A look back at the year in Hot Springs County

In a year most everyone is going to remember for COVID-19, there were many other memorable things that happened in Hot Springs County in 2020. The following is a look back at an important, unique story from each week of the Thermopolis Independent Record.

January

January 2, 2020

The Discover Thermopolis shop located in downtown Thermopolis now has the largest selec tion of hot sauces in the state of Wyoming, according to owner Howie Samelson. 

The store has over 700 different flavors and it might be more than in the state of Colorado as well, according to one distributor. 

January 9, 2020

Things are moving along with plans for the former airport site near Round Top.

Jackie Dorothy, marketing manager for the project, presented the commissioners with the first draft of the grant they will be applying to through the Wyoming Business Council.

The $3 million dollar grant will be used to try to bring development to the old airport property that could include a convention center and hotel. Initially, the funds will be used for infrastructure to the area as well as reclamation of the area to have it build-ready when the time comes.

January 16, 2020

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for both the Star Plunge and Days Inn in Hot Springs State Park have been given a 45-day extension.

Originally, the Wyoming State Legislature wanted the RFPs to be submitted for the two available concessionaires by January 17, 2020, but the additional 45-days will push back the closing date to March 2.

After examining a number of factors, including ensuring adequate time has been offered for potential companies to submit an RFP for these assets within HSSP, it was determined the move back would allow for a more comprehensive, complete and accurate bid from interested parties.

January 23, 2020

State regulators have revised a permit for a major oil and gas firm operating at Moneta Divide in central Wyoming. Subject to public comment, the permit will maintain existing limits on discharged water at the facility and impose routine water sampling requirements to prevent pollutants from flowing into the nearby Boysen Reservoir Basin. 

January 30, 2020

The month of February is Community Appreciation Month at Taco Johns in Thermopolis.

During February, you can buy a meal for any type of community member and they will receive their meal for free.

For example, you chose to buy a meal for an EMT, the very next EMT to visit the Thermopolis location will receive their meal free of charge compliments of the buyer.

February

February 6, 2020

Contrary to recent posts on social media, the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus has not breached the boundaries of Wyoming.

The Wyoming Department of Health assures the state's residents that there are no reported cases of the deadly virus in Lander.

The department is closely monitoring the outbreak situation and sharing recommendations with Wyoming's healthcare providers.

Although it has been going by the moniker "coronavirus", it is actually the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which simply cause the common cold.

This outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), apparently began in China where Chinese health officials have reported thousands of cases, severe illness and even deaths associated with the virus.

February 13, 2020

The Hot Springs County 4-H Junior Livestock Judging team was named the champion team at the 2020 Black Hills Stock Show.

Teams gathered from Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska to participate in the Black Hills Stock Show Youth Day Livestock Judging Contest. Youth judged six classes of livestock, answered questions on two classes and gave one set of oral reasons on their placings for a class of Yearling Balancer Bulls.

February 20, 2020

Ralph Witter's Elementary School held a special flag ceremony for two families whose fathers were deployed overseas in the Middle East. The event idea was sparked by RWE's secretary Connie Dickinson, who received a package from a former student. Army National Guard Specialist Brad Becerra sent the package that contained an American flag along with a letter and two certificates from Afghanistan. This special flag flew over their base in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

February 27, 2020

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital has announced tentative dates for their Open House for the new construction of their facilities.  CEO Margie Molitor has proposed that the Open House will be on Thursday, April 2nd from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. 

Molitor wants to give the public access to view the rooms and building before they move into it with equipment and furniture, etc.  There will be guides directing the public for tours and will explain the new features. After the Open House, the hospital will move into the new facilities tentatively on April 8.

March

March 5, 2020

Started in 2016, Lasers Edge has come a long way from engraving tumblers in Ken Smith's garage on Broadway.

The company has recently moved to a new location at 811 S. 6th that gives them a much larger space for all the new things they have expanded into.

Smith and his partner, Mark Brawley, along with Smith's wife, Michelle, have a new contract with a large gun manufacturer to do specialized engraving on the guns before they're shipped to their new owners.

