Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
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Its actually rather typical that young people begin getting a little more rambunctious as summer starts drawing to a close, but it seems like this year it has gotten out of control, moving into the realm of destruction. Generally, its small things like vehicles being egged or planters knocked over, but this year they’re hitting us all with complete disregard. Fish feeders in the State Park, which were put up to help pay for some extra things in the park – destroyed. It wasn’t enough to just pry the money out of them, they went the extra mile...
It seems that more and more political signs continue to pop up all over town, supporting one candidate or another for local, state or federal offices. But though the lawn decorations have been going up since candidates announced they are running, the past couple weeks have seen incidence of signs being marred or even yanked out of yards and placed in dumpsters. While hoping everyone shares your opinion, no matter the topic, is something of pipe dream, it doesn’t have to get to the point where vandalism or worse crimes come into play. Not o...
Its time to start asking the big questions. We are in the midst of election season with the primary just a few weeks away. We’ve heard what the platforms are for candidates on both sides of the aisle, locally, state-wide and federally, but we’re still seeking answers. The reality is, these are people seeking election to become public servants and we are the public they’ll be serving. Locally, you’re bound to run into a candidate or two on almost a daily basis and its fine to ask them specific questions. Many candidates are more comfort...
The political races are set and the primary election is coming up on August 21. Next Monday, voters will have the opportunity to bring forth their questions and concerns during the candidate forum at Thermopolis Middle School. But though an election year is a great time to ask question of our elected officials and those running for office, keep in mind there is plenty opportunity throughout the year to speak up and let your concerns be known. Just this past week, a town ordinance was halted in its second reading by just a few voices, but those...
While nature’s light show on Sunday night was more spectacular than any man-made fireworks, it is a strong reminder of just how dry the conditions are here in Hot Springs County. With days and days of high temperatures, reaching over 100 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, grasses have dried out to the point of being highly combustible. That became very apparent Sunday night when the Thermopolis Volunteer Firemen were forced to split themselves among three grass fires burning in the county, all in different directions. They weren’t alone, how...
Last week saw the killing of five people at the Capital Gazette in Maryland, as someone opened fire with a shotgun in what was referred to as a “targeted attack.” Our hearts grieve the loss of our fellow newspaper staffers. We wish comfort and peace for their families, friends, co-workers and all who have been touched by this heartbreak and healing to those who are recovering. It’s a sobering reminder to us here at the Thermopolis Independent Record, and in the news industry as a whole, that we are often the target of people who feel stron...
There is an old addage that says, “Don’t believe everything you hear.” Its a perfect reminder during this political season that its better to hear things from the “horse’s mouth” than what you may hear on the streets or through social media. Luckily, you have opportunities to actually talk one on one with the local candidates almost any time. They’re more than happy to fill you in on what their thoughts are about the issues facing Thermopolis and Hot Springs County as well as their vision of the future. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questi...
As June starts to creep closer toward July, thoughts naturally turn to Independence Day and, of course, fireworks. However, before you start lighting the fuses it’s important to keep in mind the town ordinances. Under Section 11 of the Town Code, “It shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale at retail or wholesale, or sell at retail or wholesale, or give away, use, discharge or detonate any fireworks in the Town, or within five miles of the corporate limits of the Town.” However, the code also allows for displays and sale of firew...
It seems as though we jumped from winter right into summer this year with the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, with those high temps and the wind that appears to go along with them, comes a faster drying out of grasses and a higher potential for fires. Today, Wyoming has just one forest fire raging, the Badger Creek fire in the WyColo area by Laramie. It has grown in just a few days to more than 2,300 acres within the Medicine Bow National Forest. Surrounding us are six fires in Idaho, two in U...
The official June 1 deadline for filing for local elected positions has now passed, and the coming months look to be an exciting time as we have several candidates in the running for the town and county races. Moving forward through this election season, we at the Independent Record will provide the fairest coverage we can for those on the ticket. That means we are happy to provide an initial story on the candidates’ reasons for filing, information on their position and other pertinent information. Some of these have already run in our pages, a...
For most students, its one of the most wonderful times of the year. Summer break from school is upon us. Children are able to take a break from the books and be outside running, playing, biking, skateboarding, etc. As they fill the streets and sidewalks this summer, remember to be on the lookout for them. When you see them playing outside, be thankful they are not inside glued to a TV, video game or phone. Show a little patience as they enjoy their freedom. Our children are one of the most precious things in our lives. We will fight to protect...
This weekend there’s plenty going on. School is letting out for the summer, the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament is happening and temperatures are expected to be high enough to make plenty of plans for outdoor activities for a three-day holiday weekend. But remember to keep in mind what we are celebrating on Memorial Day. While we should make time to honor all members of the military for their service, this day is set aside specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in active service. According to the U.S. Department o...
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. We are fortunate in a small town to know each of our officers, both police and sheriff’s department, if not by name, then by face, even when we run into them at the grocery store or a school function. Small town officers don’t often get the respect or recognition they deserve because crime rates are so low and its not very often something ‘exciting’ happens. However, they have shown, especia...
