The Glenrock Bird Central 01-20-13

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Volume 6 Issue 14 Proud Member of the Associated Press

Wyo. Bill Requires High School Through 18th Birthday

Sue Dills Sworn in as Glenrock’s New Mayor

The President Signs 23 Executive Orders Regarding Gun Control.

1. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal agencies to make relevant data available to the federal background check system.

2. Address unnecessary legal barriers, particularly relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that may prevent states from making information available to the background check system.

(AP) — A bill requiring students to stay in school until they're 18 or finish their senior year is advancing at the state Capitol.

3. Improve incentives for states to share information with the background check system.

Senate File 96 won initial approval in the state Senate on Thursday.

4. Direct the Attorney General to review categories of individuals prohibited from having a gun to make sure dangerous people are not slipping through the cracks.

Currently, students can decide to drop out once they've turned 16. The bill from Sen. Chris Rothfuss of Laramie takes away that right and makes parents responsible for keeping their children in school.

However, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the bill would give parents the option of pulling their children out of school before they turn 18.

Sen. John Schiffer of Kaycee opposes the bill. He said students who want to drop out will find a way to do it.

The bill faces two more votes in the Senate before it can advance to the House.

US Rig Count Drops

5. Propose rulemaking to give law enforcement the ability to run a full background check on an individual before returning a seized gun.

Glenrock’s Post Master Sue Dills was sworn in on January 14th, 2013. Dills won the vote for the position of Mayor, against the then current Mayor Linda Care, pictured at right swearing in Dills. After being duly sworn in, Glenrock’s new Mayor got immediately down to business. See story and minutes on the the new year’s first order of business for the town. Photo Erica Caves (TBC)

Wyoming House Approves Fuel Tax Hike BEN NEARY,Associated Press

to the Wyoming Senate.

The bill would raise the tax from the existing rate of 14 cents a gallon up to 24 cents. The hike would raise about $70 million a year for the state highway system and local governments.

the state highway system and local roads.

(AP) — A proposal to raise Wyoming fuel taxes by a dime a gallon has cleared its final vote in the state House of Representatives.

The House on Friday approved a bill by a vote of 35-to-24. The measure now heads

Proponents say the tax hike is necessary to provide a steady source of funding for

Photo Eastgate Gas Pump - Misty Pritchard (TBC)

Some opponents have said the transportation department should be more efficient. They said working families can't afford to pay higher taxes.

7. Launch a national safe and responsible gun ownership campaign.

8. Review safety standards for gun locks and gun safes (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

9. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal law enforcement to trace guns recovered in criminal investigations.

10. Release a DOJ report analyzing information on lost and stolen guns and make it widely available to law enforcement.

11. Nominate an ATF director.

12. Provide law enforcement, first responders, and school officials with proper training for active shooter situations.

14. Issue a Presidential Memorandum directing the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence.

15. Direct the Attorney General to issue a report on the availability and most effective use of new gun safety technologies and challenge the private sector to develop innovative technologies.

The Houston-based company said in its weekly report Friday that 1,316 rigs were exploring for oil and 429 for gas. Four were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, Baker Hughes counted 2,008 working rigs.

The rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981 and bottomed at 488 in 1999.

6. Publish a letter from ATF to federally licensed gun dealers providing guidance on how to run background checks for private sellers.

13. Maximize enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence and prosecute gun crime.

(AP) — Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. dropped by 12 this week to 1,749.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, North Dakota gained five rigs, Pennsylvania increased by four and Arkansas by two. Meanwhile, Texas declined by 11 rigs, Oklahoma three, New Mexico two, and Colorado, Louisiana and Wyoming one each. California and West Virginia were unchanged.

To Control?

Or Not To Control...

That, is the Question

16. Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.

17. Release a letter to health care providers clarifying that no federal law prohibits them from reporting threats of violence to law enforcement authorities.

18. Provide incentives for schools to hire school resource officers.

Bill Protects Rescuers From Being Sued In Wyoming

(AP) — A Jackson lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would make it nearly impossible to sue search and rescue volunteers individually in Wyoming.

Rep. Keith Gingery recently filed House Bill 35, which would add search and rescue workers to the list of nonprofit volunteers who

are exempt from being named personally in civil lawsuits.

typically work under the supervision of the sheriff.

The Republican stated that current state law makes it way too easy to go after volunteers now.

But Gingery said there should be a distinction between search and rescue volunteers and sheriff's deputies.

Existing laws put search and rescue volunteers on the same level as sheriff's deputies. Volunteers

The 2013 legislative session convened on Jan. 8.

19. Develop model emergency response plans for schools, houses of worship and institutions of higher education.

20. Release a letter to state health officials clarifying the scope of mental health services that Medicaid plans must cover.

21. Finalize regulations clarifying essential health benefits and parity requirements within ACA exchanges.

22. Commit to finalizing mental health parity regulations.

23. Launch a national dialogue led by Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan on mental health. *Released by The White House

Community Message Board

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

Meetings in Glenrock Where: The Senior Center East Door (thrift store entrance.)

When: Monday nights from 7pm - 8pm

American Legion Jessie Martin Post # 9

American Legion Jessie Martin Post # 9 is a non-profit organization in Glenrock. They can be reached at #307-436-4908 or m1f1w111@ yahoo.com

American Red Cross

American Red Cross has a local office located in Casper WY. They are located at 318 West “B” Street and can be reached at #307-2378436, Fax#307-265-0324, or emailed to wilkinsonh@usa.redcross. org. Their web page is www.wyomingredcross.org. Like them on Facebook.

Glenrock Library News Sawatdi!! Hello in Thai from the library! Visit our Mango Foreign Language database on line. 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 and it’s free!! Come in and find out how to get connected.

There was a January tax law change and as a result the library was informed by the Internal Revenue Service that most forms will be available starting January 30. There will be certain forms that will not start until late February or March 2013. Come in to read what was sent or visit www. gov.irs for more information.

Which state had the first elected female governor? Wyoming, of course! Nellie Taylor Ross was governor from January 5, 1925 to January 3, 1927. Come in a get some more interesting facts from

our front bulletin board this month.

For Read Me A Story: January 19--26, 2013: Now It Is Winter by Eileen Sjpinelli. January 26- February 2: Ant and Grasshopper by Luli Gray.

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.

Check out the 3m Cloud audio library at: gowyld.net/econtent. Use your card to login!

Glenrock Town Council Meeting

On the night of January 14th, 2013 Glenrock held their first town council meeting of the new year. This was a normal meeting with the addition of swearing in new officers. Our new Mayor Sue Dills was sworn into office

by Glenrock’s former Mayor Linda Care. Bruce Roumell and John Dehler were sworn in to council seats by the new Mayor Dills. The two returning council personnel consist of Chase Anfinson and Brandy Popp. Each new officer thanked the community for having trust enough in them to elect them to office, and are excited to serve our community.

During the business portion of the council meeting Linc Energy asked for the council to review their engineering plans for rooms in the Commerce building. They intend to rent office space to run their business out of

Glenrock instead of Casper, and want to make a few small cosmetic changes. Council advised them to proceed with obtaining an engineer to look at the space.

Converse County School District #2, Glenrock’s Middle School, also approached the stand proposing renovations to the retaining wall on the street by the middle school. After a very long discussion the board motioned to approve the project and it was seconded. The retaining wall is going to be moved into the street five more feet. This will be done because of the tree roots that are disturbing the wall.

New parking guidelines are to be expected in the future. There are two phases of the Middle Schools project. Other types of business discussed include, designating signers, and approving voting delegates.

BLM Casper Field Office To Burn Slash Piles in Converse County The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Casper Field Office is planning to conduct a prescribed burn within Converse County near the community of Esterbrook, Wyo. Implementation of the prescribed burn may take place between Jan. 22 and May 31, 2013.

BLM plans to treat approximately 25 acres of slash piles. The objectives of

the prescribed fire are to reduce fuel loadings within the ponderosa pine forest.

This prescribed burn project will be conducted in accordance with an approved burn plan if favorable weather and fuel conditions permit. For more information, please contact Jodi Stone at (307) 261-7631.

Welcome Home Corporal Austin Smith Enjoy Your Well Deserved Time Off

The Lovely Ada Jane To Put On Another Great Show GHS Presents “Our Girls”

Get Ready to Meet “Our Girls”!!—The Glenrock High School Drama department is pleased to announce their upcoming spring production, written by Conrad Seiler and published by Dramatists Play Service, Inc..

creatures indeed. All is well, however, despite the collapsing into hysterics of the Lovejoys’ Swedish maid, Hulda, until Vivian decides to put on his own clothes to see his girl, Phyllis. Aunt Jessie sees him slipping out!

The Lovejoys, Mildred and Elmer, have named their sons “Vivian”, “Francis”, and “Jesse”, because Mildred’s Aunt Jessie doesn’t like boys. Aunt Jessie lives in England, so it has been easy to deceive her.

She must never know that the “girls” who are to inherit her money are boys—very real boys. They scrap with Chester Wattles, are accused by Mrs. Wattles of breaking her bay window, and act as all boys do. Each will receive $5,000 on his 16th birthday, and more when he comes of age. Vivian is nearly 16, and Elmer plans to borrow part of the $5,000 to expand his business.

Featured on stage are Lewis Allen, Alyssa Biffle, Kristina Britton, Clarissa Bryner, Colin Bryner, Ivy Engel, Alex Hawkins, Dusty Horn, Ana Kroll, Amanda McGrady, Carrie Schubert, Jamie Simpson, Deidre Sparks, Garrett Tvedt, Gideon Williams, and Miriam Williams.

