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I’m proud to say, I’m not a quitter. That’s why you won’t hear me say anything about New Year’s resolutions. Why start something I know I’ll never finish? Let’s face it, I love my chips, sweet tea and chocolate way too much to give them up for a measly 10 pounds. There would have to be something really serious involved for me to pass on cheesecake, too. I suppose I could vow to do something simple that doesn’t include depriving myself, like reading a book a week for the year. Fifty-two books...
In a few short days we will be faced with a book filled with blank pages – 2019. Each new year is our chance to leave behind the previous year and fill those blank pages with new memories. Some of us will make resolutions with the finest of intentions, like losing weight, stopping smoking or even making amends with family and friends. Of course, there is also the portion of us that, while we may have good intentions, will let those resolutions slide before January is even over. We need to keep in mind that forgetting about our New Year’s res...
This past week we had one of those experiences that renewed my faith in those around me. We were driving through the canyon just after sunset. I hit a large rock I did not see, which tore a large hole in my front right tire. I was only about two yards away from the canyon wall, but was fortunate in being able to bring the car to a stop without hitting anything. After stopping the car, we also were fortunate to have a turn out on the opposite side of the highway. We got out of the car to begin the process of changing the flat tire. Three angels...
It’s strange to think that we’re nearly into 2019 already. When I was in school, it seemed like the 21st century was so far away and couldn’t get here soon enough, especially with Hollywood, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera promising all the wondrous things it would bring. Flying cars? Nope. Accurate weather forecasts? Sort of. Houses with treadmills on the outside? No way. Hoverboards? Well, we’re getting there. Artificially intelligent robots? We’re making big steps, but the excitemen...
We’re sure you’ll notice a little extra bulk in your paper this week, thanks to our annual printing of the Letters to Santa. While it’s quite a busy time at the Thermopolis Independent Record getting all those letters typed up — mistakes and all — before they’re shipped on to the North Pole, it’s also one of the best. Reading over the wishes of our community’s youth helps revive some of that Christmas Spirit when it’s less than a week from the big day and holiday shopping has run us down. Even though our fingers might get tired, our hearts get...
In just a few days, Santa will be making his annual trek around the globe and boys and girls everywhere will be leaving milk and cookies beside the tree before drifting off, dreaming of what they will find in the morning. While we all remember at least one special Christmas as a child, as we grow older our lists become shorter and our understanding of the season becomes more clear. I remember being under foot helping my grandmother make fudge and divinity, little sugar candies with walnuts,...
As we begin hanging our stockings with care, wrapping presents and dreaming of a white Christmas, there are those right here in our community that will not be having a Merry Christmas without our help. The Department of Family Services (DFS) has a tree at Thermop Hardware filled with tags from our children who are in dire need of some Christmas gifts. When it comes to our friends and family, we have no problem spending our hard-earned dollars to make sure they have the newest technology, an expensive sweater or maybe a new piece of jewelry....
It seems that Christmas and the holiday season gets here faster and faster each year. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it means more time with family, shared meals, gifts and cuddles under a warm blanket. But as everyone knows, it can also get pretty hectic with all the shopping going on. I’m still not done, and probably won’t be until the 23rd, but the other night I was able to take in one of the calmer aspects of the season — the lights. One thing about Thermopolis when Thanksg...
The leftovers of turkey and sides have dwindled and the snow’s sticking around a lot more, sure signs that we are well into the holiday shopping season. For those who put off fulfilling those wish lists until the few remaining weeks of the year, you don’t need to worry about travelling along busy and sometimes treacherous highways to get what you need. Sure, the official Shop Small Saturday has already come and gone, but there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of what we have locally before heading to the big box stores. And recen...
As one of many Thermopolis residents who utilize our residential sidewalks all year around I, along with my four-footed personal trainer, would like to say “thank you” to all of you who keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice this time of year (with 10 inches of snow already, this is no easy task). “Thank you” also to the ATV and snow shovel angels who clear sidewalks for their neighborhood and for those who may be physically unable to accomplish this themselves. Your time and effort that enables us to stay upright is greatly appreci...
Thinking back to long ago Christmas seasons which usually started about the second week of December for most families, I’ve realized that those days were as joyous as they were for more than one reason. I wasn’t quite sure of the Santa Claus thing, but I was sure that my Daddy was on his way home after four long years of prayers that my mother never missed. Though I scarcely remembered him, I knew he was very special because anyone that meant so much to Mom had to be special. His return ran a “close as a whisker” race with that newborn in Beth...
Granted, we’re still a few weeks away from Christmas, but so far I’ve been really lucky in regards to my Christmas tree and my...cats. You’ve probably seen videos of nefarious fur balls eating ornaments, gnawing their way through light strings and even knocking the entire holiday beauty to the ground. I’ve had cats through the years who have done just that. “Fish” (yes, the cat was named Fish) was notorious for climbing up the center of the tree and peeking out at me from between the branche...
