Volume 5 Issue 16
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Two angels on wings of steel, on a mission from Christ, to help us heal.
Check Out Our Gorgeous Wedding & Travel Section On Pages 3 And 4!
Rita Meyer Named Rocky Mtn Power Vice President For Wyoming
Nothin’ Quite Like Those Wintery Shots in The Great Cowboy State Community News
Rocky Mountain Power has hired former Wyoming State Auditor, Rita Meyer, to serve as the electric utility's vice president for Wyoming.
G-Rock Library to host UW Professor - Page 2 State Election Infor for 2012 - Page 2 G-Rock Wrestlers - Page 2 2012 Flood Potential - Page 5 Birth Announcement - Page 5 Pyatt’s Pieces - Page 5
Meyer will have responsibility for overseeing Rocky Mountain Power’s Wyoming state business plan, directing customer and community relations, and supporting regulatory and legislative activities. She will maintain offices in both Casper and Cheyenne. "I'm very pleased to welcome Rita Meyer to our leadership team at Rocky Mountain Power and look forward to the positive impact she will have in serving our Wyoming customers and working together with numerous stakeholders to help shape our energy future," said Richard Walje, Rocky Mountain Power president and CEO. "Rita has already provided great value as a member of our Regional Advisory Board in representing the interests of Wyoming customers and helping to guide our decisions in the state. She brings a wealth of experience and a solid understanding of Wyoming issues to her new role with the company."
Converse County and Beyond Switzer named The Voice - Page 6 Local Rancher Voted in as Newest Commissioner - Page 6 and more.
News From The Nest - Pg 7
Bird Odd’s and Ends
David Lundahl of Casper Fire Department photographed these two beauties on the iced over Platte River in Casper. “Saw these boys on the Platte river just outside of Ft. Caspar. They were just hanging out looking at the hole in the ice and watching ALL the geese on the near side of the bank. The geese were watching them very closely!!!” Stated Lundahl. Photo copyright David Lundahl.
Meyer is a retired officer with the Wyoming Air National Guard with diverse professional experience in small business, government and military service. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming before earning her M.B.A. in International Business from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Since leaving public office, Rita has worked with Casper businessman Mick McMurry. “This year Rocky Mountain Power will celebrate 100 years of service to business and residential customers in Wyoming and I’m proud to join an organization with that kind of legacy,” Meyer said. “I fully recognize the growing regulatory challenges not just for Rocky Mountain Power but for all other utility companies as well. While I respect the difficult work ahead I am also excited about a new and unique opportunity to serve the people of Wyoming.”
Photo created Friday morning February 24th just off Boxelder road in Glenrock. Photo Jamie Lewis.
Photo created on the Blaylock Ranch outside of Glenrock. Photo copyright Wendy Blaylock Elliott.
Photo created by local artist and painter Ginny Butcher. Photo copyright Ginny Butcher
Wesley’s Way - Page 8 Cowboy Poetry - Page 8 Bunkhouse Recipes - Page 8 Straight Talk With Sassy, The Parrot and so much more in this issue of The Glenrock Bird! COMING FEB 26th - Susan Stoltz NEW COLUMN!!
Bird Business Directory Area Businesses - Page 9 Bird Classifieds - Page 9
Community Message Board
Meetings in Glenrock Where: The Senior Center East Door (thrift store entrance.) When: Monday nights from 7pm - 8pm
Bird Special Announcements!
State Election Information For 2012 Election Voters in Wyoming will elect one member to the U.S. Senate in the November 6, 2012 elections. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run is June 1, 2012. The primary elections will be held on August 21, 2012. The election will fill the Class 1 Senate seat, which is currently held by John Barrasso (R). Barrasso won a 2008 special election to the U.S. Senate, defeating Democrat Nick Carter, with 73.4% of the vote. Barrasso is running for re-election in 2012. The 2012 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Wyoming is also taking place. Voters will elect one candidate to serve in the U.S. House from the state's at-large congressional district. The incumbent heading into this election is Cynthia Lummis (R), who was first elected in 2008. Heading into the November 6 election, the Republican Party holds the one Congressional seat from Wyoming.
The Town of Rolling Hills - Where the deer and Antelope really do play! If you haven’t done so already, check out the Town of Rolling Hills great website. Chock full of information so be sure and check it out: www.rollinghillswy.org
Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate will be on the ballot as well. A total of 15 seats will be up for election.
Attention Class of 1972!
Heading into the November 6 election, the Republican Party holds the majority in the Wyoming State Senate with the Democratic party at 4 and Republicans at 26.
Request from Vickie Sturlin: The class of 1972 is planning our 40th class re-union, to be held the same weekend of Glenrock days 2012. Anyone who is from the class or knows the location of anyone from the class can contact Terry Henderson, Janet Perino, or Vickie. Vickie's email is freetime@wyomingway. com
Glenrock Library News Ohio!! Hi in Japanese from the library! Visit our Mango Foreign Language database on line. Find out how to get connected. There are over 80 languages to choose from. Learn from the comfort of your own home. This database comes to us courtesy of the state library. Board of Trustees will be meeting in Douglas on February 27 at 4:30. They meet on the third Monday of every month. The public is welcomed to join them. The library will be closed on February 28 for a staff meeting. We will open as soon as the meeting is over. Sorry for the inconvenience. February has 29 days this year!! For our patron(s) whose birthday falls on that day, enjoy your day!! Leap year comes every four years. According to the Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations’ of the World Dictionary, which can be found right here at your library, the earth actually takes longer to revolve around the sun- 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds to be precise. To balance out the earth calendar with the solar calendar an extra day is added every 4 years. The English courts didn’t recognize the day so it was “leaped over”. A bit of trivia for the day courtesy of your library!!