March 12, 2020

One of the most popular stories around the world today is the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, that has caused more than 4,000 deaths worldwide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there were 938 (confirmed and presumptive positive) cases in the United States as of this Tuesday. In the US there have been 29 deaths from COVID-19. There are currently no cased reported in Wyoming.

March 19, 2020

Town of Thermopolis announced on Tuesday that all town buildings have been closed to the public. Utility or Municipal Court payments can still be made through the mail or deposited into the drop boxes. Business that must be conducted in person will be done by appointment only. If you need to make an appointment, please call 864-3838. In addition, you may visit their website at townofthermopolis.com to view the staff directory by department and email your information to the appropriate staff member. Town Council meetings are also suspended until April 7.

March 26, 2020

Hot Springs County High School science teacher, London Jenks, has taken matters into his own hands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He is currently creating the N95 substitute masks needed by healthcare workers using 3D printing.

"There's been lots of people posting the substitute masks online," Jenks said. "I'm printing the particular model associated with the Billings Clinic. I've only printed a few copies using the Robotics Team's 3D Printer.

"They were given to an employee of the hospital and Red Rocks Clinic on Tuesday to be evaluated. If they come back with a desire for more, I will work to print some more of them."

April

April 2, 2020

Thermopolis has been chosen as one of just three Wyoming towns to participate in the Main Street Façade Improvement Grant Program through Main Street America.

Thermopolis joins the Laramie Main Street Alliance and Downtown Rock Springs in receiving grants up to $25,000 for improving downtown facades.

Wyoming Main Street manager, Linda Klinck said, "Wyoming Main Street is excited for this opportunity for the Main Street programs in Laramie, Rock Springs and Thermopolis.

April 9, 2020

Unemployment rates across the country have been skyrocketing and Wyoming is not immune to the trend being generally associated with the spread of COVID-19 and the oil industry.

Wyoming had more than 6,000 new claims for unemployment last week, and increase of 160 percent from the week before.

Restaurant workers have been hit hard as well, along with construction and mining.

April 16, 2020

Not many people can say they have spent 26 years doing a particular job these days much less doing it in the same town all that time.

Pastor Harvey Seidel and his wife, Lois, came to Thermopolis in April 1994 to become the new pastor at First Baptist Church, and after 26 years behind that pulpit, he is retiring.

"When we came our church was an older congregation," Seidel said. "Pastor Pulis had been here 40 years and it was hard to follow a man who pastored that many years."

April 23, 2020

A $3.3 million highway improvement project is scheduled to begin in early May through the Town of Thermopolis on US20/WY789.

Prime contractor is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to McGarvin-Moberly on Nov. 21, 2019. Contract completion date is June 30, 2021.

April 30, 2020

An emergency meeting of the Hot Springs County School District Board of Directors resulted in all schools within the district remaining closed through the end of the current school year.

The Friday afternoon meeting was done electronically and streamed live on the district's webpage as well as their Facebook page to ensure as many people as possible could watch as the board made its decision.

While regular classes are not being held in the buildings, the district will continue with the distance learning they have been doing since the initial closure.

May

May 7, 2020

As a result of the increased demand for hand sanitizer, Wyoming Whiskey distillery, in conjunction with other Wyoming distillers, have answered the call. 

The production of hand sanitizer requires the use of 190 proof alcohol. 

Wyoming Whiskey stills are not designed to produce alcohol to that proof, so they have produced a base spirit that will be refined at other Wyoming distilleries before being used in the final product. 

May 14, 2020

The graduation ceremony for this year's Hot Springs County High School seniors is going to be one to remember.

"Our Class of 2020 seniors will have the most memorable graduation in 100 years," said high school principal Breez Daniels. "This is the 100th Commencement at Hot Springs County High School, an important milestone for our community."

Daniels said the seniors voted to have a Senior Parade of Cars – one car per senior with their immediate family in the car with them.

May 21, 2020

Hot Springs County School District #1 will be starting a Summer Food Service Program on Wednesday, May 27.

Drive through meal service will continue to be offered at four locations in our county.

