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Fly your Trump flag, wear your Trump caps, fly the American flag Never give up, freedom is not FREE. As usual it is the ploy of the liberal Democrats to blame the conservatives for everything the Democrats are doing. We will fly our Chinese made Trump flags rather than allow a communist Chinese bought and paid for Joe Biden to govern us. Dave and Cindy L. Denton...
This editorial ran in the Jan. 17 edition of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, If anyone ever gets bored enough to write a history of the 65th Wyoming Legislature, one word that would never appear in it is “bold.” In fact, you probably have to go back more than 50 years to find an action taken by state lawmakers that anyone would consider bold. And even then, it was a proposal from the executive branch, led by Republican Gov. Stan Hathaway, who, in 1968, proposed a bill to institute a severance tax on mineral extraction in the state. That bill passed...
It has been a week and many are still trying to wrap their minds around what happened at our Nation’s Capitol January 6. For some it clearly marks the definition between “us” and “them”, while for others it shows, in glaring clarity, that our country must come together to heal what was becoming an ever-widening rift. Men scaled the walls of one of our most beloved institutions, while onlookers wondered who they were, which side they were on, and wondered what was going to happen next as reporters relayed whatever information they had at that mo...
The failed coup at the US Capitol last Wednesday was a wake-up call for all of us. People can have differences of political opinion - and those differences are usually good. Our individual perspectives force us to take stock of our positions and argue until we find the best possible solution for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, these past four years have been so filled with lies and disinformation, we have descended into political madness. Chinese-made Trump flags are ubiquitous, and his supporters have been passionate in their loyalty to...
Humans love to shame and blame others in the best of times, but bring on a public health crisis and it turns hard core. Add the speed and reach of social media and now the toxicity has reached all new heights. Some people shame when they feel threatened by something. They need an explanation, and they find a scapegoat. It helps them reaffirm their thinking and make sense of what’s happening. Through social media, everyone has a voice and feels justified to use their voice in often harsh, hateful ways. Things are said through a keyboard that w...
Ryan McConnaughey’s guest column on behalf of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming presents the daunting challenges facing Wyoming and other land grant states. As a native of the state owing much of my existence to the petroleum industry, I am sympathetic to those concerns. I would however present certain cautions. Those cautions relate to the political questions that are raised. Whether or not one believes in global warming, the political momentum is in the direction of reduction of fossil fuel use. More intense storms, floods, wildfire threat...
All too common in conversation it has been spoken that 2020 was the hardest year our nation and state have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues. Finding hope has been a great challenge for most. In Hot Springs County, our residents have been hit very hard. There have been job losses, business failures, divorces, suicides and other very challenging situations. However, the community of Thermopolis has been working hard to bring support to its residents. First responders, fr...
The challenges and uncertainty of this past year have made many of us look forward to the New Year like we have never before. We are ready to turn the page and head into 2021. It has been a stressful year for most of us with all that has been asked of us and all the adaptation we have had to do. It’s a popular practice to set New Year’s resolutions. Sticking to those resolutions is often tricky and stressful. The disappointment and stress of not sticking to our resolutions can be counterproductive, even in the best of times. Given the dif...
The $900 Billion so-called stimulus bill has now passed and been signed into law. I would have recommended that President Trump veto it, however, there are enough votes in the Congress to override a veto, and shutting down the government is not an option. I am so proud of the Wyoming delegation, all of whom voted for this 5,593 page of pork laden garbage, which none of them have read. “We had to vote for the bill to find out what is in it.” $135 million to Burma, $85.5 million to Cambodia, $1.4 billion for “Asia Reassurance initiative Act, $130...
This Christmas, along with the upcoming New Year, is almost certain to be unlike any before. Physical distancing and public health orders have changed how many plan to celebrate. Along with the regular stressors of the season, many are dealing with additional stress due to the fall out from COVID-19. In August of this year, a Wyoming-based suicide prevention lifeline became available which will strengthen the response available for state residents who find themselves in crisis, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). “If you, or so...
by Ryan McConnaughey Petroleum Association of Wyoming A ban on oil and natural gas development on public lands by the U.S. President-elect would severely harm the economies of eight western states, according to a Wyoming Energy Authority study conducted by University of Wyoming Professor Tim Considine. Over the next four years, the human cost of fulfilling the campaign pledge would be an average of 72,818 fewer jobs annually. Lost wages would total $19.6 billion, economic activity would decline $43.8 billion, and tax revenues would drop $10.8...
A list of businesses receiving CARES Act COVID-19 business relief in Thermopolis and other towns around the state of Wyoming relief is available to the public. The Independent Record has been contacted by members of the public who are questioning the legitimacy of businesses who received the funds and their amounts. The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is putting several measures in place to mitigate and manage against fraudulent claims. As part of those measures, select businesses that received funds through five grant programs will be audited....
CyberWyoming provides weekly information on scams circulating around Wyoming. Global IT Phone Scam: A Sheridan citizen reported a phone scam from a company claiming to be Global IT. The scam said that her account or “plastic” would be charged $399.99 unless she called the scammer’s number (504.384.2108). CyberWyoming Note: Global IT is a real company in Los Angeles, but they help businesses in financial, pharmaceutical and telecom industries and were being impersonated. COVID-19 Best Wishes Lead to Scam: A Casper citizen reported a scam from...
