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Earlier this month, hackers collected $4.4 million in ransom after pulling off a cyber-attack that forced the temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline. The shutdown was no small matter. The pipeline delivers about 45% of the gasoline consumed on the East Coast, according to The Associated Press. Not surprisingly, we witnessed panic-buying and shortages. While the halt in supply lasted only a matter of days, the fact that the cyber attackers received a ransom suggests that others with nefarious purposes will make similar attempts to extort...
by Suzanne Samelson Spring and being outside continues to be on our minds. Think Wyo Wednesday on June 2. Think Thermopolis Brewfest on Saturday, June 5. The June Wyo Wednesday theme from the Wyoming Business Council is “Outside Opportunities” and the month of June is shaping up with many outside opportunities and events locally. June 2 is a perfect day to stroll and shop in downtown and all around the town and Hot Springs County. Enjoy the results from the town-wide clean-up efforts this past week, which included Main Street Thermopolis vol...
by Greg Johnson, Gillette News Record What began as a critical benefit for people directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved to become an obstacle in our social and economic recovery. The CARES Act of 2020 was an unprecedented move to bolster economies at the national, state and local levels, and a critical part of that was a weekly $600 supplemental unemployment benefit. For many who suddenly lost their jobs because of the pandemic, the money was the difference between keeping their families treading water or drowning during a frig...
On Sunday, May 16, 43 Hot Springs County High School gradutating seniors will receive their diplomas and wrap up their public school career. There will be an in person graduation held in the high school gymnasium at 2 p.m. The school district has announced that seating in the gym is intended for family and invited guests of the Class of 2021. If that does not include you and you would still like to celebrate the Class of 2021, don’t fret. There will be a Parade of Graduates taking place at noon on Sunday. Family, friends, neighbors and all c...
I could not be more proud of the courageous stand Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow took in defying the introduction of the 1619 Project and Critical Race Theory in Wyoming schools. As a Sheridan County School District #3 school board member and mother of 2 future Wyoming students, I stand with the overwhelming majority of Wyoming parents; we love America and our heritage. We know that tomorrow’s leaders fill our school rooms. They must be equipped with absolute truth and guided by wisdom, not indoctrinated by the claims of s...
by Meri Ann Rush Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Foundation On August 13, 2020 the Board of Directors for the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce voted to create a foundation. The work began to establish a board of directors, bylaw, articles of incorporation and on October 8, 2020 the paperwork was submitted to the IRS to create a non-profit. On April 12, 2021 the foundation received a letter confirming the creation of the 501(c)3, which allows the foundation to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers and gifts....
Where do you park a horse trailer, boat, camper or RV in downtown Thermopolis? We often have people in long vehicles park in front of the IR during business hours and see them do the same across the street in front of the Town Hall. Often, they travel in pairs and can take up as many as six to eight parking spaces. Customers of the IR and the Town Hall then have to park fairly far from our buildings, making it hard for some, especially senior citizens. Last summer, the driver of a truck pulling a horse trailer parked right in the lane of...
From President Joe Biden’s Speech: “That’s the essence of America. That’s democracy in action.” Our Constitution opens with the words, “We the People”. It’s time we remembered that We the People are the government. You and I. Not some force in a distant capital. Excuse me Mister President, you are the figurehead of that force in a far distant capital, and it is time that the cabal of elitist who control our government learn that “We the People” are sick and tired of their continual lust for power to the detriment of our country, our Consti...
After experiencing a year of shutting down, covering up and staying home, it’s safe to say many of us are thankful that things are returning to normal. Last week the Hot Springs County Commissioners voted to disband the Incident Command Team that was formed in response to COVID. During discussion on the matter, commissioner Jack Baird said “Back to normal life.” Local events are being held and many are being planned throughout the summer. The 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend and the Brewfest is set for the foll...
Recently I was blocked by Facebook for violating their “Community standards”. They didn’t say what offended them. I asked, but they still did not say. The playbook is easy to follow: discourage the free exchange of thought in the public forum, education, media and publications. They are finding ways to stop people from gathering, especially in the worship of God. They want to discourage people from being able to defend themselves. They want to control every aspect of life. Their actions have murdered liberty. On Memorial Day at high noon,...
by Suzanne Samelson Spring is on our minds and in the air. Think Wyo Wednesday on May 5. Think Downtown Cleanup on Wednesday, May 19. Wyo Wednesday is part of the Wyoming Business Council’s state-wide campaign to promote shopping local. The first Wednesday of this month is a perfect day to visit our shops and restaurants and be on the lookout for ideal gifts for Mother’s Day. Whether it is a gift certificate or Chamber Bucks, a unique locally crafted item, special food and drink offerings, or gardening supplies, explore and find something spe...
When the final bell rang on this year’s legislative session, state leaders failed to turn in their assignment. Instead, they asked for yet another extension on work that was due a long time ago: addressing Wyoming’s school funding shortfall. The issue, at its essence, is this: Wyoming’s fossil fuel industry can no longer provide the revenue to sustain the state’s existing K-12 education system. State leaders know this, but have failed to devise a viable solution, whether that’s new revenue, sizable cuts or some combination of the two. Nor...
