Panther golf and tennis results

Just a heads up for anyone who doesn't know - you can follow PHS state golf and regional tennis results at the Wyoming High School Activities Association's website.

It can be a bit slow in updating, but golf results are available here, and tennis results are available here.

The girls tennis team won 3 of their 5 opening matches. The lady Panther's No. 2 doubles duo Kelli Lewis and Kelsey McKearney and No. 3 doubles team Lisa Schiermeister and Brittany Feller have both advanced to the championship match. On the guys side, the boys won 2 of their 5 opening matches. After a pair of wins, No. 2 singles player Chris Brinkerhoff will play for the regional title tomorrow.

The boys golf team sits in 12th place after day one at the Douglas Golf Course. They tee off at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
In the above picture (taken earlier this season at the Powell Golf Course), freshman Brady Schaefer tracks his putt as fellow frosh Brian Morse looks on. Both golfers are aiding the Panther cause in Douglas.

Read more about PHS's complete efforts this weekend in Tuesday's Tribune.

Thursday: Spies, Palin, and the price of gas

Previewing tomorrow's issue with some quotes that didn't make the paper.

“There are events that take place in the world that nobody knows about,” ex-CIA intelligence officer Pat Stuart. Stuart currently sits on the Park County Library Board. She's the one responsible for all those large, painted bears sitting around Park County. Read all of the United States' deep dark secrets and learn about literate poodles on tomorrow's Family page.

"Even my neighbors out here are really hitting me up," Park County Republicans Chairman David Northrup on the demand for McCain-Palin campaign swag. Read a bit about the local GOP's campaign efforts in the County section.

"If you're making less than $150,000 annually in Wyoming, you qualify as "low-income" and the government can help you pay your heating bill this winter. The catch is that you have to have, like, 15 kids," me, extrapolating the 2009 Low Income Energy Assistance Program's income guidelines (they're based on family size). In all seriousness, heating costs are expected to take a real, significant jump this year. Read how much and what help is available in tomorrow's paper - front and center.

How Ralston got its railroad markings

Toby (Bonner), the Trib's general manager and frequent photographer, snapped these a week or so back. They didn't make the paper, but I thought they were kinda cool.

A crew contracted by Park County installed this reflective 3M product to create the in-road railroad crossing markings you see out there today. I thought it was rather nifty that road markings are unpacked and dispensed from a roll.

Even if you disagree as to the process's novelty, at least you now know there was real effort involved in creating those extra "thump-thumpities" on the way into Ralston.

Tuesday Preview: Never over a barrel

Nicole Baggs, 31, Cody, and her McCullough Peaks’ mustang, Dallas, will compete in the National Barrel Horse Association's World Championships next month. Baggs loves her horse and loves barrel racing.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to quit,” she said.In Baggs’ eyes, it is a team effort, not her superb riding skills that delivered her and Dallas to the championships.

“It’s a huge accomplishment for us,” she said.

For tomorrow's paper (Sept. 23), I tried to write a story that would capture the reader’s interest and thus inspire folks to offer monetary assistance to this terrific team, but I was dissatisfied with my results (Ed. note: the rest of the Tribune likes it). Give me a break by helping this swell lady and her horse get to the World Championships in Georgia.

Baggs is trying to raise money for travel expenses. There is a pig raffle at five bucks a ticket or you could be a sponsor. Give her a call at 307-899-4254.

A sneak peek at Thursday's Tribune

A sampling of stories you'll find in tomorrow's Tribune, as told by the folks in them. This is kind of an experiment, so feedback is even more appreciated than usual. These are some leftover quotes that I liked, but they didn't make it into the stories.

“It would be called 'a valley,'” State representative Colin Simpson, describing a federal decision banning snowmobiles from Yellowstone as a “low” in the up and down legal battle for winter recreation in the Park. Despite that, Simpson said he wasn’t surprised by the ruling. Find out why tomorrow.

