By Sarah Pridgeon

The current exhibition at the 1875 Gallery both commemorates and invites dialogue on the tragedy of the Sandy Hook massacre. Artist Robert Vore of Beulah hopes that his small contribution will help to one day bring an end to such horrifying acts of terrorism, he says.

“It was such a shocking and horrible event that has been in my head ever since,” he explains. “As an artist, when something gets in my head I become obsessed with it and have to get it out on canvas.”

The focal point of the exhibition is a set of three stylized portraits of Adam Lanza, the young man who fatally shot 10 children and six members of staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School at the end of 2012.

“As I looked at photographs of him, I saw a blankness in his eyes that frightened me,” says Vore. “I wanted to capture the horror of an incident where a 20-year-old boy shoots six-year-old children.”

A number of smaller abstract paintings of guns accompany the portraits, mostly created during 2012. Vore visualized the two styles combined and tied together as a means to “ignite contributions to the dialogue to end terrorism,” he explains.

“I’m hoping that this show will keep the horrific incident in people’s minds to one day lead to the end of such things,” he goes on. “It’s my way of demonstrating that we find this intolerable and that we, as a nation and as a people, need to find an answer.”

The portraits are intentionally disturbing and uncomfortable to view. Despite the subject matter of some of the accompanying works, however, Vore does not believe that the problem lies with weaponry.

“It’s not about guns, it’s about how we raise our children and how we interact,” he says. “Teachers carrying guns and extra surveillance is not going to stop it happening, but the community coming together can.”

The exhibition is titled “Massacre of Innocence” in homage to a biblical reference. In the Gospel of Matthew, the “Massacre of the Innocents” occurred when King Herod executed young male children to remove the threat of a newborn king of the Jews and secure his own place on the throne.

“My wife, Lucinda, came up with the name. We decided to use ‘innocence’ in place of ‘innocents’ to broaden the theme,” he explains. “The name ties this into the horrific events that have happened in the past as well.”

Daydreaming in his studio, Vore has imagined expanding his project to schools around the state in an effort to raise awareness.

“If I could, I would take the exhibition to Sandy Hook, but I also thought it might be interesting to develop a program with schools to create portraits of the victims,” he says. “I would make it a statewide project.”

Vore has been a full-time artist since his retirement in 2000 but traces his artistic roots back to his studies at San Francisco State University in 1978, through which he earned a degree in painting with a minor in print making. He has exhibited in Nashville, Bowling Green, Spearfish and Rapid City.

“I would say my work is expressionistic,” he muses. “I let my subjects choose me but I don’t start out with an idea in mind. I let the process dictate what comes out and see what happens. I’ve had people point out things to me that I didn’t even know were there.”

Vore often works with mixed media, using printed material to create collage works. Sometimes, he says, he completes a piece only to find that he incorporated printed text from newspapers that he hadn’t known would have bearing on his subject matter when he began.

“I have to do art, I have no choice,” he says. “For me, it’s an obsession.”

“Massacre of Innocence” is currently showing at the 1875 Gallery and will be available for public viewing until the end of May.

The Crook County Commissioners appointed a new Fair Board at a special meeting this week, selecting five candidates from a total of seven applicants. The new board will consist of Lee Jay, Ted Rosencranz, Judy Hutchinson, Amanda Connally and Peggy Boardman.
Before the interviews began, Commissioner Kelly Dennis read a brief statement expressing his regret for the circumstances in which the previous board had been removed.
“This is a statement about the Fair Board decision, strictly from my perspective,” he said. “It wasn’t on the agenda. Action should not have been taken until June. I accept full responsibility for that.”
“I have rarely, if ever, seen a good decision made in haste. I sincerely apologize for the way it was handled by me, to all people who were affected.”
The commissioners interviewed each applicant in turn about their motivations for volunteering and what they felt they could bring to the position.
“My biggest concern is getting the fair put on this year,” said Commissioner Jim Hadley.
Jay expressed his desire to help the new board acclimate to the tasks before them by aiding them with policies and procedures, questions about past actions and guidance in the direction that the commissioners would like the fair to go. He said he had been approached by several community members and described a “general consensus that every new applicant will be up against a wall” trying to learn the ropes with only two months until this year’s fair opens.
“Personally, I think it would be an asset to have you on board again,” responded Hadley.

