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With Sunday the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Basin Republican Rustler asked government, business, religious, school leaders and veterans their thoughts of where our country is 10 years later.

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By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
After 9/11, President Bush created the Department of Homeland Security (see related story) and then in 2003 the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security was created and moved to the Governor’s Office. Along with the new offices and new government employees came funding for emergencies for local government agencies.

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By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
Garbage, collection rates and landfill rates were major topics of discussion at Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
The council approved on third and final reading the ordinance setting new garbage rates. The rates remain the same at $24 but does set the 85 percent of the first Dumpster fee for each additional Dumpster for commercial businesses.

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By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Hyattville Old Timer’s Association picnic is being moved to later in the day to get away from the heat of the day.
Association member Peg Johnson said the picnic will be an evening picnic at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday. The picnic will be at the Hyattville Community Center.

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By JENNIFER BUTLER

Staff reporter

The South Big Horn County Hospital Board of Trustees had a sudden time change to their budgetary hearing on Thursday, July 21. The board originally scheduled the public meeting to be held at 6 p.m. but was changed to the same day at 10 a.m.

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Town mulls animal control options for cats

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
Live trapping and possible licensing of cats may become steps for the town to start controlling feral cats in town and cats running loose around town.

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By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Big Horn County commissioners approved a nearly $17 million budget at Monday’s budget hearing.

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By JENNIFER BUTLER

Staff reporter

The Big Horn County Fair Board agreed Monday to move forward with a grant application through the Daniel’s Fund Grants Program. The board hopes the funding will contribute to the building of an indoor arena on the county fairgrounds in Basin.

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By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
A Greybull-area resident came to the Big Horn County commissioners Tuesday wanting mosquito relief.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
After seeing a nearly $82 million drop in valuation last year in Big Horn County, the county and tax districts are seeing a positive change this year with a $38 million increase.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The worst of flooding from rain and runoff is likely behind residents of Big Horn County.

Council mulls options on recycling cardboard, garbage rates

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The town of Basin continues to look at ways to reduce the amount of garbage taken to the landfill.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Big Horn County commissioners agreed to a three-year extension with contracted engineer Willie Bridges.

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

Flooding began Friday in the Hyattville and Shell areas and continued on Sunday with Paintrock, Medicine Lodge and Shell creeks going over their respective banks.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Big Horn County Resource Advisory Committee has $28,000 still left to allocate for projects on the Bighorn National Forest.
Thanks to funding through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Big Horn County received funds that could be used on recreation projects on the national forest. A 15-member Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed and has been accepting nomination of projects and recently approve funding for seven projects.

Many bills passed by the Wyoming Legislature back during the 2011 Legislative Session held in January and February of this year, will go into effect on July 1.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
After a lengthy discussion on garbage rates, whether to charge for additional pickups and additional Dumpsters the Basin Town Council tabled a rate change ordinance.

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

The Basin Town Council took the first step in updating its tree ordinance last week by approving an ordinance amending the current ordinance on first reading.

By JENNIFER BUTLER

Staff reporter

Two area men are riding for a cause. Robin Nichols of Basin and David Haller of Greybull have set the goal to raise $1,000 to help aid the cure and research of multiple sclerosis (MS).

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
Three young ladies vied for the Lilac Princess crown last Saturday at Washington Park.
Kyra Workman, 13, daughter of Fred and Chris Willert of Basin was crowned the 2011 Lilac Princess.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Basin Area Chamber of Commerce crowned former Cloud Peak Middle School Principal Rebecca “Becky” Allred and volunteer extraordinaire as the 2011 Lilac Queen Saturday.

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

With decreasing federal and state funds the Wyoming Department of Transportation is moving from a transportation improvement program to a preservation program.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
In a meeting Friday with government and emergency services personnel within Big Horn County, Big Horn County Emergency Management Coordinator John Hyde said the communities that likely will see the biggest impact from high runoff are Shell, Hyattville and possibly Manderson.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Worland Field Office announces a 30-day public scoping period on a notice of staking (NOS) received for a well 4.2 miles west of Basin, off of Wyoming Highway 30.

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Big Horn County commissioners began working through the 2011-2012 proposed fiscal year budget during a work session last Thursday.

The eighth annual Hyattville Cowboy Carnival has plenty for everyone this Sunday. All proceeds of the fun festival benefit the Hyattville Community Center.

By JENNIFER BUTLER
Staff reporter
For the past few months the town of Burlington has been evaluating the current town budget and planning for the next fiscal year.

