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  • Election results

    Nov 7, 2024

    The unofficial local results from the 2024 General Election appear on the front page of this paper. Unfortunately, due to printing deadlines, we are unable to include complete state or federal results. Our readers may not know it, but our paper is currently printed in Cody. Typically, our finished pages are requested to be uploaded by 5 p.m. on Tuesday evening so our paper can be processed and ready for printing beginning around 6 a.m. Wednesday mornings. To get our local results on our front page we held it to send later on Tuesday night, by...

  • Listen up and keep your hearing

    Nov 7, 2024

    by Andrew Ellsworth, MD Hearing loss affects millions of Americans. In fact, by age 75 over half of adults will have some form of hearing loss. Signs of hearing loss include having trouble hearing speech in noisy places, finding it hard to follow speech in groups, trouble hearing on the phone, listening makes you tired, or if you need to turn the volume up on the TV or radio while others complain it is too loud. To some, hearing loss may just be a minor inconvenience. If it is more severe, however, it can have a big impact on day to day...

  • Make your vote count

    Oct 31, 2024

    The 2024 General Election section is included in this paper and contains useful candidate information on those running for local, state and federal offices. Locally, we have some important races that will be decided when voting ends at 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 5. We have two qualified candidates running for a single seat on the Hot Springs County Commissioners Board. In a highly contested race, eight candidates are looking to fill four available seats on the Hot Springs County School District Board of Trustees. Three candidates are on the...

  • Concept of the First Amendment

    Oct 31, 2024

    I am a native Wyomingite who grew up in Lusk, attending grade school and acquiring my family values in the 1960s. Like many (if not most) Wyoming children of my generation, my family took me on family trips to Thermopolis where I was deeply impacted by the hot springs, the buffalo herd, the Swinging Bridge, Roundtop, and the utterly unique landscape of this particular place (not to mention the journey here through the Wind River Canyon or over the Bighorns from Buffalo). I went out into the World, again, like many Wyominites of my generation....

  • The Spectral Parade

    Poet of Kirby Creek|Oct 31, 2024

    The Spectral Parade Noon, October 26, the Saturday before Halloween… ~ Eight there were in staggered line. The view unfettered by brush or by pine. With laughter and song wither they go. Their final destination, nobody knows. ~ Great bags they all carried. Parcels for travel. The mysteries therein none could unravel. A grandparent, there was. And Father and Mother. with children all ages right down to a toddler. ~ They frolicked and waved. Children gamboled about. As they marched down the road they filled me with doubt. Where did they come f...

  • Community members can do better

    Oct 24, 2024

    Visitors often say one of the best things about our community is the welcoming, friendly people they find here around town and at our local businesses. One person recently said about Thermopolis, “The townspeople (Thermopolites?) are nice, helpful, friendly and simply great people.” That is a wonderful compliment for the residents of our little town. Recently though, our community members have been struggling to be civil and decent to one another. They may still be being nice and friendly to visitors, but to their own neighbors there has bee...

  • What you project you receive

    Oct 24, 2024

    by Bryan Golden Do you know anyone who always seems to have bad luck? Nothing ever goes right for them. Conversely, have you observed people who always wind up OK despite what befalls them? What differentiates these two types of people? Their attitude, thoughts and actions are as different as day and night. You are a magnet. Your attitude, thoughts and actions determine what you attract. Like attracts like. If you are negative, rude and inconsiderate, this is what you will attract. If you are positive, upbeat, courteous, caring and considerate,...

  • Response to board request for police protection

    Oct 24, 2024

    In August, I, as Chair of the Hot Springs County chapter of Moms for Liberty, approached the Hot Springs County School District with an offer to provide copies of the U.S. Constitution for distribution to our eighth graders on Constitution Day, September 17th. The pocket Constitutions are provided gratis by the 917 Society, a non-profit educational organization. The offer was turned down, for reasons that varied over time, such as: The booklets contain a QR code. It does. And the problem is? The booklets contain an oath. Guilty as charged....

