bar-

racks for certain students, such as those commuting from another city for classes each week, who need the space while doing specific CTE programs such as nursing.

“We’re trying to make it as efficient as we can,” Watson said.

Election day to settle contentious races

| BY CJ BAKER Tribune

writer

The

| BY BRADEN SCHILLER Tribune staff writer

After holding off on increases across the board last year, meal prices will be only slightly higher when school is back in session with breakfast and lunch increasing by a dime. The 10 cent increase for breakfast and lunch prices was approved unanimously as an item in the consent agenda of the July 17 school board meeting, which also saw the approval of the 2024-2025 budget. Meal prices were increased for the first time in six years during the 2022-2023 school year and last year lunch received a small increase of 10 cents to students and 30 cents for adults, according to the explanation provided during the July 17 meeting. The district's meal prices have been increased for both breakfast and lunch in order to cover an increase in food cost of over 2.5%, and in-

In order to stay current with meal costs we are recommending the 10 cent increase for the current school year.” PCSD1 proposal

creased costs within the district’s food service program. This brings the breakfast prices to $2.25 for elementary school prices, $2.50 for middle school and high school prices and $3.00 for adults. Lunch prices are $3.60 at the elementary schools, $3.85 at the middle school and high school and $5.00 for adults.

“We didn’t increase breakfast meal prices last year in the hopes of retaining or increasing breakfast meals but have seen no increase in participation,” the explanation said.

“In order to stay current with meal costs we are recommending the 10 cent increase for the current school year.” Following the approval of the budget for the 20242025 fiscal year on July 17, the school district received a price increase from Powell Dairy causing a 5 cent bump to the price of additional milk. This increase was

Sydnee Harris gets some help from her family as she moves into Lewis and Clark residence hall Saturday morning on the Northwest College campus soon after the residence hall dorms opened up to incoming students. From left, mother Nicole, brother Josh, Sydnee and father Don. Tribune photo by Zac Taylor

trend up.”

Danny Sorenson puts on a show while performing some aerobatics at the annual Wings ’N Wheels show Saturday at the Powell Municipal Airport. Photos courtesy Nate Johnston

Kayla James, of Deaver, stands steady before giving the racers the go ahead during the drag racing portion of Wings ’N Wheels. Drag races have also been occurring at the airport throughout the summer.

Park County Clerk Colleen Renner feeds ballots into an Election Systems & Software scanner and tabulator during a Sunday retest of the county’s DS200 machines. Renner decided to retest after the initial test in July featured in identical vote totals for some candidates. Tribune photo by CJ Baker

requests spawned conversations between Wyoming Republican Party attorney Brian Shuck, Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric and the Park County Clerk’s Office.

“I don’t think anything nefarious was at hand,” Kimmet said in an interview, “but I think it behooves any and all of the electorate to be informed and keep an eye on these elections.” Gray, meanwhile, issued an Aug. 12 letter urging clerks to retest if they had candidates with identical vote totals. Having different vote numbers for each candidate “is crucial to ensuring that the electronic voting machines are accurately counting and tabulating the votes,” he wrote.

After getting a handle on the issue and the party’s and secretary’s concerns, Johnson said a decision was made to run the test again.

Park County Clerk Colleen Renner announced Friday morning that, given the identical vote totals, she had “chosen to retest to alleviate any concerns.”

“Although this did not affect the actual validity of the test itself, it is a technicality that is not in compliance with Wyoming statute,” Renner said in Friday’s statement.

Two representatives from the Republican Party, Dave McMillan and Vince Vanata, Kelly Tamblyn from the Park County Democratic Party, two private citizens and two media members showed up for Sunday’s 7 a.m. test. (That’s up from the three who attended the initial tests in July.)

Things initially got a bit heated between elections staff and one of the citizens, Andris Vaskis of Powell. Vaskis alleged there were improprieties in the 2022 election and became upset when

First Deputy Park County Clerk Hans Odde speaks to party representatives, members of the public and the media ahead of a Sunday retest of the county’s voting machines. As they did in an initial test in July, the machines performed as expected. Tribune photo by CJ Baker

he learned that the compartment containing the voting machines’ USB drives would remain sealed until the test was completed, as Vaskis said he couldn’t stay that long.

“So you don’t want us to look in there,” Vaskis charged. He left around 8 a.m.

The compartments on the dozen DS200 machines were unsealed and opened in front of the remaining attendees a few hours later, when the testing finished and results were tabulated. The entire process — which involved feeding the equivalent of 1,403 ballots into 13 different machines — wrapped up around 1 p.m.

According to the clerk’s office, Park County was among 16 or 17 counties around the state that conducted a second round of tests.

On Friday, Secretary Gray

thanked the clerks who were retesting their equipment to ensure compliance with the law.

“Voting is a crucial aspect of our republic, and I am proud of our efforts to ensure we are ready for Election Day,” he said in a statement. “I am excited for Tuesday’s primary election.”

Hours after the secretary’s message, the Wyoming Republican Party offered its own “heartfelt thank you to the many County Clerks and their election officials across the state for their positive and diligent response to our inquiries about voter machine testing.”

Johnson, the elections deputy, said Park County has been working in conjunction with ES&S to ensure that they avoid any similar issues with the test ballots that will be generated ahead of November’s general election.

Wyoming’s delta-8 ban remains in place after judge dismisses court challenge

| BY MADELYN BECK WyoFile.com

Afederal judge in Wyoming dismissed a lawsuit Thursday alleging the state’s ban on selling delta-8 and similar substances is unconstitutional.

The substances are similar to marijuana and occur in tiny amounts in the cannabis plant, but anecdotally produce milder effects and, in some cases, can be synthesized using dangerous chemicals.

U.S. District Judge Kelly Rankin accepted the state’s motion to dismiss for many of the same reasons he dismissed the plaintiff’s request for a temporary restraining order or injunction, he stated.

“Much of the analysis remains the same and the Court will incorporate the reasoning and cited authority from that Order herein,” he wrote. “Accordingly, the Court finds Defendants’

Motion should be granted and Plaintiffs’ claims are dismissed with prejudice.”

The plaintiffs — a cohort of delta-8 business owners, manufacturers, users and an agricultural operation — failed to prove any of their claims of unconstitutionality, Rankin continued. That included claims that the law violates the interstate commerce clause, amounts to unconstitutional taking and is void for vagueness.

“The fact that Plaintiffs are unhappy with the substances [the ban] prohibits, does not make the law vague,” he stated.

He also found that the federal lawsuit naming the governor and the state as defendants was inappropriate, citing Eleventh Amendment protections. Only the Wyoming attorney general and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto were proper defendants.

Rankin’s ruling does not give

plaintiffs the option to appeal in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming, and the group has since filed an appeal to the 10th Circuit Court.

Or rather, plaintiffs amended an appeal filed Thursday morning — before Rankin’s ruling — which was already asking the appeals court to reconsider their request for an injunction.

The ban went into effect in July, and has cost some plaintiffs’ businesses thousands of dollars each day, they previously told the court. Wyoming’s delta-8 industry grew considerably in the years before the ban went into effect, blossoming out of a perceived loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp at the federal level. The same language in that federal legislation was later adopted in Wyoming.

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.

Reduced meal prices will not change,

Gabrielle

Elizabeth Cross

(April 30, 1992 - Aug. 15, 2024)

Gabrielle Elizabeth Cross passed away Aug. 15, 2024, a beautiful and kind-hearted soul who left us too soon at the age of 32.

Gabrielle Elizabeth Timmons was born April 30, 1992, in Cody, Wyoming to Susan Jolley and Randy Timmons. Throughout her childhood, Gabby and her family, which included six siblings, lived in Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Despite her travels, she always said that Wyoming was her home. Growing up, Gabby enjoyed spending time with her family doing anything fun outdoors and helping to care for her four younger siblings. As a teen, she was active in the church, held church callings, played volleyball and worked as a lifeguard. She loved joking around and playing tricks on people all for a good laugh. In 2010, Gabby graduated from Brownwood High School. In 2013, Gabby was blessed with her beautiful daughter Blayden and was thrilled with her entrusted calling of being a mom. Gabby worked a fulltime job and went to school both during and after her pregnancy to obtain her training and certification as a certified surgical tech. She juggled the intense education, her job and being a new mom without complaint or hesitation, so she

Donald R. Amend Jr.

(April 24, 1944 - Aug. 16, 2024)

Donald R. Amend Jr. died at home in Powell, Wyoming, Aug. 16, 2024.

Don was born April 24, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, to Donald R. Amend, Sr. and Mary Louise Dyson Amend, the first of six siblings. The family lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Don Sr. was stationed with the Navy until after World War II, then briefly in Ogden, Utah, before moving to Laramie, Wyoming, where Don. Jr. developed his earliest memories. Following his father's graduation from the University of Wyoming the family lived in Superior and Hyattville before moving to Worland.

After two years at the Hyattville school, Don was educated in the Worland schools, graduating from Worland High School in 1962. He attended the University of Wyoming, where he met his wife Karen Olson and completed a bachelor of education degree in 1966. In 1973 he earned a master's degree through summer school at UW. He and Karen were married in June, 1967. Both of their children, daughter Erica Dawn, born in 1971, and son Joshua Donald, born in 1973, were born in Greybull, Wyoming.

Don began teaching social studies and English in 1966 at Evanston High School, then moved to Greybull in 1969 where he taught for the next 30 years. At various times during his career, he directed plays, coached the girls’ basketball team for a season and advised the yearbook staff.

He was active in the Wyoming Education Association, serving as an officer in the Greybull Education Association for many years and representing

could provide a stable and loving home for her new baby girl. Upon obtaining her certification after many long, tiring hours, she began working full time at the hospital in Brownwood, Texas. She found new opportunities for growth in her career by becoming a travel contract scrub tech at various hospitals and centers. She found a love of gaining new knowledge with her job through these travel jobs. All the surgeons Gabby worked with loved her strong work ethic, how smart she was and encouraged her to continue her education. In 2019, Gabby met her soulmate, Justin Cross. Not long after, Gabby moved to the Big Horn Basin where she was close to many family members and quickly became a well-loved member of Justin's family. Gabby and Justin embraced being a family and loved spending time with friends in Powell where they resided. More than anything, they cherished spending time altogether as a family. In 2021 they were blessed with their sweet son Slade. He completed their loving family. Justin and Gabby married in Powell on Nov. 16 of 2022. After her son Slade was born, Gabby was thrilled to be able to stay at home and care for him and his sister. It was clear that being a mother and a wife

meant more to her than anything else. She devoted herself happily to her family of four. Gabby also enjoyed being her husband's business partner, supporting him in building a company that supported their family. She kept up on all the necessary administrative and organizational tasks for their business. Gabby's favorite things to do included following her daughter in all her activities, playing with Slade, family barbecues and trips to the mountain. Her beautiful, dimpled smile, kind heart, and giving nature will be forever missed.