(teen advisory board) marshmallow eating contest is Enoch Williams! As his prize he was able to take home more of our scrumptious heart marshmallows along with a U ROCK heart!! Enjoy Enoch!! The winner of our “guess the number of hearts in our jar” contest is James Huck! James was 1 of 44 who tried their deducing skills to come up with a number to win the jar of candied hearts!! James will have the pleasure of consuming all 319 candied hearts!! Thanks to all who made Love My Library Week fun!! For Read Me A Story February 25- March 3: A. Lincoln and Me by Louise Borden. March 3- March 10: We’re Going On a Lion Hunt by Margery Cuyler. Pick up the phone and dial 436-2353 to listen to a great story!! We’re on the web at http:wyldweb.state.wy.us/ glen or at www.conversecountylibrary.org. Our phone number is 436-2573. Fax number is 436-8525. Be sure to “friend” us on Facebook!! Just look up Glenrock Library
Elections will also be held for the office of Wyoming House of Representatives . All 60 seats will be up for election. Heading into the November 6 election, the Republican Party holds the majority in the Wyoming House of Representatives with the Democratic party at 10 and the
Republican party at 50. in other statewide elections, three measures are certified for the 2012 ballot in Wyoming. • All three are legislatively-referred constitutional amendments and are scheduled to appear on the November 6, 2012 statewide ballot. • Topics considered: health care, hunting, judicial reform. •2012 state legislative session began on February 13, 2012 and is scheduled to end on March 9, 2012. Legislative referrals can be sent to the 2012 ballot during this time. The three measures on the Ballot are as follows: Health Care Amendment Would amend the state constitution regarding the federal Affordable Health Care Act. Hunting Rights Amendment Would preserve citizens' rights to hunt and fish. District Court Amendment
Commissioners
Judicial reform Would allow district court commissioners to act even if the district court judge is present Wyoming's Converse County Election information is not available at this time but should be available in the March 11 issue of The Glenrock Bird Newspaper. Lucile Taylor of Douglas, Wyoming is the County Clerk and serves as the Chief Election Official for the County and, as such, performs a variety of duties. These duties are done in conformance with and as defined in the Wyoming State Statutes, Title 22.
Please visit www.conversecounty. org for more information. Please go to http://soswy.state. wy.us/ for complete information on the laws affecting elections. Primary and general elections are held on even numbered years and occur in August and November respectively. A person may register to vote not less than 30 days before an election, at a primary election, at a general election, or as provided by W.S. 22-3-117, based on satisfying certain qualifications. Prior to Election Day, new voters can register at the County Clerk's Office or the Town Clerk's Offices in Douglas, Glenrock or Rolling Hills. In order to register to vote, a person must be a United States Citizen, 18 years of age on the day of the next election, a resident of Converse County, not currently adjudicated mentally incompetent, and has not been convicted of a felony. Persons wishing to register to vote must provide some form of identification. Any qualified elector may apply for an absentee ballot either in person, in writing, or by telephone, by furnishing the following information: name in full, social security number (optional), date of birth, and residence by street, city, county and zip code. On occasion, additional information may be requested. Absentee ballots for a primary or general election must be received in the County Clerk's Office by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election in order to be counted.
Glenrock Wrestling Club Travels to Sheridan For Folkstyle Tourney Submitted by Karie Moulton On February 12th the Glenrock Wrestling Club had six members travel to Sheridan to compete in their Folkstyle Tournament. Dakohta Reynolds placed 4th in the Novice 75lb bracket. Zane Moore placed 3rd in the Novice 80lb bracket. Charles Kidd placed 5th in the Novice 80lb bracket. Derrick Robinson placed 3rd in the Novice 130lb bracket. Cody Pinkerton placed 1st in the Novice 130lb bracket. Kayla Likes placed 4th in the Schoolboy/girl 120lb bracket. On February 19th Cody Pinkerton traveled to Rawlins and took home 2nd place in the Novice 120lb bracket.
Candidates running for any office - whether partisan or non partisan - can access http://soswy. state.wy.us/default.aspx to obtain a wealth of information regarding elections. Links will take you to various other sites where you can obtain forms for filing, filing deadlines, etc.