  • Community survey

    Oct 17, 2024

    Residents of Hot Springs County have a chance to fill out a community survey to help guide officials in prioritizing things important to citizens of HSC and Thermopolis as a community-wide strategic plan is created. The results will be shared with the public in a future edition of the Independent Record and online. The surveys were included in the October 3 issue of the IR. You can also pick up a copy at our office 431 Broadway, during normal business hours. Additionally, you can get a copy of the survey at the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber...

  • Working smoke detectors help save lives

    Oct 10, 2024

    October 6-12 is National Fire Prevention Week and is also recognized by the Governor of the State of Wyoming. One of the most important things you can have in your home is properly working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in the event of a house fire, giving families the crucial time to escape safely. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area, as well as on each floor of your home, including the attic. It is a good idea to test your smoke alarms regularly by pressing the test...

  • Winners of HSSP Plein Air art event announced

    Oct 10, 2024

    The Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks recently held the Plein Air in the Parks event held on Sept. 11-15 at Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock Historical Site. This annual art competition pairs talented artists with beautiful locations, and offers cash prizes to top participants. Award winners are: 1st Place ($1,000): “Legend Rock Elk” - Brenda Trippel (Worland) 2nd Place ($500): “Beautiful Wyoming - Thermopolis” - Georgia Roswell (Cheyenne) 3rd Place ($250): “The Water’s Edge” - Autumn Hnilicka (Thermopolis) People’s Choi...

  • Candidate forum Thursday

    Oct 3, 2024

    If you missed the Monday school board candidate forum, there were several interesting questions asked and answered. We will be running the information from that event in next week’s issue. On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meet the candidates forum starting at 6 p.m. at the Thermopolis Middle School. All candidates registered to run in the general election have been invited. This is another opportunity for voters to hear from the candidates and visit with them following the question/answer p...

  • Help restore Memorial Avenue of Flags

    Oct 3, 2024

    As many of you know, our beloved Memorial Avenue of Flags, a cherished tribute to those who have served our country, suffered significant damage during the recent windstorm on Flag Day. The flags and poles, which stand as symbols of honor and remembrance, were torn and displaced, leaving our community’s heart a little less bright. The Memorial Avenue of Flags has always been a place for reflection, gratitude, and pride. It is not only a tribute to our veterans but also a gathering point for commemorative events that bring us together as a c...

  • Transfer station questions answered

    Sep 26, 2024

    This week’s story “Talking trash with Mayor Estenson” begins on the front page and jumps to page 7. It is long, but it is informative. The recent decision by the Town of Thermopolis to purchase land for an alternative location for the garbage transfer station has sparked a community debate. We hope all those interested in the subject will read the article this week and share it with a friend. Many of the questions being passed around the community are addressed in the article. The Town of Thermopolis will also hold a meeting on Tuesday, Octob...

  • With great freedom comes great responsibility

    Sep 26, 2024

    As the mayor of the Town of Thermopolis, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the power of community and the important role each citizen plays in shaping our local government. One of the most important aspects of our Constitutional Republic is the First Amendment, which guarantees us the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition our government. These freedoms form the bedrock of our nation, and while we are grateful for them, we must also recognize the responsibilities they place on each of us as individuals....

  • Live peacefully with all

    Sep 26, 2024

    As we approach another election we must realize that this election, more than any other, there will be no winners, regardless of who is elected. You don’t have to be religious to agree with Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” I regret I have not always lived with this verse in mind. Chuck Cooper...

  • Truth be told

    Sep 26, 2024

    “The truth will set you free.” We’ve all heard this iconic sentence, but what does it mean, really? More importantly, what exactly is the truth? That depends on whom you are asking. Because I’ve come to believe that each of us has our own truth. What is my truth, with a capital T, may not be yours, in fact it probably isn’t. I know it isn’t. To complicate matters, your truth today may differ from your truth tomorrow, as will mine because we are ever-changing, ever-evolving beings. It’s a wonder we ever come to a consensus on anything - ev...