By NATHAN OSTER

Greybull Standard

Two Shell teenagers were injured in a one-car rollover Friday morning on Beaver Creek Road.

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

After about a year of planning, bidding and re-bidding and obtaining additional funding, the new Washington Park restroom is about ready for visitors.

By JENNIFER BUTLER

Staff reporter

Last month at the Big Horn County Fair Board meeting there was a discussion over the possibility of holding a Forth of July picnic and firework show at the fairgrounds and this month a revised plan was presented to the board.

Worland man faces five felony counts on VIN fraud

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

A Worland man has been arrested in Basin on five felony counts involving altering and removing vehicle identification numbers.

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

Members of the Wyoming Press Association, Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) and Wyoming County Commissioners Association told legislators last Friday during a Joint Judiciary Interim Committee hearing in Worland that they have reached some compromises on the Open Meetings and Public Records acts.

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

The budget process has begun with departments submitting their budgets last week to the Big Horn County Clerk’s office.

By JENNIFER BUTLER

Staff reporter

Last week, April 10-13, the schools within Big Horn County District No. 4 were under examination by the education group AdvancED.

Kampbell offered chief position

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

Mayor Amy Kania announced Thursday that Chris Kampbell has been offered the position of Basin police chief.

Recycle your plastics, newspapers and aluminum

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Basin Citizens for Recycling officially opened the 10-bin trailer for recycled products Monday night with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Collected in the 10 bins are plastics, aluminum and steel cans, newspaper, magazines and phonebooks and white office paper.

Postal Service won’t be affected by shutdown

 If there is a federal budget shutdown it would NOT affect any of our Postal Service operations and mail service.

BIG HORN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

April 12, 2011

7:00 p.m. Science Textbook Selection Public Review

Regular Board Meeting  7:30 p.m. @ RHS

Agenda

Basin P&Z revisits building code issue

By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The Basin Planning and Zoning Committee is continuing to research possible building permit fees and options for a building inspector.
At last Tuesday’s meeting, the committee asked Engineering Associates to make a presentation on what they could offer Basin and what they offer other communities. The company made a similar proposal about two years ago to the council.

Chief search begins
By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
The town of Basin is moving quickly with its search for a new chief of police with interviews scheduled this week.

County looks to move toward permanent airport manager

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

The Big Horn County commissioners Tuesday began discussions of hiring a permanent airport manager.

Chairman Jerry Ewen presented a draft request for proposal and sought input from the commissioners and acting manager Willie Bridges. Bridges was hired as the acting manager when the airport board resigned as a group in September.

Town looks at options to cover insurance increase
By KARLA POMEROY
Editor
Next month the Basin Town Council will be facing first reading of the 2011-2012 budget.

Solid Waste Board considers e-waste

By JENNIFER BUTLER
Staff reporter
Big Horn County Solid Waste Board board member Aaron Kania presented the full board with a revised electrical waste (e-waste) proposal last Tuesday, March 22.

Researching county mineral rights daunting task

By KARLA POMEROY

Editor

Back in August 2010, the Big Horn County commissioners decided it was time to find out exactly how many mineral rights they own and where they are located.

Recycling group halfway to goal

By JENNIFER BUTLER
Staff reporter
About two years ago, Basin residents Wendy Taylor and Aaron Kania co-founded Basin Citizens for Recycling (BC4R). Kania said a few members of the Basin community convened together with the same purpose to bring recycling to the area.

Oil interest increases in BHC

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners entered into negotiations to lease mineral rights between Basin and Otto.

Hulls played waiting game like many others

By Marlys Good
The devastation left in the wake of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and 23-foot tsunami that hit Japan March 11 is almost incomprehensible.

Civil unions need their day in court
By KARLA POMEROY
Governor Matt Mead said he has made no pre-determinations on what, if any bills, he will veto.

Census 2010: BHC, Basin show increase

By KARLA POMEROY

Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released local 2010 Census data for Wyoming. This is the first set of population data available for counties, cities, and towns from the 2010 Census.

Chief Peters retires

By Karla Pomeroy

Basin Chief of Police Dennis Peters tendered his resignation Monday night.

Deadlines kill bills in Senate

By KARLA POMEROY
Friday the citizens of Wyoming “should be safe once again,” Sen. Gerald Geis quipped during his weekly interview Monday. The reason: the Legislature is set to adjourn on Thursday and won’t be making any new laws.

