Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
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When I took my husband on a sight-seeing trip of the place where I was born, it was understandable that he’d want to see Stonehenge. It tops every list of world class heritage sites and wonders of the world, a mysterious tribute to a past we don’t understand. In photographs, it appears in eerie relief with a backdrop of sunset light or ominous clouds. It is depicted as a stone monument that speaks of long-forgotten magic, alone on the plains in a setting almost as ancient and wild as the stones...
I don’t necessarily want to hear movie stars sing me a song of solidarity in times of trouble, or take life advice from pop idols who have long since lost touch with reality, but I do believe fame provides a platform. And if they are happy to reap the rewards of stardom, I’d like to think there’s a moral imperative for these famous folk to return that favor to the people who put them on their pedestals. That goes as much for the stars who got where they are through talent as it does for the ones...
“Making the thinker believe and the believer think.” – Ravi Zacharias The above quote is the slogan of RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministry). It’s very recently deceased inspirational founder Ravi Zacharias understood the task of not destroying the skeptic of Christianity, but meeting the questions they had with real, strong, truthful answers. In our lives we twist and turn under the pressures of life and search for that which not only will relieve but give our souls the peace they demand. Whether we acknowledge it or not everyth...
In response to Mayor Brooks’ letter of June 18 about the census, let’s remember that there is one purpose, and one purpose only, for the Constitution’s requirement for a census: to determine the proper representation in the House of Representatives. Period. The Constitution requires a COUNT of residents living in each district. It does not require the age, gender, income level, name, race or whether you own or rent. By simply answering questions #1 and #2 (as I did) you have responded correctly to provide the COUNT of the people living at yo...
Hollywood comes to Dorset about as often as it does the Devils Tower; in other words, not much at all. That’s one reason I’m interested to see a film set to be screened at the Cannes Movie Festival this month; the other is that Ammonite is about one of the more famous scientific names associated with my home county. You’ve probably heard of her, though you may not know you have. Mary Anning is said to be the “she” in the old tongue twister, “She sells sea shells on the sea shore”. Mary Anning w...
I haven’t written in a while so here goes. Let’s talk Census: The data involving towns in Wyoming shows that it takes over 2100 residents to be self-sufficient. We’re just under 1200. The bulk of the money that bridges the gap for small communities comes from the state’s formula based on population. This formula divides mineral royalties, severance tax, state land lease and a small portion of the county property and local sales tax. The census counts every person that calls Sundance home, giving our community the correct percentage of the sta...
Dear NP, What are some ways to tell a stroke is coming? And why is it so important to recognize them as early as possible? L. J. Dear L. J., Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Each year approximately 795,000 people suffer strokes in the world. Many die, and those who don’t often suffer permanent disability. And the saddest part – many of these strokes are preventable. Not all strokes can be prevented, but there are many warning signs ahead of time that can sav...
Most of the time, I’m proud to share snippets of my culture with you, but this is not one of those times. This week, I bring you the cautionary tale of what not to do when you’ve been told it’s finally safe to emerge from self-isolation. Last weekend, my countrymen were released from their homes for the first time in months and told they could drive wherever they wanted in the country as long as they made it home for bedtime. This was welcome news to everyone who had run out of books to read. Be...
There’s a rite of passage in my homeland that involves sticky fingers, woodland hikes and a basket full of fruit. I was reminiscing on this last week when the husband came across blackberries for sale in our local supermarket. It was a little earlier in the season than I expected, but who’s complaining? Traditionally speaking, you’re not actually meant to buy your blackberries, because finding them is half the experience. But why resist an opportunity to enjoy the juiciest, most colorful of tr...
Dear Mr. Editor, I am again compelled to spend a few minutes collecting my thoughts on the ongoing coronavirus crisis sweeping the country. I am certainly not impressed with the so-called progress being made in Wyoming as the state reopens and restrictions are lifted. I am actually becoming mad as hell that the government continues to impose unnecessary restrictions on our personal freedoms. Moreover, the level of spending is getting completely out of hand. $3 trillion in federal spending from the House now in their latest bill? Do people not...
By Mark A. Klaassen Over the past two months, the nation has engaged in unprecedented shutdowns in an effort to contain the outbreak of COVID-19. After many weeks of economically crippling restrictions and stay-at-home orders, citizens are beginning to question the justification for these measures and whether continued enforcement unreasonably infringes on important constitutional rights and liberties. These concerns are becoming more acute now that we have a better understanding of the impact on our medical system and the economy across the na...