G-Rock Library To Host UW Professor For Lecture on Democracy in the Middle East Leap Into Learning About Current Events:
The Glenrock library will be hosting a lecturer, speaker Dr. Seth Ward of the University of Wyoming, on March 15, 2012. This may be the beginning of a community dialog on the situation in the Middle East. A representative of the Wyoming Humanities Council, Professor Ward will present his lecture entitled: “Democracy and Religion in the Middle East,” explained on the Humanities Forum website thus: “Much of US Middle East policy has been driven by a discourse about democracy. The notion of establishing greater democracy in the region is usually seen as crucial to American security. The role of religion in Middle Eastern politics is puzzling to many Americans, and the political systems are little understood.” The community of Glenrock has a fantastic opportunity to hear an informed perspective on the situation in the Middle East and how it could possibly affect us here in the States. A Yale university graduate, Ward has been on the faculty of the University of Wyoming since 2003. Before that, Ward spent
ten years directing the Institute for IslamicJudaic Studies at the University of Denver. Ward undertook additional studies at the Hebrew University and at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Ward spent six years teaching at the University of Haifa in Israel. An expert in Islamic and Judaic studies, Ward has been widely published in scholarly journals and spends his 'free' time visiting Wyoming communities to talk about the situation in the Middle East. Glenrock library was fortunate enough to book this speaker at the last minute and his lecture on the state of democracy in the Middle East looks to answer questions as well as raise some. Everyone, young, old and inbetween, is welcome to attend the lecture that will take place on March 15, 2012 at 6 P.M. at the Glenrock Library. A profes-
UW Professor Seth Ward
sional speaker and acclaimed professor on current events in the Middle East, the topic of so much talk these last few weeks, Seth Ward's appearance at the library is an opportunity not to be missed. Refreshments will be served.
The winner of the TAB
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 2
Converse County’s Premier Travel Section brought to you by The Glenrock Bird
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 3
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 4
Wyoming Enters the Drug Testing Fray
2012 Snowmelt Flood Potential Snow water equivalents (SWEs) across Wyoming showed some improvement during January; but by early February, SWEs continued to be below average across the majority of western, central, and southern Wyoming headwater watersheds. Headwater creeks and streams along the Shoshone, Powder, and Tongue Drainages continued to have above normal snowpack “water” numbers by early February. The Spring 2012 snowmelt flood potential outlook calls for: Moderate potential for snowmelt runoff flooding along headwater locations along the Powder (Clear and Rock Creeks), Tongue (Little and Big Goose Creeks), and
eastern Big Horn (Shell Creek, Tensleep Creek, and Nowood River) Watersheds... Low to Moderate potential for snowmelt runoff flooding is also expected along the Little Snake River and its headwater streams (to include Savery Creek)... Low to Moderate potential for headwater snowmelt flooding is expected across northern (upper sections) and southern Wind River Basin (Popo Agie River) and the Shoshone River Basin (North and South Forks)... All other headwater locations across Wyoming can expect a generally low potential for flooding due to springtime snowmelt...
According to Russ Dalgarn of Converse County EMA ; “based on the state hydrological forecast we are at a “low risk” at this time from the headwaters of the North Platte drainage through to Glendo. The spring snow storms we get are the ones that produce the most water content. They will update their forecast again next month (March) at this same time.” A meeting scheduled in Lander on the 28th of March will be held for Emergency Managers to discuss what the latest forecast is at that time.
Birth Announcement y! o B It’s a
Don, Megan, and little Donnie Taylor would all like to announce the birth of their newest family member, William Shay Taylor! He was born on January 15, 2012 at 3:32 pm at the Wyoming Medical Center. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 20.5 inches long! “THANK YOU LORD FOR ANOTHER MIRACLE!! God Bless!” -Love, Mom, Dad and Little Danny
After years of political wrangling and debates over drug testing welfare recipients, at least seven states have passed or are in the process of introducing legislation that would mandate drug testing for welfare beneficiaries. Last year Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill requiring welfare recipients to undergo drug testing. “While there are certainly legitimate needs for public assistance, it is unfair for Florida taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction,” Scott argued. “This new law will encourage personal responsibility, and well help to curb the misuse of tax dollars.” Of course, the ACLU was on duty to oppose the measure. In October, 2011, a Federal judge temporarily barred the law from be enacted. In Hoosier land, the Indiana House had earlier in January, 2012 approved a measure, 81-15 requiring drug testing for welfare recipients. However, the measure stalled in the state’s health committee over concerns raised about the estimated 1 million dollar start-up cost. To pass the measure, the minority Democrats pushed a measure requiring legislators to submit to drug testing before receiving any perks such as a parking spot or a laptop computer. Their mantra: the poor shouldn’t be the sole target of drug testing. A similar bill stalled in Georgia on the grounds that it unduly impacted the poor and that the costs were prohibitive, and that its sponsors failed to prove the cost versus efficacy claim. More heat than light was generated in the scrum. As Wyoming’s House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee, by a vote of 6 to 3, endorsed HB 82, the sponsors of the bill maintained that its purpose was to enable people with drug problems to get help. Its opponents countered it lacked funds for such treatment. Those who tested positive would be ineligible for state aid for a month. Not surprisingly, Linda Burt, Wyoming ACLU, urged the committee to reject the bill, claming that it unconstitutionally targets the poor. Most of us believe if your “hand’s out” it had better be “clean.” The program affected, POWER, is the state’s version of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF. According to the State
DFS, about 330 residents of Wyoming are getting aid at any given time. More than half of the benefits got to the “child only cases” for children who either live with a relative or have a parent who gets social security income. The child’s parent or caregiver, who accepts the benefit on their behalf, would also be subject to the proposed test, prompting some detractors to shout “foul”, and pose the question, “Are we going to drug test Granny?” (To be fair, that would include Gramps) Representative James Byrd, Democrat, Cheyenne, a vociferous opponent of the measure, believes that Wyoming shouldn’t get caught up into the national trend. “I think we are above that thing in Wyoming.” Still many believe that drug testing is long overdue and the current bill doesn’t go far enough. Linda Burt was quoted, “Being poor is not a crime.” However, using illegal drugs is a crime, and many agree protecting children’s safety trumps such inane pontificating. Keith Gingery, Republican, Jackson, was quoted in the Casper Star Tribune, “If I’m an idiot, and I’m taking drugs, does that affect my kids?” The “golden tongued” orator makes a salient point. Opponents label the bill as “mean spirited, and that it is unlikely to save money in the end. Such a utilitarian and morally vapid argument overlooks the value of such timely intervention that a drug test provides. Feigned deflectors remind us that the loss of funds only injures the children. But, absent a drug test, how else do we know truly that drugs are being used in that child’s world? Do we know the long term affects on those children reared in such a toxic environment? And, don’t give me this “constitutional right to use children with drugs” lunacy. Is HB 82 perfect? No, but it is, however, a right start. What do you think?
