Week of November 21, 2024
Week of November 21, 2024
A new rule from the Environmental Protection Agency will require water systems to replace lead and galvanized water service lines within the next 10 years. Installing new lead pipes has been banned since 1986, but the EPA states that homes and businesses are still served by lead service lines installed before the ban was instituted. Town of Thermopolis Mayor, Adam R. Estenson, recently issued a letter regarding the EPA ruling. The letter and a “Notice of Unknown Service Line Material...
Newly elected Senior Citizens Service Directors Curtis Cheney, Kimberly Joy Black, Marvin Nielsen, Ray Shaffer and Kathy Sorensen were recently sworn in. Pursuant to Wyoming Statutes, the five members will draw lots to determine the three directors to serve the initial 2 year terms and the two that will serve 4 year...
At the November 14 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, during old business, CEO Meri Ann Dorman and the board discussed their Demolition Derby event. Part of the discussion included concerns about the drop in attendance and drivers’ participation, as well as the idea of changing the rules. The board decided to continue the discussion in a subcommittee. Dorman and the board discussed the October 24 Moonlight Madness event. Dorman said it “went well” and there were...
Four members from the Thermopolis Middle School Big Spring FFA chapter traveled to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention at the end of October. Mac McCumber was named a finalist this year in the Animal Systems Division 1 Agriscience research contest. The National FFA Agriscience Fair is a key competition that is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. To qualify, FFA members working as individuals or teams in grades 7-12 are required to conduct...
The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Thermopolis will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. Middle...
Hot Springs County 4-H members were honored at Achievement Night last Saturday. Awards include: Gold members: Rylee Agar, Taylor Agar, Tylee Agar, Ann Allen, Abel Cordingly, Maggie Culbreath, Seth Dickey, Silas Dickey, Casen Eckley, Tymber Eckley, Wyatt Johnson, Amelia Johnson, Cason Johnson, Nate King, Gage McCumber, Mac McCumber, Dawson McLean, Daxton McLean, Hayden Overfield, Bridger Peil, Hoyt Peil, Kinley Postma, Blakeley Postma, Stasha Whitt, Sawyer Wilson Silver members: Remi Adams,...
The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2024 Merry Christmas Market. To enter, you must shop at participating local businesses designated on the Merry Christmas Market list located at www.thermopolischamber.org. Bring your receipt with your name and phone number written on it to the Chamber of Commerce, 220 Park Street or upload a copy of your receipt to info@thermopolischamber.org. The dates and purchase must be clearly legible. Receipts must be from participating...
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers Man arrested for sixth DUI one month into probation for fifth DUI could get up to 7 years GILLETTE (WNE) — A man who pleaded guilty to his sixth DUI offense could face six to seven years in prison. Jude Armijo, 32, reached a plea deal where he’ll plead guilty to felony DUI, and the state will recommend a six-to seven-year prison sentence to run concurrent to a five-year sentence for violating his probation. At the time of his sixth DUI, Armijo was just one month into a five-year probation that he’d...
Bids for the acquisition of 15 animals from the state bison herd are invited at the Hot Springs State Park office in Thermopolis until 4 p.m. on December 17. The available bison include five 2024 heifer calves, nine 2024 bull calves, and one 2023 yearling bull. All the animals have received proper vaccinations. The minimum bids are as follows: $900 for 2024 heifer calves, $1,050 for 2024 bull calves, and $1,250 for the yearling bull. Bidders can submit offers for any or all of these bison. The highest bidder for each animal, meeting the...
For the second consecutive week, the Hot Springs County High School Speech and Debate Team took first place in a 1A/2A Sweepstakes. This week’s victory came at the Lovell/Rocky Speech and Debate Novice Tournament held at Lovell High School on November 16. The Bobcats, coached by Lyle Wiley, Alyssa Brown, Riley Jeffs, and Markie Whitney, brought five competing novice students. Freshman Clayton Keller earned tournament champion in two events: Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking. Keller went 3-0 in his debates for the second...
At the October Hot Springs Health board meeting held in the conference room, CEO Scott Alwin introduced Dr. Philip Gard, a new full-time physician, and Dr. Elizabeth McKenzie, a second-year resident. Also, Marnie O’Donnell was recognized for recently earning her Nurse ID certification, and an inspiring story was shared about a positive family experience in the emergency department despite the patient’s passing. Additionally, it was acknowledged that Ron Jurovich, who provided many years of legal and financial support to the hospital,...
Hot Springs Health (HSH) is proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on November 21, 2024. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize NRHD. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural...
Mayne fundraiser A cookie jar auction fundraiser to benefit Leoria Mayne will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Hot Springs County Fair Building. Leoria, Hayden Mayne’s grandmother, is battling cancer and is dealing with medical costs and not being able to work. All proceeds from the auction will go to Leoria to help with her expenses. A pulled pork dinner will be served, by donation. For more information, to donated a cookie jar or make a monitary donation contact Lily Hayes at 921-9106, Karen Sinclair at 921-1788...