Commissioners work with BLM on data accuracy

By KARLA POMEROY
Commissioners in the Big Horn Basin met with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently to discuss 56 sites that have been marked with wilderness characteristics.

Ag Committee removes requirements from abortion bill

By KARLA POMEROY
The Wyoming Senate heard 56 amendments to the supplemental budget last week before approving it on third reading Thursday.
Sen. Gerald Geis (R-SD20, Worland) said the Senate added about $25 million to the budget that passed out of the Joint Appropriations Committee, and that included an additional $10 million for towns, he said.

County seeks more land for solid waste

By KARLA POMEROY
Big Horn County proceeded with measures to purchase state and Bureau of Land Management land in hopes of expanding the north and south landfills.

House Bill says welcome home and thank you to Vietnam veterans

By KARLA POMEROY
On Monday’s consent list for third reading the Wyoming Senate approved House Bill 177 that would make March 30 each year as Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day.

Attack ads and district consolidation discussed

By KARLA POMEROY
Legislation and attack ads came up during discussions at the Big Horn County School District No. 4 Board of Trustees meeting last Tuesday.
Riverside Principal Tony Anson said he researched the group that put the attack ad regarding Wyoming education on TV during the Feb. 6 Super Bowl. “Step Up Wyoming” is part of a nationwide campaign from the Washington, D.C. based “Center for Union Facts,” which according to its website is “dedicated to showing Americans the truth about today’s teachers unions.”

Hospital to proceed with new facility

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners approved a letter of support at their Tuesday meeting for a grant application for South Big Horn Hospital to begin construction of a new facility.

Basin mayor anticipates more rate increases

By KARLA POMEROY
Basin residents could be looking at rate increases in garbage, sewer and water, along with the electrical rates already expected.

USFS: Remove own solid waste in West Tensleep

By KARLA POMEROY
The Bighorn National Forest Powder River District is seeking comments from its environmental assessment on the West Tensleep Corridor Master Recreation Project.

Officers train for active shooter incident

By KARLA POMEROY

“It will never happen here.” One hears that statement in rural communities around Wyoming all the time, especially concerning school shootings. However, area law enforcement don’t believe in never and are taking a proactive approach with training for responding to an active shooter.

New electrical agreement means higher rates in Basin

By KARLA POMEROY

A new agreement between Bain’s electrical supplier, Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN), and Big Horn Rural Electric Company (REA) will result in an increase on residents’ bill of about $3 per month.

County mulls option of owning rest area

By KARLA POMEROY

Three lease agreements were approved and signed by the Big Horn County commissioners, completing a long process to update and finalize outstanding leases.

Bill would send removal petitions to governor

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners have been following several bills closely in the Legislature and are pleased the Senate approved SF77 — County officers removal from office — on second reading Monday.
Sen. Gerald Geis (R-SD20, Worland) said amendments were made to the bill Monday morning from ex-county commissioners Sens. Stan Cooper and Cale Case.

Sen. Geis votes against own ag bill

By KARLA POMEROY
The 2011 Wyoming Legislature is “just getting warmed up,” according to Sen. Gerald Geis (R-SD20).

Tolman wins Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, marches in Cheyenne

By KARLA POMEROY
Burlington Junior High School seventh-grade student Zariah Tolman won the junior high division of a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest.
Tolman, along with the high school and elementary school winner in the state, read their essays on the steps of the Capitol Building in Cheyenne on Monday, during a Wyoming Equality Day/Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremony.

Magistrate bill could harm county

By KARLA POMEROY
Big Horn County Attorney Michelle Burns and Circuit Court Judge Thomas Harrington expressed concern to the Big Horn County commissioners Tuesday regarding a bill before the state Legislature that eliminates full-time magistrates.

Council meetings set to move in April

By KARLA POMEROY
Starting in April, the Basin Town Council will be moving its meeting to 7 p.m. and to the second Monday of each month instead of the first Monday.

Geis sponsors tax exempt museum bill

By KARLA POMEROY
The 61st Wyoming Legislature gets under way next week and Sen. Gerald Geis (SD 20, Worland), said he expects more than 400 bills to be introduced in this non-budget session.

County officials sworn in; Burns selects new staff

By KARLA POMEROY
While Big Horn County elected officials elected this past November don’t officially take office until Monday, Jan. 3, Fifth Judicial District Judge Steven Cranfill swore in the officials in a special ceremony Monday night, Dec. 27.