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Oregon Trail Rural Health Clinic provides quality basic medical care to the communities of Glenrock and Rolling Hills. Unlike other Rural Health Clinics, Oregon Trail is part of Memorial Hospital of Converse County, one of the most trusted healthcare providers in the area. Memorial Hospital operates Oregon Trail RHC as an extension of care. The clinic is connected to the hospital by a dedicated high-speed network, and more importantly, dedicated providers who ensure their patients receive the best possible care. Our clinic, combined with some of the most respected healthcare providers in the area, creates a unique healthcare experience for Glenrock and its neighbors. In addition to stuffy noses, sore throats, and wellness exams, the clinic staff also perform EKG’s, minor surgery procedures, women’s health services, blood tests, physicals, and much more. Carla Bloem, PA-C, and her team provide healthcare services Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM; closed over the noon hour.
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Glenrock resident Carla Bloem is a Certified Physician’s Assistant trained and licensed to practice medicine in Wyoming under the supervision of Memorial Hospital doctors. Carla has been treating family and friends in Glenrock for more than a decade. Her background in medicine and love for Carla Bloem, PA-C small town living provides Glenrock area residents the perfect mix of Advanced Medicine and Hometown Care. Carla’s experience, combined with the clinic’s diagnostic services, ensures Glenrock area residents have access to basic health services close to home. In addition to Carla, Dr. Brian Retherford— Memorial Hospital’s Board Certified obstetrician and gynecologist—also sees patients at Oregon Trail Rural Health Clinic. Dr. Retherford is trained in a broad array of women’s reproductive health issues as well as all aspects of pregnancy healthcare. He Dr. Brian Retherford performs yearly gynecological checks and deals with common women’s disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, urinary incontinence, and menstrual problems. Dr. Retherford also performs minimally invasive surgeries for gynecological disorders.
oregon trail
of Converse County
Rural Health Clinic
Advanced Medicine. Hometown Care.
Advanced Medicine. Hometown Care.
111 South 5th Street ~ Douglas, Wyoming
525 E. Birch St. ~ Glenrock, Wyoming
307-358-2122
307-436-8838
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 5
Wyoming Supreme Court Censures Attorney CHEYENNE – Utah attorney and Wyoming State Bar member Jeffery C. Metler received a formal public censure by order of the Wyoming Supreme Court on February 23, 2012. Metler purchased several advertisements in the Sweetwater County telephone directory which indicated that he was “recently seen in Forbes magazine as THE leading personal injury lawyer in the Central United States.” The ads included an emblem indicating that Metler was “LEADING PROVIDERS – 2011 CERTIFIED – CENTRAL U.S.” The Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct regulate the conduct of Wyoming attorneys and include specific rules applicable to lawyer advertising. Metler violated Rule 7.2(b), which prohibits lawyers from making a communication which is likely to create an unjustified expectation about results the lawyer can
achieve. Metler also violated Rule 7.4(d), which prohibits a lawyer from claiming to be certified as a specialist in a particular field of law unless specific requirements have been met. Two of the ads violated the type size requirement for the disclaimer required by Rule 7.2(g), and the third was missing the disclaimer altogether. None of the ads contained Metler’s office address, as required by Rule 7.2(e). Metler stipulated to these facts and consented to this discipline. The Board of Professional Responsibility approved the stipulation, recommending that the Wyoming Supreme Court publicly censure him. After reviewing the report and recommendation, the Wyoming Supreme Court entered its order publicly censuring Metler and requiring him to pay the costs of the Wyoming State Bar for prosecuting this matter.
