The News Editorial: Canyons, pumpkins, fires, candidates, oh my

Tuesday marked the centennial of the “Yellowstone highway” through Wind River Canyon.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation conducted a small ceremony Tuesday morning. While I did not go to the ceremony, our reporter Sean Mortimer did but it made me think about the hundreds, if not thousands, of trips I have made through that canyon.

One of the first memories was when the driver’s education teacher took us through the canyon. I was nervous, following a vehicle and I was going about 40 or 45 mph. The teacher suggested that I pass and I said I did not want to go over the speed limit to do so. He remarked there was no danger in doing that.

I passed the vehicle safely and passed the class.

Another time I was driving through the canyon with my dad and we noticed the first of the then 65mph signs going up (yes that was a few years ago).

Driving back and forth to Laramie to college I became an expert at knowing exactly where one could pass, where the last turn was before heading out of the canyon, and maneuvering the curves.

You can always tell those who are experienced at navigating the curves and those who are newcomers.

I remember one harrowing winter coming back from covering a basketball tournament and the snow and visibility was horrible. I somehow seemed to be in the lead of a long line of cars, hoping someone would pass as I crept along at about 30 mph. No one was adventurous enough to pass me, however, and all of us tournament attendees made it home safe.

Remembering that and then reading about the difficulties that people had traversing Birds Eye Pass before the canyon road was built I feel fortunate I traveled on that highway.

Sometimes we take things, like a highway we have traveled across for many years (not quite the 100 that it has been in existence), for granted. Kudos to the visionaries who made this highway happen 100 years ago.

(See more historic and ceremonial photos, and Dorothy’s complete historical write-up on our website at http://www.wyodaily.com. Share your stories of that historical, 100-year-old highway on our Facebook page.)

PUMPKINS

This weekend is the annual Oktoberfest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off and Drop at the fairgrounds. But wait there’s more. Also at the fairgrounds is a craft show and 4-H pancake breakfast. There is plenty for everyone.

Go have some fun and take in the festivities on Saturday.

FIRES

We have been fortunate in Washakie County to not have any huge wildland fires this year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in Fremont, Teton, Johnson and Sheridan counties who have been evacuated this summer and most recently from the Pack Trail and Elk fires.

We also keep those firefighters, both on the ground and in the air in our prayers as they work to contain the blazes and protect structures.

We hope the cooler temperatures bring needed relief.

CANDIDATES

This week is the second week of profiling candidates who voters will make decisions on in the Nov. 5 general election.

Last week we profiled Congressional candidates. This week is Worland school board (Ten Sleep school board candidates are unopposed). We will then profile Worland City Council candidates for two weeks and finally mayoral candidates.

We will also have information on judges and the Constitutional Amendment that is on the ballot.

This is your time to become informed before casting your vote.