Two weeks ago, the state of Wyoming filed a lawsuit challenging the moratorium on oil and gas leasing on federal lands issued by President Joe Biden and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. We applaud the decision to file suit. Basically, the suit claims the executive order by the president violates several federal acts including those dealing with environmental issues, administrative procedures and land policy management. While it is not specifically stated in the lawsuit, the basic premise for the suit is the moratorium on oil and gas...
I would like to address a growing issue related to recreational target shooting on public land. Shooters need to clean up their targets, empty brass, shotshell hulls, food and beverage containers, etc. If you have time to pack it in, you should also have time to pack it out. Also, never ever shoot glass targets unless you are on your own private land. Broken glass can injure humans, pets, livestock and wildlife not to mention flattening tires. Lastly, exploding targets using tannerite-type products should only be used where the ground is...
The first bear was spotted out of hibernation in Yellowstone National Park about two weeks ago. That means the bear season has begun and residents need to shake off their own sleepiness about living in the same region as these bruins — both grizzly and black bears. There are the usual warnings to heed, such as being noisy when going into bear habitat. Wear a bell on a saddle girth, or on a belt loop. Stop and call out “Hey bear” frequently. Carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively. Travel in groups rather than alone. Pay atten...
I read with interest the article on dumpster replacement and am very glad the town has a nest egg in place for dealing with such emergencies. Very wise indeed. We still don’t know what the full financial impact is going to be throughout the entire country of the thousands of businesses going under and countless people losing jobs due to the extraordinary measures put in place due to the COVID situation. Already some people’s budgets are stretched to the limit by the seemingly endless increases in everything imaginable. We need to keep this in...
In the six years since former Gov. Matt Mead began championing expanding Medicaid in the state, much has changed – including the state’s financial house and the hearts and minds of some state senators and representatives. In opposing previous attempts to expand Medicaid coverage in the state expansion, many state lawmakers were fearful that the federal government would pull out of its 90% federal match for newly covered individuals, leaving Wyoming with the bill. The latest attempt at expansion ensures the state would withdraw from the fed...
by Suzanne Samelson Main Street Thermopolis has plans for the spring season, starting with Wyo Wednesday on April 7. The first Wednesday of the month is a perfect day to take a look at the shopping here in Thermopolis. As we move into the spring season, there are many reasons to celebrate this time of year. Among some of the special items available at our local businesses, I have seen the new quilting and related supplies along with a sweet line-up of Easter chocolates and cards at some of the wonderful downtown businesses. Gardening supplies...
Reading a newspaper is a good habit to get into that can provide much needed information about politics, economy, schools, entertainment, sports, businesses, commerce, etc. People who read newspapers enhance their knowledge about information while improving language and vocabulary skills. Public notices in newspapers provide a third-party, independent check to government transparency in a permanent record that can not be altered in the future. Newspapers offer readers a single, convenient location to find out a large variety of information...
There are some rumors going around town about my dog and some other things. I talk to my dog when driving my car or truck. I live alone with little Bull Chop, that is her name. Sometimes I call her good girl and she gets a treat and sometimes I call her little girl in a stern way when she does something I don’t approve of. There is a group and others who do not like Veterans who serve God and Country. We bleed, loose arms, legs and give our lives for our country. These groups and others think us Veterans should get nothing for our service, n...
CyberWyoming releases information on recent scam activity. Residents and businesses are reminded to never give out information over the phone regarding identity, bank account into, social security numbers, etc. Unusual Sign On Activity Business Alert: A Sheridan company reported an email spoofed as their own mail administrator claiming that ‘unusual sign-in activity’ was occurring for an employee. However, the link did not lead them to their Microsoft account but instead to https://main.d2ifct1tuplnsi.amplifyapp.com/index.ht...
Although we doubt there is little chance for success because of the current political makeup in Washington, we applaud Wyoming’s congressional delegation in their continuing efforts to delist the grizzly bear. Both Sen. Cynthia Lummis and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney last month introduced bills in their respective chambers to delist the grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the Endangered Species act. Cheney’s bill goes even further with the additional language of prohibiting any judicial review on the decision. If that bill passes, it wo...
The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce has been working on our strategic plan. We have identified three areas to focus on; Member Relations-Retention and Expansion of our membership, Organization-Our staff, board and volunteers to serve our mission, and Operations-Practice good stewardship. Each focus area meets once a month and each board member serves on one of the focus areas. Focus Area #1 - Member Relations have worked on a list of some of the chamber benefits. This list has been sent out in one of our newsletters last fall and ca...
by Bryan Golden Fear has an evolutionary foundation. The emotion of fear was intended to keep you safe. Fear triggered the fight or flight reflex. When you felt threatened, you would either run from the danger, or fight it head on. Fear remains as powerful an emotion today as it was eons ago. Fear is helpful when it prevents you from taking needless risks. However, fear can lead to acting contrary to your self-interests. Fear often leads to procrastination, or following the wrong path. Debilitating fears include fear of failure, fear of...
by Ken Paulson When government fails, it’s the rare public official who says, “Oops. My fault.”That’s human nature, particularly for officials in the public eye who may have to run for office again. No one wants to be held directly responsible for letting the public down. Case in point is the recent catastrophe in Texas, when unexpected winter storms left 4 million homes without power, ruptured pipes and tainted the water supply for many. Texas’ energy grid essentially collapsed. While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was quick to blame frozen wind turb...