The refining pot is for silver & the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts. Proverbs 17:3 Born in fire, forged in God’s love. Simple to say, complex and painful as a process, yet the beneficial fruit it produces cannot be denied. Rarely is ease the formula for necessity and need, whereas want is a diversion into the path of least resistance. The fire and the forge in God’s hand directed by His love is the beginning, middle and culmination to a powerful product in our souls. We cannot have ending without a beginning. This also must inc...
Parks, forests and campsites are open and I’d estimate that three quarters of the people I know are heading for a weekend under the stars, if they haven’t done so already. While I know you’re thankful for the unique opportunities of Wyoming, I thought it might deepen that feeling to know how your camping trips compare to the ones I endured back in Europe. These days, apparently there are such things as “glamping”, which are foreign concepts to me. Overall, British camping is much more sophistic...
n the nation, and in like fashion the Wyoming Legislature met for two days to begin the job of taking our State back. I traveled to Cheyenne for this special session, even though we could participate from home. Much like many of you, I feel that these times are too important to stay home and hope that I would be as effective remotely. In doing so, I also felt it was important to stay away from people, social distance and constantly wash my hands. Both days were filled with debate, it almost...
I married into one of the kindest families in the county, but that doesn’t make them immune to the occasional gentle mockery. There’s one habit I brought to these shores that my loved ones find an endless source of amusement. To me, it’s a perfectly normal thing to do, and not doing it makes no sense. To them, it’s an unnecessary amount of work. I am speaking of dining etiquette; specifically, the fact that I cannot eat a meal without the aid of a knife. I’ve been eating this way since I w...
Dear Editor, There is a lot of discussion in regards to the possibility of a new hospital in Sundance and clinic in Hulett with also a few words about a clinic in Upton. What I have been hearing so far is this would be funded with the money that was allocated for COVID-19 relief thru the CARES act. While a new hospital in Sundance, possible clinic in Hulett and Upton would be an improvement, I am wondering has any consideration been given to after the project is complete? What will be the cost to operate and from where will those funds be gathe...
Dear Editor, I would like to address some of the questions I have received over the last several days regarding the constitutionality and enforcement of restriction orders. I did address the topic of attending religious services in the Sundance Times April 30, 2020 publication. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office will not be citing, arresting or enforcing any such restrictions that would inhibit the public from attending religious services. With that said, there have not been any orders restricting such activity. The confusion lies with the inter...
There are two topics I love to read about in the news: the kindness we humans are capable of showing one another, and stories that link my side of the ocean with yours. I’ve come across another tale that combined these two things and I confess it brought a tear to my eye. It starts with a monument in Midleton, Ireland, with tall, stainless steel feathers that curve in at the top towards the center of the circle. Called Kindred Spirits, it was unveiled and dedicated in 2017 to commemorate s...
Dear NP, Now that spring has made it, I am spending a lot of time working on my lawn and garden. Every year around this time, I suffer from seasonal allergies. What advice do you have to help control seasonal allergies? B.B. Dear B. B., Whether you are working in the garden, running to keep in shape, or hiking through the Black Hills, seasonal allergies are a yearly struggle. With spring comes pollen, and with pollen comes seasonal allergies. The official name for seasonal allergies is hay...
Dear Editor, My wife Janie and I are small business owners. We own and operate a physical therapy practice, a 24-hour gym and a business consulting firm. We operate in both Wyoming and South Dakota. Recently, we founded the SRT-Team, a network of regional experts on health, livelihood and small business issues. We contribute knowledge, insight and guidance to our members who access the information at www.surviverecoverthrive.com. We are on top of the issues. We face the challenges of employment, business operations, healthcare – and every o...
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...
Dear Editor, According to the Sundance Times, Senator Driskill and Representative Lindholm presented an idea to Crook County Medical Services District Board, (CCMSDB), to secure $45 million dollars for a new hospital building from the CARES Act. According to Representative Lindholm those funds are only to be used for coronavirus-related expenses. “This is a once in a generation opportunity,” Representative Lindholm states. Further in the article, Senator Driskill is quoted as saying, “This is the one time you are going to get someone else to wr...
