The new Cody library is moving towards a completion date of October 4. Check out some shots of the work in progress.
Runtime: 1:15
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Video: A Gathering of Grizzlies
An art festival/library fundraiser, called "A Gathering of Grizzlies," kicked off on June 21. Folks checked out the painted, fiberglass bears at an artists' reception before the animals headed off to their summer locations in Powell and Cody.
You can see pictures of all 25 grizzlies here, or check out the progress on the new library here.
Runtime: 3:00
You can see pictures of all 25 grizzlies here, or check out the progress on the new library here.
Runtime: 3:00
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Blast from the past
I hauled supplies to fire camps in Sunlight Basin and the Big Horns in 1988 and occasionally trucked stuff to Yellowstone. It was exciting, especially at night when the smoke was so thick I could barely see beyond the truck’s hood or when I stopped to watch a tree burst into flames.
I also remember all the cool people I met working out of the fire cache in Cody, both local and from across the country.
My first real taste of fire came when I witnessed the devastation at Old Faithful in Yellowstone — acre upon acre of burnt snags standing in charred ground like skinny tombstones placating the savage beast of fire. I was miffed. How could they let beautiful Yellowstone burn to the ground?
A change of heart came the very next summer when I was foot loose and fancy free working in the park. I was hiking a trail above Old Faithful and watched a humongous bull elk lumbering through the snags after feasting on the thick grass growing among the tottering snags. Yellowstone was rebounding right before my very eyes.
I always loved nature, but that was a pivotal point in my fascination with Yellowstone and the miles of park hiking to come in the next few years.
After living there for several years, Yellowstone holds fond memories. Hypothermia on Specimen Ridge, dehydration on windy Electric Peak and watching my first grizzly munch dandelions in a meadow. I hiked my butt off, visited beautiful places and met some swell people. Yellowstone is indeed a wondrous place.
With the anniversary of fires, I will strive in the next couple of months to recount the efforts of fire fighting 20 years ago and search out some locals that were there both in the park and the surrounding national forests.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The grizzlies, gathered
The "Gathering of the Grizzlies" is an art festival/fundraiser for the teen sections of Park County's libraries. 27 artists painted 25 fiberglass grizzly bears which will be displayed in Powell and Cody this summer. Those bears are pictured in the above slideshow.
They'll be auctioned off on October 4 - the grand opening of the new Cody library.
Check out video of the event here and some library construction work a little later.
Midwest sings the blues of muddy waters
Powell may be high and dry, still. Even after all of that rain we got in the end of May. Unfortunately, the rain clouds that passed over our little part of the world followed the jet stream to the Midwest.
They let loose.
Anyone watching, listening to, or reading national news knows that the rain waters led to a devastating flood. Some media outlets called it the “Katrina of the Midwest.” If the floods are going to impact this area it means higher gas and corn prices. Not much to fret about, until we count the number of people in Wyoming, and even Powell, that come from Iowa and other Midwestern states and still have family there.
Family and friends are my connection.
I recently graduated from The University of Iowa. Most of my extended family lives along the Des Moines River. My half-sister has to replace the hard wood floors in the ballrooms at her dance studio. My former roommate, still attending the UI, has nothing to do with her time now. She can’t attend class or work at Walgreen’s (You may have seen photos of the Walgreen’s store in Coralville that was almost under water, that’s the one, bottom right). Before the water level fell her free-time was spent sand bagging around Iowa City. After a few days of volunteering she tried to head home to Illinois but had to turn back because I-80 was closed, rather under water.
Though the flood waters are receding, but the problems aren't over yet. Residents and business owners are just getting back to their property. Some have to wear hip waders to reach their front doors, while the lucky ones are trudging around in muddy sneakers and rubber boots.
Now is the time to see what’s left of personal belongings, if buildings can be salvaged or, if foundations have been ravaged,
how long it will take to build a new house or move on. People hoping to save their homes are going through some rigorous summer cleaning—taking wheelbarrow load after load of mud, sediment, drowned earthworms and whatever else the floods might have left in their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
Just because the waters are going down, doesn’t mean that as we, outsiders, we can just turn away.
It’s not over.
There are several relief organizations still looking for help.
Photos contributed by Lizzy Christian of The University of Iowa campus during the flood June 12 and 13.
They let loose.
Anyone watching, listening to, or reading national news knows that the rain waters led to a devastating flood. Some media outlets called it the “Katrina of the Midwest.” If the floods are going to impact this area it means higher gas and corn prices. Not much to fret about, until we count the number of people in Wyoming, and even Powell, that come from Iowa and other Midwestern states and still have family there.
Family and friends are my connection.