Registration Period For Existing Bear Bait Sites Begins March 1 Black bear hunters who want to use bait for the upcoming bear seasons are advised that the registration period for existing bear bait sites begins March 1, 2012. Those who had bait sites registered in 2011 can register the same sites between March 1 and March 20. The registration period is closed from March 21 – 31 this year. Hunters can renew existing bait sites by telephone, mail, fax, in person or through a representative. Bait sites are registered for the year and cannot be changed until the following year. Registration of unclaimed bait sites begins on Monday, April 2, at 8 a.m. at Game and Fish regional offices on a first come, first served basis. Unclaimed bait sites must be registered in person or through a representative. Bear hunters must have a 2012 black bear license to register a bait site and no bear bait may be placed on state, federal or Game and Fish lands without first registering the
bait site. Each bear hunter is allowed two bait sites, but only one bait per section. Baits cannot be placed more than seven days before opening day of archery season and must be removed within seven days after the close of the season. For more information, black bear hunters should pick up a copy of the current black bear hunting regulations at any license selling agent. Regulations are also available on the Game & Fish Department’s web page at http://gf.state. wy.us. For additional information call the Jackson Regional Office at (800) 423-4113 in state or (307) 733-2321 out of state. For the Pinedale Regional Office call (800) 452-9107 in state or (307) 367-4353 out of state. For Lander Regional Office call (800) 6547862 in state or (307) 332-2688 out of state. ~WGFD~
BLM Selects Proposed Wild Horse Ecosanctuary on Private Land For Environmental Review As part of an ongoing effort to reform its national Wild Horse and Burro Program, the Bureau of Land Management announced today that it has selected for environmental review a private land site proposed as the location for a wild horse ecosanctuary. The selection of the to-be-reviewed site, a private ranch in southeastern Wyoming 30 miles west of Laramie, means that the BLM will conduct an environmental assessment of the site under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to determine the proposed ecosanctuary’s environmental viability. The BLM expects its NEPA analysis of the private land described in the ecosanctuary proposal to be completed in three to six months, after which the agency will make a decision about whether to enter into a formal partnership with the private landowner. The proposed 250-horse ecosanctuary would help the BLM feed and care for excess wild horses that have been removed from Western public rangelands; the facility would also be publicly accessible while providing potential ecotourism opportunities. The Bureau’s selected proposal came from Richard Wilson, owner of a more than 4,000-acre ranch situated in Wyoming’s Centennial Valley, a summer and winter recreational area that encompasses the town of Centennial, located on Highway 130. In all, 19 parties submitted private land eco-
sanctuary proposals to the BLM in response to its Request for Applications posted on www.grants. gov on March 15, 2011. Proposals were turned down if they did not meet the BLM’s minimum requirements, including ownership or control of the necessary land and a proven ability to provide humane care for at least 200 wild horses. If a partnership agreement with Mr. Wilson is finalized, the BLM would sponsor the ecosanctuary at a funding level comparable to what the agency pays ranchers who take care of excess wild horses on long-term pastures in the Midwest. The partnership agreement would also contain a fundraising component, the money from which would help defray costs for operating the sanctuary, thus saving taxpayer dollars. “This selection is a milestone in our overall effort to reform the Wild Horse and Burro Program and put it on a cost-effective, sustainable track,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “Although the Wyoming ranch can likely handle more than 250 horses, taking a cautious approach will enable the BLM and Mr. Wilson to properly assess and resolve any issues that may arise in the early phases of this innovative partnership.” Mr. Wilson and his wife Jana, managers of their family-owned Deerwood Ranch near Centennial, Wyoming, said the ranch “is a perfect place, a safe haven for wild
horses.” The Wilsons have 15 horses of their own. “I’m excited about the prospects of operating an ecosanctuary for wild horses,” said Mr. Wilson, who has 26 years of ranching experience. “I look forward to the possibility of working with the BLM in caring for these icons of the American West.” The BLM is also analyzing a second set of proposals that would involve the establishment of wild horse ecosanctuaries on a mixture of private and BLM-managed land. The Bureau is still analyzing these proposals, for which the Request for Applications was posted on www.grants.gov on March 25, 2011, and has made no selection at this time. The BLM is preparing to publish a proposed wild horse and burro management strategy that emphasizes population control techniques; promotes public-private ecosanctuaries to hold excess wild horses and encourage ecotourism; seeks to boost adoptions by making more trained wild horses available to the public; and establishes a comprehensive animal welfare program that is built on sound science and research. The BLM developed the proposed strategy after actively soliciting input from both the public and the agency’s Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board on how to best ensure the health of America’s wild horses and burros, both on and off the range.
Switzer Named Voice of the Bearcats Dennis Switzer, radio announcer for and owner of KKTY Radio 100.1 out of Douglas was recognized on Saturday February 18th as the Voice of the Bearcats." Switzer, the voice of the Bearcats over the last 17 years, has received numerous awards in broadcasting including the "Play by Play Announcer of the Year" award in 2004. Switzer expanded the KKTY signal in 2010 taking on 100.1 on the dial that now reaches out to all of Converse and Natrona Counties and even as far out as Torrington. Switzer, supportive
Local Rancher Named New County Converse County Commissioner
Converse County Commissioner Rick Grant. Photo Brendan Grant
On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 local rancher Rick Grant was named the newest Converse County Commissioner on a 4-0 vote. Grant will immediately fill the unexpired term of Dave Edwards who recently resigned from his position of Converse County Commissioner earlier in the year, due to health reasons. On a 4-0 vote Tuesday afternoon, the Converse County Commissioners named Glenrock rancher Rick Grant to fill the term. Leon Chamberlain and Terry Henderson’s names were also in the hat for the position, won by Grant unanimously. “I’m happy with the outcome and looking forward to serving my communities.” stated Grant during Friday evening’s Republican Caucus in Glenrock.
in both Douglas and Glenrock, announced Glenrock High School games during Regionals and State.
Congratulations Dennis on receiving this very special and prestigious award.
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 6
Barrasso Responds to Obama’s Energy Speech What Happened to the President’s Goal to Cut Oil Imports by 1/3?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (RWyo.) released the following statement regarding the President’s speech about his energy plan:
serious energy solutions – not annual speeches.” Background:
“President Obama’s speech today is another clear example of his lack of leadership on important issues. Instead of proposing new ideas that will help lower the price of gasoline, he basically rehashed a speech he gave a year ago. He blamed Congress, tried to justify government spending on unreliable projects and took credit for previous Administration’s actions that led to increased energy production.