For the rest of the story pick up a copy of this week’s SUNDANCE TIMES

Basketball

3 on 3: GOLD (Tyler Mahoney, Raven Tagart, Phillip Cunningham, Chris Jensen, TJ Price)

Individual Skills: Dez Lucas – SILVER, James Boswell – GOLD, Spencer Ward – SILVER

Track and Field

50 Meter Dash: Spencer Ward – SILVER, Phillip Cunningham – GOLD

Softball Throw: Spencer Ward – GOLD, Phillip Cunningham – 5^th

Running Long Jump: Spencer Ward – SILVER

100 M Dash: Spencer Ward – SILVER, Phillip Cunningham – BRONZE, Chris Jensen – SILVER

Shotput: Chris Jensen – BRONZE

Swimming

50 M Backstroke: James Boswell – BRONZE

50 M Freestyle: James Boswell – BRONZE, Dez Lucas – SILVER, Raven Tagart – BRONZE, Tyler Mahoney – SILVER

25 M Freestyle: Dez Lucas – SILVER, Raven Tagart – GOLD, Tyler Mahoney – SILVER

25 M Backstroke: Dez Lucas – GOLD, Tyler Mahoney – BRONZE, Raven Tagart – GOLD

Girls Results

Discus: 1. Kacie O’Connor – 149’2”, 4. Kelsie Loken – 108’7”, 8. Jeri Morris – 100’5”

Shot Put: 3. Kelsie Loken – 34’4.25”, 4. Kacie O’Connor – 33’10.5”

800M: 5. Mallory Cross – 2:30.86

1600M: 4. Cayla Adams – 5:45.29

3200M: 3. Cayla Adams – 12:51.69

1600M Relay: 4. Sundance (Cross, O’Connor, Adams, Drentlaw) – 4:24.45

3200M Relay: 3. Sundance (Drentlaw, Adams, O’Connor, Cross) – 10:25.24

Boys Results

Discus: 3. Lane Carter – 132’4”

3200M: 7. Jace Walker – 11:02.83

3200M Relay: 8. Sundance (Wagaman, Butts, Trewhella, Walker) – 9:32.95

Peggy Sue Garman on Saturday, May 18 at the Casper High School Rodeo.

Crook County high school students had another great weekend at the Casper High School Rodeo May 18-19. With only one more weekend of High School Rodeo left, races are starting to tighten up for those four berths in each event to the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs. Crook County cowboys and cowgirls look to have a good shot at representing the state at the NHSRF.

Casper Results
Breakaway Roping (Saturday): 10. Peggy Sue Garman – 4.350
Steer Wrestling (Saturday): 5. Lynden Nelson – 13.110
Breakaway Roping (Sunday): 2. Callie Robinson – 3.520

Standings
Breakaway Roping: 2. Callie Robinson, 24. Baillie Matthews, 27. Peggy Sue Garman
Tie Down Roping: 14. Lynden Nelson
Steer Wrestling: 15. Lynden Nelson
Goat Tying: 25. Baillie Matthews
Barrel Racing: 8. Callie Robinson, 18. Jacy Grieves, 34. Baillie Matthews
Pole Bending: 18. Jacy Grieves
Team Roping: 2. Trace Steele/Jhett Hadley, 20. Callie Robinson/Lynden Nelson

For Rent

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Single Family Home in Alva, newly remodeled, fenced yard, pets okay, pictures at bearlodgecabins.com, $850 monthly, 307-290-0012.

For Rent: Sleeping Rooms. Reasonable. Call 307-283-2395 for info.

