Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
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County Health Officer Dr. James Larsen has petitioned the state for a temporary countywide mask order. The county commissioners expressed support for the move on Tuesday. The intention of the order is to promote awareness of the increasing seriousness of the pandemic in this area, says Melanie Wilmer, Crook County Public Health. “None of us want it enforced [by penalty],” she says, explaining that Dr. Larsen’s goal is to help alleviate the strain on our healthcare system, promote compassion within the community and support businesses who would...
As the first semester of the year draws to a close, Crook County School District has fared better than many dared hope in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, none of the county’s schools have needed to close their doors due to an outbreak and the number of quarantined individuals has been relatively small. “Right now, between staff and students, we’re running about 1500 people in the district and I think our total number of cases to date, going into Thanksgiving break, was 51,...
For all the drastic cuts being made, one important chunk of Wyoming’s financial picture has yet to be examined. At this time, school districts across the state are waiting to hear how the shortfall will affect their budgets in the coming years. As Governor Mark Gordon has repeatedly pointed out, education takes up a sizeable portion of the state budget. However, it is enshrined in Wyoming law that schools be funded to a certain level, which is why education was not included in the $500 million cuts that were recently announced. “There is a qua...
While the main bulk of the museum floor continues to take shape, one of Old Stoney’s doors is now open to welcome visitors. As of this week, shoppers and art lovers can enjoy the 1875 Gallery in its new home. Featuring many of the same artists as were present in the gallery’s old building – and more every week as the stock continues to grow – you can also find gifts and souvenirs related to the history of this area in the museum gift shop area. The fire marshal’s approval having finally b...
Thanksgiving is over and it’s on to the next part of the holiday season. If you’re looking to spark a little holiday spirit, you’ll have a couple of bright and festive opportunities this weekend. Friday will see the annual Festival of Lights parade travel through Sundance to the theme of “Yesterday and Today”. Line-up begins at 4:30 p.m. with the parade itself starting at 5:30 p.m. Entries this year will be judged in three categories: business and organization, most unique and best use of theme. This year, the Parade of Lights will not be follo...
Marion Agnes (Manke) Haptonstall passed away November 27, 2020, at the Crook County Nursing Home in Sundance, Wyoming. She was born December 6, 1924, to Ed and Edna Manke on the “home” place on Left Creek. She was the youngest member of her family. Marion was born and lived in the same house except for six years of her life. Marion finished eighth grade. She started working at the age of 15 for different families in Crook County doing various jobs such as cooking, cleaning and taking care of...
Leslie Homer Fullerton, age 80, died October 26, 2020, at Sundance Assisted Care, in Sundance, Wyoming. Les was born to Homer and Lucille Watt Fullerton, April 20, 1940, in Newcastle, Wyoming. He was the oldest of five children born to Lucille and Homer. He spent his early years living on ranches in Weston County, before moving to Osage. When Les was 11 years old, his father died in a truck accident. Lucille moved her young family to Upton, into a new home on Sixth Street, made possible through the love and generosity of her parents, brothers...
Lilia Villegas, 65, of Sundance, Wyoming, died Monday, November 23, 2020 at Wyoming Medical Center Hospital in Casper, Wyoming. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Sundance with Rite of Committal following in the Green Mountain Cemetery at Sundance. Lilia was born September 25, 1955, in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she lived most of her life. In 1981, she married Antonio Villegas and had three children, two boys and a girl. She w...
Dennis Jude Tippmann, Sr., 74, of New Haven passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 due to COVID-19. Denny was born April 22, 1946 in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Laurence and Mary Tippmann. He attended Central Catholic High School. Denny’s business was the world’s largest paintball gun manufacturing company. He was awarded many patents in his lifetime. Denny and Mary founded the Charlie Tippmann Foundation, which helps feed the poor around the world. Denny is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary; sons, Dennis (Tonya) Tippmann Jr., Sta...
In last week’s issue, we stated in our article about the county’s applications for CARES Act funding that a total of $2.92 million had been allocated to Crook County. Due to a typo, this was incorrect: the total is actually $1.92 million. We apologize for the error.3...
The annual Pine Ridge Community Church Christmas Bazaar will be held this Sat., Dec. 5 with a potluck at 6 p.m., followed by a visit from Santa Claus at 7 p.m. There will be a cake walk, fishing for treats for the kids and a dessert/gift auction. Fun for the whole family! Location is the Pine Ridge Community Church in Carlile, on US Hwy 14, about 15 miles north of Moorcroft....
Thank You I would like to thank the Turf Bar, Cab, Dorothy, Randy and everyone else who helped with the rifle raffle. I really appreciate everything the patrons and staff have done for me. Rich Schulz Our Thanks Thank you for all the words of sympathy, those who brought food to the house, sent flowers and gave to the memorial. Thank you to the Methodist ladies and Eastern Star for serving the lunches. Special thanks to Pastor Mike for his comforting words and Todd Kahler for the beautiful music. The family of Jim Clark...
The library will be closed for Christmas on December 24 and 25. The library doors are open. We will still be doing curbside delivery if you would prefer not to come into the library. We do ask that you wear a mask to enter the library. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided. Children under 13 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Two computers are available for adults. Teen and children’s computers are not available. Library Programming: Meetings scheduled for now: CROOK COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD meeting Thursday, December 3, at 1 p.m. in M...
