Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
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The failed coup at the US Capitol last Wednesday was a wake-up call for all of us. People can have differences of political opinion - and those differences are usually good. Our individual perspectives force us to take stock of our positions and argue until we find the best possible solution for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, these past four years have been so filled with lies and disinformation, we have descended into political madness. Chinese-made Trump flags are ubiquitous, and his supporters have been passionate in their loyalty to...
Ryan McConnaughey’s guest column on behalf of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming presents the daunting challenges facing Wyoming and other land grant states. As a native of the state owing much of my existence to the petroleum industry, I am sympathetic to those concerns. I would however present certain cautions. Those cautions relate to the political questions that are raised. Whether or not one believes in global warming, the political momentum is in the direction of reduction of fossil fuel use. More intense storms, floods, wildfire threat...
The $900 Billion so-called stimulus bill has now passed and been signed into law. I would have recommended that President Trump veto it, however, there are enough votes in the Congress to override a veto, and shutting down the government is not an option. I am so proud of the Wyoming delegation, all of whom voted for this 5,593 page of pork laden garbage, which none of them have read. “We had to vote for the bill to find out what is in it.” $135 million to Burma, $85.5 million to Cambodia, $1.4 billion for “Asia Reassurance initiative Act, $130...
During these uncertain times with the pandemic, it has become necessary for guidelines to be put into place for all our safety. These are in effect at our schools and athletic programs. I would like to address an incident that occurred at a recent girls’ junior high basketball game. The athletic director read the restrictions and regulations set forth by the Wyoming High School Activates Association. These regulations were repeated several times, as one parent felt these rules did not apply to them. Because of this the game was delayed. I h...
This Thanksgiving in Thermopolis we have a great deal to be thankful for. Beyond the natural beauty, clean air, our river and space to breathe and slow down, we have great people. Thanks to all the parents who shared their beautiful kids with us on Halloween. Those faces at the door were delightful and bring such memories. Thanks to the school teachers and staff who work so hard for those kids. Thanks to our local workers who always help and smile. Thanks to everyone at the Senior Center and our brave police. Thanks to our town workers and...
I have always had great respect for our Veterans. I grew up with so many in our family just like so many other families across this great nation. To me, this is about honoring all our Veterans from all races, ages, and “Branches of the military.” My father was Navy, he was a Boiler Maker on the ship he sailed on for, “Operation Magic Carpet Fleet”, that few in the younger generations know about. It was an amazing accomplishment to bring our troops home before Christmas. My brother was A.F. during Vietnam engaged in P.O.W., M.I.A., mission...
I was out of town the weekend of Oct. 3 and unable to attend the Chamber of Commerce banquet. It was such a surprise to see my name in the newspaper on Thursday. I understand that the Chamber and Pastor Sam were responsible for my selection for the President’s Award. I am both humbled and honored by the selection. There are so many great people who live in this area who could receive this honor and to be included among them is amazing. Years ago, Sharon and I chose Thermopolis in which to retire. We’ve heard it said that if you live in The...
I am writing to express my concern that the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and County Farm Bureau Federation did not live stream their sponsored Meet the Candidate Forum on September 28. As we all know, there is a very important election this November. While many people out there may only be concerned about the presidential elections, we do need to pay attention to our local political candidates here at home. The people of Hot Springs County are a hard-working group. Unfortunately, responsibilities to family, work, school and our beloved farms...
Why chickens? How can something that brought so much joy, delight, health and life to our property and neighborhood, be so easily done away with because of an archaic* code? As I explored the issue, I took it upon myself to study it out and present the chicken issue to the council. I was immediately met with resistance, though I had prepared for a yes, and had the information all available, they proceeded to make this simple issue extremely complicated and confusing. The current town council has already spent more time and resources on...
As we deal with a world wide pandemic, many Americans have turned on the people out there risking their lives as our first responders. Everyone from our police and firefighters to the medical staff deserve a big thank you from the country. I feel blessed to live in our small town where when everything goes wrong, they help make it come out alright. Our family found ourselves in a medical crisis during in the birth of my granddaughter in 2017. My daughter went into labor at home and it was happening quick. The police officer and ambulance crew...
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...
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...
For nearly fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege and opportunity to be involved with the HSCHS wrestling program from being a fan, volunteer coach, and contributor for the local IR. In all of those functions, I have met a goodly number of parents, coaches, wrestlers, students, and journalists that have been such a blessing. Last year saw the end of my time to have any coaching or daily contact with the team; this year is the last year for me to write of the successes and yes, the failures, of the program and its participants. I would like to t...