This Sunday, we celebrate the ones who brought us into this world, the matriarchs, the ones who kissed our booboos, read us stories, gave us treats and toys when we were good but whose wrath knew no bounds when crossed. It’s a day for moms. When considering Mother’s Day presents, there is plenty to take into consideration. Flowers, candy and jewelry top the list, but it’s important to make sure the blooms are her favorite color or type, the chocolates are extra sweet and the gemstones and setting are the ones the special lady of your life...
The past few weeks have shattered our complacency in Hot Springs County. No longer can we say, “It can’t happen here” after an attempted murder just 15 miles from the center of town and the apprehension of a fugitive wanted for attempted murder at the back doors of residents along Arapahoe last Friday. Thermopolis has always been a quiet little town where not much in the way of crime happens other than a speeder here and there or shoplifting or once in a blue moon, a home gets broken into. We’ve been very lucky. It was a bit dishear...
Things have certainly got a little crazy in town since Friday the 13th, with regard to crimes and dangerous individuals in the area. We’ve already had subjects charged with attempted murder as well as several drug and alcohol-related incidents. At The Independent Record, we make every effort to keep the public informed not just about the fun activities happening around town and accomplishments of our schools, organizations, businesses and individuals. But, we also know not everything can be sunshine and rainbows, and we report on much of the d...
It certainly seems like Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, giving us days in the 70s followed by snow and rain before teasing us with another little warm spell. You would think, with all the moisture and the green grass that spring burning would be fine, and in most instances, it is, but we’ve also been having wind which can dry out those grasses pretty quickly. Calm winds in the morning can lull you into a sense of security and then here comes the wind in the afternoon. Add a controlled burn to a windy day and its a recipe for dis...
As with any month, there are a number of celebrations happening in April. Among them is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The local Department of Family Services office and Public Health, are providing opportunities to help the children in our community. On Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. there is a free Love and Logic parenting class, and on Monday, April 16 from 5-7 p.m. there will be a Community Café at Hot Springs County Library to discuss the resources and services that are available to children or families. Whether you plan to attend these...
As a country we are preparing ourselves for midterm elections on a national scale with 435 seats up for grabs in the House of Representatives and 34 of 100 seats on the line in the U.S. Senate. Here in Wyoming we are looking at the election of a new Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor and State Treasurer along with a Superintendent of Public Instruction. Senator John Barrasso and Representative Liz Cheney are also up for re-election this cycle. Speaking with the various candidates is an excellent way to see where they stand on the...
We’re in our first full week of spring. Though snow’s still sporadic around here, it certainly isn’t staying around for long. Before we know it, schools will be letting out for the summer. But though the weather getting warmer provided plenty of time for outdoor activities, it’s also important to be mindful that it can bring dangers as well, particularly when it comes to fire. As the heat dries out our lawns and fields, they become easily combustible and in an instant a small flame can become a raging blaze. While we can’t always prevent f...
School shootings, school security and the safety of students throughout the country have been at the top of major headlines, not just these past few weeks since the Parkland, Fla. shooting, but literally, nearly 20 years -- April 20, 1999, the date of the Columbine shooting. It would be so much simpler to push our heads into the sand and believe “it can’t happen here,” but the reality is, it can. While we may not realize it, or even see it on a day-to-day basis, there are security measures in place in all of the schools in the district. You m...
As with many things in life, the 2018 Wyoming Legislature is here and gone already. Our local representatives, Nathan Winters and Wyatt Agar, have done well in keeping us informed of what’s been happening in Cheyenne during this budget session. Though the political game is one that often sees hard-drawn line of House vs. Senate or Democrat vs. Republican, Winters and Agar recently shared that they worked together on items such as bills related to the state budget, education, agriculture and bit coin technology. This type of partnership, w...
If you go through back issues of the Thermopolis Independent Record, you will see our writing most often reflects not just the news at the time, but hints at the changing seasons. This spring is no different. As we start preparing for greener pastures and pops of color from flowers coming into bloom, we see a new program has begun under the banner of Hot Springs County Emergency Management. The County River and Stream project will keep residents of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County appraised of river conditions as well as what is going on...
A large focus the past couple weeks for national news and the ever-present social media has been the Florida school shooting, with stories of heartache because of lost friends and family, calls for stricter gun laws and planned student protests. In times of tragedy such as these and the near constant online posts keeping it fresh in our minds, it can be a challenge to see the positive side to what our schools are doing. Here in Thermopolis, students in sports and other extra curricular activities, as well as just within their classrooms, are...
The Wyoming State Legislature is currently considering a bill that would eliminate a Wyoming institution that has been around since 1949. The Wyoming Pioneer Home, part of the Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Division, provides assisted living for the seniors of Wyoming at a reasonable cost, but now, the Legislature is attempting to privatize the facility and remove the state from any connection with the home. One section of the bill claims Hot Springs County is the only place that benefits from the Pioneer Home. Yes, locals are employed t...