“So today, I'm setting a new goal: one that is reasonable, achievable, and necessary. When I was elected to this office, America imported 11 million barrels of oil a day. By a little more than a decade from now, we will have cut that by one-third.”
“The one thing he forgot to mention is that last year, he set a goal to reduce oil imports by onethird by 2025. Since he made this promise, our nation has actually imported more oil from overseas. “If the President is serious about pursuing an all of the above energy plan, he will send a bill to Congress immediately. We need
On March 30, 2011, President Obama said:
Almost a year later, our nation has imported more oil. March 11, 2011: 8.681 million barrels per day February 17, 2012: 9.091 million barrels per day (Source: Energy Information Administration) Today, the Senate Republican Policy Committee released a fact sheet regarding President Obama’s record on gas prices.
Governor in Leadership Role at National Governors Association
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead is traveling to Washington, DC on Saturday to participate in the National Governors Association Winter Meeting. Governor Mead will be cochairing the Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety session. He will also continue his service on the Council of Governors. That Council is a group of ten governors chosen by the President to advise the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the White House Homeland Security Council on matters related to the National Guard and civil support missions.
“The National Guard will be the dominant topic of these conversations as we look at the Guard’s changing role in our states and national defense,” Governor Mead said. “It is an honor to work for the men and women who serve in our military and our National Guard. We continue to see the Guard’s commitment to our state and country, from their service in Afghanistan to keeping Wyoming communities safe during last
year’s record snowmelt.” The session of the Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety will be broadcast live on CSPAN at 12:30 p.m. MST, Sunday, February 26th. The National Governors Association meetings provide an opportunity for Governor Mead to discuss important topics with other governors and with members of the President’s Cabinet. Last year Governor Mead met with the Secretary of the Interior about more coal leases. Subsequent to that discussion 5 lease sales were held in 2011. Those sales give Wyoming about $100 million in revenue per year for 5 years. “The National Governors Association is a great chance to hear from other states and to share Wyoming’s views,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead also serves on the NGA’s Natural Resources Committee, which covers agriculture, energy, the environment, and natural resources issues.
Paging Wyo. High School Students Application deadline for U.S. Senate summer page program nears Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi encourages Wyoming high school students to apply for one of the summer page sessions in Washington, D.C. The deadline for applications is March 10. “The page program allows students to have a front row seat during debates of the U.S. Senate,” Enzi said. “The program will provide experiences that participants will carry with them forever.” Page duties consist primarily of
delivering correspondence and legislative material in the Capitol. Other duties include preparing the Senate chamber for sessions, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk. The summer sessions include a Field Studies Program which provides additional educational and cultural opportunities. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed at least their sophomore year and will be 16 or 17 years old on or before June 10 for the first summer session and July 8 for the second session. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Priority is given to Wyoming residents.
Pages live in Webster Hall located near the Capitol and receive a stipend to cover the cost of the residence, breakfast and dinner each day. The 1st summer session runs from June 11 – June 29. The 2nd summer session runs from July 9 – August 3. Applications and additional information can be found on www.enzi.senate.gov. Further questions can be directed to Dianne Kirkbride in Senator Enzi’s Cheyenne office at 307-772-2477 or Dianne_Kirkbride@enzi.senate.gov.
Say Goodbye To The Dollar Bill, $1 Coin Legislation To Save More Than A Buck Bill saves taxpayer dollars and reduces deficit U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, RWyo., joined a bipartisan group of senators today in introducing legislation that would phase out the $1 paper bill and replace it with a $1 coin as a way to save taxpayers millions of dollars and reduce the federal deficit. “Change can be difficult, but changing to more change could really result in savings for our deficit-strapped government. Doing things as we’ve always done has contributed to our debt. We’ve got to latch on to any reasonable handhold we can find in order to climb out of this hole,” Enzi said. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has advocated for this change for more than two decades as a way to help reduce government spending. Senator Enzi joined Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) in introducing the legislation. There are numerous reasons why the for the Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings (COINS) Act should be considered: •The GAO has examined this
issue five times (in 1990, 1993, 1995, 2000 and 2011) and has reached the same conclusion – the U.S. should transition away from a $1 note and move to a $1 coin. The numbers vary in each report, but the GAO has estimated savings of anywhere from nearly $200 million to more than half a billion dollars saved per year by making the transition. •In addition, virtually every modern economy has made this switch to higher denomination coins. Most major western countries in the world have made this transition without so much as a ripple of impact to businesses or consumers. All saved a great deal of money by doing so. In fact, according to reports from the Canadian government, when they moved to the $1 “Loonie” coin 25 years ago, the country saved at a rate ten times initial government projections. Countries with coins worth more than a dollar include Canada, Great Britain, Japan, the Euro Zone, Australia, Switzerland and others. •The dollar coin will save money for those engaged in a large number of transactions like large retail stores, vending machines operators and transit agencies. A study by the Philadelphia Transit Agency, for example, showed that it was three
and one half times cheaper to process coins than notes. •The $1 coin is durable and environmentally-friendly. Most dollar bills currently in circulation were made within the last three years. Dollar coins officially last 30 years. To put it another way, a single dollar coin can do the job of at least 17 dollar bills over the course of its lifetime. When the coin, which is made almost exclusively from existing scrap metal, gets pulled from circulation, it is 100 percent recyclable. In contrast, the government disposes of 7,600 tons – that’s 15.2 million pounds – of currency paper each year. The COINS Act is supported by the Dollar Coin Alliance, a coalition of American small businesses, budget watchdogs, trade associations and private companies with a singular focus of moving the United States toward an economical, environmentally friendly dollar coin. The bill introduced today is a companion bill to the COINS Act in the House, HR 2977, introduced by Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ). The House bill currently has the bipartisan support of eleven co-sponsors.
