Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
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The annual April 15 deadline to have your taxes in is approaching quickly. Those who were able to get theirs done early have likely seen their returns swell their bank accounts before the money is put toward bills or, if you’re really lucky, a trip or something else that’s a bit more fun. Those of us who have waited, or are still waiting, to file the paperwork might be feeling a bit stressed out in making sure we have everything ready to go for the accountant, or sent to some online site for processing. Sure extensions can be requested, but...
Among the biggest topics of discussion within the past week has certainly been the trial of Matthew Schwan, evidenced by the number of people attending as well as the explosion of comments on our Facebook page. The trial was an emotional one for both sides — those supporting Matthew and the victim, Reilly Schwan — and the impact felt is far from over, and will likely see a fresh revival as the sentencing comes around. Among the comments seen online, and heard at the trial, was with regard to justice finally coming to pass in this case. Often ti...
As the 2017 Legislature came to a close last Friday, and with any session it means different things to everyone, depending on which bills passed, which failed and what action our chosen representatives took. Here at the Independent Record, we have kept in contact with Nathan Winters and Wyatt Agar, and provided regular comments from them as the weeks went on. Among the issues which these gentlemen discussed with their peers were: wolves, sexual assaults, concealed carry in the schools, licensing fees, absentee voters, education costs and, of...
This past weekend saw members of the Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department enjoying themselves during their annual ball and banquet, Saturday evening at the VFW. Awards were given out, each with its own prestige, including Fireman of the Year and Master Chef, along with pins for years of service with the department. It was a night for the firefighters, along with their significant others, to enjoy themselves. Just a few days later put them to work with an early morning house fire which took 20 personnel and four hours to extinguish. It’s in the...
If you’ve been having trouble talking freely with friends and neighbors since the last election, you’re not alone. And the media wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether we’re sounding the drums of the Left or the Right, there’s nothing that sells quite as well as conflict. Even your hometown newspaper is guilty of leading with the bleeding. That’s because conflict is what makes a story interesting. You’re a reader - think about the last book you read. Now take all of the conflict out of it. Reading can be a pretty boring exercise without the c...
For more than 100 years, the Wyoming Press Association has provided representation of Wyoming’s 45 newspapers, representing paper interests in lobbying, advertising and education. The association allows newspapers to speak with a unified voice on important matters. Every year, the Wyoming Press Association provides another function — awarding its member newspapers in areas such as photography, advertisement, editorial matter and overall excellence during the annual winter convention. Staff at the Independent Record attended the 2017 con...
This weekend, Thermopolis will host the Moscow Nights/Golden Gates dance troupe, featuring dancers from Russia and Georgia. It’s one of the many opportunities throughout the year when we can catch a brief glimpse into another culture, and we should take advantage of it. Around town, several have stepped up and opened their doors to these dancers and musicians during their brief stay. While these folks will certainly get more understanding of the Russian and Georgian culture, in a small town we can expect their experiences and stories of the v...
The education of our young people is one of the most critical pieces we, as a society, are responsible for. Our educators mold the minds of future generations and each child, each teacher, each school district is different in regards to needs and resources. We all have similar goals in Wyoming, however, the needs of smaller school districts is vastly different from the needs of larger districts in the state. With the Wyoming State Legislature’s opening day right around the corner, one bill to keep an eye on is House Bill 0037 – Teacher accounta...
If you’ve been counting down the days until the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year) congratulations, we made it and now the days start getting longer. If it doesn’t seem that way perhaps it’s because, while the sun begins to set a little later from here until summer, it rises a little later in the day until January 3. So when Christmas rolls around this Sunday, even though you’ve told yourself, “the days are getting longer,” your eyes aren’t seeing the light of day any earlier. Some sleep scientists attribute this annual phenom...
If there’s one thing for certain in these past few weeks, it’s that the snow isn’t leaving anytime soon. In addition to making sure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit, should you happen to get stuck, the best thing you can do is be more cautious while behind the wheel Yes, there are plow vehicles that are going to regularly keep the streets and highways clear. Keep in mind those trucks might not get to your neck of the woods as quickly as you hope, but they do get there. Just like nearly every job, they have their priority and s...
Mother Nature reared her ugly head and dropped seven-inches of white stuff across Hot Springs County last week, reminding us that the days of flip flops and sunscreen are surely over for a few months. With that in mind, are you prepared should a big storm hit? Everyone should have a few days supply of food and water in the house, things that don’t require cooking in case the electricity goes out. Oh, and that electric can opener probably won’t do you any good either, so an old fashioned one would be good to have in the junk drawer. Extra bla...
The 2016 general election proved to be a nail biter across the nation as states went from red to blue then back to red or vice versa in some cases. The race for President of the United States was so close in some states they could not be called even with over 95 percent of precincts reporting. Unlike Wyoming, which was called red just as polls were closing with zero percent of precincts reporting. Here in Hot Springs County we had our own important races to follow. An amazing 2,644 voters turned out for this election. There were record numbers...
