Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
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Certainly one of the most talked about races in the General Election is for the Hot Springs County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees. To that end, the Community Hall was home to a special forum for all six who are on the ballot for the school board. A similar situation happened in the Primary, with a forum specifically for candidates in the running for Hot Springs County Sheriff. As with any forum this past election year, introductions were given, questions were asked and answered, and there was plenty of visiting with candidates outside...
The Joint Appropriations Committee for the State of Wyoming will be meeting in Thermopolis next Wednesday and Thursday and it looks as though Tom Forslund, the Director of the Department of Health, may be gearing up for another run at selling the Wyoming Pioneer Home. In their wisdom, Wyoming’s founding fathers created the Wyoming Pioneer Home, by state legislation in 1949, for “the purpose of providing a place for the care and maintenance of residents of this state who are afflicted with the infirmities of old age.” (W.S. 25-8-101) Here in Ho...
The first recognized printed newspaper is a publication titled “Relation,” published in Antwerp in 1605 under Johann Carolus. However, the first evidence of a newspaper is the “Acta Diurna,” published in Rome around 59 B.C. Against such dates, 117 years might not seem a significant span of time to some, but that’s how long the Thermopolis Independent Record has been bringing the news of Hot Springs County to you. The Independent Record came about when two papers — The Thermopolis Record and the Thermopolis Independent — merged. It is the off...
Schools across the Cowboy State received the results of the new Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP) recently, a new testing method for our students that replaces the PAWS testing of the past. Our students did well, ranking in the top 10 in some of the categories tested at the individual grade levels. Kudos to our kids! However, what is concerning is the state averages on the same tests. There are many, many students in the state of Wyoming who show below basic skills in areas such as math, English and science. Wyoming schools suf...
It seems like this year has been the “Year of the Detour” when driving around Thermopolis, with work being done to replace water transmission lines and the renovations happening outside Gottsche and the hospital. It seems like almost daily one’s route has to change to get to a destination, particularly on the south side of town. A return to our regular routes is on the horizon, though, and even though delays happened — both early on and recently — with the water line project, adjustments were made to the timeframe and additional crews wer...
Monday is the start of Homecoming Week for the Thermopolis Bobcats. A time when alumni return home to see the parade and cheer on our volleyball players and football team. Gone are the days of the snake dance through downtown and the burning of the effigy at the flagpole with the cheerleaders, the band and almost the entire town, but we have to understand today’s Bobcats have their own idea of fun and we should be joining in just as we did decades ago. Have you ever seen a “Mangeant”? It takes a lot of courage and self confidence for these...
“We the people.” These three words form the beginning of one of the most important documents in our country’s history, the U.S. Constitution. September 17 marks Constitution Day, commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 men on Sept. 17, 1787. While the Declaration of Independence was adopted in July of 1776, it was the U.S. Constitution that set forth the supreme laws of these United States and recognized all who were born in the country or by naturalization as citizens, laying the groundwork of what our count...
The newspaper industry let out a huge sigh of relief this past week as the U.S. International Trade Commission overturned an administrative decision imposing tariffs on Canadian newsprint that went into effect in January. That tariff could have ultimately caused newspapers across the country to raise their prices by nearly double or create layoffs of reporters, photographers and other staff to make up for the cost. Small, weekly newspapers such as ourselves, would have felt the pinch, possibly to the point of putting us out of business....
With the Primary Election behind us, it seems the hot topic still on the table is water, particularly whether we continue to use surface water or explore sinking a well at other sites to start using ground water. However, another water project has certainly seen some prominence in the past couple months — the water line rehabilitation project. The project began as an already large undertaking, incorporating Hot Springs State Park, Fifth Street, Seventh Street, and small portions of Warren Street and Sixth Street. However, there’s been ple...
The graduating Class of 2032 started kindergarten Wednesday. The newest little sparks of flame that make up the Thermopolis Bobcats began their journey with new backpacks, crayons and glue sticks just like countless alumni that came before them. There is a difference, though. These days they’ve gone beyond “The Three R’s”, reading, writing and ‘rithmetic, to computers and robotics and common core. Every child has the same opportunity in the Hot Springs County School District to not only receive the best education possible, but to leave those ha...
What an issue it’s been This week, we’re sure you’ll notice the paper is quite a bit larger than our weekly publication. That’s because we’re providing our readers with a final look at the candidates who are in this year’s elections. Whether running in contended races or not, we’re hoping this section provides you with new information or refreshes your memory about the multitude of local candidates we have this year. This past week has been a crazy one for us, working with the deadlines we set to make contact with those running for office, give...
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...