She is survived by her husband Justin Cross, children Blayden and Slade, mother Susan Jolley, father Randy Timmons, mother-in-law-Val Cross, sister-in-law Kori Cross, stepfather Dave Barrett, siblings Alex Timmons, Quintton Timmons, Vanessa Timmons, Arrianna Timmons, Gatlin Barrett, and Remington Barrett, grandparents Gary and Julie Jolley, and Martin and Elane Timmons. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as her dearest friend Sara Davis.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, 10 a.m. at the Nelson Performing Arts Building at Northwest College.

the local at the WEA delegate assembly many times. He also represented the WEA at the NEA representative assembly twice, served on two state commissions and was twice elected to serve on the WEA board of directors as president of the WEA Northwest District.

Don was a member of the Greybull Officials Association for many years, and enjoyed officiating varsity football and countless junior varsity and junior high football and basketball games. He sang in community choirs and performed in community musicals, including his favorite play, "Fiddler on the Roof.” He helped coach baseball at several levels and helped with the Greybull USA Wrestling team. He served as a volunteer EMT and was a member of the South Big Horn Search and Rescue Squad during the 1980s.

Following his retirement from teaching in 1999, Don began working as a writer, photographer and darkroom technician for the Basin Republican Rustler and the Greybull Standard. He began writing a column, "The Amend Corner" at that time and continued to write it weekly until 2006. In 2002, he and Karen moved to Powell when Karen became the children's librarian at the Powell branch library. He worked for a short time at the Shoshone Learning Center and continued to work part-time for the Big Horn County newspapers until 2004, when he joined the Powell Tribune as a writer/ photographer. He wrote editorials and continued writing "The Amend Corner" even after medical problems forced him to quit working full-time in 2012.

In August, 1954, Don was baptized at the First Baptist

Church of Worland, then affiliated with American Baptist Churches/USA. He attended First Baptist in Laramie while in college and joined the Evanston Baptist Church before becoming a member of First Baptist in Greybull in 1969. He served in a number of offices at Greybull and remained a member of the Greybull Church after moving to Powell. He began attending Union Presbyterian in Powell in 2007, but continued to support American Baptist Mission until his death.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jeffrey, sister Bonnie, in-laws Walter and Helene Olson and niece Janelle Derr.

He is survived by his wife Karen of 57 years and their children and grandchildren: Erica (Vadanak) Try, Mattea and Arun of Rochester, Minnesota, and Joshua (Jennifer Karsner) Amend, Linnaea and Cormac of Accra, Ghana, Africa. Also surviving are his siblings, Patrick (Nancy) Amend of Casper, Christopher (Della Gay) Amend of Gillette and Lorie (Kent) Swenson of Omaha, Nebraska, and Karen's siblings, Christine (Bruno) Jappert, of Grants Pass, Oregon, Adele (Stan) Smith of Torrington and Keith (LaDonna) Olson of New Salem, North Dakota as well as 15 nieces and nephews and their children.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held the summer of 2025, when all the family can be together. Memorials may be made to International Ministries, 1003 W 9th Ave., Set A, King of Prussia, PA 19406-1210; Loaves & Fishes, Food Pantry, P.O. Box 992, Powell, WY 82435.

Aug. 23, 2024 at Hope Lutheran Church in Powell beginning at 11 a.m. Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

GABRIELLE CROSS

DON AMEND JR.

Billie Kasinger

Billie Kasinger passed away at her home on Friday, Aug. 16. Services will be held on Friday,

SUPPORT WORTHY CAUSES, AND NOT JUST POLITICAL CANDIDATES

There’s a lot of money being spent on primary elections in Park County this year, with a number of the races seeing both candidates spend well into five digits.

The money has gone to signs, billboards, ads and, of course, mailers, among other expenditures. And it’s good to see how much of this money being spent comes from local sources. As I recently said to someone in Cody while talking about fundraising, Park County is good at raising funds for causes they believe in.

I support that, and know people who have donated to most of the candidates up for election today (Tuesday). Like it or not, money greases the wheels of a political campaign. The signs, ads and even those dang glossy mailers do provide people with more information about a candidate, and I’ve always found it interesting to see who is supporting who with a sign in their yard (I especially delight in unexpected combinations of candidates in someone’s yard that shows there are some people who don’t vote a slate of candidates endorsed by one group or the other).

I also recently had the chance to see the incredible list of people, both local and from across the country, who have generously supported the new student center project at Northwest College to the point where they have a room or other area named after them or their family. That’s quite a legacy to leave.

So yes, amongst us are many who have the means and desire to support causes, so I dearly hope that we continue to remember the people in our communities who have suffered accidents and need help as well.

Skylar Peterson, who was severely injured this spring when the UTV he and his fiancé Sydnie Stambaugh were on rolled, is still working on his recovery. Visit gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-skylar-peterson-and-sydnie-stambaugh to donate.

And most recently, a family has been rocked on its heels after an accident that left their teenage son paralyzed from the shoulders down. Powell Middle School student Gonzalo Anzurez is a great kid (he’s a friend of my son, who is one of the many who have utilized the Children’s Hospital of Denver to send Gonzalo fun cards to let Gonzalo know how many people are thinking about him while he works to recover) and from all accounts an incredible son and big brother, and now he and his family need our help. The Anzurez family runs a small business, and have had to try and keep that running as they care for Gonzalo in Denver as well as his younger siblings. They need our support and, as we have seen, many in our community have the means to provide that support. One way is at gofundme.com/f/rally-4-gonzalo-anzurez. Follow the Facebook page Rally4Gonzalo - Gonzalo Anzurez - Powell, WY for other ways to donate and to see updates on his condition. Supporting political candidates is certainly worthwhile, but there is no better way for communities to come together than to help a family of our own in need.

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

Sen. Tim French

307-202-1785

Tim.French@wyoleg.gov 109 Rattler Road, Powell Rep. David Northrup 307-272-0617

David.Northrup@wyoleg.gov 799 Lane 13, Powell Rep. Dalton Banks 307-272-7255 Dalton.Banks@wyoleg.gov

P.O. Box 64, Cowley Sen. Dan Laursen 307-754-9805 Dan.Laursen@wyoleg.gov 478 Road 8, Powell Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams 307-250-5008 Rachel.Rodriguez-Williams@wyoleg.gov P.O. Box 444, Cody Rep. Sandy Newsome 307-272-1676 Sandy.Newsome@wyoleg.gov P.O. Box 575, Cody

If you can't stand the heat ...

S

o I'm golfing with Dave Beemer; “Beem the Dream” as his email address deceptively touts, on another fairly cool day last week. I says to Beem the Dweeb, “Park County must be the only place on earth not being affected by global warming.” I was kind of pushing his buttons, trying to get his goat if you will. Not literally of course, because I think his goat was killed long ago by Kristi Noem.

Anyhoo, I was only partially joshing, as I just think the earth shattering heat records year after year and the majority of scientists — many maybe smarter than Beemer even — discuss global warming matter-of-factly, has to mean something. Where there's smoke, there's fire, and there are fires everywhere! One need not be a flaming liberal to wonder if there's something going on bigger than a huge hoax perpetuated by the masses.

Beem the Scream and I are on different pages on several issues, and he lumps anything to the left of Marjorie-Taylor-Greene into the liberal category. Another thing scien-

tists and archaeologists speak casually about is the earth being millions of years old, but Dave insists it's merely 5,000 and some change.

Years ago, I ran Dave's theory past former preacher/columnist Ron Kapalka, and in his next Trib column, he addressed that ticklish conundrum. He stressed that a belief in God and belief in a millions-year-old planet aren't necessarily incompatible. A day is like a thousand years, (especially to a roofer) and all that, so Beem's rigidly-conservative theories are far from infallible.

ing electricity, but even then the heat finds its way in.” Levena said, “Going upstairs, it's so hot it's like walking into soup.” If you've ever been submerged in a bowl of chicken noodle, you know how painful that can be.

Soon after our golf course debate, this Billings Gazette headline seized my attention: “Extreme heat impacting most Americans — 7 in 10 believe climate change is affecting weather.” It read, “During the summer, Levena Lindahl closes off entire rooms, covers windows with blackout curtains, and budgets to manage monthly costs of air condition-

The article not only stresses the astronomical electric bills, doubling from a few years ago in many cases, but also how exercise habits, outdoor activities and sleep are being negatively impacted. Seven in 10 is a pretty high percentage, and those other three of 10 might believe Obama is Kenyan and the last election was stolen.

I'm far from a global-warming fanatic, but I tend to believe what I see around me. It never snows in September like it used to, March usually comes in like a lamb and goes out like a kitten, and a sweating polar bear was recently heard sighing, “I don't know how much longer this thin slab of ice is going to hold me.”

I don't know anything about this ice age that supposedly happened just before things heated up, which global warming naysayers inevitably reference. No, I'm pretty convinced it's reality, but don't know if we caused it or can change it. No sweat off my nose (literally) if they drill baby, drill, but that's partly born of selfishness — I don’t have any kids or grandkids to worry about 50 years down the road, and life is primarily all about me. I don't see any immediate existential threat and am pretty sure AOC is at least a few years off in her 2026 doomsday projection. That being said, I also don't want to see people in short shorts and tank tops peddling bicycles in December, particularly homely people. Some say it's global warming, some conjecture it's Biblical prophecy concerning end times when the seasons will be alike, while still others say, “Who cares; let's partay!”

As long as it never gets too hot to golf, Beem the Scheme and I will keep swinging and agree to disagree. Golf: The Infallible Mediator.

W

hen I first began my journey of journalistic writing, I felt that I had big opinions on a wide variety of topics. I enjoyed writing about politics especially, bold in my thoughts about the world we live in, even coming from a rather secluded, conservative part of the world. We had the privilege of going to the National Journalism Convention in Washington, D.C, where we met other journalists from all walks of life. Becoming the little fish for once was healthy for me, yet I still held on to the same convictions I have today. I myself did not run into much pushback when I first began writing. At one point I was the opinion editor for our high school newspaper, a job I loved and took seriously. Pushback only ever came from a few who said I toted my parents’ beliefs as my own and hadn’t lived long enough to form my own opin-

ions on life. I did not listen, continuing to write about the things I saw and the happenings in our country. But when the current administration came into office in early 2021, following the events of Jan. 6 it seemed that a lot of conservative voices were muted. It was wrong to have an opinion of the election results, it was wrong to think the prosecution of 90% of the people attending the J6 protest was unjust and you were wrong for being outspoken about these topics. It was easier to just not say anything at all.

Now we are reaping the consequences of letting things run their course. Our stock market is crashing, the Middle East

is on the brink of massive war — which we will most likely involve ourselves with — and our country is on the cusp of a recession. We have a president who has hardly been seen since his mediocre performance at the presidential debate and has since dropped out of the race. The Democratic Party has chosen its new nominee, Kamala Harris, without holding any sort of primary for the American people to formally vote for her. The “party of democracy” just laughed in your face.

