Volume 5 Issue 8
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Show your heart to the world, fearing not to show your true self....
Hunter And Elk Movements May Be Affected By Beetle Kill A cooperative study between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and the U.S. Forest Service's Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee for the Medicine Bow National Forest will provide information on how hunters and elk use the forest and how that use may change throughout different stages of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Baggs Game and Fish Wildlife Biologist Tony Mong says the study was implemented because of the potential impacts beetle kill will have on the way elk use the forest and hunters hunt in the forest. "The epidemic of mountain beetle kill within pine forests of the west has been well documented," Mong said. "More than 1.5 million acres of forest in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming have been affected. This tree mortality is resulting in a drastically changing landscape that could impact elk and hunters in the Sierra Madre Portion of the Medicine Bow National Forest." Mong says the Sierra Madre elk herd is one of the keystone elk herds in Wyoming, producing over 30,000 recreation days ($2.6 million in hunter expenditures), and averages one of the highest harvest of elk in the state over the last 10 years. The current herd is estimated to be approximately 8,000 animals, double the population objective of 4,200. "Some indication of impacts to forest ecosystem health by the higher elk population have already been documented in the Sierra Madre range by both range staff and wildlife biologists," Mong said. "If hunter participation decreases, the ability to manage elk numbers becomes almost impossible."
Boxes For Soldiers Local Glenrockians Help Bring Christmas To Those Deployed Boxes for Soldiers was started about five years ago by local Glenrockian Joanne Howe. “I knew our men and women overseas needed items that they couldn’t easily get overseas, so we started Boxes for Soldiers” stated Howe.
Community News An Unbelievable Evening with Dr. Doolittle - Page 2 Jazz in Glenrock - Page 2 Friends Of Rachel Give Back To Glenrock - Page 3 National Honor Society - Page 3 Pyatts Pieces - Page 3 Bingo Night in Glenrock is Coming! - Page 3
The boxes can go to any Wyoming soldier that has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and Howe needs some names from those whose loved ones are serving overseas. Empty boxes, decorated by Kathy Pope and the kids in her Special Education class, will be placed throughout the community in businesses such as Super Foods, The Glenrock Independent, Glenrock Bowl. Other locations will be publicized as they become available.
Converse County and Beyond Wyoming Receives Special Award from BLM - Page 4 Fire Restrictions Lifted for County - Page 4 and more!
News From The Nest
Items needed for the Soldiers range from toiletries to game books and snacks and include: - Toothpaste, lotions, shampoo and conditioner (nothing over 3 ounces please) toothbrushes, grooming items and other toiletries. - Game books like crossword puzzle books, Suduko books, handheld gaming devices, etc. - Food items such as candy bars, beef jerky (no pork items please) pringles (because they come in a can) and other items that can easily be shipped.
Enzi on No Child Left Behind - Page 5 Barrasso on CLASS and Enzi on Wyoming Jobs - Page 5 Joanne Howe - Originator of “Boxes for Soldiers” Photo Amanda Smith
to donate to the boxes and/or donate cash in lieu of items as boxes are scheduled to ship on that date so that they can arrive in the hands of our Soldiers prior to Christmas.
front lines ensuring our safety and the safety of others. Lets show them how much we appreciate their bravery and committment to our great Country.
Our Soldiers are out on the
Its Special Olympics Time Again Folks!
Bird Odd’s and Ends Cowboy Poetry - Page 6 I’m Just Sayin - Bunkhouse Recipes - Page 6 Straight Talk With Sassy - The Parrot and so much more in this issue of The Glenrock Bird!
Bird Business Directory Area Businesses - Page 7 Bird Classifieds - Page 7
For more information on what you can donate to the Boxes for Soldiers please call Howe at 307-436-8390. Howe also states that cash is needed in order to purchase items not donated as well as to help cover the costs of shipping. Last year 73 boxes were shipped to Afghanistan and Iraq at the cost of $900.00 all of which was donated.
"There is a long list of major impacts to consider including: (1) the ability of elk to move through the landscape due to fallen logs, increased vegetation regeneration or beetle kill man-
Tudy Johnson of Glenrock also helps with the Boxes for Soldiers by getting the prelegwork of the cause taken care of and has been part of this great cause since its inception,along with Pope.