Then the blow falls! Aunt Jessie has decided to pay a visit and bestow on her eldest “niece” in person the $5,000.

The boys must be girls—during Aunt Jessie’s visit. The boys are won over, dressed as girls, and carefully rehearsed. Aunt Jessie arrives and finds Mildred’s daughters to be strange

Rolling Hills Town Council Meeting

The Rolling Hills town council stands together for the first time as a new team.

Left to right: Ken Montgomery, Jerrad Hall, Mayor Devonie Mueller, Jon Maines and Michael Dority.

Erica Caves (TBC)

Church of Christ, acappella, 420 S 2nd St - worship service communion 10:00, sermon 10:15 Sundays; Bible study Wed, 6 PM.

You will most surely enjoy this good, old-fashioned family comedy, so mark your calendars—February 19 and 20 at 6:30 PM—and be sure to join the entertainment of “Our Girls” in the Glenrock Middle School Auditorium.

Your Community Is Proud Of You!

The library will be closed, Monday, January 21, 2013 to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume regular hours the following day.

Community Baptist Church, 301 S 2nd St, Glenrock, Regular Information: Worship service 10:30 AM Sundays, nursery provided. Sunday School 9:00 AM. Every month: open communion first Sunday, potluck last Sunday at noon.

Info: 436-9091.

Joel Barr will once more be acting as Technical Director, running lights and sound for the production, with the assistance of Zach Bailey and Dani Thomas. Brooke Kissack will be in charge of hair and makeup. Ada Jane Pauline directs, with the assistance of Michelle Hawkins.

The Rolling Hills town council meeting was held on January 15th, 2013. Much like during the Glenrock town council meeting the night before it was the night to swear in new officers. There were two officers sworn in, Ken Montgomery and Jon Maines. They joined Mayor Devonie Mueller and officers Jerrad Hall and Michael Dority.

Glenrock resident and former Herder is back home from Afghanistan after being gone for 15 months. Austin Smith is a Corporal in the United States Marines.

During the business session of the meeting the council approved for a tractor to get a tire fixed and for antifreeze to be

replaced in a truck. They discussed the need to take an inventory of bent curb stops and talked about building a new addition on a household property.

Council also appointed members to the zoning committee and made a motion to purchase Easter eggs for the Rolling Hills Easter Egg hunt in April. Council also discussed purchasing a swing set for the town and the precautions and standards that would need to be looked at.

Assembly of God, 201 N 3rd St - 10:00 Sundays.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 939 W Birch St Regular Info: worship service with communion 8:30 AM Sundays, children's Sunday School after service; Bible study Mon 7 PM, 10 AM Wed. Church of the Resurrection, 506 W Birch St - worship service 8:30 AM Sundays.

St. Louis Catholic Church, 601 S 5th St: Regular Information: Mass Sat 5:30 PM, Sunday 9 AM and 7 PM. For more information, call 436-9529 Glenrock Baptist Church, a Bible-believing New Testament Church, 125 N 7th St - Sunday Bible study 9:45 AM, Sunday morning service 11 AM, Sunday potluck 12:30 PM, Sunday afternoon service 2 PM, Wed evening service 7 PM. Les Potter, 315-3218.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 219 Lookout Dr, 436-2217. Sacrament meeting, Sunday, 9:00 AM. Visitors welcome. Sunday School, 10:10.

Glenrock First Southern Baptist Chapel, 485 E Birch St, 251-6688. Sunday services 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM; Sunday School 9:30 AM; youth at Boys and Girls Club 5:30 PM. Tuesday Men's Bible Study at Rec Center 6:30 PM. Wed service 7:00 PM. Christ Episcopal Church, 415 W Cedar St, 436-8804; Summer schedule: Sunday worship service with communion, 10:45; NO Bible study or Sunday School. Sunday Service for Christ Episcopal Church 9:30 AM with Sunday School convening at the same time. Confirmation classes are being held after the service.

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 2

Donation Will Provide a Hand Up to Young Producers

Glenrock Fire Department Solicits Bids

Glenrock Volunteer Fire Department is soliciting bids for Purchase of a 1250 GPM top mount enclosed pump control Class A Fire pumper. Bid documents or information can be obtained by contacting: Hershel Wickett 307-436-8853 307-267-5349 cell Jeff Nelson

307-436-5669 307-262-3807 cell

Shon Lindsey

307-436-2721 307-797-4503 cell

Todd Young

307-259-3476 cell

Bids will be accepted until 5:00PM, January 28, 2013 at the Glenrock Fire Station. Bids may be submitted electronically, postal service or hand delivered to the above listed persons or delivered to the Glenrock Fire Station prior to bid deadline.

CADILLAC FOR SALE About Georgene Hager LeBar Georgene Hager LeBar was born on Sept. 14, 1940 in Scottsbluff, Neb. She was raised seven miles east and three miles south of Torrington at the Little Moon Lake Ranch, a place her family homesteaded in 1890. In 1974 Georgene married George LeBar of Douglas and the couple ranched together for many years. Following George’s death, Georgene continued the successful cow-calf and yearling operation for another 20 years.

A $1.5 million donation to the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust will bring new opportunities to aspiring ranch families and raise awareness about the tools available to aid in the generational transfer of Wyoming’s ranchlands.

After Georgene Hager LeBar passed away in 2009, her family liquidated a portion of her assets and made charitable investments in some key Wyoming non-profits. The Stock Growers Land Trust is among the beneficiaries and will put the dollars to work developing its Ranchland Succession Program.

“Georgene believed in helping people help themselves,” says Dylan Hager, LeBar’s nephew.

Dylan and his wife Erin are overseeing the contributions made from the Georgene Hager Family Fund and directing the investments to causes they know Georgene would have supported. The $1.5 million contributed to the Ranchland Succession Program is the largest single donation the Trust has received to date. In keeping with Georgene’s life philosophy, the money will be used to help young and beginning ranchers help themselves.

“She provided Dylan with the foundation he needed to continue ranching,” says Erin Hager.

“We want to provide a simi-

lar opportunity to other young producers and hope to use the Ranchland Succession Program as the vehicle for that opportunity.”

“Through Georgene’s hard work, foresight and generosity, our mission to facilitate the transfer of Wyoming farms and ranches to the next generation just earned a hand up,” says Mantha Phillips, chair of the Stock Growers Land Trust Ranchland Succession Program Committee.

“The Land Trust will work with a number of organizations developing and utilizing new tools ranging from traditional agricultural loans to special programs for young and beginning producers,” says Stock Growers Land Trust Executive Director Pam Dewell. “Conservation easements, mitigation funds and conservation leases will be used to raise capital and/or reduce fair market value, resulting in a package that is mutually beneficial for both retiring ranchers and up and coming ranch families.”

In accordance with the family’s wishes, the Georgene Hager Family Fund will be used repeatedly through revolving loans. More importantly, the donation will serve as the lead gift in the multi-year, multi-million dollar program. A key com-

1997 Pearlized White Cadillac Deville Concourse. Beautiful Car. 170,000 miles.

Super body, Super Interior. Engine needs work. (Previous owner was not truthful on all the work it needed and we have done alot.) New tires, Extra wheels for it.

Needs new battery. $2000.00 or best offer. We have already put over $4000.00 in it. 307-436-8817

ponent of the program will be expanded outreach specifically targeted at tax professionals and estate planners. Additional bequests of real estate and other planned gifts to support the Ranchland Succession Program will be sought, opening the doors of opportunity for aspiring agriculturalists.

The Ranchland Succession Program will formalize and expand on the priority the Stock Growers Land Trust Board of Directors placed on generational transfers beginning in 2010.

Over the past several years, a solid track record of assistance to families working to pass generational operations along to a new generation of producers has been established, building on a very successful conservation easement acquisition program.

Dewell says the Stock Growers Land Trust plans to have program guidelines and an application process in place for the Ranchland Succession Program by the end of the calendar year.

“We are very grateful to Georgene, her nephew Dylan and his wife Erin, along with Georgene’s accountant and long-time friend Dave Kreycik for their efforts to sustain ranching in Wyoming,” says Phillips.

Save 69% Plus 2 FREE Gifts!

The Grilling Collection 45102YML

4 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 2 (4 1/2 oz.) Stuffed Sole with Scallops & Crabmeat 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)

8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 4 Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Reg. $166.00... Now Only

4999

$

Plus 2 Free Gifts

to every shipping address.

FREE 6-piece Cutlery Set & a FREE Cutting Board.

Limit of 2 packages. Free Gifts included per shipment. Offer expires 4/30/13. Standard shipping and handling will be applied per address.

To order: www.OmahaSteaks.com/grill44 or call 1-866-981-2087

©2013 OCG OmahaSteaks.com, Inc. 15118

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 3

Apartment For Rent In Glenrock 2 Bedroom Apt. $550/ month, $500 Deposit, 201 Boxelder Trail #4.

Laundry Hook ups, Dishwasher, Off Street Parking Call Commercial Services - 234-7179

Dandelions Dandelions Written by Michael Lee Joshua It surprised me to see him standing there in the middle of my backyard. But, there he was, looking at the dandelions that I could not seem to kill off.

As I walked over toward him, he stood up and cocked his head at me. The smell of peanut butter wafted through the air. With a handful of dandelions he had picked, he shuffled backward a few steps. An alien perhaps? He appeared to have only one eye.

“Where did you come from?”

