Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
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The tentative first steps have been taken to secure a new hospital for Crook County that will replace the aging building in Sundance, using funding taken from the $1.25 billion allocated to Wyoming through the CARES Act. According to Representative Tyler Lindholm, who has pursued this opportunity along with Senator Ogden Driskill, the funds are likely to be made available through a grant. A bill is currently under consideration that would set up a grant fund for clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities to prepare for future pandemics...
Most kids won’t be returning to class during this school year, but Crook County School District (CCSD) is developing plans to make sure those students who are struggling receive the attention they need, while the seniors will go out at graduation with a bang instead of a fizzle. Drive-in Graduation Plans are not yet finalized for graduation ceremonies, but the overall idea is to stage a drive-in event for the seniors. Each family is expected to be assigned a number of parking spots in the h... Full story
One step at a time – that’s how Wyoming will get back to normal, says Governor Mark Gordon, after weeks of self-isolation and restrictions on everyday life. The pandemic is not over, he stressed during a press conference, but efforts will be made to open the state back up as quickly and safely as possible. “All states are looking at ways to do this a little bit differently, some on dates and some on progress. We are focusing on progress,” said the governor. The announcement comes as state health orders that closed certain businesses, institu... Full story
The coming of spring always heralds the return of motorcycles to Wyoming’s roads, and Crook County’s local service center is aiming to be open in time to welcome them. But this year, rather than opening the doors at the old location on Main Street, Deluxe Harley Davidson will reveal a brand new building on the north edge of town. “At the new location, it will be similar to all the services we offered downtown, which is parts and service and souvenirs, clothing, riding apparel and a fully funct...
Wyoming is lagging behind the rest of the nation in responding to the 2020 Census, with just 44.4% of households logged so far compared to a national total of 53.2%, which is more than 75 million households. In Crook County, the numbers are lower still. Only 26.8% percent of households have responded to the census at this time. Crook County Clerk Linda Fritz strongly recommends that as many citizens of the county as possible should complete the 2020 Census to ensure that the right information is available to make critical decisions such as...
To date, the Gift Card Promo brought to this community by the Sundance Chamber of Commerce has raised over $9300. Actually, says Andy Miller of Sundance State Bank, where the totals are being tallied, you could consider the fundraiser to have been twice as successful as that number implies. Every dollar raised via the promotion is being used to purchase gift cards from local businesses, supporting them at a time when proceeds are much lower than usual. Those gift cards are then being donated, says Miler, “to people on the front lines and t... Full story
Sharon Mae (Miller) Kanode, 81 of Moorcroft, Wyoming, passed away after a long illness on April 22, 2020, at the ranch, surrounded by her husband and children. Sharon was born on September 16, 1938, to Aubry Raymond Miller and Velda Bernice (Penn) Miller in Lusk, Wyoming, being delivered by Dr. Reckling. She joined her siblings, George, Ora Lee and Orese and the family was later completed when Patrick was born. She grew up in the Lance Creek area and graduated from Lusk High school in 1956. Foll... Full story
Janet “Jan” Supon Kingsbury passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by members of her family. Jan was born in December 1943, in Kimball, Nebraska, to parents, Frank and Lucyellen Supon. Jan was raised in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, and graduated from Pine Bluffs High School as valedictorian of the class of 1962. She enrolled at the University of Wyoming where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Kingsbury, whom she married in August of 1965. She grad... Full story
Upended. This describes our education system today, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Or does it? What we have come to value and measure in education policy – assessments, accountability and student seat time – were immediately ditched in the face of the pandemic. Our schools, despite being closed to students, remain hubs for teaching, learning and providing meals to students. How is this being accomplished? For starters, we know that technology has made remote delivery of quality instruction possible. Since April 6, every school district in Wyo...
With the advent of the COVID 19 virus, those unfamiliar with the workings of the beef industry were shocked to learn that Beef Packers were charging large increases for boxed beef and that at the same time had dropped the prices they were paying for the live cattle ready for slaughter, thereby making huge profits at a time when the producers of cattle and consumers were under stress dealing with the virus and weather related losses. How did this happen they ask? Directors and members of ICOW, other independent cattlemen organizations and...
Despite the best efforts of the toilet paper hoarders, to the best of my knowledge we’ve managed to avoid any real danger of food shortages here in the county. Our supermarkets have done a sterling job keeping the shelves stocked so, even if a few of the available items weren’t quite what I had in mind, there hasn’t been much risk of starvation. But that doesn’t mean the Pridgeon household has avoided the “lockdown dining” mindset, even if we’ve only been sticking our noses out of the front door...
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 During the past month I have come across several items that help process not only the current turbulent world arena but steady the course of life and assist in smoothing those choppy waters. These are not exhaustive, but hopefully helpful: Lose beauty and you lose the meaning of life. No boundaries or rules, no peace and protection = Result of no love. Do all the good where you c...