Beetle Kill Cont. Page 4
December 1st is the deadline
Those Special Olympiads of Glenrock were at it again this year as the Special Olmpics in Wyoming started off with a bang! Throughout the region Olympiads came to Glenrock and Casper joining in some stiff competition including Equine Olympics and Bowling. It takes many volunteers to help out with such a grand event and those volunteers show up in droves. Along with the parents and guardians of the Olympiads. The Bird was there to cover the action and get some great photos of these guys and gals doing what they do best during the Special Olympics, show off their competitive natures while have a great time! Please stay tuned to the next issue of The Glenrock Bird for a complete story on the Glenrockians that sported their best attitudes for the occassion. Photo above shows the Olympiads from Lander, Casper, Glenrock and Douglas. Photo Amanda Smith
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Security/Military To Conduct Special Exercises CCEMA, along with the Converse County Sheriff’s Office, the US Military, and personnel from the Dave Johnson Power Plant will be holding a SECURITY EXERCISE at the Dave Johnson Power Plant for the weekend of November 5th, 2011. This exercise is a joint exercise. There will be numerous military vehicles and personnel arriving Friday night, and departing Sunday from Converse County. This exercise will be held on the Dave Johnson Power Plant property north and east of Glenrock. There will be signs posted in the area that there is an exercise in progress.
Glenrock Hosts Dr. Doolittle Boasts Full House!
Community Message Board
where they meet up with several obstacles in their quest to cure. As for the makeup and costumes? UNBELIEVABLE! Barb and Kelsey Kumpula really showed off their talents as the cast of both wild and not so wild characters bounced on to stage in some of the most creative costumes this Editor has seen in a along time.
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
Kindergarten Registration!
Meetings in Glenrock Where: The Senior Center East Door (thrift store entrance.) When: Monday nights from 7pm - 8pm
Interagency Dispatch Center For Wildfires To report a wildfire in northeast & central Wyoming call: 1-800-295-9952 after hours: 1-307-268-5496
Kindergarten Registration will be held March 30, 2010 at 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Grant. All 4 and 5 year-olds, whose birthday falls on or before September 15th are invited to attend. Registration consists of (1) an informational Parent Orientation, (2) Completing and/or turning in required paperwork, and (3) The child’s visit to the classIt's Lu Lingles birthday on thererooms. Parents need to80th bring current immunization cords and an official and original birth certificate. 3rd of November, If you see her out All documents will be returned at the end of the evening. and about wish her a happy one! This is a wonderful introduction for your child and we look forward to meeting you and showing you around our exciting Happy classroom!Birthday Lu!
Bird Special Announcements!
love, your family
The musical, directed by Ada-Jane Pauline and Assistant Director Robert Duncan ran on October 17th and 18th in GlenSteven Flynn as Dr. Doolittle and his faithful, rock’s GMS auditocolorful and hilarious sidekick Caitlyn Kumpula rium. took to the stage last week in the GHS perfor-
sack (also working make-up for this production), as they act as back-up performers for the Pirate Captain, performed by Senior Cheyanne Pfander. Cheyanne is featured as Mrs. Whitely and as a Jolliginki Woman, as well, and Toni divides her time between the stage and the technical booth. Completing our roster of Seniors is Erin Shadrick, making her first appearance on the Glenrock stage as Chee-Chee the monkey and bringing with her a rich theater background from her earlier high school career.
Junior Lewis Allen does his best to attempt to steal the show as Albert the lovable Crocodile and later as the King of the Lions. His first partner is the adorable Ana Kroll (also a Junior), who, after completing her role in Act 1 as Too-Too the Watch Owl, transforms into Annie the Crocodile, Albert’s African sweetheart. His second partner is Alyssa Biffle, who fiercely undertakes the role of Lioness, a queen and mother who has no time for her husband’s song-and-dance approach to life.
A Glenrock Kind Of Evening Kind Of Jazz
mance of Dr. Doolittle. Photo Amanda Smith
For such a small town, there sure are a lot of things to do! If you missed the much anticipated GHS musical last week, “The Adventures of Dr. Doolittle, well...you missed one heck of a great performance! A loaded cast of Characters lit up the stage with grand performances on both acting and singing in the famed musical written by Hugh Lofting with music by Elliott B. Baker. Glenrock’s own incredibly talented Miss Paula Flynn accompanied the colorful cast with her beautiful piano playing while the stage became an artfully created balance between Dr. Doolittle’s study complete with furry friends, and the coast of Africa. Steven Flynn took to the stage as the lead passionately portraying “Dr. Doolittle” while learning to speak “animal-ese.” From cannibalstic worries to famed recognition, Doolittle takes his triumphant crew of creatures to the Coast of Africa
Character Crew: Starring as Dolittle is Steven Flynn, a senior who has graced our stage on numerous other occasions, but never in so demanding a role, to which he rises and embraces with enthusiasm. The good Doctor’s sidekick, Polynesia the Parrot, is portrayed by another senior, Caitlyn Kumpula, who has often entertained you in the past, most notably as Dorothy in the musical production of OZ!, and most recently as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Senior Nathan Hansen performs as three characters: Circus Owner Blossom, the Sea Captain, and King of the Jolliginkis (an African tribe of cannibals); for the first time on stage, Nathan also sings, expanding his performance range ever further. Seniors Britney Bartz and Aimee Potter contribute delightful performances as Jolliginki Guards, while Bartz also prances on stage as Pongo the Horse and Aimee brings life to Mrs. Mumford and to the Sparrow. Senior Toni Thomas is featured as a Pirate, along with Junior Brooke Kis-
Band Director Jeremy Huck leads the 8th grade jazz band in a swinging number during ‘An Evening of Jazz’ held on October 20th. Musicians visible are from lower left: Dillon Farley-baritone saxophone, Colin Brynertrumpet, Cooper Fargen-trumpet, Christopher Sater-trombone.