People for People and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will be preparing a Thanksgiving meal on November 28. If you would like to receive a meal, or plan on eating in with them, please let them know as soon as possible. Call Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at (307) 864-3629, or Judy Carswell at 307-921-8264. If you would like to volunteer to help or bring food, please call Judy Carswell. Sign up sheets are located at Hot Springs County Public Health, Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce, The Help Center, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and Hot...
Last Thursday, the Thermopolis Middle School wrestling team hosted a quad with Lander, Riverton and Worland. Thermopolis dualed Lander first posting a record of 21 wins and 11 loses. Their final dual was against Riverton, winning 16 out of 22 matches. Coach Toby Emery said "The team has been wrestling extremely well this season, and they did not disappoint wrestling in front of their home crowd. The team continues to impress me week in and week out; I could not be more proud of their...
The Lady Cats volleyball team delivered an outstanding effort this season, finishing third in the Class 2A Northwest Quad - with an overall record of 15 and 18, and an in-conference record of 3 and 3. The team finished just one game back in the quad, behind Greybull and Rocky Mountain, who were tied for first place. After their very successful season, the Lady Cats received some significant honors this past week. With their second place finish at the regional tournament in Lander, four team members were recognized as Class 2A All-Conference...
Above, Shelley Deromedi shares memories of items she donated to the silent auction to benefit the People for People Backpack program held at the Thermopolis Middle School last Saturday. Shelley shared the little doll bed with her sisters Trish and Marty in the 50s. The doll was made for her late daughter, Jenny, for her first Christmas in 1975. The suitcase was given to Shelley when she was about 10 years old by her grandmother Eva Wantulok and it contained doll clothing made by Shelley. Top...
Jerimie Kraushaar serves Kyson Dorman, 8, a tasty breakfast sponsored by the Hot Springs County Sheriff's Office. The Hot Springs County Senior Center was packed for the event Saturday morning. Donations were donated to the FFA Alumni to help with...
Last Saturday, marked the first River Cleanup Project hosted by Thermopolis Trout Unlimited along the Wind River in the canyon. Despite the chilly temperatures and light snow at the start, 18 volunteers gathered at the Wedding of the Waters to begin their important work. The group broke up into teams to pick up the litter at the 12 pull-offs located between Wedding of the Waters and the tunnels. In just over two and a half hours the teams collected over 45...
The Bah Gue Wana Shrine Club has announced the winners of their first Moonlight Madness coloring contest. Left to right, Adellynn Page 1st, Raegan Shaffer 2nd, Brooklyn Hunter 3rd and Apollo Jenks 4th show off their artwork with Shriners Dave Voorhees, Josh Rathbun and John Brooks. Rathbun designed the art for the coloring contest. The Shriners want to thank the 21 participants for making the event a success. The group plans to make the contest an annual...
If you would like to know where the officer involved shooting of a man with mental illness stands, as I do, you should contact the attorney at the Fremont County Attorney’s Office. I understand they’re going to review the DCI case. I personally would like to know why the officers involved didn’t take more time and get more backup? Why so many shots were fired and where they all hit? What was done to de-escalate the situation? Will there be a public hearing of any kind held? If you have questions you would like answered, please contact...
The local Community Survey results are in and a public meeting was held on Tuesday evening to discuss the results, form committees and plan for next steps. We had the survey in our Oct. 3 edition as an insert, it was circulated to area business and on social media. Shurie Scheel is leading the way for the planning committee who put out the survey. If you did not get a chance to fill out the survey or attend Tuesday’s meeting, we are sure you can still participate in some way. The group has announced they will need several volunteers to...
by Debra Johnston, M.D. Lately my teenager has been fascinated by medical dramas. Although my “doctor self” is usually rolling my eyes throughout the program, it’s often a good conversation starter. One recent show featured a pregnant woman who experienced one medical crisis after another. Her kidneys, liver, and lungs failed in succession as the team raced to identify the underlying obstetrical problem and find a treatment. At the climax of the episode, her heart stopped. Of course, being television, the correct diagnosis was made, the...
by Bryan Golden We all grow up being indoctrinated with rules that limit us. The purveyors of this information are not malicious. They are simply passing along what they themselves have been taught. You are probably aware of one or more of the following rules. Decide for yourself if you have been limited by any of them. Don’t rock the boat -- This rule encourages conformity. Conformity offers a protection from criticism. But those who succeed don’t care about criticism. They become adept at new or better ways of doing things in spite of...
David Michael Vaughan passed away on November 10, 2024, in Thermopolis, Wyo. Mike was born on July 7, 1948, in Hood River, Ore., to Harold R. Vaughan and Vada B. Vaughan. Mike graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Outdoor Recreation/Science Education. He taught in Medford, Ore., for eight years. Thereafter, he worked for Pacific Power and Light in various states from 1978 to 2001. In 2002 Mike earned his Coast Guard License from Maritime College in Astoria, Ore. Mike moved to...
On the Record policy It is the Thermopolis Independent Record’s policy that all people arrested or cited under the “Accidents,” “Sheriff’s office” or “Police department” in the On the Record section are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We print the names of all people upon their initial arrest. Sheriff’s Office Monday, Nov. 11 2:32 p.m. Deputies received an accidental 911 call from the Skelton Road area. All was found to be well. 2:48 p.m. Agency assist for the police department. 8:33 p.m. Agency...