There is still time to turn this situation around. It starts by doing the research on current events and looking into the policies being presented and ideologies being pushed. Unfortunately the mainstream media cannot be trusted as a reliable news source (I stand by this state-

ment wholeheartedly, sadly) and although it is easy to flip a channel on and listen, it is better to find unbiased reporting. I recently spoke with a friend who has been taking in world news through news outlets outside of the United States, something I will look into myself. The silent majority cannot afford to be silent anymore. Our country is losing because the loud minority has been able to take the reins. This is not the time to shy away from hard conversations, but to stand boldly in your beliefs and to be vocal about the policies and practices you’d like to see. This country was not built on the premise of big government, but limited with the power in the hands of the people. We cannot forget the founding principles of our nation, because if we do, those in power will take full advantage of our incompetency. It feels good to be writing again. Boldly. Unapologetically. Your opinions should be the same.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL AND NWC BOARD MEMBERS:

PARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

Kim Dillivan KDDillivan@pcsd1.org Trace Paul TRPaul@pcsd1.org

Lillian Brazelton LRBrazelton@pcsd11.org

Tracy Morris---------------------- TDMorris@pcsd1.org Beau Fulton BJFulton@pcsd1.org

Dusty Paul---------------------------DTPaul@pcsd1.org Laura Riley---------------------------- LRiley@pcsd1.org

NORTHWEST COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

Mark Wurzel------------------------ mwurzel@pvhc.org Lawrence Todd lawrence.todd@colostate.edu

Bob Newsome newsome@codyice.com

Denise Laursen---------------- dlaursen@tctwest.edu

John Housel housellaw@tctwest.edu

Tara Kuipers------------------ tarakuipers@gmail.com

DOUG BLOUGH My Lousy World

LAUREN LEJEUNE When One Door Opens

Concessioner marketing head leaves Yellowstone after 26 years

C

— In 1998, Yellowstone National Park hosted just over 3.1 million

visitors. Last year, that figure topped 4.5 million, approaching the 2021 record of 4.8 million annual visitors.

At least part of the credit (or blame) for that increase goes to Rick Hoeninghausen.

The longtime director of sales and marketing for Xanterra Travel Collection, Yellowstones’s primary concessioner, has held that job since 1998. He has been in the process of a long, slow goodbye from his position for much of this summer. Hoeninghausen will be in Cody today (Aug. 20) to introduce his successor, marking the end of more than a quarter century of working with local industry partners.

A beloved figure in the Wyoming tourism industry, Hoeninghausen had planned to retire a few years back, but gyrations in the stock market and national economy kept him working through mid-summer of this year. But the affable marketer is used to dealing with the unexpected.

Hoeninghausen first arrived in Yellowstone to fill an assistant marketing position in April of 1988, just in time for that summer’s cataclysmic fire season that saw flames spread across one-third of the park, drawing national headlines for weeks. He left for other work for a while after that, but returned 10 years later, and still recalls the 1988 summer fires.

“It was a brutal summer in a lot of ways, and certainly from a marketing perspective. This was before the internet. We had the one and only fax in the entire company,” Hoeninghausen recalled of 1988, when he would send daily faxes to media and travel partners in an effort to keep visitors coming to the park.

Hoeninghausen hired a videographer to shoot images of areas in Yellowstone that were unaffected by fire, and often drove from Mammoth Hot Springs to Billings to deliver footage to TV stations.

“We had one shot that started with a wall of flames, then pulled back to show elk grazing in a green field, then back more to see visitors taking pictures,” he said.

Temporary road closures came and went throughout the summer before managers closed the entire park. Hoeninghausen said the experience made it easier to deal with temporary, park-wide closures after COVID-19 in 2020 and record floods in 2022.

While the National Park Service’s 1988 fire management policy, then dubbed “let it burn,” was a political issue, “COVID was 10 times more

political in the way people perceived it,” Hoeninghausen said, recounting how Xanterra employees were cursed at and spit on by visitors angry over everything from long lines to limited food and services to policies over masks and social distancing.

“I’ll tell you straight up, it wore me out. It took its toll on me and everyone,” he said.

But through all the challenges, Hoeninghausen’s colleagues say he has proven not only a reliable and skilled professional, but an affable and engaging friend with an irrepressible sense of humor.

“

COOPERATION OVER

COMPETITION

“It’s hard not to like him,” said Claudia Wade, who worked closely with Hoeninghausen for decades before retiring in 2021, after nearly 35 years as director of the Park County Travel Council. “It’s hard not to laugh when he gets you going, yet he’s so serious about what he does. He has a way that is warm and effective, and you feel very fortunate to have been able to work with him on projects.”

Hoeninghausen. There’s never going to be another Rick.”

“We traveled the world together going to travel shows, and it was unbelievable the amount of business he could do in such a short time, and the friendships he had with people all over the world who wanted to see him and talk to him,” said Blair, CEO of Blair Hotels in Cody. “We would argue and fight, but it was all in fun, because we have loved each other as best friends.

He has a way that is warm and effective, and you feel very fortunate to have been able to work with him on projects.”

Claudia Wade Park County Travel Council

“He has such a quick wit and great personality, and we had a lot of fun. But when he gets down to business, it’s all business,” said Blair, who in 2002 received the Big Wyo, an award given annually by the Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition to promoters of travel and tourism in the state. Wade received the same honor in 2006, and Hoeninghausen was the 2019 Big Wyo winner.

JOB ALIGNS WITH VALUES

Hoeninghausen always took a cooperative, rather than competitive, approach to working with Cody and Park County to attract visitors, Wade said.

“We’re so fortunate that Rick likes Cody and the authenticity of what goes on in Cody,” she said. “He doesn’t know a stranger at all, and if he says he’s going to do something, he does it.”

Hotelier Ted Blair said it will be “impossible to replace Rick

Hoeninghausen plans to move soon to the northern Georgia area with his wife, Karen, who he met in Yellowstone in 1980, when both had summer jobs there. He’s looking for a similar area, somewhere that is a small town, close to the outdoors, and good for river rafting.

Visitors will always come to Yellowstone, Hoeninghausen said, which was never the point of his job, which he described as “just about the best job imaginable.”

Hoeninghausen enjoys nothing more than hearing from

park visitors about how their trip has been “life-changing.”

“That phrase, ‘life-changing,’ isn’t something you hear every day. But you hear it often enough,” he said.

But Hoeninghausen also hears from plenty of people who don’t see the point of marketing Yellowstone as a destination, as annual visitation levels continue to climb, and summer crowds turn the park’s most popular spots into snarls of gridlocked vehicles.

“That’s probably the question I get asked most often: ‘Why do you market Yellowstone? How hard can that be?’” Hoeninghausen said.

He conceded that it’s easy to sell a room, tour or meal in the park during the summer, with accommodations routinely selling out, sometimes a year in advance.

“But people think all I want to do is jam people in here, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. And that’s not what Xanterra is looking to do,” he said.

Instead, the company, which is the country’s largest park concessioner, targets travelers who “are all about parks, and won’t get bent out of shape if they don’t have TV or internet,” Hoeninghausen said.

He has worked to attract visitors who will spend several days in Yellowstone, engaging in multiple activities while there. His other marketing efforts are aimed at building traffic in spring, fall and winter, “which is not always an easy sell,” Hoeninghausen said.

“Our ultimate goal is that everyone who stays here walks away as some sort of steward,” he said. “I know that sounds lofty, and people think I’m making it up. But I’ve been here this long because I love it.”

Many river restrictions in Yellowstone National Park lifted

Effective immediately, the partial fishing closures on select rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park have been lifted and are now open.

The full closures on rivers and streams that are strongly influenced by geothermal features will remain in effect at this time.

Streams back to normal hours include:

• Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yel-

lowstone River

• Soda Butte Creek (the entire creek)

• Slough Creek (the entire creek)

• Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary

• Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls north to the park boundary

• Snake River from Forest Creek south to the park boundary

The following rivers are heavily influ-

enced by geothermal features and do not adequately cool off at night:

• Madison River and all associated tributaries

• Firehole River and all associated tributaries

• Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground

View a map and learn more about these fishing closures at: go.nps.gov/24030

Rick Hoeninghausen is retiring after 26 years as director of sales and marketing for the primary concessioner in Yellowstone National Park. Photo courtesy Ruffin Prevost/Yellowstone Gate

CORRECTION

■ The the Aug. 15 story “Campground opens as Clearwater Fire more contained,” had an incorrect containment percentage. The fire was 62% contained as of the morning of Aug. 14. The Tribune regrets the error.

NEW FACE

■ Christopher and April Rodriguez of Powell are parents of a baby girl, Remi Marie Rodriguez, who was born at Powell Valley Hospital on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Remi was born at 5:20 a.m. with a weight of 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and joins siblings Raelynn, 10 Asher, 8, and Mila, 6. Grandparents are Dave and Suzanne Patterson and Sam and April Rodriguez.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

JULY 29 TO AUG. 9

■ Neil William Boluyt, 63, and Janice Larue Ash, 66, both of Cody

■ Scott Douglas Whitlock, 39, and Alyssa Jo (Limberhand) Kountz, 34, both of Cody

■ Kaleb Clay Manning, 22, and Rebekah Marie Newman, 19, both of Powell

■ Austin Robert Goddard, 27, and McKenna Jean McCreary, 29, both of Spearfish, South Dakota

■ Michael Alexander Cole, 33, and Elise Vonne Greaham, 31, both of Powell

■ Dakota Colt Conroy, 34, and Callan Morgan Brick, 27, both of Helena, Montana

■ Trevor Aron Meyer, 41, and Melinda Irene Vandusen, 41, both of Cody

■ Casey Ryan Wagler, 25, and Alicia May Wentz, 24, both of Cody

■ Ernesto Hernandez, 44, and Susan O. Montanez, 44, both of Powell

■ Adam Stanley Cavagnetto, 20, and Allie McKinsey Ennist, 20, both of Cody

■ Brennan Davis Heath, 24, and Kaili Jenea Cox, 25, both of Grapevine, Texas

■ Joseph Andrew Bennington, 24, and Mikayla Korynn Heinz, 24, both of Chardon, Ohio

■ Justin Stewart Miller, 41, Bettina Marie (Farnsworth) Cehrs, 41, both of Amsterdam, Ohio

■ Andrew Thomas Wilken, 24, and Hansol Jung, 32, both of Huxley, Iowa

■ Adalberto Hernandez Acevedo, 39, and Erica Marie Diaz, 40, both of Powell

■ Corey Dean Young, 36, and Brandy Nicole Velvick, 33, both of Cody

■ Alexander Kelman Aiken, 30, and Alondra Yessenia Valdez, 22, both of Cody

■ Michael Todd Bishop, 61, and Laura Marie (Vander Molen) Vaughan, 59, both of Powell

■ John Christopher Cesario, 55, and Rebecca Ann Lucey, 57, both of Cody

■ Dalton James Nixon, 25, and Kendal Brook Rasmussen, 24, both of Lovell

■ Bailey Charles Witherspoon, 28, and Danelle Lynn Wood, 28, both of Coral, Michigan

■ Chase Andrew Rose, 25, and Kylar Christine Klaahsen, 25, both of Powell

AUG. 12 TO 16

■ Dale James Thayer, 56, and Tracy Michele Schmidt, 54, both of Cody

■ David Allin Frame, 18, and Kylee Ann Terry, 18, both of Garland

■ Leif Andrew Royal Ege, 27, and Rachel Ann Betancourt, 31, both of Parker, Colorado