On Tuesday, October 20, 2011, the annual Evening of Jazz was held at Glenrock’s Intermediate Middle School. Attended by an amazing crowd of music lovers, the many musicians of Glenrock’s schools didn’t disappoint their fans. The New Attitude Choir, led by Miss Dahlinger, performed three a-capella songs, followed by the GIMS Jazz Band and the GHS Jazz Band. The bands stole the spotlight with numbers such as Blues Encounter and Gimme Some Lovin’ and had toes tapping and fingers snapping all over the room. Conducted by Jeremy Huck, Glenrock’s Band Director, the jazz bands showed their stuff, even combining some
of the 7th and 8th graders into the high school portion of the program… and did these kids rock!
During the intermission between the choir and bands, cheesecake and beverages were served to those in attendance. Cheesecake and jazz….does it really get any better?
If you missed this year’s Evening of Jazz, you missed an amazing performance by some of Glenrock’s up-and-coming musicians. Put the dates on your calendar when they come around for next year’s concert— you will not be disappointed!
Glenrock Library News Hej!! Hello in Danish 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. If you’re taking a trip remember the next best thing to actually reading a book is to listen to one! In our audio book collection we have Anne Perry’s, Treason at Lisson Grove. This is a British mystery with a bit of historical fact woven in. A note of interest: we have switched our audio and DVD collection with Douglas once again. Between Douglas and Glenrock we do have 3 collections that are switched at least twice a year. New material is being added all the time to the collections. All that is needed to check them out is a library card! The teen book discussion is set for November 1 at 6:30. The second book to Racing To Freedom trilogy will be available to pick up. The juvenile book discussion is set for November 2 at 3:30. The Red Badge of Courage will be the second book for this discussion. It’s never too late to join the discussions. Celebrating 150 years since the Civil War. For Read Me A Story: October 29–November 5: Jerry Seinfeld’s Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld. November 5 – November 12: Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant. Pick up the phone and dial 436-2353 to listen to a good 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.
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 2
National Honor Society Serving GHS Well “I pledge to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected…” On October 10, 2011, the Glenrock High School chapter of the National Honor Society inducted fifteen new members to its ranks. Friends and family—along with teachers and staff—were on hand for the ceremony
arship, leadership, service, and character, and the students chosen for this honor are wonderful examples of these virtues. This year’s new inductees were: Taylor Berge, Alyssa Biffle, Samantha Brant, Serena Brooks, Clarissa Bryner, Rachel Cotton, Morgan Downs, Ashley Eldred, Jordan Hanks, Kaylee Mont-
“Friends of Rachel” Trick or Treat for Glenrock’s Food Bank Before you close the door on that trick-or-treater that you consider too old, you might want to check first as to why they are trick-ortreating! This year Glenrock High School students, sponsored by Friends of Rachel, will be dressing up and going out trickor-treating to collect canned and dry food items for our local Food Bank.
Halloween and help Friends of Rachel stock the Food Bank! If you would like to schedule a Halloween ‘pick-up’ of goods at your house, please call the high school at 436-9201 and leave a message along with your address for Friends of Rachel.
The local Food Bank at Glenrock’s Senior Center is stocking up to get ready for the holiday and winter seasons to fill the need to help those who find themselves short of food in their household. Having the shelves well-stocked with canned and dry goods will allow the Food Bank to have more money on hand to purchase produce and meat for those they serve.
Friends of Rachel is a club at Glenrock High School committed to doing acts of kindness to create a positive school and community climate. The sponsors for the club are Vicki Dougherty and Michelle Robertson. For more information regarding Friends of Rachel, call the high school at 436-9201 and ask for Mrs. Dougherty.
Please give what you can to these oversized trick-or-treaters that may come knocking this
Current NHS President, Caitlyn Kumpula, gives the welcome speech during the initiation held on October 10, 2011.
which celebrated the new members and the hard work it took to achieve this status. Also on hand were the GHS Jazz Band and lots of g - wonderful desserts.
-
Caitlyn Kumpula, current opresident for Glenrock’s eNHS chapter, opened the sceremony with a welcome speech followed by guest speaker Lisa Shadrick, the nschool district’s new library edirector. As the inductees olit their candles and signed etheir names to the register, ythey pledged to uphold the ideals put forth by this longstanding institution.
nMembership in the NHS is ebased on the areas of scholg n e —
gomery, Steven Ritter, Ellen Sater, Paige Steinmetz, Taylor Tresch, and Gideon Williams. Congratulations to the new members of the Purple & White Chapter of the National Honor Society!