How do you protect and serve a community in lockdown? At a time when life has changed for everyone, a shift at Crook County Sheriff’s Office may look different, but the objective remains the same. Certain crimes have become more common, such as domestic violence, while others such as theft may increase as stress levels rise, says Sheriff Jeff Hodge. But the biggest priority for law enforcement is still to protect the most vulnerable in the community. “Probably my biggest concern right now is some of the children at home, because the sch... Full story
The first antibody tests have begun to appear on the market, both to purchase online and through a few providers in this region. But are they worth taking, this early in the game? The answer is no, according to both state health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist and Dr. Heith Waddell of Crook County Medical Services District. At this time, the FDA has not yet approved any antibody test for use. Some are better than others, says Waddell. Some, said Harrist at Governor Mark Gordon’s press conference last week, are “downright fraudulent”. None of those... Full story
Our Thanks On behalf of the Sundance, Moorcroft and Hulett Food Pantries I would like to thank all the people and businesses of Crook County for your recent generous donations of food and money. There has been an increased need for help in Crook County and you have responded. We are so grateful to live in a place like Crook County! Thank you, Hugh Palmer, Chairman Our Thanks The Hulett Clinic would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone that has been so kind to donate mask and caps. Hopefully I don’t miss anyone (it is NO...
1 Years Ago The Times April 28, 1920 The trial of John Cordillo on the charge of killing Frank Jennings near Laramie last September while in the employ of the state prohibition commissioner’s office, was to have started at Cheyenne yesterday. Judge Mentzer is to preside. The school census of district number one shows 99 children of school age in the district. The nerve and pep of western women were demonstrated last Friday when Mrs. E.A. Bock made the trip from Warren Peaks to Sundance and return on skis. It was a difficult feat but not t...
Due to concerns over COVID-19 and for the safety and well-being of our communities, the Crook County commissioners have closed county facilities until further notice. Even though the doors are closed at the county libraries, library staff will still be working. Services still available include: • Curbside delivery of books, magazines, DVD’s, CD audio books and tax forms (please call 283-1006 and staff will gather items requested and bring to you in the parking lot) • Overdue fines are suspended for the duration and due dates are extended to Ma...
Apr. 18 – House watch and business checks. Stray dog report; owner located and dog retrieved. Three traffic stops. Apr. 19 – House watch and business checks. Stray dog report; owner located. Assisted EMS. Traffic stop. Apr. 20 – House watch and business checks. Two traffic stops. Apr. 21 – House watch and business checks. Traffic stop. Apr. 22 – House watch and business checks. Three traffic stops. Apr. 23 – House watch and business checks. Three traffic stops. Apr. 24 – House watch and business checks. Three traffic stops....
Speeding – Emily Joy Hepker Moorcroft, 82/70, $105; John C. Seeger, Wright, 85/80, $15; Carlos F. Beltran, CO, 85/75, $90; Lucy S. Halperin, WA, 91/75, $125; Andrew J. Gilbertson, MN, 89/80, $88; Wilver I. Godines Sabala, ND, 74/45, $190; Dustin J. Laflex, MT, 62/50, $115; Joshua E. Wurz, Canada, 89/80, $88 No Seat Belt (driver) – Chad I. Burch, Gillette, $25; (passenger) – Heather R. Sims, Gillette, $10 No Valid Driver’s License – Wilver I. Godines Sabala, ND, $125 Turn Signal Violation – Amritpal S. Bajwa, CA, $75 Improper Use of Child Restr...
To keep kids and families wild about wildlife and Wyoming’s outdoor resources, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and conservation partners are bringing the outdoors inside. This month, anyone can learn about the outdoors, wildlife and fish with Expo at Home. Expo at Home is an online event that features hundreds of outdoor-inspired activities and learning opportunities. It mimics the annual Wyoming Outdoor Expo, which was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know this is a hard time for families and parents. Expo at Hom...
The Gines family — including Landon and Sarah Gines and their children Carter and Hailey — watch a display during a demonstration of class-C fireworks available to the general public, sold by Powell’s Western Pyro Enterprises. The demonstration was followed by a professional show Friday night at the company’s warehouse....
GILLETTE — The rumble of American muscle echoed off the storefronts of Gillette Avenue as lines of cool, classic cars and modern-day marvels cruised around the downtown district during the early evening hours Friday. It was an effort to get cars cruising around to entertain vehicle owners and spectators alike. The throwback to the past was initially sparked by Gillette Main Street. Eight-year-old Lyndsey McDiarmid was one of those enjoying the spectacle on the sidewalk. With every car that went by, she could barely contain her excitement, h... Full story
Former worker sues fracking company CHEYENNE (WNE) – A man who had his leg damaged in a fracking accident is suing the president and safety manager of a hydraulic fracturing company, along with the company that provides the fracking equipment, for negligence. The case of Scott Houska versus Newkota Services and Rentals, Donald J. Gawick, Roger Cross and FMC Technologies was filed last Thursday, April 23, in federal court here. The case alleges the defendants acted negligently, causing the permanent injury to Houska’s leg suffered during a fra...
State residents will be allowed to camp at state parks beginning in mid-May as part of the gradual reopening of businesses and services closed in March to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday announced that state park campgrounds will open on May 15, but only for state residents. Gordon noted during his news conference Wednesday that many other states have not opened their state parks, so Wyoming needs to limit the use of its campgrounds to residents to prevent the spread of coronavirus. He noted that in February,... Full story
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Wyoming grew by 11 to total 415 on Thursday as state residents began preparing for the easing of restrictions imposed on some businesses in March to prevent the spread of the illness. New statewide health orders took effect Friday allowing gyms and businesses providing personal services, such as hair salons, tattoo parlors and cosmetologists, to reopen. The state’s ban on gatherings of more than 10 people will remain in place until at least May 15, Gov. Mark Gordon said this week, and no date has b... Full story