Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
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August 11, 2020 came this week. August 11 is a very important day in Hot Springs County history. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the day when the Kates Basin Fire blew up. That day two other things happened that we must never forget. The summer of 2000 was a big wildfire season. Crews were stretched thin trying to keep pressure on 60 big fires that were raging in the west. On July 30, the Thermopolis Fire Department was involved with federal crews brought in from around the country tackling a wind driven fire up on Enos Creek, west of...
The year 2020 has several reasons it has left it’s mark on our county, state, country and world, some of them not so pleasant. Last Friday, here in Hot Springs County, we had a ray of sunshine come bursting through the clouds. With a similar number of animals and baked goods auctioned off Friday night at the Junior Livestock Sale and Blue Ribbon Bake Sale, this years sale brought in a whopping $180,195 compared to $123,146 last year. Despite struggling through a pandemic, the support shown for our youth by businesses and private individuals f...
There is still time to enjoy the tail end of Hot Springs County Fair at the fairgrounds. Today, July 30, and Friday, August 31, the fair building is open for public viewing from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The swine show kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday. Later in the day tempt your taste buds with an array of delicious chili’s served during the cook off at 5 p.m. The beef show then starts at 6 p.m. the 4-H and FFA Round Robins start at 10 a.m. on Friday. The ever popular Judges’s Choice and Junior Livestock Sale wraps of the fair Friday night at 7 p.m. On Sat...
As we deal with a world wide pandemic, many Americans have turned on the people out there risking their lives as our first responders. Everyone from our police and firefighters to the medical staff deserve a big thank you from the country. I feel blessed to live in our small town where when everything goes wrong, they help make it come out alright. Our family found ourselves in a medical crisis during in the birth of my granddaughter in 2017. My daughter went into labor at home and it was happening quick. The police officer and ambulance crew...
The Hot Springs County Fair kicks off on Saturday, July 25 with the Horse Show beginning at 8 a.m. All events will be held at the HSC Fairgrounds. Starting on Monday, a variety of other animal shows and fun events will be held throughout the week. See the fair schedule ads on page 6 and B2 for a complete list of fair events. Although social distancing regulations have caused a few changes, there is still something for everyone at the fair. This year in place of the pig wrestling there will be an Ag Olympics where teams of six test their skills...
Greetings HSCSD #1 Patrons, I am writing with an update to our SMART Start Back to School plans for school this fall. HSCSD #1 is planning on as normal a start to the school year as possible, but will follow direction from local and state officials as the year progresses. There are many questions about what school will look like in the fall in regard to the current pandemic. The information that I share I want to stress is preliminary, and based on current recommendations. District Smart Start Plans are due to the Wyoming Department of...
Well, the Farmer’s Almanac warned us there would be heat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’re going to get a break from the furnace for a while, either. This makes it hard to decide what to do. Do you stay at home with the air conditioner and binge watch your favorite show on Netflix? Do you pack up the camper and head to the mountains where it’s cooler? Sit in a kiddie pool in the backyard with the sprinkler pouring over you? Float the river or head to the lake? As long as you stay hydrated and slather on the sunscreen, any of those o...
Simple concepts to follow when driving Time to bring back driver’s education? I think we could reduce the number of auto accidents by employing three simple concepts as follows. 1. Always use turn signals when changing lanes and approaching a turn. 2. When making a right turn, go from the right lane or turn lane and then turn into the right lane. Change to the left lane, if needed, after signaling and making sure it is safe to do so. For left turns, go from the left lane or turn lane and turn into the left lane. Change to the right lane, if n...
Nobody saw this coming. A world-wide pandemic, yes, a lot of people saw that coming. But our world, so immersed in the ability to collect and distribute data, is now being ruled by that data. For some, the data they consider accurate, is sadly not. People are relentlessly sharing inaccurate click bait data on social media sites and over coffee or drinks with their friends. There are some people who are not interested in following data and numbers. If you are one who wants to know the latest numbers and have accurate data then dive into sources...
If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably gearing up for a Fourth of July celebration in honor of our nation’s birth. Depending on your situation, your plans may range from a red, white and blue themed party to binge-watching Netflix and snacking from American flag plates. “Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 Colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the ear...
With all of the bizarre things going on across the United States right now it might be a good time to slow down and think of some of the good things happening right in our own backyard. If you’ve looked at our front page this week you’ll see a couple of things worthy of noting. First, there is the Sanford teacher award that was presented to our own RWE kindergarten teacher Kinley Taylor. She has been recognized for the amazing work she does with our little ones and even received $10,000 for her efforts. She’ll be in the running against educa...
Sunday, June 21 is Father’s Day and in Thermopolis that would have meant it was also the weekend of the Hot Spot Car Rally. The rally has been canceled this year due to COVID-19. The car rally was originally held at the A&W restaurant when it was open. Later they moved it to Consumer’s Grocery store, which is now the location of Mack’s Market. Then the rally was moved to the Hot Springs State Park. For many locals, Father’s Day just might not feel the same without the annual event to attend. However, there are several other ways to celebra...