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!
“Eclipsing The NFL” Once the NFL team owners and the players reached a deal on the money and other untidy details, there was a collective sigh of relief heard around the country, and the fear of “What will we do on Sundays?” faded with it, and we were free to cheer for our favorite team, even if it happens to be my Indianapolis Colts. Ugh! With the NFL season about half over, it is a good time to remember former Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman. Barely tipping the scales at 200 pounds, while at Arizona State University, he had gained the reputation as a linebacker for his bone jarring tackles that belied his size and stature. As a result he was taken by the Cardinals as their next-to-last draft choice, since his critics decried that he was “too small and slow” for the NFL. In the 2000 season he set a team single season record of 224 tackles. He forgot to read the scouting reports. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted Tillman to start thinking about something larger than the NFL. He spoke with others who had served their country, such as his grandfather who served in World War II. He was quoted to have said tersely, “I haven’t done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that.” Eight months later, in 2002 he shocked the sports world and joined the 75th Army Ranger Regiment, to serve with his brother, and rebuffed a $3.6 million football contract. He did so with unflinching duty and devoid of fanfare, refusing to talk with the media about his decision. No press conferences or conducting a “poll” to see what his fans thought he should do. An unswerving commitment to a cause he believed eclipsed the draw of football, cheering fans, and fat paychecks. On April 22, 2004, while on patrol in an isolated region in southeast Afghanistan, a place known to be rife with terrorist, gunfire erupted and Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire. He was only twenty-seven. Later the controversy erupted as revelations that there had been a cover-up of the facts that U.S. troops accidentally shot Tillman. The inexplicable tragedy of the situation in no wise diminished his sacrifice and valor, choosing rather to walk away from certain riches and NFL fame and accolades, to serve a cause that evidently, for him, made all else fade by comparison. His brief life and sacrifice is a riveting reminder to us all that in this world there are indeed things worth dying for; and his spirit, life many before him, lives on in our sports crazed world. Many have, sadly, forgotten Tillman’s solitary act. How about you? The NFL and Tillman Foundation established a scholarship in 2010, as an enduring legacy to Tillman, who embodied the American tradition of citizen service. A fitting tribute. What do you think? For comment email Mike at Pieces@thegelnrockbird.com
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 3
BLM Director Bob Abbey Presents Special Award to Wyoming Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey today presented the second annual BLM Director’s Awards to agency employees for exceptional public service. “People are the BLM’s most valuable asset, and these awardees set superior examples for all of us to follow,” said Abbey. “These awards recognize outstanding leadership, successful stewardship, collaborative efforts, and innovative approaches that are helping the BLM pursue our goal of becoming the premier natural and cultural resources management agency in all of the government.”
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, BLM-Wyoming, recipient of the Director’s Team Accomplishment Award: Through extensive community partnerships and volunteer contributions, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHITC) brings Western history to life through the cultural interpretation of America’s westward expansion during the 1800s. Over the past two years, the NHITC successfully promoted public understanding of America’s Native American cultures and the historic westward expansion while also highlighting the BLM’s role as stewards of America’s public lands.
There were several award winners throughout the United States and one of them was Wyoming... the Great Cowboy State, awarded for:
Beetle Kill Continued FromFront Page
agement activities, (2) the ability of hunters to access elk hunting areas, (3) a loss of hiding cover, (4) increased harvest availability to hunters due to new logging roads constructed for harvesting of trees, (5) increased cripple loss due to longer shots and tougher tracking conditions, (6) decreased harvest availability by hunters due to closed roads and fallen trees, and/or (7) increased degradation of forest ecosystem health and wildlife habitat due to higher numbers of elk and a loss of hunter participation in beetle kill areas."
"Gathering information for resource managers in relation to how hunters and elk utilize the forest before, during, and after the beetle kill epidemic will be an integral part in protecting and improving forest ecosystem health and maintaining viable wildlife habitat throughout the beetle kill areas," Mong said. "This study will provide key information on hunter and elk focus areas, leading to better decisions on future beetle kill management activities including road closures, areas of management focus, and key road/trail maintenance areas."
Mong said as part of the initial effort to gather information to educate resource managers and the public he will be recruiting nearly 100 volunteer elk hunt-
ers in hunt areas 21 and 15 to carry Global Positioning System (GPS) units throughout one day of their hunt. This information will allow Mong to analyze areas of high hunter use and areas of little or no hunter use.