For Rent: Beautiful 3 Bedroom Log House in Sundance, Wyoming, with attached single car garage and detached two car garage. Available February 1, 2013. Please call (307) 283-1313 for details.

Trailer Lot For Rent – Call 467-5914 after 5 p.m.

Apartment for Rent in Sundance – 1 bed 1 bath: $500/mo. 307-746-8680.

For Sale

New Storage Shed – 8×12, $1100, 307-756-3314.

SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $3997.00. Make and save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock; ready to ship. Free info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1-800-578-1363 Ex. 300N.

THIS IS WORTH THE TRIP TO CASPER! We have 25 reconditioned pellet, wood, and gas stoves and fireplace inserts. Starting at $400! These stoves sell really fast, so hurry to Magic City Stoves, 426 S. Center, Casper, 307-473-1016.

General

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-349-0640.

Help Wanted

The City of Sundance is currently accepting applications and resumes for the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer position. Applicant must be a team player and able to multi-task. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, proficiency in Microsoft, Word and Excel is desirable. The position will be full-time. A benefit package is included. Applications can be requested at City of Sundance, P.O. Box 542, Sundance, WY 82729 or Phone: (307) 283-3451. Applications are also available on our web site: www.cityofsundancewy.com. Position open until filled. Salary DOE.

SMART SALES AND LEASE seeks customer support specialist. Work from home. Hourly wage based on experience. Some evenings, weekends. Degree/management experience a plus. Resume, questions: careers@smartsalesandlease.com

TOP PAY for RNs, LPNs/ LVNs, CNAs, Med Aides. $2,000 bonus – Free gas. AACO Nursing Agency. Call 1-800-656-4414, ext. 14.

Notices

NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Unit, 123 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002 (800) 438-5799 / (307) 777-7874.

Professional Services

Lawn Mowing – Call Kacie O’Connor at 283-2194.

Septic Tank Pumping: Call Jim Geis at 896-3146. Geis’ Honeywagon.

Lawn Care – For all your lawn needs to look great. 7 years experience. Please call Jeremy Adams at 283-2847.

Lawn Mowing Service – call Shamions – 283-2338.

All Around Cleaning – Do you have cleaning that needs to be done and you have no time to do it? Call us for business and residential cleaning needs! Ev – 307-281-2882 or Stephanie – 307-281-2798.

Future services available to haul small loads of gravel, dirt, etc., up to 5 ton, for a lower price than larger trucks. Call Josh at 283-3014.

OVER 403,000 WYOMING PEOPLE will read your classified ad if you place it in WYCAN. Sell, buy, announce. $135 for 25 words. Contact this newspaper for details.

Real Estate

House For Sale – 4 bedroom 1¾ bath, 2080 sf, great location, $187k, 283-1979.

FSBO in Beulah: 6 bedroom 3 bathroom home and shop, 42 acres, no covenants. Becky Viergets 283-1584.

Large City Lot For Sale – City water and sewer, 307-290-0926.

FOR SALE: Hwy 585, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 20+ Acres, Ridge Realty, 4 Ridge Rd, Moorcroft, WY 307.756.3384 www.ridgerealty.net

Wanted

Someone to Tear Down and haul away a house in Hulett, WY. Call 307-877-6329.

Looking for Lady Who Lived in Hulett Area Around 1970 – Nickname “Sam” – Contact Mike Thompson, 131 Frontage Rd., Wilbaux, MT 59353.

Herb Robinson Repair and Towing Would Like to Buy Your Old Cars, old equipment. Will haul away old household appliances and any other miscellaneous metals. Please contact Herb at 307-281-0223.