  • Take time for self care

    Sep 19, 2024

    by Megan Barton, Cody Enterprise It seems all too often that we become caught up in the mundane tasks of daily life and find ourselves in a rut. Sure, we’re busy with work, school, chores, kids, etc., but forgetting about ourselves can prove to be the easiest form of self sabotage. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about a routine during the week to keep myself from piling all the “boring” tasks onto the weekend. But, I do find it to be important to take time for myself and activities I enjoy. According to mhanational.org, forms of self-care...

  • No pride of place here

    Sep 19, 2024

    I recently read the article in the Travel and Tourism section of the paper where Jim Matthewson told the story of a man who was visiting our town to consider locating his business here. He was impressed with the Hot Springs State Park and the downtown area. Jim saw this man the next day and he informed Jim he would not be locating his business here after seeing some of the neighborhoods. He cited the reasons being “there is no pride of place here.” This mad told Jim it appeared the town had no compliance officer to protect the property values....

  • Walking for David... A sister's story

    Sep 19, 2024

    by Kelly Strampe, HSC Prevention Coalition Member Warning: This article does mention suicide. It is a personal story that emphasizes hope and healing; and seeks to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health and suicide. This Sunday, September 22 at 5 p.m. will be the 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk in Thermopolis. This is a free and family event. It will be held at the Kiwanis Washakie Shelter in Hot Springs State Park. Come together as a community and enjoy food, music, and c...

  • What a Monday!

    Sep 12, 2024

    Hot Springs County residents experienced a trifecta of events on Monday that have left many stunned and in shock. A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds blasting through town that caused a major amount of damage to various vehicle and buildings. As the wind was subsiding, a lightning strike heard around the community started a wildfire southeast of Thermopolis called the West Warm Springs Fire. By far the most tragic of the events was an officer/deputy involved shooting that resulted on the death of a local man. Officials are releasing...

  • We appreciate our fire department

    Sep 12, 2024

    We have the best Fire Department around! Saturday we were bringing a stack of straw from Worland and at the Kirby area, the straw got hot and caught fire. A good samaritan from Worland called the fire department. The Sheriff’s Department and a Highway Patrolman stopped the traffic. It only took minutes to burn the truck, trailer and straw. They kept working until the fire was clear out. A neighbor even brought a tractor over to help. We want to thank all of you who helped and helped save the countryside from burning more than it did. My wife a...

  • National Suicide Prevention month

    Sep 12, 2024

    by Jennifer Cheney, HSC Community Prevention Specialist September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time for us to come together, raise awareness, and demonstrate that no one has to face their struggles alone. Let us use this month as an opportunity to engage in open conversations about mental health, to offer our support to those in need, and to work towards preventing suicides in our community. During this month, and throughout the year, we can create hope in our families and in our community by educating ourselves about...

  • Backpacks and back to school

    Sep 12, 2024

    by Jill Kruse, DO School is back in session so it is time for a little pop quiz. What is an item that almost every student carries? If you said backpack you are off to a great start. Do you know what it takes to be at the head of the class? Let’s find out if you are a star student or need to brush up a little on your backpack knowledge. Most students carry a backpack filled with their books at some point during their school day. Did you know a heavy back pack can cause neck, shoulder, or back pain. Those narrow straps can also compress on nerve...

  • Fire prevention

    Sep 5, 2024

    Many parts of Wyoming are on fire, but, so far, Hot Springs County is not. We hope to keep it that way and ask for your help in doing so. We can all do our part to avoid being responsible for starting a wildfire. However, lightning can still be an unexpected culprit. Wildfire season is nearly over, and officials are gradually getting a handle on some of the fires around the state while others continue to rage. As numbers begin rolling in, the damages caused are astronomical. In HSC, we are still under a stage 1 county fire ban. An explanation...

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