Fire Restrictions Lifted Due to cooler and wetter weather conditions across eastern Wyoming, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Casper Field Office is lifting partial fire restrictions for BLM- administered public land in Converse, Platte, and Goshen counties. Partial restrictions will be rescinded on Oct. 26, 2011. The following acts are no longer prohibited on BLM land in Converse, Platte, and Goshen counties: • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼” spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas. • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. • Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. • Using a welder, either arc or
gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity. The following fire restrictions are in effect year-round on BLM-administered public lands in Wyoming. These prohibitions are: • Discharge or use of any fireworks. • Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition. • Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material. • Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c). According to BLM Fire Management Officer Jay Esperance, “Even though we have received moisture recently, this year’s abundant grass crop is now fully cured and will dry quickly if we get some warm days this fall. When hunting and recreating, please be careful with campfires, and report all wildfires immediately.”
"Information gathered from just one of the hunters will be of little use," Mong said. "It will be the collective hunting effort of all 100 hunters that will provide valuable data. We're not looking for "secret hunting" spots, just the overall use of the forest." In order to gather the same information from elk, Mong is going to deploy GPS collars on cow elk. Elk movement data will be collected for several years which will allow Mong to detect changes in use and implement different management strategies if needed. "With the gathered we anticipate being able to create useful publications and produce web-based information for resource managers and the public. We also hope to provide information for hunter education coursework in relation to beetle kill and offer educational presentations designed for hunter groups and other agencies."
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 4
Barrasso Bill to Boost Tourism Passes Senate Senate Passes the Bipartisan Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act October 19, 2011 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (RWY) praised the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Barrasso bill, the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011: “Last night, the Senate came together to pass bipartisan legislation that will increase tourism and create jobs,” Barrasso said. “Our legislation gives ski communities more opportunities to attract visitors for a wide range of summer activities. By allowing for more summer recreation, we can help extend the season to build a more steady and stable tourism economy.” “Tourism is a key economic engine for our state,” Barrasso added. “I want our tourism industry to have the tools they need to innovate and create jobs.” “Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is pleased as is the rest of the industry to move this legislation which provides clarity for uses on permitted land,” Jackson Hole Mountain Resort President Jerry Blann said. “Senator Barrasso was key in moving passage for this critical jobs initiative for Wyoming.”
Recreation Opportunity hancement Act of 2011:
Time for Administration to Tell the Truth About CLASS Act En-
In February 2011, Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Mark Udall (D-Colorado) and Representatives Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Diana DeGette (D-Colorado) introduced the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 to amend the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986. The bill passed the House on October 3, 2011. It will now be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law. This bill changes permitting rules for ski areas on Forest Service land to allow for summertime recreation, increased tourism and expanded economic opportunities. The 1986 law currently allows only ski-related activities in Forest Service ski areas. The bill would amend it so that recreational sports other than alpine and Nordic skiing are allowed. In addition, the bill authorizes the Forest Service to decide on appropriate year-round and summertime activities—such as mountain biking, zip lines, hiking trails, rope courses, Frisbee golf courses and concerts—to help level out ski areas’ seasonal economies and provide steady job opportunities for the people who make up these communities.
Background on the Ski Area
Governor and First Lady Invite Trick-or-Treaters to Residence CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead, First Lady Carol Mead and their children welcome trick-or-treaters and their families to ring the doorbell at the Governor’s Residence on Halloween night from 6:00-8:00 PM. The First Family will have traditional treats for visitors. The residence is located at 5001
Central Avenue in Cheyenne. Governor Mead will also sign a proclamation recognizing November as National Adoption Month at 5:30 on the 31st. The public is welcome to attend this signing which will also take place at the residence.
Report Shows Administration Always Knew the CLASS Program Was Fiscally Unsustainable October 4, 2011 President Obama’s health care law established a brand new, federal long-term care entitlement program called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program. Ob October 4, 2011, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) discussed a report on the CLASS program released by a group of Senate and House Republican lawmakers, including Senator John Thune (R-SD). The report highlights how the Administration intentionally designed the CLASS program as a budget gimmick in order to sell the President's health care law. It also provides undeniable evidence that the Administration ignored warnings from its own Chief Medicare Actuary, Richard Foster, that the program was fiscally unsustainable. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate: “This CLASS program pays a stipend to individuals enrolled when they are unable to perform daily living activities – such as dressing, bathing, and eating. “To qualify for the benefits, an individual would have to pay a monthly premium for five years before the federal government starts to pay out any of the benefits. “Sounds pretty good, but not so fast. When it comes to the health care law, the American people have come to realize that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. “The CLASS program was supposed to start on January 1, 2011, so about 10 months ago. Obama
Administration officials decided to delay the program because they know it doesn’t work. “It is now known that the CLASS program was an intentionally designed budget gimmick. “The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the CLASS program would reduce the deficit by $70 billion over a 10 year period. “These “savings” are mythical and they come from the premium dollars CLASS collects for the first5 years… “Over its first 10 years, CBO says that this CLASS program will collect $83 billion in premiums, and will only pay out $13 billion in benefits. “Instead of holding on to the $70 billion in excess premiums collected to pay for future expenses that we know are coming, well members of the Senate, members on the other side of the istle used those funds to pay for President Obama’s health care law. “To add insult to injury, Washington Democrats then tried to claim that the $70 billion could also be used to pay down on the deficit. “The American people immediately saw that this claim was irresponsible. “Even the Senate Budget Committee Chairman, Senator Kent Conrad from North Dakota, admitted that the CLASS program was ‘a Ponzi scheme of the first order – something Bernie Madoff would be proud of.’ “Yet, the President and Washington Democrats pushed to include this CLASS program in the health care law. “This new report provides undeniable evidence that Administration officials knew the CLASS program’s design and payment structure were fiscally unsustainable.