I recently graduated from The University of Iowa. Most of my extended family lives along the Des Moines River. My half-sister has to replace the hard wood floors in the ballrooms at her dance studio. My former roommate, still attending the UI, has nothing to do with her time now. She can’t attend class or work at Walgreen’s (You may have seen photos of the Walgreen’s store in Coralville that was almost under water, that’s the one, bottom right). Before the water level fell her free-time was spent sand bagging around Iowa City. After a few days of volunteering she tried to head home to Illinois but had to turn back because I-80 was closed, rather under water.Though the flood waters are receding, but the problems aren't over yet. Residents and business owners are just getting back to their property. Some have to wear hip waders to reach their front doors, while the lucky ones are trudging around in muddy sneakers and rubber boots.
Now is the time to see what’s left of personal belongings, if buildings can be salvaged or, if foundations have been ravaged,
how long it will take to build a new house or move on. People hoping to save their homes are going through some rigorous summer cleaning—taking wheelbarrow load after load of mud, sediment, drowned earthworms and whatever else the floods might have left in their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.Just because the waters are going down, doesn’t mean that as we, outsiders, we can just turn away.
It’s not over.
There are several relief organizations still looking for help.
Photos contributed by Lizzy Christian of The University of Iowa campus during the flood June 12 and 13.
Video: Mule Days Rodeo
Jake Clark's Mule Days brought a rodeo to Ralston. Some footage of the event...
Friday, June 20, 2008
Adding to the noise, or sign of the times?
In yesterday's Tribune, Yancy, our managing editor, wrote a piece critical of non-constructive criticism. Specifically, she expressed frustration with the whiteboard writings of John Pung, owner of Anna's Cafe. You can read Yancy's piece here.
Fittingly, Mr. Pung replied on his board.
My photography skills are a little rough, so if you can't read the sign, here's the typed version:
I hope no one is giving up that easily.
Fittingly, Mr. Pung replied on his board.
My photography skills are a little rough, so if you can't read the sign, here's the typed version:"Negative is that votes don't count! Waste taxpayer money to please a few. And - what is your point??"Mr. Pung's other sign read, "You can't fix stupid."
I hope no one is giving up that easily.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The inexact science of environmental politics
The National Parks Conservation Association decried this month's decision on Sylvan Pass as the triumph of "politics over science."
Perhaps we should all be more concerned about math.
The NPCA believes the evidence says managing Sylvan for avalanches is dangerous and not worth it. They argue the pass should be closed each winter.
They may be right, but I would submit that some of the evidence is - scientifically speaking - a little fuzzy.
In comments made to the National Park Service in June 2007 (available here), the group wrote that closing Sylvan for a few blustery months wouldn't hurt Park County's bottom line.
The NPCA wrote (on the bottom of page 3):
In a 2007 study, University of Wyoming professor David Taylor took a slightly different approach and arrived at a totally different conclusion.
Taylor took the tax data from 2001-2006 for December-March, and adjusted them for inflation. He found that the county's tax revenue actually dropped 5 percent.
The NPCA also wrote that there just aren't enough people using Sylvan Pass in the winter to justify the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent. They said (on the middle of page 3):
According to NPS stats (available by going to winter reports here), 543 folks passed through the pass in 2006-07. Divide that number by a 90 day season, and you've got an average of about 6 visitors per day.
That's still not a whole lot, but it puts NPCA's numbers off by 200%. And that is a whole lot.
Of course, in recent days, the Park Service itself has had a hard time pinning down visitor numbers.
At an informational session for the Sylvan Pass study group (the group charged with figuring out what to do with the pass), an NPS presentation said there were 463 visitors this winter. The NPS stat site says 550. When I called to confirm which number was right, I was told that the correct number was 571.
Go figure.
Political influences and biases are usually pretty easy to figure out.
The math? Not so much - the odds are outstanding that I've messed up some numbers here.
Photo credits: NPS photo of Northeast Entrance by Jim Peaco, 2006; NPS photo of Avalanche Peak by Harlan Kredit, 1973.
Perhaps we should all be more concerned about math.
The NPCA believes the evidence says managing Sylvan for avalanches is dangerous and not worth it. They argue the pass should be closed each winter.They may be right, but I would submit that some of the evidence is - scientifically speaking - a little fuzzy.
In comments made to the National Park Service in June 2007 (available here), the group wrote that closing Sylvan for a few blustery months wouldn't hurt Park County's bottom line.
The NPCA wrote (on the bottom of page 3):
"According to Wyoming Department of Revenue statistics, county hotel and motel tax collections saw a 40.7 percent increase from 2002-2006 for January-March. These significant economic benefits have been incurred despite a drop in winter visitation through the east entrance."But not so fast.
In a 2007 study, University of Wyoming professor David Taylor took a slightly different approach and arrived at a totally different conclusion.