Salvage sale looms ahead for Antelope Butte Ski Area

By KARLA POMEROY
Items at the Antelope Butte Ski Area could be sold at a salvage sale if a new proposal for the ski area is not submitted within 45 days.

Judge sentences Tilley to 125 years in prison

By KARLA POMEROY

Marvin Tilley, 59, will spend the rest of his life in prison after a District Court Judge sentenced him to 125 years on seven counts Thursday morning.

Telepsychiatry could help with involuntary holds
By KARLA POMEROY
The new Wyoming Telepsychiatry Pilot Project could be the beginning of telemedicine in Wyoming.

County’s new Web site offers many features

By JENNIFER BUTLER
In 2009, the Big Horn County Web site modifications were in the planning stages. Now that the Web site is complete, it offers many benefits to the community. The Web site, www.bighorncountywy.gov, gives the community access to information on county departments, events, resources, contacts and helpful links.

Manderson water supervisor resigns

By LAURIE MORSTAD

Outgoing Mayor Elizabeth Wilenius along with outgoing councilors Tami Applegarth and Grace Briggs provided the quorum to proceed with action items on the agenda at the Manderson Town Council meeting Monday, including accepting a resignation.

Grant approved for new town master plan

By KARLA POMEROY

The town of Basin will be getting a new master plan after a grant was approved by the Wyoming Business Council last week.

Community supports Adolescent Programs

By KARLA POMEROY

Members of the Big Horn County Community Juvenile Services Board and representing agencies met with Department of Family Services personnel last month to discuss the impact of the Big Horn Basin Adolescent Program boys and girls group homes.

Trustees discuss new face for the hospital

By JENNIFER BUTLER

At the Thursday, Nov. 18, the South Big Horn County Hospital Board of Trustees held a meeting to discuss the issues revolving around the clinic. Plan One Architects representatives, Dan Odasz and Skip Young, presented a five-stage process that would potentially change the entire hospital’s campus.

Speed, road construction questions posed

By KARLA POMEROY

Roads around Hyattville and Road 39 highlighted discussion at the Big Horn County commission meeting last Tuesday.

Non-profit idea proposed for Antelope Butte Ski Area

By KARLA POMEROY
A new draft proposal for the Antelope Butte Ski Area has been submitted to the Bighorn National Forest by Powell resident Gib Condie.

District strong in writing, struggles in science

By KARLA POMEROY
Big Horn County School District No. 4 administrators expressed overall satisfaction with the 2010 PAWS scores, but said the scores also highlighted areas to improve.

Fair board schedules interviews for manager

By STEVA DOOLEY
In an executive session during its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 9, the Big Horn County Fair Board reviewed the applications received for the fairgrounds manager position. They then voted to interview six candidates. They also voted to keep the position open at this time.
“We still have some time,” said Alfred Anderson, chairman of the board during a later interview. “We are looking for a very special person. We are needing someone that is very adaptable and has a wide range of capabilities.”

District requests planning process for new facility

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County School District No. 4 administration is attempting to take a proactive approach in obtaining new facilities for the district.
Superintendent Mary Fisher reported to the board at last Tuesday’s regular meeting, Nov. 9, that she has written to the Planning Group of the School Facilities Commissioner requesting funding for planning for a new school.

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners approved the Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law for the denial of the petition to remove Georgia Antley Hunt as the Big Horn County attorney.

After more than six years living and working in the United States, including the past three years in Wyoming, a Bear Lodge employee is fighting to stay.

Kania wins narrow race for Basin mayor
By KARLA POMEROY
Basin Planning and Zoning Chairman Amy Kania won a narrow race for Basin mayor, defeating current council member Mike Lewis 235 to 230. There was one write-in vote cast.

Newcomers Brown, McMahon, Bennett top Manderson races

By KARLA POMEROY
Come January Manderson will have a new mayor and two new council members. Randy Brown defeated current mayor Elizabeth “Betty” Wilenius by six votes, 30-24, in unofficial results provided by the Big Horn County Clerk’s Office.

Research begins to form cemetery district
By KARLA POMEROY
The Basin Town Council began looking into the formation of a cemetery district with a report provided at Monday’s regular council meeting.
Town Accountant Don Russell said a special election would cost about $2,000.

Removal petition denied
By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners denied the petition to remove Big Horn County Attorney Georgia Antley Hunt from office.