Every free meal taken supports your local school nutrition program. There are free meals for any child 18 and under. There is no paperwork required and meals must be consumed off-site. 

May 28, 2020

The local Mason's Chapter called the Malta Lodge #17 is looking to restore its 115-year-old building which was built in 1905. The Lodge has done many local philanthropic charity events and they seek to do more. The effort is led by members Eric Kay and John Brooks. Currently, they are trying to raise awareness and funds that will hopefully lead them to matching grants.

Kay explained that the building has had some DIY work done over the years, but it's been 20 years since any major work has been done on it. Some of the building is still original and it needs some refurbishing. 

June

June 4, 2020

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital has moved into their newly constructed wing and is making the transition to be known as Hot Springs Health.

Jake Schrickling, project manager of Sletten Construction, reported on the effort that is still going on at the hospital. They have been preparing for the demolition of the old building and full tear down. It should take three weeks to get to the ground level, according to Schrickling. By the next hospital board meeting, the old patient wing will be gone. 

June 11, 2020

A major part of tourism in Thermopolis has finally received the go-ahead to open their doors, although there are some restrictions still in place.

Hellies TePee Pool and Star Plunge were allowed to do a 'soft opening' the last week in May with several precautions in place, including no use of jetted hot tubs or locker rooms and open to members only.

Starting last June 6, the pools were opened to the public. While social distancing is still required, the locker rooms have reopened and limited numbers of people are allowed in the hot tubs.

June 18, 2020

Storyteller in Thermopolis is once again participating in the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative's Cups4Cups event to raise money to support increased breast health services across the state.

Originally planned for April, the group placed the event on hold due to COVID-19, but with restrictions loosening, they are finally able to hold the event this Saturday, the first day of summer.

Storyteller will join other coffee houses across the state in 'pinking out' for the event and offering specials during the day.

June 25, 2020

The Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department will be doing their annual fireworks show for the July 4th Independence Day celebration, according to Fire Chief Mark Collins.

He said that they are about $5,000 short on funds for the show compared to what they normally collect in previous years. They usually budget between $12,000 to $14,000 for a typical show. 

However, even though the funds raised this year is lower, John Fish, head of the fireworks committee, reports a pyrotechnician will come in to do the show.

July

July 2, 2020

On Saturday, June 27 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Amanda Hicks, of Worland, lost control of her vehicle on US 20 two miles north of Kirby. The vehicle Hicks was driving rolled over at least two times and came to rest on its passenger's side blocking both lanes of travel.

Hicks had left Thermopolis earlier with her two dogs. She had came to get ice cream and was headed back home to Worland.

She had her seat belt on and was going about 70 mph which was the legal speed limit.

July 9, 2020

Hot Springs County School District's Board of Directors held a special meeting last week to approve budget amendments, pay final bills and approve the hiring of three new members of the district's team.

Katie Despain was approved as a new hire to be a summer food service cook, Cassidy VanKirk was hired as RWE SpEd para- professional along with Kacey Cahill, also hired as an RWE SpEd paraprofessional. Cahill and VanKirk will both start their positions with the coming school year.

July 16, 2020

To recognize the entrepreneurial spirit driving teachers to meet their students' distance learning needs at the end of last school year, SONIC Drive-In matched all donations to DonorsChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day, giving Carbon Kennington, a teacher at Ralph Witters Elementary, $364.

Kennington's project was called A Little Less Sore, and A Little More Soar

July 23, 2020

Danielle Yarrington recently opened her new res- taurant Elle's Restaurant and Bar in the former location of Thermopolis Cafe.

Yarrington has been working in restaurants since her sophomore year of high school.

She came back to Ther- mopolis and began the pro- cess to buy Thermopolis Cafe from Marty Oravec.

The building needed a lot of renovation. Most of the work has been cosmetic. The kitch- en received the most work.

August

August 6 2020

Thermopolis Middle School science teacher, Aimee Kay, has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

In her 25 years of teaching, she has taught sixth grade science, language arts and social studies as well as serving as the district's technology facilitator and high school dropout prevention and court liaison coordinator for at-risk students. Her most recent work has been with the seventh and eighth graders at TMS as their science teacher.