This letter is to ask for your cooperation in helping the Wyoming Pioneer Home Residents stay healthy during this virus season. Unfortunately, seniors are the hardest hit by viruses so at this time, we are currently implementing a low level visitor restriction policy. If you have been exposed to any type of virus, we ask that you not visit or enter the WPH until 14 days have passed since your last symptoms. The 3 viruses that the Wyoming Pioneer Home would like to prevent from entering our building are as follows: The Coronavirus. At this time...
“Whoops, I made a mistake!” This is not something you want to hear from your doctor - or your attorney. “Do no harm” should be the motto for both professions. When a doctor nicks an artery, he is held accountable for making a serious error. Attorneys, though, keep on practicing without repercussions or sanctions. The Wyoming Supreme Court overthrew the case of the Casper businessman because of a mistake in the lower court. Someone did not double check the language of the law, and zealously went ahead and charged the man. We will never know wh...
I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, growing up about 20 miles from a toll plaza of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Over the years, not only have I seen the changes the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented, but also heard the stories of my father and grandfather as they witnessed the birth of America’s first highway specifically planned as a toll road. Over the years, since I’ve first started driving, I have driven on a variety of toll roads across our great country, thanks mostly to my years serving on active duty in the Arm...
What do wolves, grizzlies, geothermal energy, oil wells, Hot Springs State Park, irrigation water, and sage grouse all have in common? That’s easy – all are topics that have been addressed by the Hot Springs County Natural Resources Planning Committee (or “NRPC”). This diverse group of local residents functions as a “think tank,” discussing topics affecting state and federal lands and advising the County Commissioners of needed actions. It meets monthly, on the second Wednesday of the month, at 5:30 p.m. The Committee has prepared a policy do...
Well, it’s been a year since the people of Hot Springs County elected me as a trustee to the school board. It has been an interesting learning experience. I have been forced to rethink much of the platform I ran on. I still feel like an outsider but things are getting better. I still would like to see exit interviews sent out to all staff regardless of previous position or how they left the District. I would also still like to see some kind of video recording of the board meetings. Nothing fancy though. I would also like to see each school w...
Council didn’t let people decide The Thermopolis Town Council did not say “no to chickens,” they said no to letting the people decide. Two town councilmen chose not to second a motion made by a third town council member to bring it to a draft and first reading along with public meeting. In the recent town council meeting, 127 signatures were presented. Out of those 112 were deemed valid. The Mayor then read one letter from one individual that was adamant about no chickens. The councilman who made the motion asked how many signatures were on tha...
I’ve been following the controversy over keeping chickens in town. I am not a Thermopolis resident, but I own property in Hot Springs County and live in the city of Cody. My husband and I have chickens. Cody never passed an ordinance outlawing livestock in City limits. Instead we have a nuisance ordinance that extends to animal complaints. Occasionally loose dogs attack someone’s chickens or other animals, and the police are involved. Otherwise Codyites coexist just fine with poultry, horses, sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle and potbellied pig...
I wish to express my condolences to the family of Ruth Clare Yonkee. For the 54 years we lived in Thermopolis, Ruth Clare was my dearest and best friend. I visited her many times in her home and later was a steady visitor to her at the rehabilitation center — until we moved to Laramie. We corresponded regularly and shared occasional phone calls. I admired Ruth Clare greatly, as did the community where she was always busy in outstanding and dedicated service. All who knew her and loved her will treasure the many wonderful memories. May she r...
On Sept. 13 my son was t-boned on Broadway by an out of state driver that just didn’t understand the intersection. My son was hit in the driver’s side door and was pined in the car for almost an hour. Right after the collision a woman ran out of her office and immediately began to hold my son’s head. My son thinks she was an off-duty EMT who stayed with him until the ambulance could take him to the ER. We appreciate all the firemen and EMT’s, but a very special thanks to the mystery woman. We don’t know who she was, but what she did means the...
I’m not happy about the pollutants coming our way if Aethon greatly expands its Moneta Divide operation. From what I’ve read I gather it will be mostly salt. While drinking a glass of salty water now and then won’t kill us, do we really want our water to be saltier than it already is? Also, at the web site “Sciencing” I found this information: “When saltwater enters the soil the plant tries to absorb it through its roots like normal water. However, salt water does not allow for osmosis through the plant tissues ... the salt solution ac...
A report in the Thermopolis Independent Record stated tons of sludge (tainted water) from 4,250 oil wells may be dumped into Badwater Creek drainage. Small creek beds, dry most of the year, could carry an estimated 8.27 millions of sludge into Boysen Reservoir. According to the report. What problems can we expect from 2,000-plus TONS of oilfield pollutants carried from Boysen into the Big Horn River every month? Can any study estimate the livestock, deer, antelope, small wildlife and vegetation poisoned by such a huge amount of gunk? What...