Jury finds Tilley guilty on all seven counts
By BRENDA TENBOER
Twelve jurors, five men and seven women, found Marvin Tilley, 58, of Deaver guilty of seven felony counts including six sexual assault crimes and one burglary with intent to commit sexual assault.
In a trial that spanned six days, four women who were children when Tilley sexually assaulted them testified about events that happened in the 1970s and 1980s.

County 4-H educator heads to Gillette
By KARLA POMEROY
Big Horn County will be without a 4-H educator again with Jenny Good announcing she is leaving next week.

New immunization rules send school nurses scrambling

By KARLA POMEROY

New state rules for required and recommended immunizations have been updated and the new requirements have school nurses scrambling to check student records.

Airport oversight lands in commission lap

By BRENDA TENBOER
The Big Horn County commissioners voted in a special meeting Monday afternoon to oversee airport operations such as fuel sales until a permanent solution can be reached.

Safe Routes To School plan targets lighting

By KARLA POMEROY
The Basin Safe Routes To School Committee completed the Wyoming School Travel Plan for Basin and Big Horn County School District No. 4 last month and is awaiting review and approval from the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Area researcher: No problems with Roundup Ready sugar beets

By KARLA POMEROY
Roundup Ready sugar beets have been grown the past three years and should be allowed to continue to grow, according to one area researcher.
A ruling issued Friday, Aug. 13, in U.S. District Court, placed a temporary injunction on the genetically modified (GM) Roundup Ready sugar beet seeds, thus requiring sugar beet growers to switch back to the non genetically-modified seed.

Idaho plane crash kills father, son
By KARLA POMEROY
Two Basin residents were killed in a plane crash Friday afternoon near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Tree trimming, removal discussed by council

By KARLA POMEROY

Who’s responsible for trees in power lines? That was the topic of a brief debate during audience communication last Tuesday at the Basin Town Council meeting.

Reason petition filed disputed in opening arguments

By KARLA POMEROY

It will be several weeks before a decision is rendered in the petition filed to remove Big Horn County Attorney Georgia Antley Hunt from office.

Pool rehab begins

CT scans in high demand at South Big Horn County Hospital

By BRENDA TENBOER
South Big Horn County Hospital staff have performed nearly 600 CT scans in the first 10 months of operation and credit the new high-tech equipment for a large jump in revenues generated this year.

Wolves kill 24 sheep

By NATHAN OSTER
For Keith Hamilton, it wasn’t a question of if wolves would make their presence felt in the Big Horns. It was a question of when.

Candidates spend more than $50,000 in campaigning

By KARLA POMEROY
More than $50,000 was spent on campaigning by the Big Horn County candidates.

By BRENDA TENBOER
The 2010 Junior Livestock Sale during the Big Horn County Fair was declared a success by the board of trustees during a special meeting on August 19.

by nathan oster
In the eyes of the Wyoming High School Activities Association, it’s an exhibition game.

By BRENDA TENBOER
The lone mayoral candidate on the ballot in the primary election for Manderson, Tami Applegarth, has withdrawn her bid for the center seat and instead accepted a write-in nomination in a bid to fill a 2-year council seat.

Click on image for larger view.

Lewis, Kania advance for Basin mayor
By KARLA POMEROY
Current councilman Mike Lewis and Basin Planning and Zoning Chairman Amy Kania advanced to the General Election following Tuesday’s primary election.

Former mayor doubtful new budget adequate for costs

By BRENDA TENBOER
The municipal police officer employed by the Town of Manderson has resigned with Aug. 15 his last official day on the payroll.

Oil and gas issues prompt commission to hire consultant

By KARLA POMEROY
With more interest from companies wanting to lease mineral rights from the county, the Big Horn County commissioners agreed to hire Debbi McKim as a consultant on oil and gas leases and issues.

Petition hearing on removal of county attorney scheduled

By KARLA POMEROY
After meeting with Cheyenne attorney Tom Jubin in an executive session Monday morning, the Big Horn County commissioners set a hearing date for the petition to remove Big Horn County Attorney Georgia Antley Hunt from office.

Petition seeks dismissal of county attorney

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners are seeking advice on how to proceed after receiving a petition seeking the removal of Big Horn County Attorney Georgia Antley Hunt from office.

School District No. 4 board increases rent, adds pet deposit

By KARLA POMEROY
Big Horn County School District No. 4 renters will see their rent increase and dog owners will need to provide an additional deposit after action taken last week by the board.

Manderson, Fire District No. 3 to negotiate fees

By BRENDA TENBOER
The Manderson Town Council on June 14 voted to approve the final budget for Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011, but with just one month into the new budget year adjustments are likely.