August 13 2020

Not much more than a year ago Dusty Lewis and Wade Lippincott were sitting in Lewis's shop and said they should start a nonprofit organization with the vision of developing trails for the Thermopolis and Hot Springs County area to bring in more tourism and outdoor recreation. Since then, their efforts have snowballed into a greater increase of suc- cess and community support with their nonprofit Hot City

Hot City Alliance held an open house on August 3 seeking community input on what trails they wanted to see developed.

August 20 2020

More questions than answers. That's what retired archeologist Danny Walker has come up with after excavating an 12 by 12 foot hole last week at Legend Rock Petroglyph Site. The newest exploratory dig is a culmination of decades of research to uncover the puzzle left behind thousands of years ago by early inhabitants.

In 1988, a team from the Wyoming Archeological Office headed by Walker set out in search of artifacts at Legend Rock in order to preserve re- sources prior to development of the land.

Walker was brought back to Legend Rock in 2007 as the area was being worked for a walking trail to accommodate the increased visitation to the site.

August 27 2020

At the August 18 Thermopolis Town Council meeting Darren Butcher came in front of the council to present an updated request for a revision to the town's ordinance to make chickens legal within the town's borders. Butcher has been making his case, along with other allies, for about three years so far.

Butcher said he "Was originally going to seek a test case scenario within a certain designated property, however, it has already been proven that chickens can be kept in town without being defined as a nuisance."

Butcher conceded that there have been chickens within town limits that could be and were what could be defined as a nuisance.

Butcher spoke to the council saying, "What I propose is that those citizens and households that were known to possess chickens, that were not a nuisance to their neighbors, have their birds returned to them and if not possible, new ones be acquired, up to the number they possessed with six being the max."

The council took no action to change the ordinance.

September

September 3, 2020

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is anxiety and depression that often drives people to commit suicide. It is often seen in former military personnel, but can affect almost anyone who has been through a traumatic experience. Recently, across the country, a challenge was issued for people to do 25 push-ups for 25 days and post their video on social networks to raise awareness for PTSD.

The challenge was taken up by everyday Joes, athletes, first responders, firefighters, law enforcement and more, including several locals, including Dood Jaussaud, who took the challenge to new heights‚ literally.

Jaussaud made not just local news, but national news when he decided to do his pushups 60-feet in the air on a platform suspended from a crane.

September 10, 2020

Jerry & Shelly Deromedi celebrated their 50th Anniversary. They were married on August 28, 1970, but have known each other all of their lives.

Shelly grew up in Kirby, and Jerry grew up in Gebo. Both their grandparents were miners in Gebo, and grandfathers were best friends. They happened to be high school sweethearts. When Jerry was a sophomore, his family moved to Kirby in 1966 and they lived across the street from Shelly's family.

While they were teenagers Jerry asked her if she wanted to go for a ride on his motorcycle. They called it‚ "Love at first ride."

September 17, 2020

NW BOCES will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary during the month of September but they are postponing their planned festivities. Administrative Director Carolyn Conner said that due to the COVID pandemic, they made the decision to wait until the spring of 2021 to see if they can have a big celebration on the grounds.

They plan to invite all the people who have helped them: the board members from their 18 different districts, superintendents, special education directors, parents of former students, former students, current staff, former staff and staff that is still in this community, to have a great, terrific celebration‚.

September 24, 2020

Hot Springs County School District (HSCSD) reported their first positive case of COVID-19 in a letter sent out to parents and guardians of Ralph Witters Elementary students.

Letters sent out to parents stated the school is working with public health officials to identify students who have had close contact with the individuals diagnosed.

October

October 1, 2020

Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Tom Carper, D-Del., introduced a bipartisan bill on Sept. 24 to honor former Thermopolis Postmaster Robert Brown by renaming the local post office after him.

Brown, a lifelong resident of Thermopolis, passed away earlier this month at age 94. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo.

Brown's career with the U.S. Postal Service spanned 44 years, including 18 years as the postmaster.