■ Harvey Arlo Hooten Jr., 42, and Kayla Raquelle Cortez, 27, both of Cody

DIVORCES

MAY 7 TO JULY 22

■ Scott Ryan Shoopman and Melanie Sue McVicker

■ Kirstin Ellayne Reimers and Scott Michael Reimers

■ Naomi Nichole James and Jesse Paul James

■ Melinda K. Soto and Jeramy J. Soto

■ Mackinzie Taylor Chlarson and Harold Colton Chlarson

■ Adam Daniel Wilfred Borkhus and Jillian Marie Schmus

■ Venessa Camblin and Earl James Camblin

■ Barbara Thornton and Smith Patton Thornton

■ Patrick J. Calkin and Karen R. Calkin

■ Echo D. Renner and Morgan A. Renner

■ Taylor Kerbs and Levi Kerbs

■ Michael Scott Roberts and Rani Lee Reiter

■ Adam Mangold and Sabrina Mangold

■ Robert Nathanial Burke and Natalie Marie Burke

■ Patrick Orbin and Bethany Orbin

■ Cody Hess and Nichole Hess

■ Raen LeVell Mathuin and Sara Anna Mathuin

■ Kimball Croft and Jeana Croft

■ Nathan Lee Maslak and Allison Kaye Maslak

■ Susie Buhler Redekopp and Wilhelm Klassen

■ Redekopp Kaycee A. Hufty and Clark T. Hufty

■ Sarah Marie Carter and Steven Lloyd Carter

■ Chelsea Rose Kessler and Zach-

Tanya Marie Lasko

■ Logan Swartz and Melyssa Swartz

■ Rachelle Geree Pederson and Charles Hawkin Pederson

■ Rand E. Flory and Madonna M. Flory

DISTRICT COURT

MAY 6 TO JULY 26

Charges reaching the court are only allegations and the defendants are presumed to be innocent. Charges are felonies unless otherwise noted. Cases involving sexual crimes are not listed here because of restrictions put in place by the court. The following reflects documents filed between May 6 and July 26.

CHARGES REACHING THE COURT

■ Justin V. Barrington, born 1991, of Cody, charged with two counts of blackmail and influencing, intimidating or impeding a witness.

■ Andrew James Blackshere Jr., born 1995, of Powell, charged with two counts of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, marijuana and meth) for a third or subsequent time and misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of a controlled substance and speeding.

■ Juan C. Cancino-Cisneros, born 1994, of Sioux City, Iowa, charged with property destruction totaling $1,000 or more and misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol and reckless endangering.

■ Salome George Delacruz, born 2003, of Cody, charged with possessing THC with intent to deliver and conspiracy to deliver THC.

■ Robert Edward Demoney, born 1985, of Cody, charged with, as a previously convicted sex offender, failing to update his registration information.

■ Jacob P. Ely, born 1983, of Powell, charged with stalking and a misdemeanor count of violating a protection order. In a separate case, Ely is also charged with stalking and a misdemeanor count of violating a protection order.

■ Chad W. Garaas, born 1979, of Cody, charged with aggravated assault and battery, possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent and a misdemeanor count of interference with a peace officer. In a separate case, Garaas is charged with delivering oxycodone and conspiracy to deliver oxycodone.

■ Jose N. Gonzalez, born 1960, of Clark, charged with second degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and battery and property destruction totaling $1,000 or more.

■ Wesley Alan Hammond, born 1965, of Powell, must serve three to five years in prison and pay $400 for a count of a fifth or subsequent theft totaling $1,000 or less and, in a separate case, a count of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, meth) for a third or subsequent time. Another count of conspiracy to commit a fifth or subsequent theft totaling $1,000 or less was dismissed.

■ Stacey J. Henderson, born 1987, of Powell charged with possessing a controlled substance (in this case, marijuana) for a third or subsequent time and possessing more than 3 grams of meth in powder or crystal form.

■ Kelly J. Herrick, born 1982, of Powell, charged with two counts of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, meth and THC) for a third or subsequent time.

■ Drydan N. Howrey, born 1999, of Cody, charged with aggravated assault, felonious restraint and a misdemeanor count of criminal entry.

in 10 years.

■ Scott Lee, born 1952, of Powell, charged with property destruction totaling $1,000 or more.

■ Michael Quinn Levario, born 1997, of Cody, charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol for a fourth or subsequent time in 10 years and misdemeanor counts of driving without a required ignition interlock device, possessing THC and interference with a peace officer.

■ Wade D. McMillin, born 1987, of Powell, charged with aggravated assault and battery, property destruction totaling $1,000 or more and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

■ Kalven Paul McPherson, born 1998, of Cody, charged with strangulation of a household member, aggravated assault and battery and misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.

■ Walt C. Miller, born 1983, of Powell, charged with recklessly causing injury to a pregnant woman and a misdemeanor count of interference with a peace officer.

■ Cody M. Moucha, born 1988, of Cody, charged with defrauding creditors by transferring $1,000 or more worth of property and defrauding creditors by removing $1,000 or more worth of property.

■ Benjamin M. Pierce, born 1988, of Cody, charged with possessing a controlled substance (in this case, meth) for a third or subsequent time.

■ Phillip J. Poirier, born 1966, of Cody, charged with forgery and a misdemeanor count of theft.

■ Gabriel Tajhad Sepeda, born 1997, of Alice, Texas, charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, theft totaling $1,000 or more and property destruction totaling $1,000 or more.

■ Tyler G. Smith, born 1989, of Cody, charged with property destruction totaling $1,000 or more, attempting to escape from official detention, three misdemeanor counts of interference with a peace officer, plus additional misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol and breach of peace, criminal trespassing, driving with a suspended license and driving with no valid auto insurance.

■ Connie Star, born 1965, of Powell, charged with property destruction totaling $1,000 or more and misdemeanor counts of interference with a peace officer and battery.

■ Joseph C. Underwood, born 1974, of Cody, charged with disposing of a human body in a hidden, undisclosed and transient location to conceal a felony offense, possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony and misdemeanor counts of interference with a peace officer and fleeing police.

■ Thayne D. Vialpando, born 2001, of Powell, charged with physical child abuse.

■ Kai Darwin McCartney Villarreal, born 2004, of Cody, charged with attempting to cause bodily injury to a peace officer and misdemeanor counts of fleeing police, failing to stop after a crash and careless driving.

■ Michael Leann Winkle, born 1977, of Palmdale, California, charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult and a misdemeanor count of domestic battery.

SENTENCES

■ Desirae Marie Gams, born 1995, of Cowley, must serve three to five years in prison and pay $325 for a count of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, LSD) for a third or subsequent time. Gams’ probation was also revoked on a prior conviction for possessing a controlled substance (in that case, marijuana) for a third or subsequent time, with a finding of guilt placed on the record.

■ Justin Lloyd Hailey, born 1978, of Wright, served 21 days in jail, must serve five years of supervised probation for possessing a controlled substance (in this case, THC) for a third or subsequent time.

■ Theresa L. Hicks, born 1994, of Powell, served one day in jail, must serve two years of unsupervised probation and pay $325 for conspiracy to possess more than 3 ounces of THC in plant form. Counts of possessing THC with intent to deliver and possessing more than 3 ounces of THC in plant form were dismissed. Additionally, Hicks’ previous probation was revoked and a finding of guilt placed on the record on a prior count of theft totaling over $1,000.

possessing more than 3 grams of cocaine in crystal form and possessing more than a halfgram of crack cocaine. A count of possessing more than 3 grams of meth in crystal form and misdemeanor counts of possessing less than 3 ounces of marijuana in plant form and possessing less than 3 ounces of psilocybin mushrooms were dismissed.

■ Christina Loyd Lackman, born 1993, of Powell, previous probation revoked, must serve five years of supervised probation for delivering meth. Lackman has served 125 days in jail.

■ Georgia Lee Lande, born 1973, of Lovell, probation revoked (fourth revocation), must serve three to five years in prison on a count of possessing more than 0.3 of a gram of meth. Lande had served 307 days in jail at the time of sentencing.

■ Kaycie E. Marcial, born 1977, of Billings, served 34 days in jail, must pay $325 and serve six months of probation for misdemeanor counts of criminal trespassing and possession of a controlled substance (THC). The trespassing count was reduced from an original count of possessing burglar’s tools. Other counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and burglary were dismissed.

■ Meadow Athaiah Nicely, born 1998, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, must serve 30 to 48 months in prison and pay $325 to the court and $9,733.85 in restitution for a count of property destruction totaling $1,000 or more and misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol and possessing a controlled substance (THC). Misdemeanor counts of interference with a peace officer and driving with no valid auto insurance were dismissed.

■ Rani Nicole Nomura, born 1985, of Powell, must serve three to five years in prison and pay $1,475 for a misdemeanor count of driving while under the influence for a third time in 10 years, a count of driving while under the influence for a fourth time in 10 years and misdemeanor counts of driving with a suspended license and driving with a revoked license. A count of taking a controlled substance (meth) into jail was dismissed.

■ Kirk A. Ohman, born 1992, of Powell, served 53 days in jail, must serve three years of supervised probation and pay $325 for a count of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, meth) for a third or subsequent time. Misdemeanor counts of failing to use a turn signal, fleeing police and driving without a valid license were dismissed. Ohman’s previous probation was also revoked on a prior felony conviction of possessing burglar’s tools. Ohman has served 95 days in jail in that case.

■ Gilbert Ortiz, born 1971, of Casper, served 345 days in jail, must serve five years of supervised probation and pay $245 for delivering a controlled substance (hydrocodone).

■ Luke T. Schumacher, born 1986, of Cody, served two days in jail, must serve three years of supervised probation and pay $200 to the court and $14,510.16 in restitution for theft totaling more than $1,000, with a finding of guilt deferred.

■ Steven H. Shobert, born 1975, of Worland, served 180 days in jail for misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol for a second time in 10 years, failing to stop following a crash and property destruction totaling $1,000 or less (reduced from an original count of property destruction totaling $1,000 or more). Another misdemeanor count of driving without valid auto insurance was dismissed.

■ Roger S. Wiltshire, born 1981, of Clark, served 202 days in jail, must serve three years of supervised probation, complete in-patient treatment and pay $350 for a count of terroristic threats and a misdemeanor count of reckless endangering (reduced from a count of aggravated assault and battery).

PROBATION REVOCATIONS

■ Trenton Lee Blethen, born 1998, of Billings, probation revoked on a prior conviction of possessing marijuana with intent to deliver. He served 12 days in jail.

■ Theresa L. Hicks, born 1994, of Powell, previous probation revoked, must serve two years of unsupervised probation on a count of theft totaling over $1,000, with a finding of guilt entered on the record. She has served one day in jail.

■ William R. Hutchins, born 1984, of Cody, charged with manufacturing, delivering or possessing meth with intent to manufacture or deliver, unlawful clandestine lab operations and a misdemeanor count of being under the influence of meth.

■

■

■

■

■ Tara L. Lamb, born 1998, of Cody, charged with possessing 7.2 grams of meth.