His mouth opened, and a response of sorts ensued - but nothing intelligible, at least, not to me anyway.

I pointed to his red transport vehicle and asked if that was how he had arrived. He only stared at me with his wideopen eye.

I motioned that he could come inside as I pulled open the kitchen door. His hesitance faded as he saw the play room full of my grandson’s toys.

Each toy was foreign to him. I pulled out a sketch pad to show him how crayons put colors on the page. I’m not sure, but it sounded like a giggle almost escaped from his lips.

Reaching for the phone, I called 9-1-1, I needed to tell someone about this small creature. Who could advise me what to do with him?

“Sir, what do you mean - he just showed up in your backyard with a red vehicle?”

“Exactly what I said, his transport is in the backyard. Right now he is eating chocolate chip cookies and playing with Legos.”

“We’ll send someone over. Do you think he’s dangerous?”

“He’s less than three-feet tall, I doubt that he can hurt me.”

Sighing, I hung up the phone. Idiot. Can he hurt me… Just what I need, cops showing up with their guns drawn.

I stepped next to him and knelt down. “What is your name?”

Again, all I heard was gibberish. I nodded and smiled. The doorbell rang – assuming it was the police, I swung the door open without looking through the peephole. There was a young woman standing on my doorstep. With a panicked voice, she said, “I am looking for my son, little red-head, was pulling his red wagon in our driveway, but I don’t know where he went. Please, have you seen him?”

It was then that she saw him. Lunging through my doorway, she raced to him and swept him up into her arms.

Finally, an intelligible sound: “Ma-ma-ma-ma.”

The tears rolled down her face as I told her that he was eating cookies and playing with my grandson’s toys. “He is fine,” I said.

The mother was apologetic as she explained. “He has a speech problem and cannot talk well. I’ve always worried about him getting out of sight and today it happened. We just moved in down the block, so he is out of sorts, I know.

With his one eye-patch and cap down low over his forehead, he does seem a bit odd-looking to those that don’t know him.”

“That’s ok, I think he sensed the grandpa in me.”

Cowboy Code

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.

Gathered steers on the old red river; loaded cars in Omaha.

The northern wind sure made him shiver on the stage at Tonopah.

He knew every town and brothel; every hotel and saloon.

Every place to bed the cattle and when to travel by the light of moon.

He stepped aboard the horse he bought at the livery down town; then he rode on back to Texas to buy a piece of ground.

He was loyal and honest and trusted by the men that owned the herd.

They shake of his hand and the look in his eye said “he’d” die to keep his word.”

Was the peak of the cattle gather by the time that he got home.

He hired on the (4*6) 6666’s wagon, from there, began to roam.

Five times, up north he gandered ‘fore they made him trail boss; by then, he knew every single man and the name of every hoss.

He knew every river crossing from Texas to ol’ Montan; and every place an outlaw lingered all the way up the Rio Grande.

“I will get his wagon for you, it’s in my backyard.”

I watched as they walked away, hand-in-hand, pulling the wagon. Then I remembered.

“Wait, he forgot these.”

Putting the dandelions into his wagon, I saw a smile cross his little face and heard more gibberish.

I couldn’t help but smile as I closed my front door, I reached for the phone to call off the authorities.

Dangerous alien, right.

Just another of God’s outlandish blessings.

Now folks? That there’s a cowboy, it’s the way we are today; and we wouldn’t change our ethics for a double raise in pay.

Its cowboy pride, folks, and integrity our hearts and souls in this western land.

We’ll always live by the cowboy code, and ride for the Masters brand.

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 4

Obituaries David Richard Edwards Andrew F.“Andy”Schmidt Funeral services for David Richard Edwards, 74, were held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 11, 2013 at the Fort Reno Building on Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas, Wyoming with Bobbi Fitzhugh conducting the service. Interment was in the Douglas Park Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the United States Navy.

Dave Edwards a resident of Douglas died Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas.

Dave was born January 13, 1938 in Cheyenne, Wyoming the son of Bryan Eric Edwards and Velma Ruth (Silver) Edwards. He was raised and educated in Casper, Wyoming and graduated from the Natrona County High School in 1955.

He enlisted in the United States Navy and after three years he was chosen for the NAVCAD Program, where he received his wings. He received an engineering degree from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. Dave was a highly decorated naval carrier aviator pilot. He served as the Captain on the USS Ogden LPD. He served for over 30 years in the United States Navy with several tours of duty in Viet Nam, and he almost had 1200 carrier landings to his credit.

He retired from the Pentagon to Escondido, California, where he built 45 homes.

Dave moved to Douglas in 1993, and bought the LaBonte Hotel in 1994 which he operated for six years.

He served on the Douglas City Council, served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2000 – 2008, and served as a Converse County Commissioner from 2009 to 2011.

He was a member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Leadership Wyoming, Tailhook, Navy

Aviation Museum, and Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8.

Dave was married to Glenda Carolyn Lewis on November 25, 1983 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Dave is survived by his wife, Glenda, of Douglas; children, Scott Edwards of Burbank, California, Mac Edwards of Taylorsville, Utah, Tiffany Edwards Hunt of Pahoa, Hawaii, Brett Wehn of Idyllwild, California, and Brenda Riordan of San Diego, California; sisters, Audrey Miller, Ruth Mendenhall, Mary Yvonne Edwards, and Ester Barry all of Salt Lake City, Utah; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and his dog, Zoe’.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bryan, on August 1, 1999 and his mother, Velma, on December 11, 1991.

Serving as pallbearers will be members of the United States Navy.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were Brett Wehn, Scott Edwards, Mac Edwards, Jay Riordan, Patrick Riordan, Christopher Riordan, Andrew Wehn, Jim Twiford, Bob Kayser, Steve Bennett, Chuck Kern, Jerry Loader, and Mike Flaherty.

A memorial to the Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8, P.O. Box 1. Douglas, Wyoming 82633 or to the Laramie Peak Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 463, Douglas, Wyoming 82633.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming was in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

Glen Anderson Weber

A funeral service for Glen Anderson Weber, 82, will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at the Community By Grace Church, 91 South Wheatland Highway, Wheatland, Wyoming with

Pastor David Weber officiating. Interment will be held at the Wheatland Cemetery.

Glen a resident of Wheatland died Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at the Platte County Memorial Hospital of natural

A funeral service for Andrew F. “Andy” Schmidt, 91, wase held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 11, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Douglas, Wyoming with Reverend Paul M. Rosburg officiating. Interment was held at the Douglas Park Cemetery.

Andy died Monday, January 7, 2013 at the Douglas Care Center in Douglas, Wyoming of natural causes.

Andy was born December 3, 1921 at his Uncle & Aunt’s home near Cutmeat, South Dakota to Walter F. & Sophia M. (Heinert) Schmidt. Andy was very sick when he was a baby so he was baptized at his Uncle Peter Mohls home on December 4, 1921.

Andy was raised on the family homestead and attended rural school through the eighth grade.

He was confirmed on May 31, 1936 at the Saint John Lutheran Church in Norris, South Dakota and remained a member of the Lutheran Church all of his life.

He helped his parents on their farm until he got married.

Andy was united in marriage to Leona Sarah Deutsch on April 8, 1945 at the Saint John Lutheran Church in Norris. To this union were born seven children Sharon, Arvin, Glenda, Shirley, Marjorie, Loretta, and Lori.

After they were married they farmed and ranched near Norris.

In November, 1954 they moved to Valentine, Nebraska and Andy went to work for Allen Ward Plumbing. Andy’s heart was back at the farm so they moved back to Norris in May of 1955.

They farmed, milked cows, raised sheep, and always had a large garden.

In September, 1965 Andy went to meat cutting school in Toledo, Ohio for three months. Andy got a job with Al’s Locker in Winner, South Dakota in February, 1966 and moved to Winner. In 1968 they moved to Ainsworth, Nebraska to work for Sand Hill Pack. In 1976 Andy and Leona

bought their own meat plant. In July, 1983 after seven years of long days and very hard work they sold the meat plant and retired. In 1988 they bought a trailer and lots in Orin, Wyoming and spent their summers there.

In 1993 they sold their house and moved to Orin. After moving to Orin Andy enjoyed raising some cattle and sheep until his health wouldn’t permit him to.

Andy enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing, and in his younger years playing softball.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Leona, of Orin; children, Sharon (Pat) of White River, South Dakota, Glenda of Douglas, Shirley (Artie) of Manville, Wyoming, Marge (Max) of Douglas, Loretta (Tyler) of Douglas, Lori (Gerald) of Manville, Kim (Ryan) of Rapid City, South Dakota; 25 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; sisters, Viola Deutsch of Valentine, Nebraska and Phyllis Fernen of Spearfish, South Dakota; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sophia Schmidt; sister, Mathilda in infancy; sister, Lucille; and brother, Melvin.

Serving as pallbearers were Tac Dysart, Ty Dysart, Josh Page, Shawn Englel, Lane Carpenter, and Clint Phillips.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial to the Zion Lutheran Church, 601 South Ninth Street, Douglas, Wyoming 82633 would be appreciated by the family.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas was charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

causes.

Glen was born on January 28, 1929 in his maternal grandparent’s farm house near Bladen, Nebraska the older child of Joseph William and Hazel Pearl (Anderson) Weber.

He spent his entire childhood and early life on the family

farm east of Wheatland. Locally he was an active member of the Community By Grace Church where his son, David is the pastor. In 1969 he moved to Denver for a short time before returning to Wheatland to work primarily as a heavy equipment operator for Fertig Construction and later worked on the construction of the Laramie River Power Station.