Hyattville Old Timer’s Day Saturday

By BRENDA TENBOER
Vendors still have time to get a booth for the Old Timer’s Day Street Fair on Saturday in Hyattville.

Hospital foundation ready to start raising funds

By BRENDA TENBOER
The South Big Horn County Hospital Foundation received the thumbs up from the board of trustees to begin fundraising efforts as soon as next month.

Councilman Hall resigns: ‘I didn’t second that’

By BRENDA TENBOER
David Hall resigned from the Manderson Town Council on Monday after he read the approved July 12 meeting minutes.

Hyattville United Methodist Church celebrates centennial

By MARLYS GOOD
The United Methodist Church of Hyattville will celebrate its centennial with a special service at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, July 18. Keynote speaker will be Elaine Stanovsky of Denver, bishop of the Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain conferences.

Smokehouse lawsuit dismissed
By BRENDA TENBOER
District Court Judge Steven Cranfill on Friday dismissed a lawsuit filed against the owners of the Smokehouse Saloon and the Stockman’s Bar.
The lawsuit was filed by relatives of a Ten Sleep couple who were killed by a drunk driver while traveling home from a vacation.

Manderson mayor resigns, citizens say new council not sworn in
By BRENDA TENBOER
The Manderson Town Council at its meeting Monday night voted to accept the resignation of Mayor Helen Saunders. Two new council members were also sworn in, but only after all the business on the agenda was conducted.
Elizabeth “Betty” Wilenius, mayor pro-tem, was moved into the role of mayor until the election this fall.

Valuation drops 27 percent

By KARLA POMEROY
After taking a sizeable jump in valuation last year by more than $60 million, Big Horn County saw a much larger decrease for the 2010 valuation.
Big Horn County Assessor Gina Anderson announced last week that the county’s total valuation for the year is $225,837,257, down from last year’s record $307,752,824, which is a drop of $81.9 million or 27 percent. The last time the valuation was around $225 million was in 2007 when valuation was at $224 million.

Judge throws out three convictions in Vorhies case

By BRENDA TENBOER
District Judge Steven Cranfill has ruled Gary Vorhies was denied his Constitutional right to a speedy trial and right to counsel in proceedings last fall. The decision means four poaching-related charges and sentences have been overturned.

Residents describe storm, begin clean up

By KARLA POMEROY
The exact number of residents impacted by last Wednesday’s storm is not know. Many residents were busy Wednesday through the weekend cleaning up, cutting off broken branches from trees, repairing roofs, picking up metal sheets and shingles and repairing car and home windows among other damage.

NWS categorizes 70 mph windstorm as downburst

By KARLA POMEROY
Clean up from Wednesday’s downburst/microburst windstorm that hit Basin and the surrounding area began immediately for most residents and continued into the weekend for many.

Vorhies asks poaching sentence be overturned

By BRENDA TENBOER
Confessed poacher Gary Vorhies, 48, was sentenced illegally and the sentence should be overturned, according to Wyoming Office of the Public Defender appellate counsel Tina Kerin.

Commissioners mull options for Davis Lane

By KARLA POMEROY
A project to improve the line-of-sight visibility on Davis Lane has been delayed slightly while the county tries to work on plans that are amenable to adjacent neighbors.

SBCH Hospital Foundation to raise money for mammography equipment

By BRENDA TENBOER
Local women deserve the opportunity to get mammograms close to home and now the South Big Horn Hospital Foundation wants to help.

Committee identifies needs for master plan

By KARLA POMEROY
The Basin Planning and Zoning Committee and Master Plan Committee met last Wednesday to finalize ideas to include in the Wyoming Business Council Community Development Block grant application.

RHS moves to semester grading system
By KARLA POMEROY
Riverside High School will move to a semester grading system this fall instead of the quarterly grading system it has used for years.

BHC Commission appeals to governor to
reinstate Burns’ public defender contract

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners will be notifying Governor Dave Freudenthal and the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office that it does not agree with the Public Defender’s Office cancelling a contract with Greybull attorney Michelle McColloch Burns.

Kay Mowery crowned 2010 Lilac Queen

The 2010 Lilac Queen is known for her giving, kind personality and her cookies.

Cemetery fees called into question

By KARLA POMEROY
The Craft family, who had written a letter to the editor last week regarding cemetery fees, came before the Basin Town Council Monday seeking answers.