■ Colton A. Offley, born 1992, of Meeteetse, charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances for a fourth or subsequent time

■ Timothy C. Hodgson, born 1985, of Cody, served 101 days in jail, must serve three years of supervised probation and pay $325 to the court and $1,565.85 in restitution for a count of aggravated assault and battery and a misdemeanor count of driving while under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance. Misdemeanor counts of property destruction totaling less than $1,000, failing to stop following a crash and driving without valid auto insurance were dismissed.

■ Rosalie M. Hosking, born 1966, of Manzanola, Colorado, served 11 days in jail, must serve five years of supervised probation and pay $1,325 for counts of

■ Brenda Lea Roemmich, born 1972, of Cody, previous probation revoked (second revocation), must serve two to four years on a prior conviction of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, marijuana) for a third or subsequent time. Roemmich has served 152 days in jail.

■ Joseph Alex Wooden, born 2002, of Wapiti, probation revoked (third revocation), must serve two to three years in prison for possessing marijuana with intent to deliver. Wooden had served 244 days in jail at the time of sentencing. Two separate charges of possessing a controlled substance (in this case, marijuana) for a third or subsequent time were dismissed.

FIRES PROHIBITED ON GAME AND FISH LANDS WITHIN HOT SPRINGS AND PARK COUNTIES

CODY — Due to dry conditions and local fire restrictions, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is banning open fires on all Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands within Hot Springs and Park counties.

These lands include Sunshine Wildlife Habitat Management Area west of Meeteetse and Sunlight Wildlife Habitat Management Area northwest of Cody. Open fires are always prohibited on Game and Fish Public Access Areas

within the Big Horn Basin. The following acts are prohibited on all Wyoming Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands: • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire charcoal grill, coal or wood burning stove.

• Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

• Fireworks are always prohibited on Wyoming Game and Fish Commission lands. Check for fire bans across the state on Wyoming Game and Fish Commission lands.

Clearwater Fire closure area announced

CODY — The Wapiti Ranger District of the Shoshone National Forest has implemented a closure area for the Clearwater Fire along the North Fork Highway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20W). This is in addition to the road and trail closure already in place for the Elk Fork road and trail. While fire behavior is subdued right now, there is still a significant chance that interior pockets that remain unburned will rekindle with a warming and drying trend in the forecast. There are also several other hazards that remain in the area, like fire weakened trees, the risk for small rock or mudslides and ongoing firefighting operations.

This closure area is defined by the southwest corner of T52N, R107W section 36, extending north to the southern edge of the Shoshone River. Following the river to the east where it meets with the Elk Fork road and trail. The western edge of the Elk Fork Trail south to where it lines up again with the southern extent of section 36. A copy of the order can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/ shoshone/alerts-notices, under “special orders.” For more information, go to facebook.com/ ShoshoneNationalForestOfficial. It is a new page so typing in the URL is recommended to avoid unofficial pages.

A Wyoming Department of Transporta-

tion asphalt paving crew is scheduled for hot-mix patching work beginning Monday, Aug. 19, in Big Horn County. All work is dependent upon favorable weather conditions.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work is scheduled on U.S. Highway 14 east of Greybull (milepost 4.9) on Aug. 19. Other patching work scheduled includes

Wyoming 434 south of Ten Sleep (milepost 17.9) on Aug. 20-21; Wyo. Highway 431 southeast of Meeteetse (milepost 17) on Aug. 22; U.S. Highway 20 south of Worland (mileposts 162.5, 154.9 and 153.3) on Aug. 26-27; and U.S. Highway 20 near Kirby (milepost 146.7) on Aug. 28. More than 109 tons of hot-mix patching asphalt will be placed during the twoweek mobile highway patching operation.

The WYDOT patching operation consists of a patching crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling hot asphalt pavement.

“Please obey posted speed limits during the patching operation, and obey flaggers and traffic control for safety’s sake. Drivers should expect short delays,” said WYDOT North District 5 Paving Foreman Shannon Armstrong of Basin.

INSURANCE HEALTH INSURANCE 101- TIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Becoming an adult can be intimidating.

There’s paying bills, living on your own, and setting up your own health care for the first time. After years of going to a doctor chosen by your parents, it can be confusing to know what to do when it is time to take charge of your own health. If you are looking at signing up for health insurance through an employer or looking for a plan on your own, the amount of options can be overwhelming.

First, let’s discuss some terms. The following terms will be important to know when comparing plans and prices.

Deductible- the amount you owe for health care services before your health plan starts to pay.

Premium-the amount you pay for your health insurance every month.

Copay- a fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service.

Coinsurance- is the percentage you will pay

for covered health services after you have met your annual deductible.

Provider- a licensed health care facility, program, agency, doctor or health professional that delivers health care services.

In-network providers- are providers that have a contract with your insurer to provide services for plan members at a certain cost.

Out of network providers- are providers that are not contracted with your insurer to accept negotiated prices. This means that you may have to pay more or the full amount for services received from an out of network provider.

Out of Pocket Maximum- is the total amount of deductibles/coinsurance that you will be responsible for before the plan pays 100% of eligible charges.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)- The ACA was a law enacted in 2010 to increase health insurance coverage for the uninsured. Marketplace- the Health Insurance Market-

place, is a federal government service that helps people, families and small businesses compare and enroll in ACA health insurance plans.

Qualified Health Plan (QHP)- is an insurance plan that meets the requirements of the ACA and is certified by the Health Insurance Marketplace, provides essential health benefits (EHBs), follows established limits on costs sharing, and meets other requirements outlined within the application process.

Major Medical Plans- are plans that are typically offered through the Marketplace or employers. This type of insurance covers the majority of health care services and procedures you might encounter in a given year. It includes preventive care, emergency room and urgent care.

Supplemental Care Plans- are plans that can help pay for healthcare costs that aren’t covered by your primary health insurance. Some examples of supplemental plans would be vision, dental, disability, long-term or short-term care. Supplemental plans must provide a disclosure saying it is not major medical and will not cover all health costs.

Now, how do you find the right coverage? You may have an employer that offers health care coverage. In these instances, meet with your Human Resources Representative to discuss what is offered. You should specifically ask about coverage related to the terms above. For instance, what will be your deductible? What is the monthly premium? Do they have a list of in-network providers? A lower deductible may result in higher premiums, so can you afford a higher deductible? Your employer HR representative can help you with all of these questions. Maybe you are turning 26, and no longer qualify for coverage under your parent/ guardians plan and you don’t have the option of an employer plan. In this situation, it is good to discuss options with an individual that specializes in health insurance. In Wyoming, you can reach out to Enroll WY. They can help you understand what marketplace insurance is and why it is the best solution for those who qualify. They can also help you get a quote on what insurance will cost

and navigate the marketplace application process. https://enrollwyo.org/ Perhaps Medicaid is an option. Medicaid is based on your household income, family size and other factors. You can reach out to the Wyoming Department of Health for more information on the Medicaid program. Call 1-855-294-2127 to apply for these benefits.

Other health insurance options maybe coverage directly from an insurance company. There are many agents and brokers in Wyoming that could assist you with finding coverage. The Department of Insurance has a health insurance shoppers guide and a “what to ask when shopping for health insurance” guide. You can find these at https://doi.wyo.gov/consumers Most importantly, not all plans are the same. Do not assume that all insurers offer the same coverage. There are many different plans that cover many different health issues and situations. The most important thing you can do is READ THE PLAN. If you do not understand the plan, ask questions and keep asking until you are sure you understand the coverage. You may also come across information that sounds like a health plan, but it is not insurance. An example would be Health Care Sharing Ministries. They offer coverage through membership. When health care expenses arise you can request that the ministry or other members share part of the cost. However, the ministry is not legally obligated to pay for your health care costs. Finally, going for the cheapest plan may seem like a good idea, but if it doesn’t cover what you need, it can be premium payments wasted. If you have a high deductible you should be prepared and able to pay that amount. The shoppers guide at the DOI link above can help you walk through and determine what you need for healthcare coverage.

Shopping for insurance can be a bit overwhelming. However with some help from the resources available to you, you can find a plan that will provide the right coverage when you need it.

Wyoming state parks see second highest visitation ever in 2023

CHEYENNE (WNE) — With Wyoming boasting the fourth fastest growing outdoor economy in the nation, 2023 visitation numbers at State Parks and Historic Sites reflect that upward trend.

Last year’s total visitation of nearly 5.3 million was the second largest in history and reflected an increase of approximately 54,000 over 2022. Those numbers are only surpassed by visitation registered during 2021, when outdoor recreation exploded due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, visitation to both state parks and historic sites saw an increase of 1% over 2022 numbers and a 2% increase over the five-year average. The continued growth of state park visitation during the past several years is an indicator that the efforts of staff to implement infrastructure improvements and new programming are working. The Cowboy State’s park system continues to provide innovative recreational and educational programming during recent years that have proven to be extremely popular. These

programs, ranging from hikes to bird and wildlife presentations to stargazing events, and many others, continue to draw both local and out-of-state visitors to the parks.

“Wyoming’s outdoor recreation and tourism economies continue to play a critical role in the state’s economic vitality and quality of life of our residents and visitors,” said Patrick Harrington, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, in a news release.

“We are fortunate to live in a state that recognizes these

benefits and that continues to inspire folks from around the world to experience and enjoy Wyoming’s great outdoors.”

During 2023, nine out of 15 state parks registered an increase in visitation compared to 2022, while 13 of 16 historic sites saw an increase.

Hot Springs State Park once again led the way in overall visitation with more than 1.5 million.

To learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites and/or to view visitation statistics, visit wyoparks.org.

Primary election polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

from Page 1 ›

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Fueled in part by a highly watched race between Congressional contenders then-U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and then-challenger/now-U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Park County saw a recordbreaking turnout of 12,366 voters during the 2022 primary election. However, turnout in the primary is typically lower in the presidential election years. For example, only about 8,800 people — or 38% of the adult population — participated in the 2020 primary. The Tribune will provide live coverage of Park County’s election results on powelltribune. com and X (formerly Twitter), starting shortly after 7 p.m.

A blue Chevy Bel-Air showed up to the car show catching the attention of the Onstine family and Jason Showalter (right.) From left, Willie Onstine, Travis Onstine, Gracie Onstine and Showalter. Photos courtesy Nate Johnston

Shawn Bagley of Rexburg, Idaho looks down on the crowd while flying a P-51 named the Mormon Mustang.

Kayla James signals Ford and Chevy trucks to get ready ahead of their drag race. While the American flag stands tall between them.

THE GOOD OLD BOYS

The middle of August brought strong scores on the course for the Good Old Boys, with the game of week being scratch and scramble.

A four man team adds their net scores together and divides by four.

Nice weather and a good day at the Powell Golf Club produced strong scores for the Good Old Boys, resulting in a tight race for the scratch and scramble.

That resulted in first place for Dave Frost, Dennis McCollum, Rhett Wolff and Larry Hedderman with a score of 76.25. Just behind with a score of 76.5 was the quartet of Todd Smith, Paul Devoss, Ray Nelson and Randy Mair. Continuing the close contest with a 76.75 in third place was the team of Doug Firth, Joe Comer, Cas Seago and Bob Mason.