Glen is survived by his wife of sixty three years and friendship since first grade in Guernsey, Frances (Stevens) Weber of Wheatland; four sons, Glen (Connie) of Pasadena, California, Gary (Diana) of Wheatland, David (Rose) of Wheatland, and Joe (Katrina) of Fort Collins, Colorado; two daughters, Karen (Jake) Sinner of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Lois (Rick) Peterson of Big Sandy, Texas; nineteen grandchildren; twenty three great grandchildren with number twenty four due in April; only sibling, Phyllis (John) Thalken; and many nieces and nephews Friends and family may call at the funeral home Monday from 12 (Noon) to 5:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Community By Grace Building Fund, 21 Cozad Road, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Arlene Marie Clark A graveside service for Arlene Marie Clark, 86, were held Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at the Wheatland Cemetery in Wheatland, Wyoming with Pastors Gary Robins and Jason Crossman of the Pioneer Baptist Church officiating.

Arlene Clark a long time resident of Wheatland died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Platte County Memorial Nursing Home in Wheatland of natural causes.

Arlene was born October 27, 1926 in New Virginia, Iowa the daughter of Guy O. and Lela (Harsh) Cochran.

Arlene was reared and educated in Wheatland and graduated from Wheatland High School.

Arlene married William Henry Clark on December 3, 1944 in Wheatland and to this union three children were born. Some of her hobbies included crocheting, raising chickens and pigs, and gardening. But most of all she loved being on the

ranch with her family. She was like a mom to all the neighbor kids.

She is survived by her children, Jo (Darrell) Herman, William M. (Elaine) Clark, and Robert A. (Penny) Clark all of Wheatland; nine grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Clark, February 4, 1994; parents; and her siblings.

Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Platte County Memorial Nursing Home, P.O. Box 1148 Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 would be appreciated by the family.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

SuzAnne McCormick Funeral services for SuzAnne McCormick, 63, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 21, 2013 at the Glendo High School Gymnasium in Glendo, Wyoming with Jim Wilson officiating. Interment will be in the Horseshoe Cemetery near Glendo.

SuzAnne McCormick died Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming after an accident on the family’s ranch.

A Prayer Service will be held at the Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 3:00 P.M. with Bishop Darrell Locke of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints conducting.

She was born in Coalville, Utah, May 5, 1949, the daughter of Ralph Willard and LaWana (Black) Milliner. SuzAnne attended Utah State University and received bachelor degrees first in home economics and family studies, then in education. SuzAnne married James McCormick in 1980.

She spent her working career teaching first in Douglas and then Glendo. She loved all the children she taught and changed many lives. She retired in 2011.

Her greatest joy in life came from being with family and friends. The last few months of her life may have been some of her happiest, enjoying the holidays with family and planning for her first grandchild.

She was survived by husband James of Glendo; sister and brother-in-law Roberta and Robert Hanson, of Towanda, Pennsylvania, sister and brother-in-law Carma and Scott Shoop of Newcastle, Wyoming, and brother and sister-in-law Chad and Kathy Milliner of West Jordan, Utah; brother-in law and sister-in-law Bob and Sandy McCormick of Glenrock, Wyoming; son Mike of Glendo; and daughter Laura (Andrew Ebel) of Glendo; and numerous nieces and nephews each of whom held a special place in her heart.

A memorial to the Glendo Volunteer Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 404, Glendo, Wyoming 82213 or to the Marge Cares Foundation, P.O. Box 155, Douglas, Wyoming 82213 would be appreciated by the family.

Serving as pallbearers will be Doug Fenton, Grady Winders, Britt Wilson, Don Smathers, Gary Peterson, and Lake Sanborn.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

William Joseph Schellinger Graveside services for William Joseph Schellinger, 74, were held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Horseshoe Cemetery near Glendo, Wyoming with Father John Savio of Saint James Catholic Church in Douglas, Wyoming officiating and military honors accorded by the John Prince American Legion Post #15 and the Wyoming Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors.

A Vigil for the Deceased was held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, January 17, 2013 at the Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel in Douglas.

Bill Schellinger died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Douglas Care Center in Douglas.

He was born March 28, 1938 in Douglas, Wyoming the son of Harold Joseph Antone and Elizabeth Blanche (Hytrek) Schellinger. He was raised and educated in Douglas and graduated from the Douglas High School.

He entered the United Sates Navy and served for four years. He returned to Douglas following his discharge.

He was married to Trina Louise Cundall on June 30, 1962 at the Saint James Catholic Church in Douglas. Bill worked for Caterpillar in Casper, Wyoming, Converse County Road and Bridge in Douglas, and retired from the Glenrock Coal Mine in Glenrock, Wyoming as a mechanic and welder.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, and playing with his antique tractors.

Bill was a member of the Saint James Catholic Church, Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8, and Central Wyoming Antique Power Association.

Bill is survived by his wife, Trina; mother, Betty; children, James, David, Peggy Marcy, Sam, and Chris; seven grandchildren; and one great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold, on June 18, 1976.

Serving as pallbearers will be James Schellinger, Dave Schellinger, Sam Schellinger, Chris Schellinger, Brian Shaw, and Cody Schellinger.

Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A memorial to the Saint James Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1500, Douglas, Wyoming 82633 would be appreciated by the family.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming was charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh. com

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 5

Sheriff, UWPD: UW Students’ Actions May Have Saved Woman’s Life January 16, 2013 — Prompt action by three University of Wyoming students likely saved the life of a woman who was found stranded Monday near Happy Jack recreation area east of Laramie, according to local law enforcement officials.

Reports identify the students as Anton Schabauer, Rapid City, S.D.; Brian Schlidt, Casper; and Tyler Soulek, Littleton, Colo.

According to the investigating officers’ reports, the three students were hiking in the area Monday afternoon when they found clothing and a purse in the snow. Walking further on the trail, they spotted a vehicle that was stuck in the snow, and used a portable GPS device to mark the location.

The students returned to Laramie and immediately reported their findings to the UW Police Department, which contacted the Albany County Sheriff’s Department. Using the coordinates provided by the students, a deputy in the area was able to quickly locate the vehicle. The deputy reported that they found an unidentified Nebraska woman inside the stuck vehicle who “appeared to be extremely cold, and noticed that her feet were very swollen and red.” The vehicle could not be started.

Wyoming Bill Would End Life Without Parole Sentences BEN NEARY,Associated Press

penalty they should get."

minimum of 25 years in prison."

he said.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Under a bill proposed Thursday, Wyoming would no longer have a prison sentence of life without parole — a punishment currently reserved for first-degree murder convictions or repeated sex offenses.

Linda Burt, with the ACLU of Wyoming, said her group might have concerns with Burns' bill because it could result in more people receiving death sentences.

Burns said he expects his fellow legislators will give his bill "a reasonable reflection." Cosponsor Rep. Matt Greene, RLaramie, declined comment.

In regard to Burns' desire to get offenders out of prison so the state won't be responsible for their geriatric medical care, Homar said, "I don't think you age out of being a sex offender."

The measure would prohibit such sentences in the future and allow the governor to shorten prison terms for inmates facing such time.

Sen. Bruce Burns, R-Sheridan, said he raised the plan "for the sake of the state."

An ambulance was called and paramedics treated the woman at the scene, and transferred her to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie to be treated for early stages of frostbite and hypothermia.

"Right now we have about 21 or 22 people in for life without parole, and there will be more," Burns said. "And at some point, we're going to have an aged population of people serving life without parole, and the state's going to be responsible for their medical care."

“These three individuals are to be commended for doing the right thing,” says Albany County Sheriff Dave O’Malley. “They went above and beyond their call of duty, and more likely than not saved this woman’s life.”

Burns said the plan would give the governor the authority to "basically get rid of the state's responsibility for these people."

UWPD Chief Mike Samp also commends the students.

Cheyenne District Attorney Scott Homar opposes the measure, saying that in some cases, particularly when it comes to sex offenses, "There's just no question that life without the possibility of parole is the only

“They were three guys going for a walk in the mountains, and they took it on themselves to bring back all the needed information our departments needed to locate and provide necessary treatment for this woman,” he says.

Burns spoke at a hearing last week in favor of a separate House bill that would prohibit sentences of life without parole for juvenile offenders.

Wyoming must change its law in regard to juvenile offenders in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that banned mandatory sentences of life without parole for juveniles.

The pending House bill would specify that juveniles convicted of first-degree murder must serve at least 25 years before they would be eligible for parole.

Homar, the Cheyenne prosecutor, said the Wyoming County and Prosecuting Attorneys Association hasn't taken a formal position on the proposal.

He said, however, that sex offenders who have been convicted three times have likely committed many more crimes.

"They're not going to stop.

There's not going to be any level of rehabilitation that's going to do any good. They simply need to be kept away from society,"

Homar said he would also prefer to keep the sentence of life without parole as an option between a life sentence subject to commutation by the governor and a death sentence.

"If you go with first degree murder, and you don't get the death penalty, you get life without the possibility of parole, generally there's a reason for that," Homar said. "That is that you're a very violent individual. It's a very violent crime."

