Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
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State Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) is navigating a whirlwind of legislative activity as several of her sponsored bills have advanced to the Senate, garnering both praise and concern from her constituents. House Bill 41, concerning environmental quality and irrevocable letters of credit, was received by the Senate for introduction on Tuesday, Jan. 28. The bill clarifies the financial institutions from which operators may obtain irrevocable letters of credit to deposit with the department of environmental quality in lieu of a bond. HBs 42...
Engaging in senior-friendly exercises is a great way to build strength, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Staff from the Worland Senior Center and Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation provided tips for seniors on staying healthy and injury-free during the cold winter months. In an effort to enhance the well-being of its senior community, the Worland Senior Center has a range of gentle, low-impact exercise programs tailored specifically for seniors. These initiatives,...
Ryan Newton serves as the full-time public health response coordinator (PHRC) for Washakie County, playing a crucial role in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. This position involves collaborating with community partners to plan for potential disasters that could affect public health. Since November 2024, Newton said she has engaged with local, regional and state partners to improve education, planning, and response efforts within the community. She receives ongoing...
The opening week of the 2025 legislative session has been bustling with activity for State Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland), who has made progress on several pieces of legislation. One of the bills that has received a lot of attention is House Bill 32, sponsored by Rep. Jayme Lien (R-Natrona). Known as the "What is a Woman Act," this bill passed the House Monday and is awaiting introduction in the Senate. Lawley expressed her support for the bill, emphasizing that it aligns with her broader...
Washakie County Fair Board Vice President Marty Cross joined County Attorney Anthony Barton at the Washakie County Commissioners meeting on Jan. 21 to discuss ongoing issues regarding the event contracts submitted by the Fair Board. Barton explained the challenges he faced receiving informal flyer-style documents in lieu of formal contracts. These documents lacked the necessary details for him to sign, leading to delays and repeated requests for additional information. He proposed a proactive solution that received unanimous support from the...
David Ray was officially welcomed as the latest member of the Washakie County Fair Board during their regular monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 13. The board also undertook the election of its leadership positions. Jeff Lapp will continue to serve as chair, Marty Cross has assumed the role of vice chair, Beth Shaffer will serve as treasurer, and Dani Rice will serve as secretary. David Ray takes over for Sherry Walter whose term ended Dec. 31. In other business at Monday’s meeting: Casey Rice presented his bid for the enhancement and installation o...
As the Wyoming legislative session approaches, House District 27 Representative Martha Lawley (R-Worland) is gearing up to tackle several issues that she expects will dominate the discussions. Among the top priorities outlined by Lawley are the protection of legacy energy industries, property tax reform and safeguarding children’s welfare, particularly concerning online pornography and bathroom access. Lawley is also sponsoring five bills that she believes will significantly impact the state. • House Bill 41 - Environmental Quality and Irr...
After 16 years of service, Washakie County Commissioner Aaron Anderson is preparing to conclude his tenure. Reflecting on his initial decision to run for commissioner, Anderson recalled, "It was the last day to sign up." His choice was made somewhat spontaneously but was motivated by a genuine desire to make a difference. In a conversation with his father after registering, he expressed, "I have an open mind and an eye for opportunity." Throughout his 16 years in office, Anderson faced a variety...
This weekend will provide several Christmas festivities for the entire family. First up is the 38th annual Pinnacle Bank Festival of Trees at the Worland Community Center this Friday. According to Jaime Craft from Pinnacle Bank, doors will open at 5 p.m., providing attendees with an opportunity to peruse the decorative offerings prior to the auction, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. This year's auction will present a diverse array of items, including 24 trees, five wreaths, and 16 assorted miscellaneous items. Last year's festival saw a...
The 2024 Wyoming Sugar sugar beet harvest came in breaking records in Washakie County despite weather challenges. Head Agriculturist Jacob Bullinger reported a yield of about 36 tons per acre, which is what he believes is a record. The county yield exceeds the company's overall yield of 33 tons per acre. The harvest went well despite some delays due to muddy yard conditions as well as wet fields. In early October, workers at the Wyoming Sugar Factory in Worland experienced elevated temperatures...
This Friday marks the seventh year of the Trim A Tree celebration at Pioneer Square, which brings together families, businesses and the community in a festive atmosphere. According to Range Marketing Manager Linda Weeks, the event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. It kicks off with free hot cocoa and cookies at 5 p.m., along with the Worland wrestling team's chili fundraiser. There will be a welcome at 5:30 p.m., followed by a countdown to light the trees. Children will get a real treat as they watch...
As the holiday season approaches, the Washakie County Ministerial Association Food Pantry is gearing up to spread cheer through its Christmas Basket program. CHRISTMAS BASKETS Director Jennifer Beasley has confirmed that the deadline to apply for a Christmas Basket was Nov. 16, and the response has been overwhelming. This year, the organization is set to assist over 200 families in the area. The application process is designed to be straightforward. Individuals were able to visit the Washakie County Ministerial Association food pantry, fill...
In an exciting development for local students, Worland Middle School has officially established its own FFA chapter, spearheaded by agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor Audrey Crockett. Crockett initiated this chapter with the aim to help engage middle school students with the fundamentals of agriculture and prepare them for future success in high school FFA programs. Crockett actively participated in FFA during her high school years in Thermopolis, where she earned her State FFA Degree. She is now using her experiences to guide the...