Rounding out the team scores with a 79.75 was the team of Steve Burtoft, Buddy Rae, Clark Jeffs and Marc Saylor.

Two deuces were carded, both on hole No. 8 by Nelson and Frost.

The low net was a three way tie between McCollum, Seago and Devoss at 73.

Firth had the low gross with a 75.

PHS GOLF IMPRESSES AT HOME TOURNAMENT

HEADS TO LANDER THURSDAY, FRIDAY

| BY SETH ROMSA Tribune sports reporter

Powell was the site for the opening golf tournament in the north part of Wyoming, with 10 teams converging on the Powell Golf Club to compete on Wednesday and Thursday.

A late afternoon rain storm halted play just before 18 holes were competed the first day, but better weather on Thursday allowed teams to play a full round.

Leading the way for the Powell boys was Trey Scott, who finished with a 78 to tie for eighth place.

should give him a great deal of confidence moving forward.” Just behind Scott was Cody Fisher, who finished with an 80 to take 16th place.

“Cody also spent a lot of time on the course this summer and it paid off with an excellent opening round,” Hildebrand said. “To start his sophomore season like this is exactly what he needed and what we were hoping for as a team.” Third place for the Panthers went to Jackson Hill, who finished in a tie for 35th with an 87.

“ Trey did a really good job of getting on the course this summer and I was super happy to see him shoot his first round under 80 in competition.”

Troy Hildebrand Coach

“Trey did a really good job of getting on the course this summer and I was super happy to see him shoot his first round under 80 in competition during the first tournament of his senior year,” coach

Troy Hildebrand said. “This

“Jackson had some struggles with his putter during his round but was still able to keep it in the upper 80s which really speaks to his growth and maturity as a player,” Hildebrand said. “He’s seen all of the courses that we will play up until state and I expect him to post some excellent scores in the next few weeks.”

Fourth on the scoresheet was

See PHS Golf, Page 12 ›

Trapper volleyball set for home opener this Thursday

|BY SETH ROMSA Tribune sports reporter

T

hree weeks of preparation and practice will come to fruition this week on the court for the Northwest College volleyball team, kicking off the 2024 season Thursday and Friday in Cabre Gym.

A mix of strong returning sophomores and talented incoming freshmen has coach Scott Keister pleased with how the team has been training so far, displaying an abundance of talent early in the season.

“This is a definite upgrade from last year where we have a deep bench,” Keister said. “We’re trying to decide a lineup this week and we’ve got some tough decisions because we’re so deep. Tough for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones. It’s not the lesser of two evils, we’ve got three or four good ones per position.”

The Trappers hope to learn from their experiences last year, after Northwest finished 9-22 and missed postseason action in Region IX.

Having nine players back from last year’s roster has paid dividends for the Trappers early. Keister said that the returning sophomores have shown strong leadership from the jump, but that doesn’t mean that the freshmen haven’t had their voices heard.

“We make a big emphasis on freshmen having a voice as

well,” Keister said. “We have some good freshmen that have come in and if they just sit in the shadows then they aren’t going to help us. The sophomores are doing a really nice job of leading

but also allowing them [freshmen] to have a voice and lead in their own way and bring their strengths to the team.”

He said the sophomores this year were able to learn from the

sophomores last year, with the team continuing to reflect year after year on what needs to be done to improve the program. Keister is hopeful they can continue doing that each year.

“Each year we talk about, ‘if you could go back and change things a little bit to be better.’ We came up with a list of what those things were and they are implementing them,” he said.

“Hopefully each year we are getting better and better at fine-tuning that and making the experience a little better.”

Throughout training camp Keister said that the team has remained relatively healthy, with only a couple of small injuries affecting the Trappers to this point.

“We have got the typical dings and bruises and stuff like that but nothing major so far,” Keister said.

He said that the team has been narrowing down what players will be starting the first matches this week saying last week he was hopeful they would be able to reach that decision on Monday in order to train the lineup and rotation before the first match.

“Everything up until this point has been trying to figure out our lineup. On Monday morning it’s going to be set for what it is on Thursday and we’ll train that lineup and shift the focus from trying to figure it out to training that lineup the best it can be for opening day,” Keister said.

He said making that decision should help the girls to understand what their role is better

Diving camp  teaches wide range of athletes

| BY SETH ROMSA Tribune sports reporter

Divers old and new converged on the Powell Aquatic Center to wrap up July, with Powell High School coaches Stephanie Warren and Heather Christensen teaming up to help train the next generation of Panther divers.

“It is always great to see young divers step up to the board,” Warren said.

boys’ teams. Over the past three years we have graduated between 25-30 swimmers and divers between girls and boys with not a lot of kids joining swimming and diving in high school,” Warren said.

“ It is always great to see young divers step up to the board.”

Stephanie Warren Coach

“They enjoy learning, watching and getting to be with the older divers. They learn a lot from the drills we do, and they learn even more by watching the older divers do the drills also. We made some great progress in five days.”

Throughout the week the pool saw divers all the way from middle school through the end of high school, as both the boys and girls teams are looking to replace graduates over the past several years.

“We are needing both swimmers and divers on both the girls’ and

“We have smaller teams and there is always room for more divers and swimmers. There are points to be won in diving that can help the swim teams do better and have more depth.” Warren and Christensen taught the newest divers the basics of diving while working together to help the experienced divers continue growing before next season, as Warren noted she loves coaching next to one of her former students.

“I always

Emery Hernandez led the Panther girls in their home opener, tying for eighth place after shooting a 96 at the Powell Golf Club on Thursday. Tribune photo by Seth Romsa

Autumn Kleinfeldt stands at the end of the diving board and receives instruction from Powell High School diving coaches Heather Christensen (center) and Stephanie Warren during the Panther diving camp in late July. Tribune photo by Seth Romsa

Jordynel Anderson spikes a ball during practice in Cabre Gym last Thursday. Anderson is one of nine returning players from last year’s Trappers as they prep for a home season opener on Thursday. Tribune photo by Seth Romsa

KALYN

JILLIAN NORDBERG

Hosted by the NWC Alumni

Continued from Page 9 ›

Julian Frost, who posted a 97 for his lone round to take 50th.

“Julian has played football the past couple fall seasons but posted some solid rounds in the spring and decided to join us this fall,” Hildebrand said. “He is a player that has a lot of potential and it will be important to get him playing his best golf over the few weeks we have before state.”

The final scoring for Powell came from a freshman, as Knox Johnson finished with an even 100 to tie for 55th.

“This was Knox’s first event of his career as a freshman and I was very pleased with his play over both days,” Hildebrand said. “He’ll be learning a lot about new courses and tournament golf over the season but this was an excellent way to get things started.”

Also for Powell, Jace Harris, shot a 101 to tie for 57th; Ryder Stewart shot a 113 to tie for 61st; Carter Fauskee shot a 115 to tie for 64th; Abel Teten shot a 122 to take 68th; Renzi Matthews shot a 131 to take 70th and Orin Leatherman shot a 132 to take 71st.

Xander Clark, Kason Sherman, Gianreye D’Alassandro and Tucker Muecke each played on Wednesday before the rain ended

Continued from Page 9 ›

before the opening match on Thursday, instead of giving the opening lineup the day of the first match.

Despite a strong depth for the Trappers, Keister said he doesn’t plan to throw in a significant amount of players in the first match, signifying that practice determines who will be playing in the regular season matches.

“That’s what practice is for,” Keister said. “For sure we will throw some people in here and there, but that is what our alumni game will be for. It’s a scrimmage so we will probably play everybody a lot in that match. But when it’s game time we’re out to win that match, we always tell players that playing time is fair but not equal. You earn your spot, you get your spot, this isn’t rec ball anymore. Everybody has a role to play.”

He added that if they do have the opportunity to throw somebody into a match the Trappers are in control of then he will get them experience.

Northwest opens the season at home on Thursday, taking on Miles Community College at 2 p.m.

The Pioneers went 12-12 last year, with Keister expecting a tough test from a program that improved under head coach Robin Cusimano’s first season at the helm.

“I expect a scrappy, tough team,” Keister said. “I saw her work some magic with a small roster last year. I think she’s doing a nice job there, she got a few nice recruits in to fit her system and her style. I expect them to be scrappy, gritty and not go away. I expect a tough match which is good, we need tough matches to get ready for conference.”

Northwest will then take on an alumni team at 2 p.m. in a scrimmage on Friday before playing out of town until Sept. 12.

the round. “While they had some mixed results I was happy with how they had all played up to the stoppage and they can all take away some positives from this one,” Hildebrand said.

On the girls’ side, the Panthers were led by Emery Hernandez, who finished in a tie for eighth after shooting a 96.

“Emery played a lot of golf this summer and this was a strong way for her to begin her sophomore season,” Hildebrand said. “She will definitely be posting some rounds in the 80s this fall.”

Just one stroke behind Hernandez in 13th was Coy Erickson.

“Coy also had a great start to her season with a 97,” Hildebrand said. “She has started each season one step above where she finished the previous year and with her hard work and improved understanding of the game I expect her to make a huge step forward this fall.”

The third competitor for the Panther girls was Maddie Croft, who finished her round with a 149 to take 29th.

“This was Maddie’s first ever tournament experience and she did an excellent job both days of keeping a great attitude and finding ways to improve,” Hildebrand said. “She has

some experience with golf and along with her willingness to learn I can really see her making some great strides in her game before the state tournament.”

Individually, Hayden Overfield of Thermopolis shot a 71 to take the boys’ individual title and Camryn Wagner of Sheridan shot a 79 to take the girls’ title.

The boys’ team race went to Campbell County with a 300, with the Panthers taking fifth with a 342 as the second best 3A boys’ team behind Lander which finished with a 313.

Hildebrand said that the team score was as good as any posted by the Panthers last fall.

Sheridan ran away with the girls’ title with a 259. The Panthers took seventh with a 342 and were the third best girls’ team behind Lander (301) and Cody (319).

“As Maddie continues to gain experience I expect our score to improve fairly quickly,” Hildebrand said.

Powell now heads out on the road for the remainder of the season, starting with a trip to Fremont County this week.

That event will be in Lander, taking place on Thursday and Friday, and will be the team’s final event until after Labor Day.

Willwood Irrigation District 1306 Road 9, Powell, WY 82435

The Wyoming Water Development Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the above listed project. The Commission will also be seeking information as to whether the proposed project functions and services can be served by any person, association or corporation engaged in private enterprise.

Representatives of the Water Development Commission, the project engineering team, and the project sponsor may be present to explain the proposed project and to record comments.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, special assistance or alternate formats will be made available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

For more information contact: Wyoming Water Development Office 6920 Yellowtail Road, Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7626

picked up with a new group of kids.” Warren is hopeful that the kids were able to grow a love and excitement for the sport.

“We hope they pick up an excitement for the sport and they gain the confidence to join the middle school and high school teams,” Warren said. “We can teach skill and technique to anyone, but the kids who have an excitement for it and love a challenge are the ones who pick it up the quickest.”