“The Obama Administration knew it and yet they repeatedly ignored the explicit and persistent warnings. “This push to advance an agenda, rather than reasonable, patient-centered health care reforms, served only to create yet another unsustainable entitlement program. An entitlement program that this country simply cannot afford. “The Obama Administration’s own Chief Actuary, a man named Richard Foster. He repeatedly tried to tell Administration officials that the CLASS program was not fiscally sound. “Internal emails from Mr. Foster first warned Administration officials in May of 2009 – well before the health care law was enacted. “The report goes on to show that Mr. Foster repeated his concerns during the Summer of 2009. He writes to another administration official, he says: “I’m sorry to report that I remain very doubtful that this proposal is sustainable at the specified premium and benefit amounts… Thirty-six years of actuarial experience lead me to believe that this program would collapse in short order and require significant federal subsidies to continue.’ “The evidence is indisputable. Administration officials at the Department of Health and Human Services knew the CLASS program was unsustainable. “They knew before President Obama signed the health care bill into law. They knew it, yet the Administration failed in their duty to be honest with the American people and tell them.”
Enzi: No Child Left Behind Reforms A Good Start, But Not Perfect Legislative changes to focus on success of children
Washington, D.C. – Proposed changes to the decade old No Child Left behind are not perfect, but the product of bipartisan cooperation in finding solutions to ensure the success of all children according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., the Ranking Member on the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee. Enzi, who has been working with Senator Harkin, D-Iowa, on these reforms for over a year, had this to say concerning the resolution: “From where I sit, far more could have been done to allow states and locals to take the lead in the nine areas Senator Alexander and I identified as issues needing fixing. But, with nearly every successful piece of bipartisan legislation, we need to find those areas with which we agree and go forward trying to find solutions where resolution is not as obvious. Finding bipartisan solutions is essential to passing legislation.
“[This legislation] … reduces the federal footprint, it continues a system of trans-
parency to parents regarding student performance and it eliminates many wasteful and duplicative programs.” “This bill does not solve everything. It is not meant to be the whole answer. It is to correct what we have learned is problematic with NCLB and build on those things that helped move us closer to making sure that each child receives the best education possible.” The bill under con-
sideration is in day one of a legislative markup, a process meant to amend legislation in a committee before it is
considered for passage and then sent to the Senate floor. Nothing in the bill is finalized and senators from both sides of the aisle have promised to offer many amendments upon consideration by the full Senate.
Enzi: Temporary Federal Spending No Solution For Permanent State Jobs Alternative plan would have saved businesses billions and had bipartisan support
Washington, D.C. – The Senate majority's plan to create permanent jobs with temporary money suffers from a severe lack of accounting reality, according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.
Senate Republicans were joined by Ben Nelson, D-Neb., Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Mark Pryor, D-Ark. in voting last night against Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.'s effort to pass new "stimulus" legislation that would encourage states to use federal money to hire teachers and other public sector workers.
"This proposal is fundamentally flawed at many levels, but the most glaring flaw is that this is one-time money. It makes no fiscal sense to create permanent jobs with temporary money. It's unsustainable," Enzi said. "The majority is digging us deeper in the same hole they put us in with the first so-called stimulus. It didn't work then. It won't work now. It's a policy based on the false promise that we can spend, indebt and tax ourselves into prosperity. Let's put down the shovel and stop piling taxes and regulations on businesses that actually do create jobs."
The Senate voted 50-50 for the plan, S. 1723. Sixty votes were needed in order to move the legislation forward.
The Republican’s alternative to the “stimulus” legislation, the Withholding Tax Relief Act, would have repealed the 3% withholding tax provision that mandates federal, state, and local governments withhold 3% of nearly all of their contract payments, Medicare payments, farm payments, and certain grants for payments made after December 31, 2012. “We have to do better for our job creators. This overly-broad provision is a lose-lose situation for both government and taxpayers in terms of cost and complexity. Most contractors’ margins are already razor thin and this requirement makes a bad situation even worse by restricting cash flow needed for day-to-day operations and business investments.” The mandate is intended to go after scoff-law government contractors who avoid paying taxes but instead would impose significant financial burdens on both the public and private sectors. The Department of Defense estimated its costs to implement the provision would be $17 billion over the first five years. The provision hurts honest taxpaying businesses while attempting to find tax delinquents by essentially forcing companies to provide the federal government with an interest-free loan. The 3% withholding tax would significantly affect companies’ cash flows and inhibit their ability to expand their businesses and hire new workers.
