Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Sorted by date Results 526 - 550 of 1296
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...
by Sam Shumway State Director, AARP Wyoming In the year 2019, AARP’s FraudWatch Network reported 24 percent of all scam calls reported in Wyoming fell under the “Imposter scams,” category. That is, one which a caller pretends to be from the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or some other governmental agency demanding, and often times receiving, immediate payment. The results were $2.3 million in losses to Wyoming citizens. We know scammers look to capitalize on the news of the moment, especially if the headlines can instill fear and m...
Coach Don Simpson was a coach for the Thermopolis Boxing Club. I had two sons in the club and a 5-year-old daughter who never missed a practice. Thermopolis Boxing Club was hosting a smoker (boxing event). My oldest son was matched up with a much more experienced boxer and he is taking quite a whip-n. I, the mother, am yelling “throw in the towel”, which would stop the fight. And you could hear me yelling clear into Washakie County. But Coach knew my son wasn’t a quitter and knew if he threw in the towel it would just embarrass my son. My son m...
The following was sent to Governor Mark Gordon and also shared with the Thermopolis Independent Record as a letter to the editor. Dear Governor Gordon, I am writing to compliment you for declaring Friday, April 10 (which was also Good Friday) as a Day of Prayer for Wyoming residents. I understand that you were quickly confronted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRP) for making this proclamation. Sadly, such backlash is inevitable these days. As Governor of this state, you have a duty to lead its people through difficult times. The c...
So many scams circulate every year trying to rob citizens of their money. Now, there are some trying to get their hands on your economic impact payments. The Internal Revenue Service — Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is now warning Wyoming taxpayers to be alert about possible scams relating to COVID-19 economic impact payments. Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Denver Field Office, made the announcement Thursday in an effort to prevent taxpayers in need from being victimized by criminals using the recently approved payments as...
Without a doubt we are living in a very strange time in our country right now. Many are essentially barricaded behind their front doors while others are considered essential, working their way through each day. Those essential workers are faced with being exposed to more than just a deadly virus. Some are being yelled at because a certain item is not on the store shelf. It isn’t up to them what does and does not get delivered on a particular day, but some are taking their frustrations out on the person behind the cash register. Some are g...
by Peter Wagner One of the reporters in our Sheldon office received an e-mail a week ago stating his child was no longer qualified to be taken care of by the local day-care facility. The e-mail came on Friday and the change went into effect on Monday. Never mind that the reporter’s spouse works at the local hospital and 4-month-old has been in the care of the facility since January. The care facility, the e-mail said, “will begin to restrict care only to those families that meet the state qualification of an essential function in the wor...
Many businesses in local communities have been forced to shut down abruptly without having time to think about their mail delivery. Typically, a local post office will hold mail for 10 days before beginning to return it to the senders. On March 28, USPS issued a new emergency policy. The delivery office will now hold mail for 30 days, giving local business owners an opportunity to contact postmasters and make arrangements for the delivery of their mail. Once the business reopens, delivery should immediately resume unless other arrangements...
Something occurred last week which received little, if any, notice amidst the ever growing concern of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). March 15 through 21 was National Sunshine Week, which celebrates open government and citizens’ access to public records, documents, actions and deliberations. Wyoming has Public Documents and Open Meeting Acts that were adopted in 2005 to ensure open government. It is troubling that during the week which celebrates open government, provisions are being considered that could limit the public’s acc...
