Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
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What’s causing damage to ponderosa pine trees across eastern Wyoming? Along the eastern border, high levels of damage are visible, varying from partial yellowing of the needles to tree mortality. According to a press release from State Forestry, the answer is not yet known, but the issue is being investigated with the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service and UW Extension. At this time, two factors appear to explain some of the effects being seen. The first is winter damage caused by the drying...
Soren Webber looks for a soft landing after coming off his steer during the Jr. Boys Steer Riding competition on Saturday. Webber was one of a large number of competitors that turned out the for the Wyoming Junior Rodeo Association event held here on Saturday and Sunday. Contestants travel to Wright and Douglas for the final two rodeos on the schedule before the state finals in Casper on August 7-9....
Through a generous grant from the Wyoming Pork Producers Council, the Bearlodge Sundance FFA and Crook County 4-H, with help from county maintenance supervisor Larry Schommer, were able to purchase and install new waterers to all of the pens in the pig barn. This will be a nice feature for the exhibitors during county fair. Be sure to visit the pig barn and other activities during the Crook County Fair July 26-August 1....
Just over a month ago, a group of rodeo-minded Weston County residents met and decided someone needed to put together a fun activity for the kids and community to enjoy at the Weston County Fair at no cost to spectators or participants. That group included a banker, bull contractor, rodeo clown, refinery worker, county equipment operator and several Weston County ranchers. From that meeting the Weston County Mini Roughstock Rodeo Association was born to produce the first annual Weston County Youth Mini Rodeo July 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Weston...
Superintendent Amnesty Kochanowski announced the selection of two new leadership team members at Devils Tower National Monument: Facility Manager, Brent Keay and Integrated Resources Program Manager, Russ Cash. Keay began on March 29 and Cash on April 12. Keay will lead the Tower’s facility management division, supporting several permanent and temporary staff in the upkeep of numerous historic park buildings, campground and roadways. Although new to the National Park Service, Brent brings w...
Hulett held its 73rd annual rodeo last weekend, filling the hillside with visitors to one of the only large summer events to have been given the go-ahead during the global pandemic. Among the guests were Governor Mark Gordon and, pictured above, Senator John Barrasso, who took the opportunity to visit with their constituents. The event was a roaring success, from the parade to the rodeo events themselves....
Despite the negative impact on the economy nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor recreation in Wyoming, and specifically the State Parks, have proven to be not only popular destinations, but also a major economic contributor to the state’s tourism economy and a vitally important asset for people to improve their physical and mental health. Wyoming’s State Parks system-wide have proven to be popular opportunities for outdoor recreation and a healthy social distancing alternative. While many industries closed due to the pandemic, fis...
With summer nearly upon us and more people heading to Wyoming’s lakes and reservoirs to recreate, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLB) want to remind the public to avoid and keep animals away from cyanobacterial blooms and to report suspected blooms to DEQ. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can form harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) that produce toxins and other irritants that pose a risk to human and animal health. HCBs typically o...
In one of the first in-person Crook County 4-H events held since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Northeast 307 Livestock Show Clinic offered youth a chance to interact with each other while learning valuable skills with their animals. Although the pandemic created a disruption of many aspects of life, it did not affect these budding agriculturists’ responsibilities and enthusiasm. Over three days, the 307 Show Clinic saw over 50 youth and their parents learn about multiple aspects of showing a...
Local landowners Ed and Barb Mignery have been recognized with the American Forest Foundation Leadership Award for the leadership efforts they have provided to the Wyoming Tree Farm group. Ed was presented with the award at the National Leadership Conference. As the vice chairman of Wyoming Tree Farm, Ed was recognized in the nomination for his work to promote the program. “Ed jumped right in as soon as he became the vice chairman by contacting several of the Tree Farmers to get to know them a...
It’s hardly a secret that Wyoming fishing is top-notch, especially with ten blue-ribbon trout fisheries across the state. But, the first Saturday in June the fishing gets a little better — because it’s free. On June 6, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites anglers to celebrate Free Fishing Day. Each year, the Game and Fish designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in Wyoming – Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone National Park excluded – without a fishing license....
Despite delays to the project to replace the spillway, which will require the campground to stay closed this year, Cook Lake should be open for day use by the middle of June, says District Ranger Mike Gosse. The Forest Service has been able to complete enough of the work to allow the public to enjoy this popular recreation spot over the summer. “The replacement of the Cook Lake spillway began on July 8, 2019 with an intended completion date of November 20,” says Gosse. “However, due to a very wet summer with frequent showers and an early snowf...
Rock climbing routes on the southwest face and the southwest edges of Devils Tower summit will be temporarily closed effective immediately to protect nesting Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The closure is implemented annually to provide the falcons with an undisturbed nesting location during this critical courtship and nest-selection period. The presence of climbers near falcon nests can be distressing to parent birds and disturbance from climbing activities may force falcons to abandon eggs or chicks. The closure is also implemented to protect...