Taylor took the tax data from 2001-2006 for December-March, and adjusted them for inflation. He found that the county's tax revenue actually dropped 5 percent.
The NPCA also wrote that there just aren't enough people using Sylvan Pass in the winter to justify the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent. They said (on the middle of page 3):
"The east entrance is open just 90 days in the winter and visitation has averaged a scant 13 people per day for the past three years. Last season, that number shrank to around 3 entries per day."No doubt, 13 folks a day is kinda low, and 3 entries a day is downright crummy. But a quick math check throws some doubt on the number-crunching.
According to NPS stats (available by going to winter reports here), 543 folks passed through the pass in 2006-07. Divide that number by a 90 day season, and you've got an average of about 6 visitors per day.That's still not a whole lot, but it puts NPCA's numbers off by 200%. And that is a whole lot.
Of course, in recent days, the Park Service itself has had a hard time pinning down visitor numbers.
At an informational session for the Sylvan Pass study group (the group charged with figuring out what to do with the pass), an NPS presentation said there were 463 visitors this winter. The NPS stat site says 550. When I called to confirm which number was right, I was told that the correct number was 571.
Go figure.
Political influences and biases are usually pretty easy to figure out.
The math? Not so much - the odds are outstanding that I've messed up some numbers here.
Photo credits: NPS photo of Northeast Entrance by Jim Peaco, 2006; NPS photo of Avalanche Peak by Harlan Kredit, 1973.
Video: Fishing Day at Homesteader Park
Scores of youngsters showed up at Homesteader Park on June 7 to celebrate Wyoming's 'Free Fishing Day.'
Gib was there with a video camera.
Gib was there with a video camera.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wild horse roundup
Two-hundred will be rounded up, but only 70 to 100 shipped out for adoption or relocation. These stallions were looking mighty photogenic on Saturday afternoon when I dropped by for a pic.
Public comments are due by July 3. So interested parties better roundup their pens and stamps. Comments can also be e-mailed to cody_wymail@blm.gov.
The Billings field office of the BLM is proposing a slight population increase in the Pryor Mountain wild horse herd and and more water holes for the animals. Their proposal is to increase the herd to 120 animals.
Public comments must be sent by July 11 to the Billings BLM Field Office, at 5001 Southgate Dr., Billings, Mont., 59101. Electronic comments can be sent to MT_WildHorse@blm.gov. Written, hand-delivered or oral comments can be brought to Jared Bybee at the Billings BLM office.
Check out the story in Thursday's paper.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
And now, a bit about us...
Some brief bios of the Tribune staffers who contribute to this blog, written in their own words.
CJ Baker is a staff writer at the Tribune who generally covers county government and law enforcement. He enjoys fringe politics, Nintendo Wii, and purchasing new music; as a result, he actually owns music that he has never listened to. CJ is also the blog's de facto manager (Ed. note: and the guy who inserts random ed. notes), so if you have a blog-related question, email him.
Randal Horobik is the sports editor and self-appointed food critic at the Tribune. When not attending sporting events, he can be found wandering in Yellowstone, playing computer games or driving his wife crazy by watching yet more sporting events on television. Randal is a former national speaking finalist and twice competed in the World Debate Championships.
Tessa Schweigert is the Tribune managing editor and covers the Powell City Council. She also writes editorials and occasionally writes feature stories. Tessa lives in downtown Powell and enjoys her close proximity to the movie theater, post office and coffee shop. Snowstorms, music, European chocolate and traveling are among her favorite things. She assigns stories, so if you have news tips, send her an e-mail at tessa@powelltribune.com.
Gib Mathers is a staff writer at the Trib who occasionally blogs a pic with some sort of inane narration. General assignment reporting would loosely define his job description, but most of the staff find Mathers beyond description. He enjoys outdoor type pieces and stories that lead him off the beaten path. Mathers likes to read, hike and puff on his pipe.
Kara Bacon is primarily a photographer and designer at the Tribune. Fun kid activities are her favorite because she has an active inner child. She will get her hands dirty and write a story every now and then; a good goat chase or Halloween party will get her writing. She is also the content manager for the main Web site. If you have a good bacon joke, she loves them.
Carla Wensky is the aquarium manager at the Tribune and also does design work and photography. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her horses and dogs and working on her farm (in Farm Town and in real life). Her favorite part of working at the Tribune as a photographer is getting to experience new things and doing things she normally wouldn't get to do, like daredevil plane rides. Carla has been employed here for eight years.
Ilene Olson is the news editor at the Powell Tribune. Besides editing news copy for the paper, she covers issues and events for Northwest College and Powell Valley Healthcare. You’re also likely to see her taking photos in and around town, documenting local events and telling people’s stories through pictures. Photography also is her favorite hobby. Ilene’s favorite activity is being with her husband and their family, which includes five children, their spouses and six — soon to be seven — grandchildren.