The 2016 general election is just around the corner where a number of important local, state and national races will be decided on. There are also four important propositions on the ballot for Hot Springs County voters. This issue of the Independent Record, along with several previous issues, contains an abundant amount of information on local candidates and ballot propositions along with a some information on state candidates. The presidential race has taken over the national media as well as making for some interesting, even when not...
The Internet is not the latest, “greatest” thing to come along and threaten to upend the newspaper industry. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean was covered by Fox Movietone News. It sparked rumors and fears of the end of the newspaper industry. The advent of radio news and later, television broadcasts, led to the more rumors that newspapers were done as an industry. But ink and pulp have persevered. Not every newspaper from 100 years ago is still around, but many of the ones that are left are stalwarts of wh...
We all know, or at least believe, that following the election, here in Thermopolis we’ll still all be friendly and civil to each other. The world will go on spinning, and day-to-day activities will continue unabated. It’s not like the whole thing is going to come screeching to a halt depending on whether certain initiatives pass or fail, or who gets elected to the office. Life and livelihood will go on here, just as it will everywhere else. The livelihood of many — particularly those in the coal and oil industry — took a serious blow in rece...
The framers of our Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and expression to the citizens of the United States with the First Amendment, which reads, in part, “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech.” As I watch this year’s election process I sometimes need to remind myself of my First Amendment rights. That’s not to say I can say whatever I want, whenever I want, without regard to the thoughts of others, but I can express my opinion. There have honestly been times in the last few months where I’ve been afraid to express t...
As a newspaper, we are a source for news and events in the community, whether they be good or bad. Among the latter are certainly the number of court cases we report on, While many of these may seem to some like minor infractions and crimes, one thing that should never be ignored or given simply a passing glance are those cases involving violence in the home. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, though domestic violence is an issue to face year-roud. Between 2001 and 2012, the number of American troops killed in Afghanistan...
November 8 is just around the corner, a mere six weeks away, and I would venture to guess most people are looking forward to that day and the end of the political mayhem we’ve been living through for the past 18 months or so. From the local issues like the hospital district to the national stage we’ve grown pretty weary. At this point everyone knows who they’re going to vote for and what issues are most pressing for them. However, our job isn’t over yet. I am shocked at how many young people have a definite opinion about the presidential race a...
Though enacted in August of 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower, via a congressional resolution petitioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Constitution Week was not officially declared until 2002, by George W. Bush. Though not a federal holiday, the purpose of the week is to promote study and education of the Constitution. It officially kicks off annually on Sept. 17, in commemoration of the original adoption of the Constitution in 1787. We encourage people who have never given the Constitution a read to do so, and even those who know...
Sports are embedded in American schools all across the county from the smallest towns to the largest cities. In Thermopolis, like so many other places, fans, parents and athletes take youth sports pretty seriously. Parents invest countless hours driving their children to and from practice, washing uniforms and going to games. Often this starts in grade school and usually continues through middle school, high school and possibly into college. These young athletes themselves invest countless hours practicing and playing, all while working to...
Despite the colder temperatures, we must not forget to stay active this fall. It is always easy to find an excuse not to be active, especially in colder weather. Running or walking or hiking outside during colder weather is not as desirable as it was in the spring and summer. There are very few who want to wear layers and get outdoors. Many options are available to keep active during these upcoming colder months. Joining a gym, not only shields you from the harsh environments created by the cold, but it gives you a chance to get out of your...
Labor Day finds its roots in the late 19th century. As trade unions and labor movements were expanding, different groups chose several different days to celebrate labor, but it wasn’t until 1882 that Matthew Maguire first proposed a definitive Labor Day holiday, though another five years would pass before it was adopted across the country, and another seven years before it was an official holiday. Celebrated the first Monday in September, the holiday is traditionally marked with a long weekend from work. To those taking in the extra day off, a...
School is starting up again, and there is no better time to encourage your student to participate in extracurricular activities. The elementary school, middle school and high school all offer plenty of extracurricular activities to provide that little extra to enhance your student’s performance in all areas of life. Whether your student is interested in athletics, music, art or science, there is something for everyone. There are also many benefits when a student participates in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities raise s...
Over the past few weeks, there has been a bombardment with regard to election coverage. With the primaries over, we would like to extend our congratulations to those candidates who won their races, and to the people of Thermopolis, we appreciate you taking the time to make your voices heard. Now that the results have been tallied and those important first races run, it’s time to take a break from the political — at least until it gets a bit closer to November, anyway — and turn the focus to other local happenings, particularly with schoo...
Election season is in full swing and each citizen should get out, vote and let their voice be heard. We have done our best to provide citizens with ample information on all candidates running, but we still urge you to check out the ballots for this year’s election (printed in the Aug. 4 edition), research each candidate and choose the ones that you feel will best lead on both the local and state level. Most importantly, those not already registered to vote should go register. Those who never ‘got into politics’ or the newly eligible 18-year-old...