October 8, 2020

2020 is a year many will long remember for COV-ID-19, but area ranchers will remember it for other reasons beyond the issues caused by the virus. Many cattle ranchers in Hot Springs County are on the front lines of a drought. They are struggling amid poor range conditions, low water supplies, slow or little hay growth and grasshoppers. They are not only trying to figure out how to survive the virus but a drought as well.

Earlier this year some ranchers were left with a backlog of cattle when meat packing plants slowed or even closed because of COVID-19 outbreaks among employees and public health orders forced restaurants to shut down dining. The pack- ing plants were not buying cattle from feedlots, the feedlots were filling up, the prices for beef at the grocery stores were rising and the ranchers were the ones taking a hit on dropping prices for their cattle. Ranchers are now facing the compounding challenge of a drought, which is decreasing the rangeland and amount of available hay and forcing more tough choices about herd management.

October 15, 2020

Thermopolis newcomers Ian Edmiston and Nels Kelley are opening a new business called Lazy Fox Artisan Goods.

Edmiston said, "We're opening a full-service bakery and we plan on doing some sandwiches and soups. Not carrying a really big menu per se, but everything that we're going to sell on the side will be there to highlight the bread products that we make. We'll be doing breads, danish, pastries and old-world style bagels. We're going to be a kind of an old-world style bakery."

October 22, 2020

On Tuesday, Oct. 6 the Thermopolis Police Department (TPD) hosted the first National Night Out. Community partnerships with law enforcement and other first responder agencies is the focus for the program. This national event takes place across all 50 states.

The support from the Thermopolis community was greatly noted by having approximately 250 attendees, adults and children alike.

Agencies participating include: Hot Springs County Sheriff's Office, Lifeflight, Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department, Public Health, Mortimore's Ambulance, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Hot Springs County Search and Rescue and Emergency Management.

October 29, 2020

The new owner of Mac's Bar, David Potter, has announced new hours and updated features. Potter said, "Our hours are better than before. We are open every day from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. We are also now a non-smoking bar."

Potter added "We are bringing back the karaoke, pool and pool tournaments on Saturdays. We've updated the bar, cleaned it up, made it look better. We replaced all the ceiling panels. We painted the bar so it all matches, new bar stools. We've rearranged things so it looks cleaner and better, not cluttered. We have one pool table and four televisions, one dartboard, two poker tables."

November

November 5, 2020

Two Thermopolis women will share $5,000 after participating in a treasure hunt and successfully locating Wyoming's hidden Golden Ticket Key.

Jessica Lippencott and Amanda Roberts are the lucky pair to win the Candyman Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt for Wyoming. Lippincott said she had seen articles about the treasure hunt being held by the founder of Jelly Belly, David Klein, back in August.

"When the riddle came out last week, in less than 20 minutes I had figured it out," said Lippincott.

She contacted Roberts and told her where she thought she could find it. "When she got to the location, she FaceTimed me, and low and behold it was there," said Lippincott.

They grabbed up the winning golden ticket. Later that evening they took their children Skylar, Hannah, Timothy, Amelia and Tate, along with Sawyer Wilson, to get a photo of where it was found.

November 12, 2020

Hot Springs State Park was named one of the best hot springs in the United States by Travel & Leisure, a travel magazine with over five million monthly visitors to their site.

According to Travel & Leisure, "No matter the season, natural hot springs offer relaxing, geothermal waters in often scenic settings."

The article, titled "10 of the Best Hot Springs in the United States", featured Hot Springs State Park. Travel & Leisure's highlight said, "Named Thermopolis for its many natural hot springs, this town is home to Hot Springs State Park. Visitors can soak in the public bathhouse's 104-degree waters for free. Keep an eye out for bison, and be sure to check out the petroglyphs at Legend Rock while you're there."

November 19, 2020

11.19.2020

Jill Tonn, retired Senior Regional Director for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), has received the Excellence in Wildlife Conservation Award by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The award was presented during a virtual Wyoming Game and Fish Commission meeting Tuesday, Nov. 17. She was nominated by members of the RMEF Wyoming Project Advisory Committee (PAC).