Tom’s to re-open under new ownership
By KARLA POMEROY
After 10 years in operation by Tom Hinderliter, Tom’s Café officially closed Wednesday night, but is expected to open Monday under new ownership.

Hyattville community gets update on community center progress
By KARLA POMEROY
Just in time for the seventh annual Hyattville Cowboy Carnival, which benefits the Hyattville Community Center, members of the community gathered at a meeting last Monday to discuss the progress on the center and funding levels.

Pilots in Big Horn County will pay a nickel more per gallon of fuel
By BRENDA TENBOER
Pilots will pay an increase of 5 cents per gallon to cover administrative costs associated with tracking fuel sales and inventories at both the North and South Big Horn County airports.

Three-way race for Basin mayor

By KARLA POMEROY
There will be a three-way race for Basin mayor as council member Mike Lewis switched his earlier filing for re-election to his council to seat, to run for mayor, joining Planning and Zoning Chairman Amy Kania and Big Horn County Solid Waste Board member Bob Kampbell.

Crystal Creek Road closed to thru-traffic until new bridge installed

By KARLA POMEROY
Despite still trying to work with the Zurich insurance company, the Big Horn County commissioners voted Tuesday to move forward with replacing the Crystal Creek bridge that was damaged in June 2008.

Council seats still open

By KARLA POMEROY
There have been no additional filings for Basin mayor or council as the deadline at 5 p.m. Friday approaches.

Scott fulfilling dream at West Point

By KARLA POMEROY

Cadet Sergeant Ted Scott is fulfilling his dream as he completes his second year at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Fish weather diesel contamination

By KARLA POMEROY
The many fish in the Big Horn River appear to have survived the contamination of diesel fuel into their watery habitat last week.

TEAL funding available; grants process clarified
By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County commissioners received an update on several grant projects and a memo reminding the commissioners on how the grants administration process works for the county.

B&G moves offices, closes pilot’s lounge at Greybull airport
By BRENDA TENBOER
B&G Industries Inc. representative George Dubry told Big Horn County Airport board of trustees the pilot’s lounge located in the two-story building at the Greybull airport is no longer available for public use.

County vacation leave increased

By KARLA POMEROY
After another meeting with department heads Tuesday afternoon, the Big Horn County commissioners approved a policy change to allow employees to carryover 240 hours (six weeks) of vacation time.

Electrical, garbage rate changes tabled

By KARLA POMEROY
The Basin Town Council on Monday night tabled the third reading of the ordinance setting new electrical and garbage rates.

Commission, department heads discuss vacation leave

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County vacation leave policy has been clarified for employees and will be further clarified with a change in the personnel policy.

Attorney seeks accountability in Equal Access for Justice Act

By KARLA POMEROY
Thanks to the work of a Cheyenne law firm, Wyoming’s Congressional delegation is working to bring some accountability to the federal government, in one area.

Interactive whiteboards bring more technology, enthusiasm into classroom
By KARLA POMEROY
It’s a technological world and becoming more of a visual world. Teachers are learning new ways to incorporate both into the classroom to try and reach today’s students and one way Big Horn County School District No. 4 is doing this is with the use of Promethean interactive whiteboards and the Promethean ActivClassroom.

Teacher, paraprofessional honored

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County School District No. 4 Board of Trustees honored two longtime employees at the meeting last Tuesday at the Riverside High School Library.

County seeks Tobacco-Free grant

By KARLA POMEROY
With the resignation of Tobacco Prevention Specialist Sharon Altermatt earlier this year, administration of Big Horn County’s Tobacco Free Wyoming Communities Grant is open to a competitive grant application process and Big Horn County will be submitting their application.

Mill levy support to come back in front of voters

By BRENDA TENBOER
South Big Horn County Hospital District board of trustees is relying on the county and its residents to continue financial support of the facility this fall during the General Election.

Should Legislature seek special session on health care?

By KARLA POMEROY
Will the Wyoming Legislature go into special session to address health care? That’s a question the legislative leadership is mulling, including House Majority Whip Lorraine Quarberg (R-Thermopolis).

Lack of providers among issues for parents
By KARLA POMEROY
Wyoming has been licensing childcare providers since 1966 and in 1997 the Wyoming Legislature became aware of the lack of licensed providers in the state. It is that lack of providers that has created concern for Basin area parents who have been using unlicensed providers who are now being investigated by the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Support expressed for RHS speech coach

By KARLA POMEROY
Two speech members and a parent voiced support for speech coach Wendy Kuper at Tuesday night’s Big Horn County School District No. 4 board meeting.