Coaching for nearly 30 years has meant a lot for Warren, who has taught kids of all lev-

els over the years and hopes to continue growing the sport.

“I have coached these teams since 1997; I have had teams of seven divers and a team with one,” Warren said. “Diving is a great sport for kids who like a bit of an adrenaline rush, those who like to challenge themselves both physically and mentally in many ways. It is important that we can bring strong divers to the PHS teams to help with the depth of the overall team.”

She said that her prior experience diving herself helped her confidence in school, feeling that it “helps develop great character in kids.”

She said that swimming and diving is a team sport, but the individual nature of the sport also helps kids get the best of both worlds.

“Swimming and diving is a team sport, but it is also an individual sport and that is what I liked the most about it,” Warren said. “Kids can have the best of both worlds. I think it is important for kids to have opportunities to be in sports that can offer both pieces like that.”

The PHS girls’ swim and dive team kicked off practice Monday morning and the first competition will be over Labor Day weekend in Lander.

Continued from Page 9 ›

Aidann Mottishaw of Idaho Falls, Idaho, is one of six incoming freshmen for the Trapper volleyball team, and will look to make her mark at the setting position this season. Tribune photo by Seth Romsa

Cody Fisher had a strong round to open his sophomore season, finishing with an 80 on Thursday as the Panther boys finished fifth as a team. Tribune photo by Seth Romsa

Parkinson’s Bootcamp

|

BY BRADEN SCHILLER Tribune staff writer

D

uring the first annual Parkinson’s Bootcamp on Aug. 5-7, patients and their loved ones were able to put all the pieces together.

The three-day bootcamp, with 10 patients from Powell and Cody and their caregivers or loved ones, was a multidisciplinary effort out of Powell Valley Healthcare with speech-language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy all working together to educate patients living with Parkinson’s.

Occupational Therapist Kinsey Baxter was not prepared to see the improvements she did out of thetrio of threehour sessions.

“I think just seeing small improvements from being able to get up from chairs in three days and take bigger steps,” Baxter said.

The idea first came about after an article was published to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Speech Language Pathologist Brittany Asay said.

“There was an article about a similar program at a university, and they called it Parkinson’s bootcamp, and it was multidisciplinary and just seemed like a really good service for the community,” she said.

There was a need in the com-

munity for a program like this, Asay said, and LSVT-BIG, used by physical and occupational therapists for patients with Parkinson’s and SPEAK OUT!, used by speech pathologists, could be combined.

“If [doctors are] more concerned about movement, they’ll send [them to us]. If they’re more concerned

about speech, they’ll send them to Brittany, and then this way, they could see all of us hopefully, and get exposure to what we have to offer,” Baxter said.

Daily tasks included fine motor, gross motor and speech.

“I think the benefit is it gets us closer to everyday real life, like the functionality that’s true of what

you experience at home and in the community versus in the therapy setting, that is just voice exercises, when in reality you’re walking and talking, or you’re cooking, chopping and talking,” Asay said.

Each day was broken into a different discipline. Monday focused on occupational therapy, Tuesday focused on physical therapy and Wednesday focused on speech therapy.

“I think the purpose of the bootcamp, and what we hope that they would benefit from, is a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary exercises, so things like walking and talking or doing fine motor things and talking really functional things that we do every day, that we take for granted, you know, becoming more knowledgeable about all the different things that the therapist can provide,” Asay said.

PVHC dietician Tina Braet-Thomas also spoke with patients during the bootcamp.

The idea, Baxter said, is to have education from different areas, like what Braet-Thomas provided. In the coming years Baxter hopes to have even more people coming in to provide information during the bootcamp, “but it was cool because she was kind of like a guest speaker with even more knowledge about it,” she said.

They already have ideas for next year, and both Baxter and Asay were impressed by what came out of this year’s bootcamp.

Those who have questions regarding treatment can ask their doctor to refer them to speech therapy or to physical and occupational therapy through North Platte PVHC/Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Jolene Grau, a student at Northwest College, was recently awarded a Program for Continuing Education (PCE) grant from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was sponsored by P.E.O. Chapter P of Powell.

The PCE was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the U.S. and Canada, whose education has been interrupted, to return to school to complete a degree that will improve their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or their families.

Grau is pursuing an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) degree. A Powell native and mother of three, Grau has been serving our local community as a CNA for a number of years as a stepping stone to reach her ultimate career goal of being a registered nurse. Grau has always loved helping people.

“In the medical field, folks always need a helping hand, even if it’s just holding a hand,” she said.

Grau is confident her many years of hands-on health care work will serve her nursing career well.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by disbursing over $430 million in grants, awards, scholarships and loans. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the U.S. and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education. To learn more about P.E.O., visit peointernational.org. Additionally, Grau was recently awarded a P.E.O. Chapter P Scholarship at Northwest College, plus a Ronnie Knopp Nursing Scholarship and a Cottrell Family Scholarship.

The public is invited to come see artists in action at the Cody Country Art League. Various members of the Art League will be working in its classroom/studio space over the course of the next several weeks. In addition to giving demonstrations, artists will also have a larger collection of their artwork on display available for perusal and purchase.

Wife and husband team, Denise and Aaron Connelly will be sharing their talents as the next Artists in Residence today (Aug. 20). Denise is an avid and accomplished wildlife photographer with a penchant for capturing unusual moments with her camera in the field. Aaron, nationally recognized as an accomplished sculptor of North American big game, offers collectors of fine arts limited bronze sculpture editions of wildlife.

Aug. 21-24 features Robert Nelson, a Cody pastel artist. He captures local landmarks expertly in this medium in all shapes and sizes. The next member Artist in Residence is Michael Seib, a

digital graphic artist, on Friday, Aug. 30. Seib brings to the forefront the ever-changing world of art with his colorful interpretation in this contemporary medium.

Saturday, Aug. 31, Sherry Adams will take the stage. An accomplished oil painter, her portraiture stands alone in the gallery.

Maggie Bassett, longtime CCAL member artist will be the Artist in Residence from Sept. 3-6. Her charcoal drawings have become something of a signature for her artwork. She utilizes unique tools and techniques in her paintings.

The final Artist in Residence this summer is Sonja Jackson, Sept. 9-14. She recently leapt full-time into her oil paintings. Her passion for wildlife is evident in every piece of artwork.

Cody Country Art League is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. It is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Grant recipient Jolene Grau (right) stands with Shelly Eyre Graham, current PCE chair. Courtesy photo

Kinsey Baxter, an occupational therapist with North Platte/Powell Valley Healthcare, leads a group of 10 through some movement exercises on Aug. 7 during the first annual Parkinson’s Bootcamp. The three day bootcamp focused on giving patients tools across disciplines with each day focusing on something else. From left, Jim Garry, Marc Beaudry, Frank Baner, Jerry French and Baxter. Tribune photos by Braden Schiller

Brittany Asay, speech language pathologist, walks participants through a speech exercise as part of SPEAK OUT!, a program geared towards Parkinson’s patients.

Kinsey Baxter (left), encourages Merlyn Ballinger while he works through a writing exercise. The bootcamp participants worked through physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PIONEER PLACE

SUBDIVISION PRELIMINARY PLAT

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:05am, the Park County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to consider the Preliminary Plat for Pioneer Place Subdivision, previously known as Mountain View Meadows (Applicant: Rusty Blough on behalf of landowners Dan and Sherri Willette). The applicant proposes to re-subdivide Lot 2 of the Gillett North MS-66 subdivision, thereby creating an 8-lot major subdivision comprised of six 2.50-acre lots and two 3.50-acre lots for residential use. The property is described as Lot 2, Gillette North MS-66, a 22-acre parcel in T55N, R99W of the 6th P.M., Park County, WY. The unaddressed property is located approximately 1 1/2 miles south of Powell, on the east side of Road 10, in the Powell Planning Area, in the General RuralPowell (GR-P) zoning district.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Meeting Room #105 in the Original Courthouse, 1002 Sheridan Ave., Cody, WY. Visit https:// parkcounty-wy.gov/planning-and-zoning/pzmeetingcalendar/. Anyone wishing to comment on this matter is encouraged to attend, or submit comments to the Planning & Zoning Department, 1002 Sheridan Ave., Suite #109, Cody, WY 82414 or email planning@ parkcounty-wy.gov. For more information call 307527-8540 or 307-754-8540.

First Publ., Thurs., Aug. 8, 2024

Second Publ., Tues., Aug. 20, 2024

Name change

STATE OF WYOMING ) )SS.

COUNTY OF PARK IN THE DISTRICT COURT

FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Civil Action Case No. 30964 IN THE MATTER OF THE ) CHANGE OF NAME OF ) Julie Marie Cheatham ) Petitioner

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

You are hereby notified that a Petition For Change of Name, Civil Action No. 30964, has been filed on behalf of Julie Marie Cheatham in the Wyoming District Court for the Fifth Judicial District, whose address is 1022 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414, the object and prayer of which is to change the name of the above-named person from Julie Marie Cheatham to Julie Marie Olson.

Any objection must be filed with the District Court within 30 days following the last date of publication of this notice, or an Order Granting Name Change may be granted without further notice.

645-3130.

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COMPLETE HORSE

PACKING EQUIPMENT

- Pack saddles, pads, canvas, plus hard panniers (bear resistant), meat panniers, lash ropes and cinches, much more. Contact Bill, 307-2723455, 307-272-5565.

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ONE ROLL OF 35”

NEWSPRINT for sale.

It is 35” wide and 40” in diameter. It weighs approx. 1,000 lbs. $15 for the roll of paper. Please contact Toby at the Powell Tribune, 128 S. Bent, Powell, 307754-2221.

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SAUDER HALL TREE

BENCH — heavy, 50 lbs., factory dark stained. no scratches, will need to be partially disassembled to move, 40” W, 19” deep, 5 1/2 ft. height, $75. Call 307-754-5333, leave message.

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ROADKILL BY RACKETS JeansAndaDog.com (#878) (66-66PT)

AMERICAN ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA caregiver’s support group. First and third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. in the Powell library meeting room. (82TFFT)

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP - Demential specialists lend an experienced ear to offer you hope, humor, validation and coping strategies for living or working with someone with memory loss. Caregivers, family and friends are welcome! Third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Park County Library, 1500 Heart Mountain St, Cody. For more information and to RSVP call 406-281-8455. (41TFFT)

POWELL AL-ANON is a fellowship of friends and families of alcoholics which meets on Tues. at noon and Wed. at 7:00 p.m., 146 S. Bent, Big Horn Enterprises north door. For more information call 754-4231 or 271-2556 www.wyomingal-anon.org (75TFFT)

WELCOME TO POWELL! If you’re new to the area, you get a FREE Park County Welcome Basket packed full of local business information, coupons, freebies, and more! Send an email to haleyj@wyomingwelcome.com or call/contact Haley Jones at 406-559-0355 for info on where to pick up your Park County Welcome Basket. You can also find a list of distributors on our Facebook page @ParkCountyWelcomeBaskets (45TFFT) WOULD YOU LIKE TO EARN your high school equivalency (formerly GED)? We can help! For more information, call the Northwest College Adult Education Program at 307-7546280. (15TFFT)

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NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS in Powell is meeting at 146 S. Bent St., Powell, Tues., Thurs. & Sun. at 7 pm and Sat. at 10 a.m. Virtual meeting information can also be accessed at urmrna.org and virtual-na.org Call 307-213-9434 for more info.