During her 25 years of working and volunteering for RMEF,

Tonn has promoted elk, wildlife habitat, migration research and public access. Her leadership of a large network of devoted volunteers and donors has placed Wyoming's RMEF chapters as leaders in the nation in conservation vision and dollars raised. Her devotion to elk and all wildlife is an inspiration for all, and sets a high standard for future conservation leaders to follow.

November 26, 2020

Governor Mark Gordon announced additional statewide measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19, ease the pressure on Wyoming's healthcare system and preserve the viability of the state's economy. The new health orders issued by the State Health Officer will take effect on November 24. The orders reduce the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings.

The updated health orders include a change to Health Order No. 2 that limits indoor and outdoor gatherings to 25 persons or fewer without restrictions. If physical distancing measures are employed, gatherings for indoor events are limited to 25% of venue capacity with a maximum of 100 people.

Gatherings for outdoor events are limited to 50% of venue capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Faith-based gatherings are exempt. Church services, funeral homes, parades and other specified businesses are some of the other exemptions to the gathering limits listed in the new orders. There are no changes to operations of K-12 Schools, child care facilities, restaurants and performance spaces, which are addressed in Health Order No. 1. Group workout classes at gyms will also be limited to 25 participants.

December

December 3, 2020

Restaurant owners in Thermopolis have been faced with challenges as consequences from public health orders on the state and county level due to COVID-19. At one point earlier in the year, restaurants were only able to serve to go orders. Currently, they still face limited seating restrictions to maintain social distancing and most recently the face covering requirement in Hot Springs County.

The order requires face coverings be worn by all members of the public, except for minors, when they are outside their home or other place of residence, with some exceptions.

In regards to restaurants, the order states individuals shall wear a face covering while entering, exiting, or otherwise moving about the establishment. Persons seated at a booth or table may remove the face covering to eat and drink.

Some area restaurant owners have serious concerns regarding the effect the public health orders are having on their businesses.

December 10, 2020

Someone once said, "Difficult, unusual times require difficult, unusual solutions." Jennifer Fisher, co-owner of One Eyed Buffalo, both the brewery and saloon, has taken those words to heart. Fisher said they have decided for the brewery they are going to implement breakfast for their restaurant.

Fisher said, "We'll probably start off just doing it Friday, Saturday‚ Sunday and Monday. The hours will be 6 until 11 a.m. We will serve crepes, benedicts, and a few things like that."

The hope is to gain more revenue so that they can pay their staff. Fisher said, "At least it would pay for itself so we can maintain our current staff levels."

December 17, 2020

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon along with State Health Officer Alexia Harrist updated public health orders on December 9 to require bars and restaurants to close at 10 p.m. instead of being able to stay open until 2 a.m.

There are also limits on groups of patrons seated together and gatherings without required social distancing.

Bar owners around the state and in Thermopolis are very concerned about the lost revenue they will face and some are questioning the legality of the health orders.

The health orders are not set to expire until January 8, 2021 so they include New Year's Eve, one of their busiest days of the year.

December 24, 2020

Dean Perantaux, IT specialist for Hot Springs County, brought something of a reality check to the Hot Springs County Commissioners meeting, informing them of a security breach at a large business in Fremont County.

Perantaux said he was just sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner when he got a call from the company that their system had been seized by ransom ware, a type of internet hacking that encrypts a company's entire data system, making it completely unusable.

A Serbian group, which is part of Russia, was the culprit, which was discovered once the FBI became involved. The ransom they were asking to return all of the company's information was $200,000 in Bitcoin, an untraceable internet currency.

Fortunately, the company had insurance for just this type of scenario and they settled with the criminals for $100,000 and the data was returned. Perantaux immediately put a new program on their system that stops this sort of attack.

The same program has now been installed on the Hot Springs County system as well. The county does carry insurance for the same reasons.

Perantaux pointed out that even though these are criminals, they want to have an excellent reputation for returning information to the companies they hack. A good reputation equals a better chance of getting their pay off since they have a history of returning information once their demands are met.