Basin P&Z begin developing building, zoning guides

By KARLA POMEROY
The Basin Planning and Zoning (P&Z) are developing building permit guides and application forms to provide to every applicant.

Employees will pay percentage of family insurance premiums

By BRENDA TENBOER
The Basin Town Council, during a budget work session Monday, determined that in order to make ends meet the 14 employees will begin to pay a share of costs to insure spouses and dependents.

Officials unable to locate South Big Horn County Airport records
By BRENDA TENBOER
B&G Industries Inc. took over when Hawkins and Powers Aviation went under five years ago and county officials negotiated new hangar leases but failed to secure a new land lease agreement.

Local guard troops begin returning to Wyoming

By NATHAN OSTER
For family and friends of members of the Wyoming Army National Guard who have been deployed overseas for the past 12 months, this, at long last, is Homecoming Week.

Harp announces commission candidacy

By KARLA POMEROY
Basin resident Linda Harp announced this week that she plans to file for one of the two four-year Big Horn County Commission seats when filing begins in May.

Health care clinics weigh in on reform bill

By KARLA POMEROY
The exact impact of the historic health care reform bill passed late Sunday night by the U.S. House of Representatives may not be known until 2014, or after lawsuits filed Monday and Tuesday run their course, but local health care providers are weighing in on the subject.

Council considers changes to benefit package

By KARLA POMEROY
After having to lay off two employees last year, the Basin Town Council is again faced with tough decisions, as the budget is tighter with about $150,000 decrease in state revenues.

Teamwork and sacrifice keys to success

Greybull board shuts down pool

By NATHAN OSTER
A single sentence in a report prepared by the structural engineer who was hired to evaluate the condition of the Greybull swimming pool confirmed everyone in Big Horn County School District No. 3’s worst fears on Tuesday afternoon.

Not all certified staff offered contracts

By KARLA POMEROY
The Big Horn County School District No. 4 Board of Trustees approved contracts for certified staff for the 2010-2011 year.

Legislators worked efficiently during 2010 budget session

By KARLA POMEROY
Having a tight budget every once in a while is not always a bad thing, Sen. Gerald Geis (R-Worland) said Monday following the completion of the 2010 Legislative Budget Session.

Fair board moves parade to Saturday

By BRENDA TENBOER
The Big Horn County Fair board of trustees met Monday evening in Basin and worked out a few remaining scheduling issues for the 2010 county fair.
Last month members decided to make some major schedule changes including moving the Jr. Livestock Sale to the new time slot of 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6.

Wanted: State and federal prisoners for Big Horn County Jail
By KARLA POMEROY
County officials anticipate Big Horn County Jail revenues will decline with the opening of the new Wyoming prison in Torrington, however, Sheriff Ken Blackburn told the Big Horn County commissioners last Tuesday, March 2, that “February doesn’t look great but was not as bad as expected.”

Fair board gets $15K boost to operation budget
By BRENDA TENBOER
The Big Horn County Commission voted March 3 in favor of allowing the fair board to move $15,000 from a county line item into the current operation budget.

Basin resident seeks answers on dog license fee increase and spending

By KARLA POMEROY
Several months ago the Basin Town Council heard concerns about cat issues in town and Monday the issue was dogs, specifically a lack of an animal control program.

BHC Predator board sets budget, expects shortfall
By BRENDA TENBOER
Members of the Big Horn County Predator Management Board met Feb. 22 in Greybull and finalized figures for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The budget will be submitted to the Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board, along with a grant request of $219,000.

Budget session nears end
By KARLA POMEROY
With more than 40 bills on General File Monday, Sen. Gerald Geis (R-Worland) said that some bills likely would die and not pass this session.
Monday was the deadline for bills to pass the Committee of the Whole (first reading) He said there would be no way the Senate could get through all 40 bills. “There’s none I would have a heartburn over (if they did not pass). The state will run just fine without them,” Geis said.

Recycling program moves forward
By KARLA POMEROY
Basin Citizens for Recycling got the go ahead from the Basin Town Council to proceed with raising funds to purchase a recycling trailer.

Senate report: Concealed weapon bill concerns chief

By KARLA POMEROY
“We’re on the downhill slide now,” Sen. Gerald Geis said Monday of the 2010 Legislative Budget Session.

Kania considers bid for mayor

Basin Planning and Zoning Chairman Amy Kania announced Monday that she is establishing an exploratory committee to discuss her potential bid for Basin mayor.