(21TFFT)

CODY NA MEETINGSM,W,F at 7 p.m., at 725 19th St., in basement. Virtual meeting information can be accessed at urmrna.org and virtual-na. org Call 307-213-9434 for more info.

(24TFFT)

NA MEETS IN LOVELL, Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at 1141 Shoshone Ave., Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. Call 307-213-9434 for more info.

(16TFFT)

AA MEETINGS, 146 S. Bent St., use north door in parking lot, all closed meetings, Mon., Wed., Fri., & Sat., at 7 p.m.

Women’s AA meeting Sunday at 9 a.m. Open meetings last Monday and last Friday of the month. Call 307-250-2594 for further info.

(103TFFT)

POWELL ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS meetings:

Do you think you are an alcoholic? Meetings are Mondays at noon, at 674 N. Absaroka, Newman Center. Use the Seventh Street door. Call 307-2724529 or 208-290-8460. (97TFFT)

BYRON AA 35 S.Pryor St., Basement of Byron City Hall, Fridays, 7-8 p.m. (56TFFT) DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU know need help overcoming a problem with alcohol? AA Twelve Steps for Christians meets Thursdays 7-8 PM, 215 N. Ferris. Call 254-2283 for more information.

(46TFFT)

POST ABORTION

HEALING GROUPS

Serenity PRC (307) 2135025 (Cody). (52TFFT)

HAVE YOU BEEN

AFFECTED by sui -

cide loss? A free support group, “Hope and Healing,” is held the first Tuesday of every month at YBHC, 2538 Bighorn Ave. in Cody from 6 to 7:30 pm. Call 587-2197. (17TFFT)

IMMUNIZATION CLIN -

ICS FOR children and adults are held at the Public Health Office at the Powell Annex. For appointment call 7548870. (46TFFT)

BIG BROTHERS BIG

SISTERS of Wyoming is looking for adult mentors for youth between the ages of 5 and 17. If you would like to make a difference in a child’s life, call (307) 213-3263 for more information

(98TFFT)

PARENTS WITH children who have developmental disabilities, needing information, support, or help of any kind, please contact Betty Carmon, Parent Coordinator, 754-3430.

(42TFFT)

PREGNANT? WHAT am I going to do? How can I be sure I am pregnant? How should I tell my family? Can I continue school?...keep my job? Where can I live until my baby is born? Call Care Net of Billings Woman Clinic at 406-256-7038. Give life a chance and we’ll help you every step of the way.

(83TFFT)

ARE YOU PREGNANT and planning to breastfeed? If you want information or have concerns about breastfeeding, please call Park County Public Health at 527-8570 or 754-8570.

(37TFFT)

DIGITIZE YOUR PHOTOS AND OLD MOVIES — I offer professional services to digitize and enhance prints, polaroids and VHS tapes. You can choose to receive a digital copy of your photos or order professional quality prints from me. Call or text 307-2720795 (leave voicemail), or shoot me an email at wensky.jor@gmail.com. (19TFET) REACH

with

paper. (57-57W)

THE DEVIL’S DIVERSITY JeansAndaDog.com (#908) (66-66PT)

AMERICAN ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA caregiver’s support group. First and third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. in the Powell library meeting room. (82TFFT)

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP Demential specialists lend an experienced ear to offer you hope, humor, validation and coping strategies for living or working with someone with memory loss. Caregivers, family and friends are welcome! Third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Park County Library, 1500 Heart Mountain St, Cody. For more information and to RSVP call 406-281-8455. (41TFFT)

Northwest College Financial Aid Specialists Join the dynamic team at Northwest College, where your expertise in administrative environments will play a crucial role in administering our financial aid and scholarship programs. You’ll ensure compliance while providing vital support to our students as they pursue their educational goals. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave plans, a remarkable 14.94% employer retirement contribution, and a competitive starting wage of $20.31/hour. For more information and to apply https://nwc. edu/jobs EOE BHB(66-69CT)

POWELL VALLEY LOAVES and Fishes local food bank, Park County Annex, 109 West 14th St. Food distributed Monday thru Friday, 9-11:30 a.m. Please call for appointment, 307754-8800. All non perishable, commercially processed food accepted. Please leave donations at local churches or receptacle barrels at local grocery stores. (09TFFT) AMERICAN LEGION MEETING, 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month at Post 26. (07TFFT) SAL SONS OF AMERICAN Legion meeting, 7 p.m., last Tuesday of every month at Post 26. (07TFFT)

PUBLIC NOTICES

“Because the people must know” Continued from Page 14 ›

“OUR KIDS” A SUPPORT GROUP for parents/guardians of children with special needs. 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm, call for location. Free child care provided. For information contact: Brandon Douglas 2542273, or Adrienne Harvey 754-2864. (85TFFT)

TOPS – TAKE OFF

POUNDS SENSIBLY –Powell Chapter 0169 is meeting weekly on Thursdays at the Rebekahs & Oddfellows Lodge building, at 276 S. Douglas St., Powell. Weigh ins start at 5 p.m. with meetings following at 5:15. For more information contact 1-800-932-8677. (37TFFT) PREGNANT? NOW WHAT? Free and confidential pregnancy medical clinic specializing in pregnancy diagnosis, options counseling, education and resources. Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center (307) 271-7166 in Powell. (61TFFT)

CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES is your source of help with family violence and sexual assault. All services are free and confidential. Call toll free, 24 hours a day, 877-8649688. (72TFFT)

SIGN UP FOR FREE TODAY! Free email notification option for those who routinely search public notices, need to save search criteria, print multiple notices simultaneously, or receive automatic search results daily at wyopublicnotices.com. Be in the know and monitor government actions like hearings, meetings, minutes, budgets, taxes, bids, elections, zoning, foreclosures and more in print and online published by your community newspaper, and search for free online at wyopublicnotices.com. (57-57W)

Park County School District #1 Career and Technical Education department does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of the programs available including but not limited to consumer and homemaking education, trades and industrial education, business and office education, marketing education, and agriculture education. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. The Park County School District #1 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice shall serve to advise students, parents, employees, and the general public that PCSD #1 does not discriminate in any manner because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. Park County School District #1 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information may be forwarded to the designated PCSD #1 compliance coordinators. Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA may be referred to Park County School District #1, Ginger Sleep, Title IX Coordinator, or Richard Despain, Title IX Deputy Coordinator at 160 N. Evarts, Powell Wyoming, 82435-2730, or call (307)764.6186, or the Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, U.S. Department of Education, Federal Building, Suite 310, 1244 Speer Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80204-03582, (303) 844.5695 or TDD (303)844.3417. Publ., Tues., Aug. 20, 2024

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NOTICE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION PAYMENT

POWELL AL-ANON is a fellowship of friends and families of alcoholics which meets on Tues. at noon and Wed. at 7:00 p.m., 146 S. Bent, Big Horn Enterprises north door. For more information call 754-4231 or 271-2556 www.wyomingal-anon. org (75TFThursFT)

WELCOME TO POWELL! If you’re new to the area, you get a FREE Park County Welcome Basket packed full of local business information, coupons, freebies, and more! Send an email to haleyj@wyomingwelcome.com or call/contact Haley Jones at 406-559-0355 for info on where to pick up your Park County Welcome Basket. You can also find a list of distributors on our Facebook page @ParkCountyWelcomeBaskets (24TFFThursT)

BYRON AA 35 S.Pryor St., Basement of Byron City Hall, Fridays, 7-8 p.m. (56TFFThursT)

Pursuant to Wyoming Statute, Section 16-6-116, notice is hereby given that the Northwest College is advised that:

Substantial Completion of North Cabre Parking Lot Reconstruction (base bid), Johnson Fitness Center Parking Lot, & the 7th Street crosswalks called for by publication and let by contract has been completed according to the specifications and rules set forth and was accepted on August 13th, 2024, and that the Contractor, Harris Trucking and Construction, Inc, is entitled to a financial settlement therefore. All persons, firms or corporations who have any claims for materials, supplies, or labor furnished on said project are hereby notified that this payment will be made to Contractor in accordance with the contract terms on or about September 30th, 2024. Contractor has provided a sworn statement setting forth that all claims for materials, supplies, and labor performed under the contract have been and are paid for the entire period of time for which this payment is to be made. Any disputed claims for materials, supplies, or labor are stated on the sworn statement. However, payment shall be paid without regard to

Vocal Jazz Academy returns for third year at Northwest College SYLVAN SHEEP

The third annual Vocal Jazz Academy returns to Northwest College on Saturday, Sept. 14, giving students and teachers the opportunity to spend a full day learning more about the musical genre. The workshop runs from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Nelson Performing Arts Auditorium on the NWC campus and ends with a concert at 5 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Interested participants can register at vocaljazzacademy.com/reg/ by selecting the Wyoming location. Due to a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, registration costs for the first 65 teach-

ers and students will be free, and additional registrations will be available at a discounted rate. Lunch, publisher reading packets, and mass choir music are all included in the cost.

Online pre-registration will close on Monday, Sept. 9, with walk-up registration available on Sept.14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Those seeking more information on group discounts should contact Eric Hagmann, vocal music instructor at Northwest College, at eric. hagmann@nwc.edu.

The one-day workshop features jazz reading sessions, and breakout

sessions on topics such as jazz solo singing, vocal technique in choral and jazz settings, and improvisation. Teacher round table discussions will also take place. Participants will also rehearse throughout the day as part of the Academy Mass Choir, and perform in the free concert that night, with selected solo performances by students, as well as the Northwest College Studio Singers and Sixth Street vocal jazz ensembles.

The Vocal Jazz Academy, founded by Matt Falker, is a mobile one-day event which travels around the coun-

try, with the goal of educating and connecting vocal jazz educators and students as they prepare for the new school year. Each Academy is customized to fit the needs of the local jazz community. Leading this year’s event at Northwest College are Hagmann, Powell High School choir director Rachel Schoessler, and guest director Amy Murphy. Murphy currently serves as the director of choirs at Windsor High School in Colorado and was a member of the University of Northern Colorado vocal jazz faculty for eight years prior.

She also served as managing producer of the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival, co-Director of the UNC Jazz Camp, and founded the vocal jazz ensemble at Front Range Community College. Previously a finalist for the Denver Lyric Opera Guild, Murphy also sang at the United Nations as a national finalist in classical voice for a Fulbright grant to study in Germany, where she spent a year at various locations. She performed as a guest soloist for festivals and concerts in Schwäbisch Hall and Bremen, and sang with the BachChor, Leipzig. Murphy received her B.M. in Vocal Performance and M.M.E. from the University of Northern Colorado.

Sportsman’s Guide

Bighorn sheep climb the rocks on Sylvan Pass in Yellowstone National Park in early August. Tribune photo by Mark Davis