Hot Springs County Hall of Fame honorees named

After a five-year hiatus, the Hot Springs County Hall of Fame committee has named a new group of honorees.

If COVID-19 allows, the group will have an induction ceremony in late January, but for now, they have named several individuals who have made a major impact or contribution to the lives and times of the county.

Colonel George Sliney played a significant role in the very beginnings of the Town of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County. His cool hand and incisive insight left a mark on nearly every activity that took place both before and after the turn of the 20th Century.

Charles M. (Charlie) Smith was a major force in this community as a contractor. His name is still associated with several building projects still standing around the community. One of his most high-profile jobs was widening the three tunnels in the canyon. Trucks can now go through all three without worry of scraping their load off on the ceiling.

J.D. Woodruff built the very first cabin in the Big Horn Basin and founded what became the M~ (Embar) ranch. He is credited as being one of the first to enjoy living in Hot Springs County and Thermopolis.

Bob Brown who passed away on September 11, 2020, was a staunch supporter of everything good in the town and county. He was a major figure in the Masonic Lodge here for many years and served as Postmaster after WWII. It has been said that Bob never had a fight or an argument with anyone he came in contact with. He was a total gentleman and major supporter of all things Thermopolis. He is, and will be in the future, missed by all that knew him.

Don and Glenna Tippits were iconic Hot Springs County residents. Don served as the County Extension Agent for many years and was a major player in such things as water rights, irrigation, and all things having to do with plants and animals. Glenna was a ‘lady’ to the bone and a good friend to all. It’s been said that you could look in the dictionary under “Lady” and her picture would be there as an illustration of what one looks and acts like.

Tickets for the investiture will be available around the first of the new year.

The committee wants to delay printing them until the virus is contained and having a ceremony with over a hundred attendees can be held.