"You're not the same person when you're 17 that you are at 42," Burns said. "And I don't think their maturity is formed enough to, frankly, be responsible for the rest of their lives. The fact is, they're going to serve at least a

Deeanne Engle, M.D. Family Medicine w/

Craig Capron, DPM Podiatry 358-7397

Kellie Clausen, FNP Family Medicine 358-7373

Jonathan Grosdidier, M.D. General Surgery 358-8432

Dr. Brian Retherford OB/Gyn 358-7365

Jacqueline Retherford WHNP 358-7365

John Thalken, M.D. Internal Medicine 358-7340

Twyla Thalken MS FNP 358-7340

Lori Tobler, M.D. Internal Medicine 358-7380

William White, M.D. General Surgery 358-8432

Lori Wortham MPAS-C 358-7373

Obstetrical Services

358-7373

Rex Wortham, M.D. Family Medicine w/ Obstetrical Services

358-7373

Please welcome our two newest providers to Converse County!

Kathryn A. Skuza, M.D. Pediatrician/Pediatric Endocrinologist 358-7300

Patricia Spencer, M.D. Family Medicine w/ Obstetrical Services

358-7373

Have a Safe and Happy 2013!

111 South 5th Street Douglas, Wyoming 307-358-2122 • www.ConverseHospital.com

MeMorial Hospital of Converse County

Advanced Medicine. Hometown Care.

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 6

Local Glenrockian Serves Up Stress Free Dinner Ideas Emma Roberts (TBC) Ginny Butchers one-1-five meal planning service for stress free dinners. It couldn't be simpler!

A long time resident of Glenrock, Wyoming Ginny Butcher may have just created something that will make a lasting impact and just may become a house hold name. Her creation

cery store and the cashier was lamenting that she didn't know what to make for supper” The difference between what you see in magazines or on food channels; Ginny says “I think what sets one-1-five apart is the service that's offered. I'm not just offering some great recipes, I've put together 5 day's worth of suppers for subscribers as

Per Ginny, “the stress free part is not having to figure it all out.

We have so many choices in everything these days that figuring out what to make for dinner becomes one more overwhelming sea of choices and decisions. By subscribing you are relieved of that burden. If you're not sure, try the sample menu. And you can always try it for a month and unsubscribe if it's not for you.

But I think you'll like it.”

Wyo. Guard Unit Prepares for Mideast Mission (AP) — More than 160 Wyoming National Guard members are preparing for deployment to the country of Bahrain.

The guard's 133rd Engineer Company based in Laramie will spend nine months on the deployment. The unit will provide

security at a military base.

They will leave for Bahrain in June. But they undergo a twoweek training session at Camp Guernsey this month and will have more training in Mississippi in April.

2 Wyoming Skiers Headed To International Special Olympics AP) — Two skiers from Jackson will compete in the Special Olympics World Games in South Korea later this month.

The Jackson Hole Daily (http:// bit.ly/W735cZ ) reported Wednesday that 45-year-old Mona Sobieski and 15-year-old Alex Moreno are getting ready back at home after training in Lake Placid, N.Y.

to Jackson in 2006 and is also an equestrian.

Moreno is an eighth grader at Jackson Hole Middle School who's been skiing since his fourth grade teacher encouraged him to get involved in the Special Olympics. He'll compete in the giant slalom, regular slalom and super G during the games, which start Jan. 29.

Sobieski has been skiing for 30 years but has never been to the world games before. She moved

Ginny Bitcher poses with one of her one-1-five meal planning services recipes. Photo courtesty Ginny Butcher.

of a meal planning service one1-five (one short list, one quick trip, five great meals) literally retrains you in the planning of meals for dinner, and she does it five easy meals at a time.

In August of 2012, Ginny began researching and developing her recipes, website and delivery system and launched the service in November. Almost immediately she had followers, both local and out of state from Nebraska and Kansas to New Hampshire.

Her main goal; to help those responsible for the meals in the home (which is usually women) get some stress relief.

Butcher plans to photograph each dish and include these photos on the 1-one-five.com website. Right now, you can see them in the weekly newsletter containing the recipes.

Dishes are prepared and ready for their photo shoot each Monday before the newsletter goes out.

With her 1-one-five meal planning site already a success, Ginny also has a blog which will feature a different fruit or veggie each week and include educational information about it's nutritional benefits and some “fun facts” along with a simple recipe involving that weeks fruit or vegetable.

Visit www.one-1-fiveblog. blogspot.com.

Along with her blog and website, you can find Ginny and her meal planning service, one-1five on Facebook: www.facebook.com/One1Fivecom For the weekly recipes, which include 5 meals, one for each day, the cost to you is only $5.00/mo... not a bad price to pay for the ease of a stress free dinner each night.

When asked what inspired her to create this meal planning service and offer it others, Ginny states; “I was tired of the stress of not knowing what to make for supper. I'd been living with it for years! I realized I could do this - plan meals for myself and for others. It would end my own mealtime madness and help anyone who wanted to avail themselves of the service.

The day the idea came to mind; “I was checking out at the gro-

well as the shopping list. It's so easy to open your email and get your menus and list. You can open it at the grocery store and shop right there.

Ginny says, if you subscribe to one-1-five she thinks you will find a certain kind of peace sneaking up on you through the day each time you think about what's for dinner. "At least that's what happened to me. stated Butcher. "I'd start to feel the panic - and then I'd remember, 'oh yeah, not to worry, its all figured out for me."

"Why $5 a month? It costs money to have a website, an email newsletter, it takes time researching and planning. There are lots of hours that go into this process. But I like it and I want to truly help women especially, and I think it's well worth $5/ month. Could be the best $5 you ever spent!" continued Butcher.

A gluten free menu has been added, and plans are in progress for a vegan menu beginning this Spring.

One of the best parts is the pantry. Each week Ginny indicates how much of what items from the pantry you will need to make that week's recipes. She then provides a list detailing the fresh items you'll need that week. You'll see that buying things like chicken breasts and pork roasts, and other meats in large packages and re-pack them in freezer bags for future recipes, that you'll always have the main and sometimes even all the ingredients you'll need each time you go to make dinner. With the exception of produce, which Ginny states can be purchased week to week so it stays fresh. You won't waste produce. How many times have we shopped, picked up fresh produce with the thought “i'll use this” only to find a week later, you didn't use it, it went bad and you had to throw it out. "With a menu planning one week ahead of time, you will use it."

Signing up is easy, and once you subscribe, just check your email every Thursday for your newsletter. That's where you'll find the links to both the traditional recipes and the gluten free recipes. You can download the week's menu or just use it on your phone, ipad or computer.

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 7

Ray Lewis to Retire After Playoffs

NCAA Denies Extra Year To UW's Ruff (AP) — The NCAA has denied granting another year of eligibility to senior Wyoming safety Luke Ruff.

UW had requested a medical hardship waiver for Ruff, who played in five games last season before an injury forced him to miss the rest of the season.

Martinez released, ordered to stay out of trouble CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A top Wyoming basketball player accused of kicking a man during a fight has been released from jail and ordered to stay away from bars.

However, the NCAA denied UW's request and subsequent appeal.

Ruff finishes his career at UW with 175 career tackles

Ray Lewis - (AP Photo/Nick Wass, FIle) OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — It seems almost impossible to imagine the Ravens without Ray Lewis, who has anchored Baltimore's renowned defense ever since the team came into existence.

For 17 years, Lewis has been stalking opposing quarterbacks and running backs. He inspired his teammates with emotional speeches, proudly donned his No. 52 jersey on Sunday afternoons and did everything in his power to help Baltimore win.

Soon, all that will only be a memory. In a stunning announcement Wednesday, the two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year said he will retire after the Ravens complete their 2013 playoff run.

"It caught me by surprise, because we all thought the great Ray Lewis was going to play forever," Baltimore outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "I thought he was going to surpass Brett Favre and still be out there doing it well into his 40s. He let us know that the sun is setting on his career. It's amazing and it's sad, all at the same time."

When Lewis gathered his teammates together Wednesday morning, no one had a clue what he was about to tell them.

"Everything that starts has an end," the 37-year-old Lewis said. "For me, today, I told my team that this will be my last ride."

The reaction was stunned silence.

"I thought we were getting our 'Let's go on a run in the playoffs' speech,'" Suggs said. "Not that."

Lewis has been sidelined since Oct. 14 with a torn right triceps.

He intends to return Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts in what will almost certainly be his final home game.

And when he does his trademark dance after emerging from the tunnel, Lewis will receive an ovation 17 years in the making.

"That moment I walk out of that tunnel Sunday, every person that was a Ravens fan — 1996 to this day — we will all enjoy that moment," he said. "It will probably be one of the glorious moments in my life."

Lewis is poised to walk away from the game because he wants to spend more time with his sons. While working to return from his injury, Lewis watched two of his boys play on the same high school football team in Florida. He intends to see Ray Lewis III perform as a freshman next year for the University of Miami, where Lewis starred before the Ravens selected him in the first round of the 1996 draft.

"God is calling," Lewis said.

"My children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father for 17 years. I don't want to see them do that no more. I've done what I wanted to do in this business, and now it's my turn to give them something back."

That's why Lewis will pull off his uniform for the last time after the Ravens lose or claim their second Super Bowl title.

"It's either (that or) hold onto the game and keep playing and let my kids miss out on times we can be spending together," Lewis said. "Because I always promised my son if he got a full ride on scholarship Daddy is going to be there, I can't miss that."

Lewis was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2000, the same season he was voted Super Bowl MVP following Baltimore's 34-7 rout of the New York Giants. Lewis was also Defensive Player of the Year in 2003, and is the only player in NFL history with at least 40 career sacks and 30 interceptions.

"I never played the game for individual stats," Lewis said. "I only played the game to make my team a better team."