All motorized watercraft are required to have a current watercraft registration and AIS decal. Heading to the water for boating? Be sure to register your watercraft and purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decal online to be ready to enjoy the weekend. All motorized watercraft operating on Wyoming waters are required to have a current watercraft registration and AIS decal. “Register your boat early and know you’ll be able to relax on the water,” said Jennifer Doering, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department license section manager. “You shou...
As summer approaches, the attention of most Wyomingites has turned to the unique opportunities available in the state’s wide open spaces. Unlike indoor activities, there are limited restrictions applied to your enjoyment of the outdoors – and many ways to take advantage of the fresh air. Deadlines are approaching for Wyoming’s outdoorsmen to submit this year’s applications for fall hunting. Apply soon to secure opportunities to hunt elk, deer, antelope, sandhill crane, beaver and fall turkey, as well as the Springer and Glendo special pheasan...
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities, Devils Tower National Monument will resume recreational access to some park facilities. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Beginning Friday, May 22, Devils Tower will reopen access to: • Park roads, hiking trails, picnic area, and r...
Livestock projects, quilting class, livestock judging practice, cake decorating are all activities in a normal 4-H members schedule, and through the power of technology, that has remained a constant for Wyoming 4-H members during this time of global pandemic amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. One of the 4-H program mission mandates is mastery. 4-H is an experiential learning program that incorporates a “learn by doing” approach. In that regard, this time at home can be beneficial for 4-H pro...
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...
Season setting presentations and videos for the 2020 hunting season proposals are now available online. All Game and Fish season setting meetings have moved to an online forum following federal and state guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The public comment period, which is open now, closes at 5 p.m., April 3. Participants will be able to view region-specific information that address: • Chapter 2, General Hunting Regulation • Chapter 5, Antelope Hunting Seasons • Chapter 6, Deer Hunting Seasons • Chapter 7, Elk Hunting...
In the interest of protecting public health and adhering to local community orders related to COVID-19, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is working to develop a procedure for new black bear bait registrations. Bait site registrations were originally set to open April 1; new processes will be detailed on the Game and Fish website beginning April 15. The Department is drafting an emergency rule to avoid having large crowds gather at regional offices as prospective bear hunters line up to register new bait sites. Current rules state new black...
Site Elevation (ft.) Current Snow Depth (in.) Current SWE (in.) 30-year Median SWE Last Year’s SWE Current % of 30-Year Median SWE Bear Lodge Divide 4680 5.2 1.8 0 2.1 - Blind Park Snotel 6870 21 6.7 7.2 6.8 93 Cole Canyon Snotel 5870 * * 5.8 6.6 * Ditch Creek 6880 27.8 7.2 3.6 6.2 200 Little Bear Run 6240 15.2 4.3 2.4 3.8 179 Mallo 6420 21.8 7.4 5.9 8 125 Mount Tom 5560 14 4.4 2.9 5.8 152 North Rapid Creek Snotel 6250 23 7.4 6.7 6.3 110 Reuter Canyon 6280 31.1 10.6 7.8 9.8 136 Upper Spearfish 6500 26.8 8.8 5.5 8.5 160 SWE = Snow Water E...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, is investigating a rare disease outbreak in pronghorn in northeast Wyoming. More than 50 animals have been found dead to date, north of Gillette beginning on Feb. 15. The preliminary results identify Mycoplasma bovis as the pathogen causing the mortalities. Mycoplasma bovis should not be confused with Mycobacterium bovis that causes tuberculosis in cattle. They are two unrelated bacteria that cause very different diseases. Game and Fish is...
The University of Wyoming Extension has implemented an online process for those seeking private applicator pesticide licenses in light of the University of Wyoming suspending all in-person activities until May 15 due to COVID-19 concerns. Extension pesticide training coordinator Jeff Edwards said those interested can go to http://bit.ly/applicatorprep, click the Private Applicators tab, and have two options under Licensing. All of the required files are linked in the website, said Edwards. Option 1. Self-study and take-home workbook • D...
The cottontail rabbit is the most popular small game animal in Wyoming and can be a great first hunt for kids. Rabbit hunting does not require a lot of specialized equipment, it is active and engaging for kids and teaches skills that will be used when pursuing larger and more adventurous quarry. Cottontails are found throughout the state and occupy a variety of habitats including shrub communities, farmlands and urban and suburban areas in low to mid elevations. Favorite hangouts include rocky outcroppings, dilapidated buildings and stream...
Devils Tower National Monument is one of several national park units chosen by the National Park Service (NPS) to undergo comprehensive accessibility improvements through the landmark Targeted Accessibility Improvement Program. The program originated under the “NPS All In!” five-year accessibility initiative to ensure that all visitors are afforded access to our nation’s significant sites and the stories within. The Devils Tower project will dramatically improve physical access to the visitor center and trail to the base of the Tower, bring...
