Daniel Powell

On February 28, Thermopolis Town Council held a special meeting for a public hearing on a request to “park” a liquor license, which is held by Big Spring Spa. The license cannot be extended at this time because Big Spring Spa is not in possession of a full-year lease for their space in Hot Springs State Park. Rather than surrender the license, or transfer it at this time, Big Spring Spa requested that the town approve its request to “park” the license at the property located at 309 Arapahoe Street. With the town council’s approval...

Daniel Powell

At their second regular monthly meeting in February, the Hot Springs County Commissioners heard reports from various departments, pertaining to on-going work of the county. FBO Airport Manager Nate Messenger reported that it had been a relatively slow month at the airport. There were 118 flight operations, with 574 gallons of aviation fuel, and 957 gallons of jet fuel sold. The necessary Class A Operation License has been renewed. Road & Bridge Director Shane Rankin, advised that the warm weather had allowed his department to continue with...

The annual Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber Banquet will be Saturday, March 14 at the Hot Springs County Fair Building featuring the theme of “Our Roots Run Deep.” The evening begins with a no-host social hour at 5:30 p.m., featuring refreshments served by 7 Lazy S Bar and live music by Keith O’Brien. Guests will then enjoy dinner prepared by Broadway Bakery and The Good Seed Company. Throughout the evening, the chamber will honor the outstanding individuals and businesses that make Thermopolis such a special place to live, work, play...

Daniel Powell

At the February meeting of the Travel & Tourism Board, they reviewed the status of their on-going projects, and discussed other future projects. The organization received the sum of $12,433.30 from the lodging tax for the month of January, 2026. That sum represents a decrease of 14%, over the same time period in 2025. For the calendar year 2025, receipts of lodging tax funds were down about 2% over the previous year. In on-going projects, bids are being solicited for the cost to produce, and to install, the signs for the wayfinding project....

From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers Cody mayor pleads guilty to drunk driving CODY (WNE) — Cody Mayor Lee Ann Reiter’s DUI case concluded Wednesday morning with a guilty plea. As part of her sentencing agreement, Reiter agreed to a six-month, unsupervised probation, during which she will not be allowed to consume alcohol or patronize businesses whose primary source of income is derived from the sale of alcohol. However, Reiter will be allowed to be at events serving alcohol in her official capacity as Mayor. In the event that she...

Community garden sign up Sign up day for community garden spots is set for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Hot Springs County Library. For more information, contact Becky at 864-3028. Historical Society meeting The monthly meeting of the Hot Springs County Historical Society will be on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. at The Learning Center, 124 North 5th St. A special showing of the short film Socks will be shown. The movie is a story of life, love and loss on a ranch in the Bighorn Basin. Republican Party Convention The Hot Springs...

Hunters are an essential piece of setting hunting seasons, and now is the time to get involved in the process. Those interested in shaping the 2026 hunting season are encouraged to attend a public meeting and submit comments. Attending a public meeting is also a great opportunity to talk with local biologists and wardens, learn about the wildlife in your backyard and ask questions. Information about local hunt areas will be presented at each meeting. The meeting in Thermopolis will be held on Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. at the Thermopolis...

Two years ago a man felt it was his right to run his snowmobileover a wolf, cause horrific injuries and suffering to another living being, tape shut the animal’s mouth, bring her into a bar, proudly display his behavior to everyone there, and after a long period of time--while this animal physically and psychologically felt the effects of these intentional actions--took the wolf outside and killed her. It needs to be recognized that the man felt pleasure while engaging in these ongoing behaviors. No society that supports--in any way--this...

by Jonathan Gallardo, editor, Gillette News Record It’s hard to believe that another legislative session is behind us. It hasn’t even been a month. It feels like it was just yesterday that a nice rich lady from Jackson tried to give money to lawmakers and the media made a big deal about it. Despite this slight hiccup, legislators were still able to get some work done. They came to an agreement on a budget and school finance recalibration. If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to get your concealed-carry license. The...

by Whitney Lucas Molitor, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L, BCG and Allison Naber, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L Living in rural communities offers unique opportunities to promote successful aging. Incorporating a purposeful lifestyle, developing social connections and engaging in daily physical activity is essential to achieving positive health outcomes and quality of life. Finding purpose includes exploring the activities you already engage in and being open to new possibilities. Engaging in motivating activities provides a framework for a purposeful life. The...

by Lily Hayes This series of Trailblazing is to share stories about those who pioneered in what is now Thermopolis, Hot Springs County, Wyoming. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this continuation of Marie Shafer Andreen Long Walker. Part one ran in last week’s IR. When they came back our plans fell by the wayside. They moved up Owl Creek, so we stayed on the Nielsen farm. In the spring of ‘21’ we went to work for Bob Kelly at the mouth of Owl Creek. Harriet was born there on May 18, 1921. The next spring early, Harry’s dad died. We...

“Rest easy sailor, we’ve got the watch” It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kenneth Edward Blackmon. Ken, 75, of Littlefield, Ariz., passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026. There will be a celebration of life service that will take place upon the completion of his final act of service to the University of Arizona. Born in Florence Colo., Ken grew up in Sublette County Wyoming, residing in Daniel with parents Dean and Georgia Blackmon as well as his sister Judy. He graduated from high school in Pinedale, Wyo., in...

On the Record policy It is the Thermopolis Independent Record’s policy that all people arrested or cited under the “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. Names of minors are not printed. Sheriff’s office Monday, March 2 3:23 p.m. Report of possible harassment in East Thermopolis. 4:11 p.m. Agency assist for emergency medical services. 7:24 p.m. Deputies investigated a possible...