Don Amend retired from the Greybull schools after 33 years teaching English and Government to become the world's oldest cub reporter with the Basin Republican-Rustler. In 2002 he found his wife a good job (with health insurance) and moved to Powell and began working for the Tribune in 2004, covering the Powell school system and anything else the editor assigns him. He enjoys discussing (arguing) about politics, history, literature, music of many kinds and watching high school sports.
CJ Baker is a staff writer at the Tribune who generally covers county government and law enforcement. He enjoys fringe politics, Nintendo Wii, and purchasing new music; as a result, he actually owns music that he has never listened to. CJ is also the blog's de facto manager (Ed. note: and the guy who inserts random ed. notes), so if you have a blog-related question, email him.
Randal Horobik is the sports editor and self-appointed food critic at the Tribune. When not attending sporting events, he can be found wandering in Yellowstone, playing computer games or driving his wife crazy by watching yet more sporting events on television. Randal is a former national speaking finalist and twice competed in the World Debate Championships.
Tessa Schweigert is the Tribune managing editor and covers the Powell City Council. She also writes editorials and occasionally writes feature stories. Tessa lives in downtown Powell and enjoys her close proximity to the movie theater, post office and coffee shop. Snowstorms, music, European chocolate and traveling are among her favorite things. She assigns stories, so if you have news tips, send her an e-mail at tessa@powelltribune.com.
Gib Mathers is a staff writer at the Trib who occasionally blogs a pic with some sort of inane narration. General assignment reporting would loosely define his job description, but most of the staff find Mathers beyond description. He enjoys outdoor type pieces and stories that lead him off the beaten path. Mathers likes to read, hike and puff on his pipe.
Kara Bacon is primarily a photographer and designer at the Tribune. Fun kid activities are her favorite because she has an active inner child. She will get her hands dirty and write a story every now and then; a good goat chase or Halloween party will get her writing. She is also the content manager for the main Web site. If you have a good bacon joke, she loves them.
Carla Wensky is the aquarium manager at the Tribune and also does design work and photography. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her horses and dogs and working on her farm (in Farm Town and in real life). Her favorite part of working at the Tribune as a photographer is getting to experience new things and doing things she normally wouldn't get to do, like daredevil plane rides. Carla has been employed here for eight years.
Ilene Olson is the news editor at the Powell Tribune. Besides editing news copy for the paper, she covers issues and events for Northwest College and Powell Valley Healthcare. You’re also likely to see her taking photos in and around town, documenting local events and telling people’s stories through pictures. Photography also is her favorite hobby. Ilene’s favorite activity is being with her husband and their family, which includes five children, their spouses and six — soon to be seven — grandchildren.
Don Amend retired from the Greybull schools after 33 years teaching English and Government to become the world's oldest cub reporter with the Basin Republican-Rustler. In 2002 he found his wife a good job (with health insurance) and moved to Powell and began working for the Tribune in 2004, covering the Powell school system and anything else the editor assigns him. He enjoys discussing (arguing) about politics, history, literature, music of many kinds and watching high school sports.
The Powell Tribune is blogging?!
We'll be honest: we're new to blogging and - for that matter - the online world in general. We think it's important we get better.
With this blog, here's what we're aiming for:
The Powell Tribune is first and foremost a print publication, but our ultimate goal is always to better serve our community. We believe that improving our web presence is one good way to do that.
If you have thoughts or questions about what we're doing, please feel free to leave a comment on this post, send us an email at web@powelltribune.com, give us a call at (307)754-2221, or drop in and say hi sometime.
We're excited about this blog stuff, and we hope you are too.
With this blog, here's what we're aiming for:
Basically, we want to use this blog to do things we can't do with the paper.Things we just couldn't fit. If we have four terrific photos (or stories) from the Park County Fair's rabbit show, it's unlikely we'll be able to get all of them in the paper. But online, space isn't an issue. So when we run out of room, this is where we'll put the extra stuff. Online exclusives. Things like audio, video, and interactive features don't print well, so we'll stick them here. This is also a place where we can include reminders for upcoming events, or post sports scores. We know a lot of things happen between the Tribune's publication dates. Things that are a little too silly. Journalists aren't serious all the time, but papers kind of need to be. If we need to recount a hilarious anecdote or point out that students in Park County School District #1 consume more pickles per capita than anywhere else, we'll probably do it here.
The Powell Tribune is first and foremost a print publication, but our ultimate goal is always to better serve our community. We believe that improving our web presence is one good way to do that.
If you have thoughts or questions about what we're doing, please feel free to leave a comment on this post, send us an email at web@powelltribune.com, give us a call at (307)754-2221, or drop in and say hi sometime.
We're excited about this blog stuff, and we hope you are too.
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