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 7
There’s a place in the west, where the cottonwoods dance with the wind. And the stars in the sky, shine bright, while the quarter moon grins.
TJ Casey is a singer/ songwriter, storyteller, composer and entertainer. He was raised up on ranches in Wyoming and Montana and now teaches the "Code of the West" and poetry to students all across America. Check him out at: www.tjcasey.net.
There’s a place in the west, where the desert is dry as a bone. And the prickly pear blooms, and there’s no one but you there alone. There’s a place in the west, where the deer and the wiley elk roam. The bear and the wolves, and the buffalo call it their home. There’s a place in the west, where the lone eagle soars in the blue. And you hear the wind whisper, but nobody’s out there but you. That place in the west, is Montana, where the land is as big as the sky. Where the tumbleweeds blow ‘cross the prairie, where the Yellowstone River flows by.
2 cups sugar 2 sticks butter or margarine 4 eggs 1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cocoa 1 cup chopped nuts 3 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 package (10-ounces) miniature marshmallows Frosting: 1 box confectioners sugar 1 stick margarine
That place in the west, is Montana Montana is where I call home, with the mountains and lakes and valleys and streams, from Montana I never will roam. There’s a place in the west, where the mountains reach up to the sky. Where at night on the wind, I can hear a lone coyote cry. There’s a place in the west, where no man ever has known. Just me and my dog and my horses, and we’re all alone. There’s a place in the west, where in the winter the snow’s piled high. Where it’s way below zero and you can’t get warm if you try. There’s a place in the west, that I wouldn’t trade for all gold. And I’d buy it all back, if it ever got traded or sold.
1 teaspoon vanilla
35 min. Remove from oven.
1/4 to 1/3 cup evaporated milk
Increase temperature to 350° F.
1/3 cup cocoa
Pour marshmallows over top and return to oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 1 hour and then frost.
1 cup nuts Preheat oven to 300° F. In bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add eggs. Sift flour, cocoa, and salt together and add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Add nuts and vanilla.
In a medium bowl, add confectioners sugar, margarine, vanilla, evaporated milk, cocoa, and nuts. Mix well. Spread frosting over top of Mud Pie.
Pour into a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Place in oven and bake for
Savvy Sustainability: The Wyoming Way by Susan R. Stoltz As with many Wyomingites I like my independence. I want to be independent of an overbearing government, large corporate entities that send me utility bills every month, and I'd really like to provide my own fuel and food as much as possible. My motivation? It's not being green, or global warming, or anything quite so noble, although care of our land is important, although most Wyoming citizens already care about their environment. My motivation is to be independent, which personifies the tenacity of the Wyoming spirit.
pick some tomatoes, cilantro, onions and garlic and make my supper than take a trip to the grocery store. I’d rather stoke the wood stove at night than turn up the heat. I’d rather work with my hands in the earth than at the keyboard. And if the truth were really known I’d prefer to saddle my horse to go to the post office than get in my vehicle. But on the flip side of that I enjoy my computer, cell phone (when it works), dishwasher and modern medicine. When you think about it, simply turning on a light switch is a miracle. You want light when you walk into a room, and there it is. Modern technology has become expected, indeed we all feel entitled to every little thing man can invent. We have so much in this world, but do we really need to use so much?
I’d rather walk out to the garden,
I will admit that my quest to be
Expression
ever deity you believe in, he survived. Now, her son wants to do something for the good of others and give back. He wants to give back by growing and donating his hair to cancer patients and survivors. Because this school board won’t let him grow his hair out, he is not able to attend school if he grows his hair to the length needed. His mother is petitioning the school simply to allow a male student to grow his hair out for donation purposes only, requiring that students be required to keep their hair well kempt, clean, and presentable. When it comes time to donate their hair, they must cut their hair to the school’s requirements for length, and then turn in a receipt of donation to the school to prove their intent. Personally – I find this extremely reasonable, and her son should be able to do something for the good of the people.