After the Ravens moved from Cleveland, Lewis was drafted 26th overall in Baltimore's first draft. He became a fixture at middle linebacker and a beloved figure in Baltimore, and remained that way even after his alleged involvement in a double-murder in Atlanta in early 2000.

In June of that year, a judge approved a deal allowing Lewis to avoid murder charges and jail time by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor and testifying against two co-defendants. Within a year, Lewis was in the Super Bowl, leading the Ravens to their only NFL championship.

Hundreds of games later, he's ready to call it a career.

Luke Ruff photo courtesy UW

UW Nordic Ski Teams Open Season with Victories Despite being short-handed to begin the season, the nationally recognized University of Wyoming Nordic ski club teams won three of four races last weekend to open the new season.

Both teams placed first in the 15km classic race last Saturday and the men’s team won the 5km skate race Sunday at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Invitational at Snow Mountain Ranch, Colo.

The Cowgirls were second on the final day.

The first conference race of the season was used to qualify individuals for the United States Collegiate Ski Association (USCSA) championships March 3-9, in Sun Valley, Idaho.

“Despite having a small team because some of our athletes are doing winter break classes abroad, it was a fantastic weekend,” Coach Christi Boggs says.

On the men's side, Tyler Kjorstad, a doctoral student in economics, dominated both races. However, he is not eligible for college nationals and his points did not count in this competition, Boggs says. As a result, teammate Patrick Rodgers, a junior from Casper, officially won both races in the college division. Catherine Schmidt, a Laramie senior, also won both races in the college division.

In the classic race, the Cowboys’ results were Rodgers, first; Taylor Vignaroli, a Casper sophomore, fifth; Willie Via, a Fairbanks, Alaska, senior, sixth; and Cheyenne sophomore Sindre Solvang placed ninth.

Martinez Released, Ordered To Stay Out Of Trouble

Schmidt won the women’s individual race and was followed by teammates Sarah Dixson, a Steamboat Springs, Colo., senior, in third place. Casper senior Shanna McCleary finished fourth.

The Cowgirls took the team title with 8 points; CMU scored 15; and USAFA had 24.

The skate race results were almost identical for the two UW teams.

Rodgers was first in the men’s division; Via placed third; Vignaroli was fifth; and Solvang finished 10th.

A judge allowed 22-year-old Luke Martinez to be released on a $25,000 signature bond Tuesday. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle (http://bit.ly/ Y9mWOO) reported he must also meet three times a week with his attorney and a member of the University of Wyoming's athletic department before his Jan. 28 preliminary hearing.

A police affidavit says Martinez admitted to kicking a man in the head as he lay on the ground defenseless during a Dec. 30 fight at the Buckhorn Bar in Laramie.

The victim was allegedly punched out by another Wyoming player.

The senior guard hurt his hand and was unable to play the next three games. He was suspended Monday.

The Cowboys again were first with 9 points; CMU scored 25; USAFA totaled 27; and WSC had 28.

Schmidt won the women’s race and was followed by teammates Dixson in fifth; McCleary sixth; and Binny Loveless, a New York City, N.Y., senior, placed 10th.

CMU won the day’s race with 9 points. The Cowgirls were three points back while USAFA scored 27.

“Everyone skied extremely well, especially for the first race of the season. We were missing some of our strongest skiers, but the remaining skiers did well,” Boggs says.

The next USCSA qualifier is Jan. 26-27, and will be hosted by CMU at Grand Mesa, Colo. The UW teams will compete in a pair of elite NCAA Division I races the next two weekends in Steamboat Springs and Minturn, Colo.

The Pokes took the men’s title with a team-low 10 points, followed by Colorado Mesa University (CMU) with 26; USAFA, 27; and Western State College (WSC), 30.

What if you always had the answer and the ingredients?

No more 5 o’clock panic, last-minute-guilt-laden takeout, hours of searching online or recycling the same old meals.

one - 1 - five

meal planning service has your answer!

When you subscribe (just $5/month) you receive a weekly email detailing one short grocery list (24 items) 1 quick trip (to the store) 5 stress free, complete dinner recipes

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 8

10 Things To Know About The Upcoming NHL Season

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer The lockout that lasted 119 days has ended, the new collective bargaining agreement is in place and the NHL is finally about to play games again after hastily arranged weeklong training camps around the league. Here are 10 questions and answers about the upcoming season: --1. What's the potential downside to teams playing 48 games in 99 days?

Injuries! The NHL is a physical game, with separated shoulders and pulled groins as prevalent as power plays and glove saves, not to mention concussions.

Less time to rest will put the players at greater risk of getting hurt.

--2. Has this kind of condensed schedule been used before?

Yes. The 1994-95 season was delayed by a lockout, too. After 48 games, New Jersey surged through the playoffs and won the Stanley Cup with a fourgame sweep of Detroit in the finals, riding a young goalie named Martin Brodeur, a deep group of forwards and a creative coach in Jacques Lemaire. The teams that can minimize injuries, keep all four lines cohesive and fresh, and get consistent play in the net will fare best in this whirlwind season.

--3. What might be more interesting than usual, with this shortened season?

The playoff races. Since the NHL started giving out standings points for losses in shootouts and overtimes, the competition for those eight spots in each conference sure hasn't fallen off. With fewer games, there's simply less time for struggling teams to drop out of the chase.

Shootouts in particular will play an even more pivotal role in the season.

--4. Can Los Angeles repeat as Stanley Cup champion?

Why not? The Kings are deep.

They're confident. They have an exceptional goalie in Jonathan Quick. Staying healthy will be

key. Leading scorer Anze Kopitar slightly injured his knee last week in Sweden and could miss a couple of games.

--5. Is this the year a Canadian team will end that title-less streak north of the border?

Vancouver again has the best chance, though the Canucks have made a habit of following strong regular seasons with letdowns in May or June. They led the NHL with 111 points last year, but got bounced in the first round by the eventual champion Kings.

Toronto is a rebuilding after firing general manager Brian Burke last week. The Maple Leafs last made the playoffs in 2004, the longest current streak without an appearance in the league. Montreal, the last Canadian club to win a Stanley Cup, in 1993, posted the worst record in the Eastern Conference last season. Edmonton has a lot of emerging young stars but little depth. Winnipeg has trouble scoring. Ottawa is thin on defense. Jarome Iginla isn't getting any younger in Calgary.

--6. Which team wanted the lockout to end more than any?

No one enjoyed watching all those games get canceled, but Minnesota generated the most buzz last summer by signing free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to mega contracts.

Then the Wild and their eager fans had to wait for perhaps the best team in the franchise's 13year history to be unveiled. Now they get the chance to see what Parise and Suter can do, and capable complementary players like Mikko Koivu, Matt Cullen, Cal Clutterbuck and PierreMarc Bouchard are poised to help the Wild make the playoffs for the first time in five years.

--7. How is Sidney Crosby's head after a long layoff?

The headaches are gone for Sid the Kid, whose post-concussion symptoms have nagged one of the game's greatest stars for the last two years. Crosby, 25, is ready to help Pittsburgh return to prominence.

8. Who are the best rookies to watch?

Detroit's Damien Brunner, Edmonton's Justin Schultz and Minnesota's Mikael Granlund, to name a few. Brunner is expected to get plenty of scoring chances, as he did playing in Switzerland with teammate Henrik Zetterberg. Granlund, a Finnish sensation who has paparazzi and fans following him all over his home country, will be on the second line for the Wild.

--9. Which will be the next franchise to relocate?

The New York Islanders are leaving Long Island for the fancy new arena in Brooklyn beginning in 2015. The Coyotes continue to face an uncertain future in Phoenix, and the NHL would love to add another team in Canada.

--10. Speaking of moving, whatever happened to that realignment plan?

That still must be ironed out.

The NHL decided about a year ago to move from six divisions to four conferences. Carolina, both New York teams, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington would be in one group; Boston, Buffalo, Montreal and Toronto, Florida and Tampa Bay would be another; Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis and Winnipeg would be a third; and Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton and Vancouver would be the last.

The NHL Players Association stalled the implementation, citing concerns about increased travel and competitive imbalance, with two conferences of eight teams each and two others with seven apiece. The issue was not part of the CBA talks, though, so that's the next item for the two sides to work on. When the Atlanta franchise moved to Winnipeg in 2011, the Jets remained in the Southeast Division. So some kind of shift will have to be made.

---

ESPN Anchor Stuart Scott Says Cancer Has Returned (AP) — ESPN anchor Stuart Scott says his cancer has returned.

Scott announced on Twitter late Monday night that he would undergo chemotherapy every two weeks but would continue to work.

The "SportsCenter" host was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007, when an emergency appendectomy revealed a malignant tumor. He underwent chemotherapy again in 2011.

The 47-year-old Scott joined

ESPN in 1993. He quickly became popular for signature phrases such as "Boo-yah!"

He tweeted: "Cancer wants to re-appear..picked the right guy cuz I HIT HARD all day long!!"

Stage Stop 2013: 23 teams, 368 Dogs Will Race JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — The largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states this year will feature 23 teams carried along by a total of some 368 dogs.

The 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race is scheduled to begin at the Jackson Town Square on Jan. 25.

by-side start. That means two teams at a time will jockey for position as they race down a street on their way out of town.

The nine-day race will cover parts of four states — Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana — before wrapping up with an awards banquet in Evanston on Feb. 2.