Ex-Hulett police officer Brice R. Tucker has been denied early release on his jail sentence for two counts of sexual battery involving contact with a child and one of sexual assault in the third degree.
Tucker’s attorneys requested a sentence reduction on the grounds that Brice has applied himself to his rehabilitation during his year at Honor Farm, Riverton, and has gained substantial introspection during that time. In Tucker’s letter to the judge, he claimed that his incarceration has helped him understand the consequences of his actions and identify his triggers and has inspired him to concentrate on his family and duties as a father.
The County Attorney’s Office responded to the motion by strongly recommending that Tucker serve out his 5-7 year sentence.
“These crimes were perpetuated upon young girls whom the defendant met while he was a police officer for the Town of Hulett, Wyoming and acting as the DARE officer at the Hulett School and in one instance occurred on school property,” wrote Brian Wells, Deputy County Attorney, in the response.
Wells argued that Tucker pled guilty to the offenses and will not be eligible for parole until October 2015. He was ordered to obtain a psycho-sexual evaluation from a qualified treatment provider while incarcerated and to subscribe to any treatment recommendations, but the evaluation will not be scheduled by the Department of Corrections until Tucker is within a year of his parole eligibility date.
Victim impact statements were included to support a denial of the plea that described him as a predator who robbed his victims of their trust in authority figures and left mental scars that have yet to heal.
“Any reduction in sentence would seriously depreciate the seriousness of the criminal conduct and would promote ridicule of the law,” concluded the response.
Judge Michael Deegan ruled against the appeal on Thursday, May 15, finding “no good reason to reduce or modify the sentence imposed.”

This year’s Sundance city budget is healthier than it has been in the two years since cutbacks were made on a state level, says Clerk-Treasurer Kathy Lenz. The additional funds collected from sales and use tax, gas tax and state distributions will be used to boost quality of life in the city and help prepare for the projects ahead.
“It’s always a challenge to meet citizens’ needs on a daily bases and fix and improve our infrastructure at the same time. It’s a balancing act,” explains Lenz.
“We need to maintain infrastructure, such as upgrading our deteriorating water lines and closing the landfill, but quality of life is equally important. Where do you draw the line? That’s one of the reasons we’re so aggressive in our search for grants.”
The budget is in “good shape,” says Lenz, and is expected to pass its final reading at the next regular meeting of the city council. Of the city’s priorities in the year ahead, completing the transfer station and getting the Cole Tank placed in its new home are at the top of the list.
“Finishing the Level 1 Master Plan water study is also important because, when it’s done, our next major projects will come out of it,” says Lenz.
The city also intends to focus on quality of life projects such as extending the walking path, all the way to the baseball field if possible, and finishing the swimming pool and transforming Washington Park and the pond. Water and sewer lines will also be added to some city lots and to the newly annexed areas of town.
“There are no big projects on the books right now aside from those we started last year,” continues Lenz. “We’ve done that purposely to see what comes out of the Level 1 study first.”
The city is still understaffed from the first budget cuts it experienced two years ago, she adds. “We’re down one police officer and one in the Public Works Department, but the council and mayor have decided to make the part-time office position back into a full-time position. It has been difficult securing grants and managing the office with just part-time help.”
There are no plans to fill the remaining shortages until the transfer station opens and grant money can be secured for a new police officer. This is partly due to the restrictions Governor Matt Mead placed on hiring, which stipulate that no new employees or positions can be hired with distribution money.
No changes on rate fees are forecast over the next year aside from the three to four percent standard increases that have been implemented over the last five or so years.
“The past increases in rate fees have come from a rate analysis study of our system that showed we needed to increase our revenues to maintain our infrastructure,” says Lenz.
Lenz points to the teamwork at City Hall as another reason for the budget spreading further than it has in the past.
“We have such qualified, quality workers and that means the city saves money because we can get so much done,” she says.
Three specific extras have boosted this year’s budget. This year’s gas tax will bring in around 75 percent more and this will go towards maintenance of the city streets, such as paving, potholes and drain pans.
“There is no designated grant money for streets, so this is a blessing,” Lenz comments.
Sales and Use Tax is up 15.7 percent across the county and is not anticipated to decrease in this next budget year. An additional $20 million was also distributed from the state in this year’s supplemental budget and Sundance will receive $175,221 for the city’s share, up from $115,093 last year; the funds from both sources will go into the general fund that takes care of the fire and police departments, ambulances, cemeteries, city parks and recreation.
The budget has been tweaked, balanced and prepared for its final reading but questions and comments can still be brought to City Hall before or at the next meeting of the council, Lenz concludes.

