Your source for news in Hot Springs County
Your source for news in Hot Springs County
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Mother Nature reared her ugly head and dropped seven-inches of white stuff across Hot Springs County last week, reminding us that the days of flip flops and sunscreen are surely over for a few months. With that in mind, are you prepared should a big storm hit? Everyone should have a few days supply of food and water in the house, things that don’t require cooking in case the electricity goes out. Oh, and that electric can opener probably won’t do you any good either, so an old fashioned one would be good to have in the junk drawer. Extra bla...
The 2016 general election proved to be a nail biter across the nation as states went from red to blue then back to red or vice versa in some cases. The race for President of the United States was so close in some states they could not be called even with over 95 percent of precincts reporting. Unlike Wyoming, which was called red just as polls were closing with zero percent of precincts reporting. Here in Hot Springs County we had our own important races to follow. An amazing 2,644 voters turned out for this election. There were record numbers...
The 2016 general election is just around the corner where a number of important local, state and national races will be decided on. There are also four important propositions on the ballot for Hot Springs County voters. This issue of the Independent Record, along with several previous issues, contains an abundant amount of information on local candidates and ballot propositions along with a some information on state candidates. The presidential race has taken over the national media as well as making for some interesting, even when not...
The Internet is not the latest, “greatest” thing to come along and threaten to upend the newspaper industry. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean was covered by Fox Movietone News. It sparked rumors and fears of the end of the newspaper industry. The advent of radio news and later, television broadcasts, led to the more rumors that newspapers were done as an industry. But ink and pulp have persevered. Not every newspaper from 100 years ago is still around, but many of the ones that are left are stalwarts of wh...
We all know, or at least believe, that following the election, here in Thermopolis we’ll still all be friendly and civil to each other. The world will go on spinning, and day-to-day activities will continue unabated. It’s not like the whole thing is going to come screeching to a halt depending on whether certain initiatives pass or fail, or who gets elected to the office. Life and livelihood will go on here, just as it will everywhere else. The livelihood of many — particularly those in the coal and oil industry — took a serious blow in rece...
The framers of our Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and expression to the citizens of the United States with the First Amendment, which reads, in part, “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech.” As I watch this year’s election process I sometimes need to remind myself of my First Amendment rights. That’s not to say I can say whatever I want, whenever I want, without regard to the thoughts of others, but I can express my opinion. There have honestly been times in the last few months where I’ve been afraid to express t...
As a newspaper, we are a source for news and events in the community, whether they be good or bad. Among the latter are certainly the number of court cases we report on, While many of these may seem to some like minor infractions and crimes, one thing that should never be ignored or given simply a passing glance are those cases involving violence in the home. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, though domestic violence is an issue to face year-roud. Between 2001 and 2012, the number of American troops killed in Afghanistan...
November 8 is just around the corner, a mere six weeks away, and I would venture to guess most people are looking forward to that day and the end of the political mayhem we’ve been living through for the past 18 months or so. From the local issues like the hospital district to the national stage we’ve grown pretty weary. At this point everyone knows who they’re going to vote for and what issues are most pressing for them. However, our job isn’t over yet. I am shocked at how many young people have a definite opinion about the presidential race a...
Though enacted in August of 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower, via a congressional resolution petitioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Constitution Week was not officially declared until 2002, by George W. Bush. Though not a federal holiday, the purpose of the week is to promote study and education of the Constitution. It officially kicks off annually on Sept. 17, in commemoration of the original adoption of the Constitution in 1787. We encourage people who have never given the Constitution a read to do so, and even those who know...
Sports are embedded in American schools all across the county from the smallest towns to the largest cities. In Thermopolis, like so many other places, fans, parents and athletes take youth sports pretty seriously. Parents invest countless hours driving their children to and from practice, washing uniforms and going to games. Often this starts in grade school and usually continues through middle school, high school and possibly into college. These young athletes themselves invest countless hours practicing and playing, all while working to...
Despite the colder temperatures, we must not forget to stay active this fall. It is always easy to find an excuse not to be active, especially in colder weather. Running or walking or hiking outside during colder weather is not as desirable as it was in the spring and summer. There are very few who want to wear layers and get outdoors. Many options are available to keep active during these upcoming colder months. Joining a gym, not only shields you from the harsh environments created by the cold, but it gives you a chance to get out of your...
Labor Day finds its roots in the late 19th century. As trade unions and labor movements were expanding, different groups chose several different days to celebrate labor, but it wasn’t until 1882 that Matthew Maguire first proposed a definitive Labor Day holiday, though another five years would pass before it was adopted across the country, and another seven years before it was an official holiday. Celebrated the first Monday in September, the holiday is traditionally marked with a long weekend from work. To those taking in the extra day off, a...