How often we hear that we live in a sleepy little town. At this point in 2020 we can all be thankful that we live in a sleepy little town with all the chaos going on in big cities, from protests to riots and looting, we are fortunate to be able to still allow our children to ride their bicycles to the swimming pool and sit in our back yards undisturbed. When we watch the news we see accusations of police brutality and angry people smashing windows, stealing and burning down businesses. That’s the great thing about a sleepy little town. E...
Here at the offices of your hometown newspaper, we consider ourselves among the fortunate ones. The press, like it or not, are deemed essential in times of crisis, so we get to work through this global pandemic. So much of our work these days centers around this crisis, and the pain that it is causing. All of us have seen friends and loved ones lose jobs over the past two months. One in four Americans have been forced out of their jobs. That’s pretty depressing for the out-of-work, who may struggle to find value in their lives and to pay t...
Our summer plans may not be starting out the way we had hoped, but there is still plenty to do right in our own backyard. This worldwide pandemic doesn’t stop those of us living in Wonderful Wyoming from enjoying the beauty that surrounds us, however. While you may not be able to go on that Caribbean cruise you had planned, you can still see plenty of exotic fish in the cooling ponds in Hot Springs State Park. Some of them are absolutely huge and kids love feeding them and watching them splash around. Perhaps hiking is more your idea of a g...
Sunday’s Hot Springs County High School Graduation was one that will be remembered by the Bobcat community for years to come. This year marked the 100th commencement of HSCHS. That, combined with a great sounding year like 2020, set the stage for a little something extra special. Through in social distancing requirements due to a pandemic, and the results were stellar. High school graduations are always well attended. In years past, the HSCHS gym has been packed every year as we celebrate our seniors. People from near and far lined the s...
During the past two months, we’ve heard from a lot of you. These comments, written by long-time readers and new residents, are appreciated. If you value local journalism, we need you more than ever. If you’re reading this, you already understand this. But if you know somebody who hasn’t picked up the Thermopolis Independent Record in a while, we have a request — let them or her know that we’d love them buy a copy. If you’re able, purchase goods or services from a small business that advertises with us or buy an annual IR subscriptio...
Occupational Therapy (OT) is the use of intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations of an individual. An OTs role is to help patients regain their independence after an injury or an illness. Therapy to individuals of all ages from birth to over 100- years-old is available. OTs treat people who have had heart attacks, strokes, or generalized weakness. OTs specialize in treating people who have had broken wrists, hands, arms, and shoulder replacements to regain strength, range of motion, and independenc...
After several weeks of the world seemingly out of control, it’s about time for all of us to take a little breather. We’re still under recommended social distancing and gatherings of no more than 10 people, but the days are warmer for the most part and spring fever is setting in for a lot of us. Many are wanting to get out into the hills and around the lakes for a little getaway, after all, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the grass is getting greener by the day. Some are hoping they can soon have a sit down meal at their fav...
by Sam Shumway AARP Wyoming State Director Scammers are on the prowl with Americans’ increased anxiety over the coronavirus pandemic. This is of particular concern as we commemorate May’s Military Appreciation Month given veterans and military families are twice as likely as civilians to be targeted by con artists. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there have been over 20,300 COVID-19 complaints carrying an estimated $15.6 million in losses since the start of 2020 – and that’s just the ones reported. U.S. service members and vet...
As Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Public Health announced the most recent orders regarding COVID-19 closures and restrictions on Tuesday, it is important for all of us to remember to support our local businesses through this challenging time. Local businesses are essential to our economy. They provide employment and support the local economies, communities and neighborhoods. Most are feeling a financial strain right now, and are worried about the future. If you are still working, getting a paycheck and can afford it,...
by Jill Kruse, DO When my mom called me and said that my dad found four N95 masks in the garage and she wanted to send them all to me since I’m a doctor – That’s love. When I reassured her that we had enough in clinic for now and that she should keep them, or at least keep two for her and dad – That’s love. When I received the box in the mail, all four masks were there, lovingly wrapped in tissue paper with a note of encouragement – That’s love. When I come home from work my children run to the top of the stairs yelling out, “Mommy’s home...
As you can probably tell by reading this note, I am really mad at our government and the people who are letting themselves be cowed by an overbearing and illegal government. I went to the county offices this morning to pay for tags for my trailer. The doors were locked and there were notes all over the inside, (our offices are closed, go elsewhere). Our government is in violation of the Constitution and our Civil Rights by closing everything down. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say anything about overriding the Constitution because of the...
My dog thinks I’ve quit my job to spend more time with her. On the other hand, my cat assumes that I have been fired. Because of being the looser he always knew I was. Gene Peterson...
We need to get through this time and tighten our belts, just as we have through two World Wars, terrorist attacks and other epidemics. Newspapers in the United States have traveled rough seas to the First Amendment freedoms we enjoy today. From the colonial Stamp Act through wartime censorship to today, when thousands of newspapers were slammed with the public health emergency known as COVID-19, people who work for newspapers have never had completely smooth sailing. Now most of the businesses that advertise with us are shut down. The pipeline...