The Senate voted 57-43 to consider the repeal measure, S.1726. Ten Democrats joined Senate Republicans in this vote. The sixty vote threshold needed to move the legislation forward was not reached.
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 5
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.
Time To Change It Up Sometimes there comes a need to change it up a bit. When life turns a corner sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
Come and enjoy a wholesome piece of Open Range Magazine’s Bunkhouse Recipes. For more info go to www.openrangemagazine.com
“I’ll Ride” I’ll ride across the prairies; I’ll ride where no man goes. I’ll ride to destinations; thru rain and sun and snow. I’ll ride atop the mountains; to the valley far below. I’ll ride across the nation; Wyoming’s where I’ll go. I’ll ride my faithful pony across the great divide. I’ll ride the lonesome trail; on down the other side. I’ll ride until I’m feeble and the last coyote’s cried; then when I’m called up yonder, you can bet your boots I’ll ride.
I’ll ride to gather cattle across this western land. I’ll ride south from the Yellowstone; to the flowin’ Rio Grande. I’ll ride across the desert amidst the dunes of sand. I’ll ride to destinations; where a cowboy makes a stand. I’ll ride through grassy meadows; where the wild flowers bloom. I’ll ride the western prairies; where a man has lots of room. I’ll ride my faithful pony where I hear the thunder boom. I’ll ride across this nation; where the highest mountains loom.
Cowboy Beans
2 pounds of pinto beans 2 pounds of ham hock 2 onions chopped 4 tablespoons sugar 2 green chilies 1 can of tomato paste
Wash the beans and soak them overnight. After you drain them, place the beans in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer until the beans are nice and tender.
windows. They also extend to contractors and homebuilders who could receive larger incentives for insulating walls, floors and attics; for heat pump conversions; for ductless heat pump installations; and for qualifying heating/ventilating/ air conditioning installations.
New incentives for energysavvy Wyoming residents, businesses CASPER, WY – Effective Oct. 1, Rocky Mountain Power is offering revamped incentives for energy-saving measures by residential and commercial customers in Wyoming. Programs now include “cash back” incentives for the purchase of energy-efficient electronics and additional appliances such as flat-panel TV sets, desktop computers and monitors, freezers, and heat pump water heaters. Incentives are also now available on ductless heat pumps and heat pump tuneups, to name a few. Changes also include a $40 cash back incentive from Rocky Mountain Power’s popular “See ya later, refrigerator®” program, when customers have their old refrigerator or freezer picked up and properly recycled. The new incentive is an increase of $10 over the previous amount offered by the program. “We’ve adjusted our wattsmart programs and incentives to increase the dollars our Wyoming
customers can save through energy efficiency improvements,” says Rocky Mountain Power Vice President Carol Hunter. “These new incentives provide a double-benefit in many cases because they save our customers money on the purchase of energy-efficient products and services, and again on their monthly bill through reduced electricity use. These enhanced incentives for customers are starting just before the holiday season, a time when everyone can use some extra cash.” Hunter says that for energy-savvy Wyoming customers “less could be more,” because using less electricity provides greater savings on the price they pay for electricity. For example, residential customers who use up to 500 kilowatt-hours (kwh) of electricity per month pay about 4 cents per kwh, but every kwh above 500 is billed at 8 cents per kwh. So being energy efficient makes a lot of sense – and cents – which can add up to major savings. The enhanced incentives apply to lighting and ceiling fans, new appliances, recycling old appliances, heating and cooling, and
Rocky Mountain Power’s business programs have undergone similar enhancements, adding incentives for additional lighting technologies, heating and cooling equipment and controls to name a few. Incentives have also been increased for comprehensive energy efficiency projects assisted through the utility’s Energy FinAnswer program. For more information about Rocky Mountain Power’s new energy-saving incentives, customers can visit www. wattsmart.com or call toll free at 1-888-221-7070 for residential customers and 1-866-8703419 for business customers. Businesses also can utilize the company’s no-cost, online Business Solutions Toolkit to access customized information to help them make sound energy decisions and save money. About Rocky Mountain Power One of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States, Rocky Mountain Power serves more than one million customers in Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Visit www. rockymountainpower.net.
Sourdough Biscuits
I've been writing this column 'I'm Just Sayin...' for about three years now. It's been a fun project and many of you have responded with enthusiasm. Not to sound cheesy, but 'all good things must come to an end.' I need something different. I need something a bit more now and wow.