New for this year will be a side-

Wyoming Ski Report Grand Targhee — Wed 6:22 am 1 new packed powder machine groomed 74 - 74 base 76 of 76 trails, 100% open, 2602 acres, 5 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p; Hogadon — Reopen 01/16 Wed-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p Open Wed-Sun; Jackson Hole — Wed 6:14 am 1 - 3 new packed powder machine groomed 50 - 63 base 107 of 116 trails, 96% open, 2400 acres, 12 of 15 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p Sat/Sun: 9a-4p; Meadowlark Ski Lodge — Tue Reopen 01/18 powder machine groomed 13 - 24 base 14 of 14 trails, 100% open, 2 of 2 lifts, Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p Open Fri-Sun; Sleeping Giant — Reopen 01/18 Fri: 9:30a-4p Sat/Sun: 9:30a-4p; Open Fri-Sun; Snow King — Tue 11:59 am packed powder machine groomed 15 38 base 23 of 24 trails 96% open, 4 of 4 lifts, Tue-Fri: 10a-6:30p; Sat/Sun: 10a-4p; Open Tue-Sun; Snowy Range — Wed 5:11 am packed powder machine groomed 33 - 33 base 28 of 29 trails 97% open, 4 of 5 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/Sun: 9a-4p; Grand Targhee XC — Wed 6:32 am 1 new hard packed machine groomed 24 - 74 base 5 of 5 trails, 15 miles Mon-Fri: 9a-4p; Sat/ Sun: 9a-4p;

Cowboys Basketball Schedule

1-24-13 1-26-13 1-30-13 2-2-13 2-6-13 2-9-13 2-13-13 2-16-13 2-19-13 2-23-13 2-26-13 3-2-13 3-6-13

Laramie at UNLV 7:15 p.m. MT Air Force at Laramie 8:00 p.m. MT New Mexico at Laramie 7:00 p.m. MT Laramie at Colorado State 5:00 p.m. MT Laramie at CSU Bakersfield 8:00 p.m. MT Laramie at Boise State 6:00 p.m. MT Nevada at Laramie 7:00 p.m. MT Fresno State at Laramie 2:00 p.m. MT Laramie at San Diego 8:00 p.m. MT UNLV at Laramie 5:30 p.m. MT Laramie at Air Force 7:00 p.m. MT Laramie at New Mexico 3:00 p.m. MT Colorado State at Laramie 8:00 p.m. MT

Cowgirls Basketball Schedule

01/23/13 vs. UNLV Laramie, Wyo. 7:00 p.m. MT 01/26/13 at Air Force Co Springs, Colo 2:00 p.m. MT 01/30/13 at New Mexico Albuquerque, N.M.7:00 p.m. MT 02/02/13 vs. Co State Laramie, Wyo. 2:00 p.m. MT 02/09/13 vs. Boise State Laramie, Wyo. 2:00 p.m. MT 02/13/13 at Nevada Reno, Nev. 7:30 p.m. MT 02/16/13 at Fresno State Fresno, Calif.

3:00 p.m. MT 02/20/13 vs. San Diego StateLaramie, Wyo. 7:00 p.m. MT 02/23/13 at UNLV Las Vegas, Nev. 4:00 p.m. MT 02/27/13 vs. Air Force Laramie, Wyo. 7:00 p.m. MT 03/02/13 vs. New Mexico Laramie, Wyo. 2:00 p.m. MT 03/06/13 at Colorado State Ft. Collins, Colo. 7:00 p.m. MT

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 9

Enzi’s Reaction to Gun Control Laws Washington, D.C. – There may be no quick or easy fixes to highprofile acts of violence, according U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who says that any proposals aimed at protecting our citizens must still protect our Constitutional rights. Enzi issued this statement following President Obama’s announcement of proposed action to restrict gun rights: “Every problem is not a federal problem. Every problem doesn’t have a federal solution. We’re a diverse country,” Enzi said. “In my part of the country, Wyoming, guns are part of our way of life. They are a part of growing up and a responsible rite of passage. Guns are used for hunting. They are used for defense and to prevent further violence. Guns are also for recreational activities that are wideranging and varied. Federal gun rights restrictions are not guaranteed to stop violence, but we know they would create a host of other problems, Constitutional problems. I’m especially concerned about any executive gun control actions.

“Wyoming has lots of guns. Almost everyone uses them responsibly. People owning guns and shooting guns is not the problem. The problem is violence and its cause. We need to continue to seek solutions, but we shouldn’t let fear drive us down the road of giving up more and more of our most important and basic freedoms.”

Bill Requires 4 Years Of Math In Wyoming High Schools (AP) — Wyoming high school students would have to take math classes each year under a bill being considered by state lawmakers.

Currently, state law doesn't require students to study math in their senior years though some school districts still require it.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that the proposal to require math classes every year won easily won approval from the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. It now goes to the full Senate for debate.

Democratic Sen. Chris Rothfuss of Laramie said he introduced the bill after hearing about high school graduates failing their math placement exams in college.

Info Cheyenne Eagle

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming House of Representatives took the rare step Friday of approving a bill that would increase the state fuel tax by a dime a gallon, rejecting arguments it would hurt some working families.

The House voted 35-to-24 to approve the bill that would raise the fuel tax from its existing rate of 14 cents a gallon up to 24 cents. The hike would raise about $70 million a year for the state highway system and local roads.

Gov. Matt Mead had called on lawmakers to approve the tax increase in his state of the state address earlier this month, saying Wyoming needs a dependable source of highway funding.

With state energy revenues predicted to remain flat for years to come, state government can no longer afford to subsidize the department with general funds that could be used for other programs, the Republican said.

Supporters in the House beat back strong opposition from opponents who argued that Wyoming's working families, particularly people on fixed incomes, can't afford to pay more in taxes.

Rep. Mike Madden, R-Buffalo, chairman of the House Revenue Committee, urged House members to approve the bill.

Madden has repeatedly emphasized at hearings on the bill this week that out-of-state drivers buy 53 percent of the fuel sold in the state, and will therefore pick up the bulk of any increase in the price at the pump. The state hasn't raised the fuel tax since 1998, he said.

Madden also said Friday that Wyoming residents won't see a 10-cent jump in prices when the tax increase is imposed. Rather, the gasoline market essentially sets prices on a regional basis, lumping Wyoming together with other states that impose higher taxes, he said.

"The fuel tax is not a big mover, it's not a big factor, and it's not a big determinant of what you pay at the pump," Madden said.

how the gasoline market allocates taxes mean that Wyoming drivers are paying more to cover higher tax rates in neighboring states. "We are already paying this tax," she said. "The question is, are we going to collect it?"

Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s famous quote regarding a threshold for defining obscenity, in Jacobellis v.

Ohio, 1964, remarked, “But I know it when I see it…” Since that time numerous cases heard by the “black robes” and lower courts have only muddied the moral waters leaving it to the whims of the court as they fear trampling upon the first amendment free speech protection of purveyors of filth. So, “prurient interests” and “no redeeming value” wins the day, trumping the 1957 Roth case that stated obscene material existed when “the dominant theme taken as a whole appeals to prurient interest.”

The cinema and publishing moguls found great solace in the “serious literary, artistic, political or scientific values” clause.

Slithering down a brass pole, while dancing nude, is no less artistic than a Norman Rockwell painting. Another sign post.

Rep. David Miller, R-Riverton, argued against the tax, arguing a move up to 24 cents a gallon would be a 70-percent increase.

"We have to be careful here, because this is going to impact everyone in Wyoming," Miller said. "It's actually a very regressive tax and it will impact the people who need the money the most."

Rep. Allen Jaggi, R-Lyman, said he didn't disagree that state highways need to be maintained. However, he said he's concerned about the efficiency of the Wyoming Department of Transportation and whether the agency truly needs more money.

The FBI reports more than two-thirds of all sexual assault victims are under the age of 18-but most alarming- that most are under the age of 12. One in four sexual assault victims who experienced forcible sodomy or sexual assault were 5 or younger. How widespread is pedophilia and child molestation? There’s a scarcity of solid data due to fear or shame to report it. The recent abduction and sexual assault of 11 year old Katelynn Groves, from Cody, serves as a stark reminder. More girls under 12 are sexually molested than boys. In many foreign countries children have no protection, and are at the mercy of perversion and sex trafficking. Children engaged in sex acts in foreign films break all taboos that, up until now, Hollywood has avoided. What would prevent it here? Laws? Pubic outcry?

Unlikely. More sign posts.

The gasoline market essentially averages out taxes among states in the region, Madden said.

Pump prices are determined more by the refined price of fuel, which is mainly determined by the price of crude oil, he said.

The Guardian, a British daily newspaper, is selfavowed liberal newspaper, founded in 1821, with a daily circulation of more than 200,000. A January 3, 2013, feature article has become the newest champion for the cause of pedophiles, seriously maintaining that pedophiles are a misunderstood minority, and they cause no real harm. Columnist Jon Henley quoted a convicted pedophile who claimed, for example, a sexual relationship with his 7 year old niece was voluntary, meaningful, consensual, and child rape is “no big deal.” Could such a thing happen in America? Do you recall when you first thought, “Same sex marriage couldn’t happen here?” What can inoculate us from the ravages of insidious moral decay? What do you think?

Rep. Ruth Ann Petroff, R-Jackson, agreed that the realities of

Muddy Mountain Road Closes for Winter Muddy Mountain Road Closes for Winter

ditions and will be open again around June 1, 2013.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Casper Field Office announced today that Muddy Mountain Road is closed for the winter.

For more information call the BLM office at (307) 261-7600.

Muddy Mountain Road is the primary access route to the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area two campgrounds and numerous trails.