The changes we’ve experienced this year have affected everything and that includes how the school Christmas programs are going to be presented this year. In following the restrictions placed on the state by Governor Mark Gordon, the number of people who are going to be allowed in the auditorium for the various concerts is going to less than normal. Parents will be receiving wristbands for their families they must wear to gain entrance to the performances. That means that the general public will not be seeing the little ones’ band or choir pro...
During these uncertain times with the pandemic, it has become necessary for guidelines to be put into place for all our safety. These are in effect at our schools and athletic programs. I would like to address an incident that occurred at a recent girls’ junior high basketball game. The athletic director read the restrictions and regulations set forth by the Wyoming High School Activates Association. These regulations were repeated several times, as one parent felt these rules did not apply to them. Because of this the game was delayed. I h...
For the 24th year, Community Christmas Baskets of food are available for those in need. Individuals or families may sign up by call the H.O.P.E Agency at 864-4673 or Public Health at 864-3311. You need to sign up by Monday, December 7. Curbside pickup or delivery will be on Saturday, December 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations are still being accepted and may be dropped off at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at the corner of Seventh and Arapahoe. For added convenience, this weekend a trailer will be set up in front of Hazel n Pears where food...
This Thanksgiving in Thermopolis we have a great deal to be thankful for. Beyond the natural beauty, clean air, our river and space to breathe and slow down, we have great people. Thanks to all the parents who shared their beautiful kids with us on Halloween. Those faces at the door were delightful and bring such memories. Thanks to the school teachers and staff who work so hard for those kids. Thanks to our local workers who always help and smile. Thanks to everyone at the Senior Center and our brave police. Thanks to our town workers and...
by Dan Nordberg, SBA’s National Director for Rural Affairs and Region VIII Administrator Small Business Saturday is a relatively new American tradition. While Black Friday has been an informal holiday for more than 60 years, it wasn’t until 2010 that the Saturday after Thanksgiving earned its official title, designating it as a day to shop local and support hometown retailers. In a year where businesses have faced profound challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Small Business Saturday may be more critical than ever before. In fa...
Businesses and members of our community have always been known for their generosity. This year has been difficult for families and businesses and it is looking like the economic struggles will continue into 2021. This Christmas, more than ever, it is important to remember the less fortunate. Locally, there are several ways to help those who are struggling financially. Two Christmas gift tree programs are going on, one for senior citizens and one for children. The Elf Tree for children is set up at Thermopolis Hardware. Donors may selected an...
Thermopolis VFW Post 2281 marked Veteran’s Day last Wednesday at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month with words from the post Quartermaster, Tobi Johansen, as well as the raising of the American Flag with honor guard. “I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to everyone for joining us, and for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today. “For the world, for our country, and for our community, 2020 has been an unusually difficult year. From facing the stress and fears of the Coronavirus pandemic, to overcoming the isola...
The Thermopolis VFW Post, as well as others across the state and country, along with many other businesses and organizations, have a long standing tradition of honoring Veterans on November 11 for Veterans Day. This page features a look back at a ceremony at the VFW post from 1993. There is also a letter to the editor from a reader who shares her personal memories and feelings regarding Veterans. Although November 11 is officially designated as Veterans Day every year, most of us, the Independent Record staff included, are thankful for our...
I have always had great respect for our Veterans. I grew up with so many in our family just like so many other families across this great nation. To me, this is about honoring all our Veterans from all races, ages, and “Branches of the military.” My father was Navy, he was a Boiler Maker on the ship he sailed on for, “Operation Magic Carpet Fleet”, that few in the younger generations know about. It was an amazing accomplishment to bring our troops home before Christmas. My brother was A.F. during Vietnam engaged in P.O.W., M.I.A., mission...
Once the 2020 election has come and gone, please remember your neighbors are still your neighbors. People who live in a small community have the most to do with shaping it. None of the presidential candidates are going to be ringing up your groceries, helping you out with yard work or fixing your car but your neighbors will be. Everyone is entitled to vote for who they choose. No one is entitled to shame or ridicule someone for how they voted. Our community members will still be working together, learning together, shopping together,...
In an unprecedented year, it’s only natural that we have an unprecedented election. It’s the first in our lifetimes to occur during a global pandemic, and one in which an unprecedented number of absentee ballots in Wyoming will be cast early or by mail. While we’re used to watching the results roll in on live TV on election night, this time it may take days — possibly even weeks — for final results. And that’s OK. Accessibility and accuracy are far more important than immediate results. During the primary election in August, about 40 percent...
by Kelly Evans-Hullinger, M.D. As a primary care physician, I commonly encounter patients who smoke cigarettes. Most people, including those who smoke, are aware of the long-term health risks posed by smoking. Of course, as a physician who cares about their current and future health, I want these patients to embrace the goal of smoking cessation. As someone who has never been a smoker myself, I admit I cannot fully understand the struggle of this task. However, the data suggest that quitting smoking can be extremely difficult. I find it...