School is starting up again, and there is no better time to encourage your student to participate in extracurricular activities. The elementary school, middle school and high school all offer plenty of extracurricular activities to provide that little extra to enhance your student’s performance in all areas of life. Whether your student is interested in athletics, music, art or science, there is something for everyone. There are also many benefits when a student participates in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities raise s...
Over the past few weeks, there has been a bombardment with regard to election coverage. With the primaries over, we would like to extend our congratulations to those candidates who won their races, and to the people of Thermopolis, we appreciate you taking the time to make your voices heard. Now that the results have been tallied and those important first races run, it’s time to take a break from the political — at least until it gets a bit closer to November, anyway — and turn the focus to other local happenings, particularly with schoo...
Election season is in full swing and each citizen should get out, vote and let their voice be heard. We have done our best to provide citizens with ample information on all candidates running, but we still urge you to check out the ballots for this year’s election (printed in the Aug. 4 edition), research each candidate and choose the ones that you feel will best lead on both the local and state level. Most importantly, those not already registered to vote should go register. Those who never ‘got into politics’ or the newly eligible 18-year-old...
Among the points of interest in Thermopolis, there are an abundance of hiking trails, from the well known paths up Roundtop, T-Hill and Memorial Hill to the less prominent Owl Creek Hill and Star Trail. At the Thermopolis Independent Record, we help make sure people are aware of where these trails are, points of interest along the way and any special precautions they might need to take. This is done largely through our annual Visitor's Guide, though it also takes the community to make the publication possible and see the trails are put to good...
The First Amendment prohibits impediments against basic rights and freedoms including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to peaceably assemble and last, but certainly not least, freedom of the press. Freedom of the press means that newspapers, magazines and other printed materials have the right to publish without governmental restriction. It is only subject to the laws of libel (a written defamation of character), obscenity and sedition (speech or conduct inciting people to rebel against authority). First responders to an automo...
Summer vacation for students is winding down while the new school year is approaching. Parents are beginning to receive supply lists via mail for Thermopolis Middle School and Hot Springs County High School and Ralph Witters Elementary students’ supply lists can be found online at hotsprings1.org. While school doesn’t begin until Thursday, Aug. 25 and the supply lists may seem daunting at times, it is good for parents to have plenty of time to gather all of the necessary things to make this year a success for all students. I’m sure when paren...
As a newspaper, it is our responsibility to report the happenings around town. While that includes information from the latest meetings, upcoming events and results from local sporting events, it also means shining a light the other direction. When it comes to legal matters such as calls to the police department or sheriff’s office, happenings in the circuit and district courts, marriage licenses and divorces, the paperwork associated with these events is a matter of public record. Here at the Thermopolis Independent Record, we choose to p...
The Fourth of July and Swinging Bridge and Bison Centennial Celebration on Monday was an amazing group effort. The celebration would not have been possible without the help of many individuals. The Independent Record would like to thank everyone who helped to turn this year’s celebration into something magical and unforgettable for children and adults alike. For the Swinging Bridge and Bison Centennial Celebration, numerous groups, organizations and businesses helped to make it a fun evening for everyone. Hot Springs State Park, the Pioneer Ass...
The attacks Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and their respective (if not respectful) followers trow upon one another is enough to make a citizen fear for the Republic. But in reality, these barrages are nothing new. Time has a way of healing the wounds of personal destruction and so we are left believing that our founders were not only political geniuses but also politically genial. But that’s just not the way it was. Treacherous in private friendship and a hypocrite in public life were Thomas Paine’s assertions in a Letter to the Editor abo...
Journalism is about journalistic objectivity. Journalistic objectivity means that, as journalists, we must cover ever aspect of a story devoid of opinion. We must cover every side of that story, which means covering every differing opinion about the issue — regardless of how we personally may feel or what side we may be on. In essence, we take a step back from ourselves to present the facts as they are. We present the issue. We represent those that agree with the issue. We represent those that disagree with the issue. We even represent those w...
Among the big topics of discussion during the past several months has been the formation of a district for Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital and the Specific Purpose Sales and Use Excise Tax. While a hospital is important to the community, these two proposals — one that would provide funding for an addition to the hospital and renovation of existing space, the other that would provide funding for continued operation — have split the community in the past and today. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, which will determine whe...
Thermopolis seems to be filled with community-minded individuals, always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s helping someone back out of a parking space into the most heavily-trafficked street in town or helping to push someone’s car to Maverik when they run out of gas, there are always residents willing to go that extra mile for someone. Community organizations and their members also put the needs of others and the needs of the community front and center. They organize beautification projects and activities to enhance the social lif...
Monday meant a lot of different things to different people. For students, it was the first Monday without any classes. Others might have seen it as a day off work, a chance to roll out the barbecue or enjoy a day at the park. Many go about the day as simply an opportunity to sleep in or be a bit lazy, without another thought. Too often the sacrifices men and women have made in service to their country go unrecognized. Memorial Day, originally established in 1868, is not just a chance to enjoy a...