1 Years Ago Dec. 2, 1920 The spirit of Christmas is already pervading the air and toyland is exhibited in all its glory, both at the Busy Corner and the Furniture Store. Counters are lined with all sorts of attractions for juveniles, as well as utility gifts for grown-ups. There has been some talk that maybe Santa Claus would not show up this Christmas on account of his reindeer being frozen last winter, but we understand he will use elk this year and will be on time. Developments of the last few days tend to the conclusion that Sundance...
Hello all, just a quick update on the Wyoming Legislature. Now that the dust has settled at least at a state and local level on the elections I felt it was appropriate for an update. There will be lots of new faces when we get to the capitol. Congratulations to all who had the courage to run and took the time to offer up their service to the local area. I was lucky enough to not to have to run for reelection, but did put my hat in the ring for Majority Floor Leader of the Wyoming Senate. I was...
I know there’s a lot going on in the world, but you guys are missing out on the most popcorn-worthy drama of the decade. It’s a feud that could only have happened in Britain, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t enjoy it. This tale involves a unique group of women known as WAGs – a term I’m positive has never crossed your radar. For some reason, the tabloids of the UK think there’s as much to be said about what the wives and girlfriends (hence “WAG”) of our soccer stars are wearing as there is about what’s going down on the pitch. And s...
LARAMIE — Sometimes the worst of circumstances brings out the best in people. Anyone in search of a Thanksgiving meal Thursday learned and benefited from that if fortunate enough to come upon a converted school bus-turned-food truck called Devine Eats. Situated at the parking lot on the corner of South Fourth Street and Grand Avenue, where Linda Devine’s law practice is, Devine and six to eight volunteers gave of their time, distributing free meals to anyone who approached the truck. “I’d say we...
CASPER — When a company produces electricity using coal, natural gas or renewable energy in Wyoming, it needs a way of transporting that power to customers, both in the state and beyond. That’s where a transmission line comes in: The high-voltage power lines zip electricity across the landscape between substations, ultimately reaching resident’s homes. Wyoming’s largest rate-regulated utility, Rocky Mountain Power, announced on Nov. 19 it had completed a key segment of its Gateway West transmission line. This part of the line runs from a brand...
Governor recovering from COVID-19 at home, first lady tests negative CHEYENNE (WNE) — After announcing last week that he had tested positive for COVID-19, Gov. Mark Gordon is continuing to recover from home while working a full work schedule this week, his office said Monday. The governor is continuing to experience mild symptoms from the virus, though he has not needed any medical interventions, according to Gordon’s communications director, Michael Pearlman. Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon, meanwhile, has tested negative for the virus and...
GILLETTE — Discussions over how to shape legislation that could allow Campbell County to form its own community college district are underway. With Gillette College’s future in the hands of the state Legislature, many questions remain. The Select Committee on Community College Funding worked through drafts of a pair of bills that, if passed in the next legislative session, could clear the way for a new district centered around Gillette College. One bill proposes the creation of the Gillette College Community College District itself. The oth...
PINEDALE – A 2019 court case with five misdemeanor citations for violating a brand inspection law is taking new life as parties prepare for a second round in Circuit Court. The misdemeanor case against Rex F. Rammell has traveled to both low and high level courtrooms after a magistrate’s decision brought brand inspection checks to a standstill and outside judges were called to weigh in. On June 27, 2019, Rammell was driving his truck and livestock trailer into Sublette County from Sweetwater County when a local deputy stopped and asked him for...
Nov. 11 – Holiday. House watch and business checks. Three traffic stops. Three bar checks. Nov. 12 – House watch and business checks. Four traffic stops. Three bar checks. Minor in possession of tobacco contact. Assisted Game and Fish with wounded deer on Hwy. 585. Nov. 13 – House watch and business checks. Five traffic stops. Three bar checks. Search warrant served. Nov. 14 – House watch and business checks. Six traffic stops. Three bar checks. Animal complaint. Nov. 18 – House watch and business checks. Six traffic stops. Three bar checks. VI...
Speeding – Andrew Czellecz, Caper, 81/75, $97; Joel Jackson, SD, 79/70, $103; Magno Rivera Martinez, MD, 92/75, $145; Sharon Torres, CA, 91/75, $140; Brandon Barnes, FL, 90/80, $105; Gabrielle Burris, SD, 86/75, $115; (minor) Sundance, 74/65, $103; Gilbert Castellanos, CO, 89/80, $103; Reid Cummings, PA, 76/65, $115; Stanton Harper, Sheridan, 90/75, $135; Lucas Miller, IN, 77/70, $99; Guy Trobaugh, IN, 100/80, $160; Erik Youngquist, MT, 90/80, $105; Dustin Steffen, KY, 96/75, $175; Steven J. Gonzales, Gillette, 75/50, $195; Austin L. G...
The Sundance Junior High wrestling team, back row: Riley Rheubottom, Kyten Johnson, Jaedyn Keller, Parker Skeens, Owen Watt; front row: Brady Garoutte, Tel Marchant, Lyman Halverson, Porter Watt. The junior high wrestling team finished their season this past week with six grapplers finishing in the top five at the district tournament. Lyman Halverson placed first, Tel Marchant, Jaedyn Keller and Parker Skeens all took home second place finishes and Brady Garoutte and Kyten Johnson each took...
*In this week's paper, we reported that the county health officer had requested, but not yet been granted, a mask mandate for Crook County. Please note that this countywide mask order has now been granted and is in effect* Face coverings must be worn by all adults outside of their place of residence when inside/in line to enter any retail or commercial business or government facility open to the general public (excluding state and federal buildings); when visiting healthcare operations; or when waiting for or riding public transport or riding i...