Wyoming Extension’s Strategically and Technologically Informative (WESTI) Ag Days will make its return on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center. University of Wyoming Washakie County Extension Educator Dan Vanderploeg reported to the Washakie County Commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting, the 2025 event will be a one-day presentation focused exclusively on alfalfa production and its significance within Wyoming’s agricultural landscape. Vanderploeg said he aims to rotate themes each year, showcasing various aspects of Wy...
On Nov. 15, the Worland Kiwanis Club took the personalized 'I Like Me' books to the East Side Elementary School first graders. The "I Like Me" books include the names of the recipients, their friends, their classmates, their teacher, their principal and their school. These books hold a positive message and are intended to help children foster a love for reading. Dorothy Taylor, the Kiwanis Club's book chairman, has been obtaining and donating these books for 11 years. This year, the Kiwanis...
During the Washakie County Republican Party Central Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, a resolution was proposed and later withdrawn concerning the concurrent holding of multiple leadership positions within the party. Cathy Orchard, a member of Precinct 5-5 who authored the resolution, articulated that the impetus for this resolution is fundamentally about fostering increased engagement and diversity in leadership roles rather than any self-interest. She highlighted an issue of inadequate name recognition and the limited opportunities...
The recent approval of Constitutional Amendment A in Wyoming is set to reshape the landscape of residential property tax reform, presenting the Legislature with new tools to address ongoing concerns about property taxation. According to the Legislative Service Office, Constitutional Amendment A establishes a distinct classification for residential real property in property tax assessments. This amendment creates a subclass specifically for owner-occupied primary residences. This means the Legislature can adjust the tax percentage for...
EDIE MADSEN Bertha (Edie) Madsen served in the Navy for three years. When asked why she joined, Madsen replied, "It seemed like a good idea at the time, and I didn't have anything better to do." She began her service in October 1968. Prior to enlisting, she had never left her home in Portland, Oregon, and had never even been on a plane. Madsen was taken to Bainbridge, Maryland, where she completed her boot camp training. She then attended her A-school in Memphis, Tennessee. After finishing her...
The three area state legislators were re-elected following Tuesday’s general election. State Sen. Ed Cooper (R-Ten Sleep), State Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) were unopposed and Rep. John R. Winter (R-Thermopolis) staved off a Democratic challenger. Cooper received a total of 7,930 votes from voters in his district. He received 3,442 votes from Washakie County, 834 from Park County, 2,179 from Hot Springs County, 733 from Big Horn County with a breakdown as follows: Burlington (311), Otto (105), Emblem (64), Hyattville (101), Manderson (...
This Halloween holds many activities for people to enjoy. Tonight (Thursday), the Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce will be holding a trunk-or-treat on Ninth Street by Pioneer Square from 4 to 9 p.m. So far, 12 businesses and one individual have agreed to participate according to assistant coordinator Chassity Kiser. This is the Chamber's third year doing the trunk-or-treat. Along with the trunk-or-treat, there will also be voting on a scarecrow contest. According to the Worland - Ten Sleep...
The new electronic identification (EID) tag ruling for cattle and bison from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services will go into effect on Nov. 5. This ruling was made to enhance a 2013 ruling. According to the Congressional Research Service website, crsreports.congress.gov, “The 2013 final rule required that an ear tag used for official ID on certain classes of cattle and bison need be visually readable.” According to the CRS, the new ruling “requires ear tags to be visually and electronically readabl...
The Washakie County Courthouse lacks a handicap accessible door with a push button, prompting maintenance supervisor Breck Buer to consider installing a glass storefront door with ADA capabilities. During the last Commissioners meeting on Oct. 1, Washakie County Assessor Nancy Quinn brought to the Commissioners attention that the handicap accessible ADA door at the Courthouse did not have a button to open the door for people with a handicap, making it inaccessible. Because of this, County Maintenance Supervisor Breck Buer told commissioners at...
Wyoming Sugar Company President and CEO Mike Greear anticipates finishing the harvest near the end of October, which is later than usual, due to high temperatures and a mechanical breakdown at the factory. Greear said, "We're used to hot temperatures in late September, early October, but they've been much higher this year ... it just means our growers don't get to harvest the full day until the temps cool down." The ideal harvesting weather is no higher than 70 degrees during the day, according...
For more than five years, Mustang Mountain Vineyard and Winery, 24 Mustang Mountain Drive in Lovell, has been growing and improving. Nicole Laffin and her husband Dan Laffin moved to Lovell in 2017 to help Nicole's parents Nancey and Larry Blair on the Vineyard, recounted Nicole. In an email interview, Nicole explained that before the Blairs moved to Lovell, they visited a multitude of places due to Larry's job. When they were in Washington state, Nancey went to many vineyards and wineries and...
Ten Sleep rancher and native Wyomingite Samuel (Sam) Reed Hampton will be inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame next month. Hampton was born in Thermopolis, Wyoming, on June 10, 1935, to Carl and Wanda Hampton. Hampton has worked with sheep and cattle on the family ranch outside of Ten Sleep, built in 1911, known as Hampton Sheep Ranch, since he was a child. "Working with livestock has its rewards. You take care of them, and they take care of you," Hampton said. Phyllis Hampton, Sam's...