Due to mud and snow, the road is unsafe in the winter for vehicular traffic. However, the Muddy Mountain area is open for snowmobile use on designated state trails.

The road is closed annually based on weather and road con-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency.

This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a

A former colleague and friend, now deceased, a lifetime Catholic, in the early 80’s hoped he would not live to see “same sex marriage.” He didn’t.

He feared his grandchildren would face it, and more. Neither of us imagined then the slide would be so rapid. There were “sign posts” along the road of moral decay. Most chose to ignore them; others were in denial; and a few sounded a clarion call.

Catholics, evangelicals and like-minded co-belligerents rallied to oppose the normalization of homosexuality by the American Psychological Association, removing the deviant behavior disorder label in 1973 to “normalize” such behavior, and caving to social activism, ignoring long-standing historic clinical research. A sign post.

Sodomy laws, outlawed sexual acts deemed “unnatural” were broadly defined, and varied from state to state. In practice such laws were rarely enforced against heterosexual couples. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of sodomy laws in a 1986 case. However, in 2003, in Lawrence v.

Texas, reversed that decision, invalidating sodomy laws in the remaining fourteen states. Wyoming repealed the law in 1977.

Now, nothing is unnatural.

Fifty years ago in most cities pornography was available for those with the thirst for it. However, they had to go in the “back alley” where it should be. That thirst can now be quenched undetected with an “unending stream of filth” on the internet. No more brown paper bags. The “genie is out of the bottle.” It’s endemic. Some say there is no going back. A sign post.

Wyoming House Sends Fuel Tax Hike To Senate BEN NEARY,Associated Press

The Next Great Moral Abyss

handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends.

In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget.

The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

Mike’s email address is noahwebs@yahoo.com -Pyatt’s Pieces maintains its own opinions and are not necessarily those of The Glenrock Bird Central Wyoming News or its staff.

Or e g On T r a i l r

u

r

a

l

h

e

a

l

t

h

c

l

i

n

i

c

An ExtEnsion of CArE from mEmoriAl HospitAl of ConvErsE County

525 E. Birch St. • Glenrock, Wyoming • 307-436-8838 Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 10

Senate GOP Leader Optimistic About Afghanistan DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press The United States should keep a residual force of about 10,000 in Afghanistan after combat forces leave at the end of 2014, the Senate Republican leader said Monday after a series of meetings with military leaders in the country.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, who led a congressional delegation to Afghanistan and Israel, expressed optimism about an 11year war that now stands as the longest in American history, and the prospect of Afghans assuming a lead role in the fighting.

"My observation about Afghanistan at this point is this is the first time I've left there with a sense of optimism," he told reporters in a conference call. "I think there's a widely held view among the American military leaders there — we met with Gen. (John) Allen — that this has a very great potential for a happy ending after 2014, provided we have a residual force that we can provide for training."

The United States now has 66,000 troops in Afghanistan.

The U.S. and its NATO allies agreed in November 2010 that they would withdraw all their combat troops by the end of 2014, but they haven't decided on the scope of future missions to contain al-Qaida and the size of a remaining force.

Obama administration officials gave the first clear signal last week that it might leave no troops in the country after December 2014. Administration officials in recent days have said they are considering a range of options for a residual U.S. troop presence of as few as 3,000 and as many as 15,000, with the number linked to a specific set of military-related missions like

hunting down terrorists.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is believed to favor an option that would keep about 9,000 troops in the country.

McConnell said the military leaders were somewhat cautious about pushing for a specific number as the decision will be made by the White House. The Kentucky lawmaker, who made his seventh trip to Afghanistan, did make his own recommendation.

"I think we're going to need a minimum of about 10,000 troops to provide adequate training and counterterrorism in the post-2014 period and we anticipate there will be forces from other countries that will remain here beyond 2014 as well," McConnell said.

The number from the Senate GOP leader could influence other members of Congress as they weigh the continued American presence in Afghanistan amid increasing war-weariness from constituents.

A sticking point for President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who met last week, is whether any U.S. troops remaining after 2014 would be granted immunity from prosecution under Afghan law. Immunity is a U.S. demand that the Afghans have resisted, saying they want assurances on other things — like authority over detainees — first.

"There is a widely held view that the Afghan army is definitely coming up to speed," McConnell said at a stop in Aviano, Italy. "I'm optimistic that this country will be able to maintain itself after we're largely gone."

In a separate appearance, Afghan ambassador to Washington H.E. Eklil Hakimi said under

security negotiations to flesh out what the two presidents decided last week, U.S. special operations troops could stay at their posts in the villages, with Afghan special operations forces leading the program to train local militiamen to fight the Taliban.

"Afghans will be in in the lead," he said.

His remarks to reporters Monday clarified Karzai's remarks Friday when he stated all foreign forces would leave Afghan villages in the spring.

He declined to say how many troops should remain, adding "it's up to experts and generals to decide."

Hakimi also predicted progress on reconciliation talks with the Taliban, aided by another release of Taliban prisoners by Pakistan. But this time, Afghan officials have asked Pakistan to let them know when, where and whom is being released.

"We are in talks to make sure to have a proper monitoring mechanism, and they should notify us and do things in a systematic manner," Hakimi said.

McConnell was joined on the congressional trip by four Republican senators — John Barrasso of Wyoming, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Ted Cruz of Texas and Deb Fischer of Nebraska.

Flake, Cruz and Fischer were just sworn in a week ago.

In Israel, they met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

McConnell said the threat from Iran tops Israel's list of concerns. ____ AP Intelligence Writer Kimberly Dozier contributed to this report.

Wyo. Lamwakers Consider Anti-Trafficking Laws (AP) — Wyoming lawmakers are considering passing state laws barring human trafficking.

The state is the only one in the country without such laws.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the proposal would make it a felony to knowingly recruit, harbor, receive or participate in other ways in forced

labor or sexual servitude.

states.

A House committee expressed interest in the bill from Democratic Rep. Cathy Connolly of Laramie on Tuesday but delayed a vote until Monday to clear up some questions about wording.

In 2011, a man from Uzbekistan was sentenced to prison for managing a 14-state labor racketeering enterprise. A company associated with the ring supplied workers, mostly Filipino immigrants, to hotels in Casper and Douglas.

Connolly said trafficking cases are more common that many may believe, including in rural

Wyoming Bill Would Make Sex Assault Arrests Public

BEN NEARY,Associated Press

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming state lawmaker wants to change a provision of state law that keeps the identities of people charged with sexual assault secret until they're bound over to district court.

Rep. Sam Krone's bill, which the House received for introduction Wednesday, would allow the release of defendant's names as soon as they are charged with sexual assault, the same as any other felony.

Under Wyoming law, a defendant must go through a preliminary hearing in circuit court. A judge must determine that there is sufficient evidence to send the case to district court before the defendant's name can be released to the public.

"Right now in Wyoming, there's only one crime where the defendant has confidentiality, and that's the crime of sexual assault," Krone, a Cody Republican and assistant Park County prosecutor, said Wednesday.

"And that's sexual assault in terms of adult-on-adult sexual assault, and adult-on-a-minor sexual assault."

As it stands, Krone said, a person may be in custody while

employers, neighbors and school districts aren't aware of sexual assault charges against that person. He said defendants can make bond and be in the community for months before anyone else knows they've been charged with a crime.

"It's an important public policy decision that that sort of information should be released, and people should have that," Krone said.

The existing law blocking release of names prompted legal challenges from news organizations.

The Wyoming Press Association, several Wyoming newspapers and The Associated Press last year challenged the closure of court proceedings for a Casper man who pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and sexual abuse of a Glenrock girl last summer.

District Judge Keith Kautz, of Torrington, ruled that circuit court hearings and records concerning sex crimes don't necessarily have to be closed. The case is still pending, and his ruling doesn't apply statewide.

In another recent case, authorities in Fremont County used the law to withhold the names

of both the victim and a suspect in a homicide until charges were filed in district court.

Krone said he's generally received support for his bill.

"I've got a little bit of pushback from individual members who are worried about a false accusation of sexual assault," he said.

"Basically what I've countered that with is that it's a long process, it's part of the system. If a prosecutor feels that they have enough to proceed, it's just like any other case."

Jim Angell, executive director of the Wyoming Press Association, supported the legislation.

"It's a good idea because now we don't know if there's a predator on the loose on our streets," Angell said. "I'll make it that simple: We've got someone accused of assaulting a child, we don't know who that person is."

Angell said some judges interpret the law to seal entire cases.

House Advances Juvenile Life Sentence Bill CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would end mandatory life sentences for juvenile killers.

The House on Monday approved a bill that would change Wyoming law so that juveniles convicted of first-degree murder would be eligible for parole after serving 25 years.

Save 69% Plus 2 FREE Gifts!

The Grilling Collection 45102YML

4 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 2 (4 1/2 oz.) Stuffed Sole with Scallops & Crabmeat 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)

8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 4 Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Reg. $166.00... Now Only

4999

$

The legislation is moving in this session to bring Wyoming law into compliance with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that outlawed mandatory life sentences for juvenile killers.

Plus 2 Free Gifts

to every shipping address.

FREE 6-piece Cutlery Set & a FREE Cutting Board.

Limit of 2 packages. Free Gifts included per shipment. Offer expires 4/30/13. Standard shipping and handling will be applied per address.

To order: www.OmahaSteaks.com/grill44 or call 1-866-981-2087

©2013 OCG OmahaSteaks.com, Inc. 15118

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 11

Sunday January 20, 2013 The Glenrock Bird Page 12