Old Man Winter certainly set the weather forecasters on their ear Saturday, proving once again that you can predict all you want to, but the reality is an inch of snow can turn into way more if you live in Wyoming. Now is the time to remember “patience is a virtue” as we wait for streets to be cleared. Although the Town of Thermopolis crews were out doing their best on Saturday afternoon, there was just so much snow at once that it made things difficult at best. Yes, there are piles of snow all along Broadway from the stop light to the rai...
“When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” - Alexander Graham Bell I’ve been here in Thermopolis for the better part of nine years, I’ve been to your events photographing your kids at sports, your fundraisers, the concerts and many of the great activities for the people of Thermopolis. I’ve created your advertisements, thank you displays and worked with an amazing staff at the Th...
Christmas is half way over for me. That deserves some explanation. For more than 10 years, holidays have been split between my family and that of my fiancée/wife Louise. Occasionally in those years, several members of her family have been able to make it home for Thanksgiving, but not for Christmas. This results in quite the heyday at my in-laws, with Thanksgiving celebrated on its regular fourth Thursday in November and Christmas the following Saturday. That still leaves time for that Black...
The annual celebration of the turkey is upon us and hopefully this week finds you with friends and family, whether it’s at home or on the road, to share in this wonderful holiday. While the day is one to be excited for, with the promises of gut-busting meals, football games and those infamous Black Friday crowds, one need only look at the holiday’s name to know what it’s made for — giving thanks. Though thankfulness is something we should express in our day-to-day, even if it is just for something as simple as getting through another day, Th...
Yes, I am one of those weird people that already has all my Christmas shopping done. Well, with the exception of a few little ‘stocking stuffer’ kinds of things. Nothing is wrapped and my tree is definitely not up, but I buy things throughout the year when I see them, knowing someone on my list is going to love this little trinket or that. I’ve definitely come a long way from when I was married. It used to be we would put off Christmas shopping until the very last minute and then it was a flurr...
Where are we supposed to park? That’s been the mantra the last few days as a high profile case out of Natrona County moved into the Hot Springs County Courthouse and is expected to be here well over a week. Yes, its a little inconvenient for us locals to have to walk a bit to get to the courthouse or the post office or the bank, the library or Public Health, but the upside to the situation is it isn’t costing us anything but a little inconvenience. Because this trial was moved to Hot Springs County, Natrona County is footing the bill for eve...
Tuesday night I took in the annual Fall Showcase put on by the Hot Springs County High School Drama Club, getting a look at what the students are taking to the State Drama Festival next month. To say I was in awe would be a drastic understatement. Watching the individual and duo drama pieces, as well as the musical performances was incredible, and the applause the students received was well-deserving, though I wish it could’ve been more — more seats full, more performance time, more of eve...
Thank you to everyone responsible for continuing Hawk’s Avenue of Flags. Thermopolis can be proud of honoring our veterans in this manner....
November 12-16 will mark the 97th annual observance of American Education Week. Our AEW tagline, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” highlights the importance of bringing together educators, parents, students, and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools. Today’s teachers do more than teach basic skills. They nurture and inspire children despite obstacles. They help students learn essential skills not always measured in testing, such as critical thinking, conflict resolution, cooperation, life...
If you’re like us here at the Independent Record, last night you were anxiously awaiting the General Election results. This week’s front page gives a look at what our local numbers were. Some race results were certainly a surprise, while others went as predicted, but the one thing they all have in common is that they’re over. All of the disagreements over who is best for the town, county and state can be put to rest. Mind you, this isn’t something that will happen overnight. Those voted in will be cheered by some, while also being scrutin...
We awoke Wednesday morning after a long, hard battled election, some feeling wonderful about the choices made, others, not so much. There are changes coming in a number of positions in Thermopolis and Hot Springs County, but now that its all over, we need to embrace those changes and understand that even if our candidate didn’t get in, we voted and our voice mattered. It was exciting to see so many people step up for the primary, putting their name on the line to make our little slice of h...
A few years ago, I was surprise an elated to find two wild turkeys on my fence. I had never before seen a wild turkey. Yesterday, I counted at least sixty (60) turkeys going up the hill to Cedar Ridge. I don’t propose to know the ideal number of turkeys, but judging from the number of piles on my driveway, I am sure that the number is less than sixty. Perhaps the city council could consult with Wyoming Game & Fish to consider a turkey reduction program....
We are on the final lap with the finish line in sight. Tuesday, Nov. 6 is the General Election and we urge everyone to get out and cast your vote. This edition of the Thermopolis Independent Record includes our election section, filled with a good deal of information to help you make your decision next week when you head to the polls. This election season has been an interesting one with plenty of candidates tossing their hats in the ring, wanting to help make things better for our community, our state and our country. At the Independent...