If you have any good suggestions for a future column please send those to our wonderful editor Amanda Smith. She and I will be brainstorming on what sort of change would be best for this paper, it's readers and for me! I'm not saying good-bye, I'm just want to view things from a different perspective! After all, change is a good thing! I'm Just Sayin.....
1 cup of sourdough starter (see below) 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 tablespoon of shortening 3-4 cups of flour Place flour in a bowl and add the sourdough starter. Stir in the salt, soda, sugar, and shortening. Dough should begin to form. Add flour until the dough is firm. Pinch off some dough, form a ball, and roll it in melted shortening. Place the biscuits in a Dutch oven. Allow the biscuits to rise for about 20 minutes. Then bake until they’re done, about 30 minutes.
Sourdough Starter In order to make sourdough, you’ll need some sourdough starter. Here’s how to make it. 2 cups of warm potato water 2 cups of flour 1 tablespoon sugar First you need to make your potato water by cutting up a couple of medium sized potatoes into cubes and boiling them in 3 cups of water until the potatoes are tender. Measure two cups of the potato water, and mix it with flour and sugar into a paste. Set the mixture in a warm place to rise. It should double its original size after it’s done rising.
CAUGHT! Red-facebooked! Dear Sassy, My boss caught me on facebook the other day. I got a WRITTEN warning. I should have known better because there are stupid postings all over our office building reminding all of us that we are NOT ALLOWED to utilize facebook during work hours. Well, my question is this.... I WAS USING IT ON MY PHONE so whats the big deal? Its not like I was using it on the work computer? And a WRITTEN WARNING? You can only get so many and then you are FIRED. Isnt it freedom of speech (I guess) to be able to use my own device at work so long as I'm not bothering anybody while doing it? I just think its unfair and I'd like to hear what you have to say about it Sassy. Is it fair for my boss to give me a written warning because he caught me on facebook on my OWN PHONE?????? While it was during work hours, it wasn't like I was surfing xxx sites! Hope you will respond. Not that it will change anything. But your response might at least make me feel better?
Please tell me you are 18 years of age and this is your first job. Seriously? First of all, Freedom of Speech: Go google that ammendment and re-read it. Secondly, whether you are in the storage room at work taking a nap or doing facebook on your cell, its the same thing. You are not doing the job you are being paid to do. Let me spell that out for you: You are being paid to work. Period. There is no room in any workplace for a person HIRED to do a JOB to do anything but what their job description describes. I would be willing to be bet your facility also has a cell phone policy in which you are more than likely breaking as well. Cell phones are to be used on breaks and lunch. So park your phone in your purse, get your attitude in check and get to work. And remember to please re-read those ammendments. Keep me posted, Sassy
email Sassy with your questions at: Sassy@theglenrockbird.com
- Jennifer in Mills Ok Jennifer,
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 6
1432 E. Second in Casper - 1 block east of hospital!
EVERYTHING in this fabulous high fashion store!
Business Directory
Doors Down 2
The Bird
CLASSIFIEDS APARTMENT FOR RENT
201 Boxelder Trail - 2 Bdrm Apartment $550 Per Month Plus Gas & Electric $500 Security Deposit. W/D Hookups, Dishwasher, Off Street Parking Commercial Services Inc. (307) 234-7179
Choice Office Space
213 W. Birch Street in the heart of Glenrock A/C - security lighting - ample parking - utilities paid. Call 307-436-9615 Have a Classified you want to get NOTICED? Place it in The Glenrock Bird! Its Cheep! call 307-359-8681 or email: Sales@theglenrockbird.com
“Overhead Overhead power lines think.” are closer than you think.
Fashion Clothes SHOES Jewelry & Belts! Call For Daily Specials! 307-797-9472
We Consign!
“
Look up before you go up. Most accidents involving electricity happen by coming in contact with overhead power lines. Any time you’re working outside on your roof or with long or tall objects such as ladders, gutters, pool skimmers, or irrigation pipes, be aware of what’s above you. Even momentary contact with an overhead line can prove instantly fatal. For more safety information, visit rockymountainpower.net.
© 2011 Rocky Mountain Power
-
75% Off
Today’s Styles Yesterday’s Prices
8 r f o d r t g e d t d o a B r I t l e s e . r n d d
e h T d r i B
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 7
PeOPle. POWeR. POSSibiliTieS.
Some of our greatest environmental concerns are only a few days old.
As America’s largest uranium producer, we’re concerned about all of Wyoming’s precious resources. That’s why we use environmentally friendly (in situ) mining processes at our Smith Ranch-Highland mine in Converse County
and our planned expansion sites. Our uranium is produced in wellfields with only minimal surface disturbance and no tailings or waste rock left behind. Once we’re done, we restore the water and reclaim the land to pre-mined conditions. www.cameco.com/usa
Sunday October 30, 2011 The Glenrock Bird Page 8