Okay, let me take a second first to say that this topic is something that frustrates me beyond reasoning. So, please understand when I first say that I am not trying to tell you how to parent your children by any means. I just signed an online petition for a teenage boy I have never met in my life, who’s school declined him the right to grow his hair out. This school’s dress code requires boys to keep their hair above a certain length, and if it grows beyond that the student is required to cut his hair. However, girls are allowed to grow their hair to whatever length they like, so long as it is presentable. Now, I have no problem with hair length, boy or girl. Some of the smartest men I have ever met have had longer hair. However, there is somewhat of a twist to my story… The mother petitioning the school board requested that they allow an instance for her son to grow his hair out for donation purposes, nothing else. Her son was a child cancer survivor, being diagnosed with infant leukemia and going through years of chemo and all kinds of cancer remedies. By the grace of what-
Then I got to read the comments from other petition signers. One lady’s comment made me think – most teenagers these days want to go do drugs or drink (true in a lot of cases today, no?). This student, a cancer survivor, wants to give back to his community and to cancer survivors and patients as well. My thoughts went to another method of thinking – healthy youthful expression.
self-sufficient is selfish. I don’t want to have to rely upon others for what I need, but out of this quest I’ve developed a real concern for the resources we American’s consume without thought as to what it takes to manufacture all that we use. So how can I bring some traditional skills into play to save as much of our natural resources as I possibly can? I’m not a fan of the buzz phrase ‘carbon footprint.’ In my opinion it’s flung about by politicians who neither really care about our natural resources nor abide by their own preaching. I’m not an advocate for giving up the scientific technology we have, my goal is to blend modern technology with traditional skills. I like to turn on my television, so how can I keep that convenience without receiving an electric bill? I like to
In my opinion, it is the parent’s responsibility to set their expectations and ground rules for their children. They are the ones responsible for making sure their children are presentable, respectable, and socially withstanding – it’s not just your child’s school’s responsibility. Teachers aren’t you; they aren’t parents to your child. They have their own children (in most cases) with their own values and their own rules. They are there to instill your child with education, knowledge, and skills – not to be a mommy or a daddy. When parents fail to do their jobs correctly, schools have to enforce rules because they can’t have a school populace filled with rebels, hoodlums, and what have you. My thought is that schools hinder on a lot of expression from young people these days. They are required to follow such strict rules because the parents of children throw hissy fits when a child expresses themself and they as a parent don’t like it. In an effort to make everybody happy, a school board will vote on things like hair height for boys, dress codes, the like. In certain situations, these are good (like no alcohol or drugs on school property). But when you put a child in the
eat; most of us do, so how do I grow enough to support myself? How do I store and preserve my food so I’m not reliant upon the energy it takes to run a freezer? How do I build my house to take advantage of the natural energy from the sun? Is there a way to cut back on the paper products I use? How do I cook on a wood stove? Can I live without the six-thousand plastic containers that now fill my kitchen cabinets? What can I make from scratch rather than running to a big box store to replace? How do I live simply yet effectively in today’s world? How do I bring back some of the homestead heritage inherent in the very history of Wyoming? Join me in my journey to independence, Sustainability the Wyoming Way.
Dear Sassy, Let me first say I’ve been reading your column since the first time it came out in the newspaper and I really love your black and white responses. I have a daughter who is 17 and ready to graduate this year. She has a new boyfriend who graduated last year and is moving to Texas to work for an oil company out there. My daughter is making plans to not finish out her school year and graduate from here but rather re-enroll in a school in Texas and graduate from there. My concern is that I feel she is too young to make this sort of life changing decision in her life but she refuses to listen to her father and I. What can we do? Do we just let her disregard our requests to finish her schooling here and then think about such a move? Or do we stand our grounds and can we/should we not allow her to do this? Sincerely, (please don’t print my name) Dear Please Don’t Print My Name, Well I would not let your daughter go anywhere but where she is right now. Graduation is important and to go and play house in Texas is ridiculous. She has the rest of her life to make impulsive and bad decisions without your input, but now, while she is only age 17 (I'm assuming you bought her car and most of her belongings) you still call the shots. Period. If this guy is so fabulous and they are so in love then he will be there waiting for your daughter when she graduates. I would tell her unless she plans to walk to Texas in a stolen towel from a motel then she will appease her loving parents and graduate from the school she is prestently attending and her graduation gift from you two is to move her to Texas AFTER SHE GRADUATES. Now see? Parents don't just think of themselves, do they! Keep up the good work, your concerns are valid ones, and remember, until she is 18 years of age. She doesn’t get to call the shots. Keep me posted. Sassy Have a question for Sassy? Email her: Sassy@theglenrockbird.com
corner from exploring themselves as people that’s all going to explode in your face when he or she is out of school. Trust me – I’ve seen it happen to some of my best friends. Sometimes it even happens before and the school can’t even stop it, and sometimes there’s no stopping it anyway. The truth of the matter, parents, is that your children are going to be exposed to things you might not like or want them to be exposed to. Experience is what makes people grow. I applaud this mother for actively petitioning her son’s school board to allow an exception to the rule for something that a teenager wants to do to give back. I hope everyone reading this understands that you can’t put baby in a corner, and you should fight for the things that your children are passionate about and support them no matter what. And – If you want to grow your hair out and donate it to cancer patients, or surprise a friend with a bouquet of flowers and make their day, or cut your hair a way you’ve never done it before, or want to try a new style: DO IT and don’t let anybody tell you not to.
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 8
Housing/Offices For Rent Choice Office Space 213 W. Birch Street in the heart of Glenrock A/C, security lighting, ample parking, utilities paid. Call 307-436-9615
Grand Jeep Cherokee For Sale 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee For Sale. 71,000 miles, greatly equipped, in great shape, and up to date on all maintenance. Asking $12,500.00. If interested call 307-554-0049.
Apartment for Rent: 201 Boxelder Trail #4, $540 per month plus gas & electric, 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment. Laundry hookups, dishwasher, off street parking. Commercial Services Inc. (307) 234-7179.
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Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 9
Sunday February 26, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 10