Sharing my attempts to adapt to my newfound climes with you usually involves first accepting my own ineptitude and then steeling myself to admit it. I have, for example, already confessed to my inability to stalk wild animals and my baffled efforts to steer a vehicle in the snow.
This week, however, I am forced to apologize for having quite the opposite problem. It turns out that I’m a bit too good at gardening and the onset of summer may mean I’m about to destroy the world with my trowel.
As the snow finally melted last spring, my dad-in-law regarded my lily-white skin and permanent sunglasses thoughtfully and concluded that I should be spending more time in the great outdoors. I protested fairly strongly because, although I like a spot of sunshine just as much as the next person, there were chores to be done and writings to be written and both of those things must be performed under the protection of a roof.
Eventually, he came up with a cunning plan to woo me into the yard. He promised me my very own garden: a place where I could grow all the vegetables I could possibly eat with my own, still-a-bit-too-fair hands.
At first, it went swimmingly. We built a fence to keep the beady eyes of the deer at bay and my eyes were opened to the wisdom of using rusted metal to blend my garden with its surrounds.
We removed each rock and blemish from the earth and tilled the land in preparation, then planted beets and cabbages in neat rows. We installed tomato plants with an admirable family heritage and purchased cucumbers, squash and peppers to live beside them.
Twice a day, I pottered outside to inspect my budding plants and gently water them with a bucket, nurturing each tiny leaf while visualizing it covered with ranch dressing. I mourned the loss of my cucumbers when an unexpected frost arrived and took extra care with the survivors.
As my plants grew, the watering process evolved into playtime with hoses, during which idyllic quarter of an hour I would drench my vegetable rows until the whole garden resembled a paddy field.
I rejoiced when the first of my crops were ready to harvest. On the advice of more seasoned gardeners, I dutifully snapped the ends from my beans before washing, blanching and freezing each one, collecting an ever-increasing pile of vegetable fare to see us through the winter.
I presented overflowing bowls of lettuce at dinner time, topped with enough tomatoes to feed a family of four for a decade. I marveled at how attractive and flavorful the fruits of my labors were… until everything began to go horribly wrong.
The first radishes looked as delicious as all that had come before it. They were almost worthy of the cover of a gardening magazine. They really did look wonderful, but they were actually fireballs in disguise.
It turned out that, somehow, I had grown a crop of radishes that were utterly tasteless yet at the same time so fiery that a single bite caused my jaw to fight desperately for permission to drop off. When a monstrosity of a radish unearthed itself that was almost as large as my husband’s hand, I began to wonder if my garden was preparing to fight back, and/or take over the world. Possibly by squashing everything else in it.
My beans were the next to rebel. Though I harvested the ripest of them every single day, one particular specimen evaded my notice. By the time I discovered it, that bean was more than two feet long and had begun to creep ominously towards the back door.
I can only speculate as to what it planned to do once it got there, but I’m certain that mutant bean had nefarious intentions and its comrades were preparing to follow suit. My summer squash soon joined them, growing to proportions that had definitely not been indicated on the packet. Even my lettuce developed a leather-like consistency that implied it was suiting up for battle.
It’s possible that this is how the apocalypse is going to begin: in my vegetable garden, through the medium of disgruntled shrubbery. My squash plants could very well be Triffids in disguise and my tomatoes may be time bombs with purpose.
And so I am writing this post by way of an apology, before the inevitable happens and this year’s harvest turns on us all. I am sorry for inflicting the mutant vegetable army on the world and for whatever consequences my selfish gardening has. I have no choice, I can’t help but start the process anew – a fresh salad has too many healthful benefits and grilled summer squash tastes really, really good.