“The federal agencies aren’t thinking about the long-term environmental quality impacts,” Greater Yellowstone Coalition representative Hilary Eisen. Eisen, GYC, and other environmental groups oppose proposed drilling in the Shoshone National Forest. Specifically, they’re concerned with the company that wants to do it. Who? Pick up a paper.

“Regardless of the outcome, it was an opportunity to say, 'Here’s a choice for everybody,'” House District 25 write-in candidate Pat Slater on why he’s running. Read a profile of Slater’s candidacy on the county page.

And of course, there's much much more.

Much.

Bear jailed for momma bear's sins

The yearling grizzly bear could barely bear his captivity.

The young bear and his brother and sister were trapped by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the guys were trying to trap their mum last week and Monday. Mom was on the lam for killing cattle.Although the bear looks bummed in the picture, he was a bit intimidating, especially when he growled and lunged at the steel mesh window.

Yikes!

Still, my heart went out to the bear. Leaning towards tree-hugging, I want the best for my four-legged friends.

Anyway, the Game and Fish released the bears south of Cooke City Saturday and invited a couple of Powell Tribune types to tag along.

My colleague, Carla Wensky, who is mighty handy with a shutter, snapped this picture. I shot a few pics too, but they pale in comparison to Carla’s.

I did write a dandy story, albeit long. Check it out in tomorrow's (Tuesday’s) print edition.

It was scary, but moving, witnessing the bears take to the hills. It was a beautiful moment I will cherish forever.

Gunbarrel area closures lifted

Good news folks...

According to an update from the Shoshone Forest, effective Thursday (Sept. 11), the Shoshone National Forest has lifted the area closure for the Gunbarrel Fire.

The fire is 80 to 90 percent contained. Fire personnel continue to monitor the area daily and will increase their presence as warm, dry conditions return this weekend. Crews mopped up some hot spots in Jim Creek this week.

"We're not calling the fire out," said Clint Dawson, Shoshone north zone fire management officer, "there's still heat in some areas."

With the recent moisture — from one-quarter to one-half inch of rain in the last 24 hours — fire managers don't believe remaining hot spots will affect people's activities. However Dawson advised people to be especially aware in the Trout, Robbers Roost and Jim creek areas.

"Let us know if you see smoke,” said Dawson, “we'll be glad to hear about it."

Smoke should be reported to Cody Interagency Dispatch Center at 800-295-9954.

Resident takes time to say thanks

In the world of government, no news from constituents is sometimes the best news.

But on Tuesday, a Cody resident asked for an audience with Park County Commissioners not to complain or bring a beef, but to say 'Thank you.'

Bob Spears, who lives southeast of Cody on Sage Drive, had asked the county's Public Works department if they could do something about the approach from Sage onto County Road 3DX (Look at it on Google Maps).

A bit of an indented dip had developed on the lead-up to the intersection's stop sign. That slope, Spears said, made it a real bear to stop and then get started again - especially in the winter. It took backing down the hill and getting a rolling go of it to make it through, he said.

The County Public Works Department took a look, agreed it was unsafe, and leveled out the approach. That was despite the fact that it's technically a subdivision road (and thus not exactly at the top of the county's list). County Engineer Dave Kieper said the road is used on a school busing route, and that made it particularly important to get squared away.

Spears told commissioner that Public Works was "courteous, helpful, concerned" and "possibly saved a real tragedy" in fixing the problem.

The commissioners appreciated his appreciation.

"It's always good to hear good news," said Commissioner Jill Shockley Siggins.

If you're hoping for some county help on your road, keep in mind that you'll need that good reason for them to do so. And having a bus-full of precious youth relying on it for their education helps too.

"We love the little kids," Kieper said.

Nosing around the corral

Last week I was in Ralston checking out Jake Clark’s mules for a hunting story. I’ll tell you what. I got a real kick out of the mules. Fortunately, they didn’t get too big a kick out of yours’ truly.

There I was in a dusty corral feeling like a rootin’-tootin’ cowboy in shorts and sneakers.

Mules and horses circled me like a wagon in a 1950s western flick. Or maybe an old episode of “Hee Haw.” “Oh, yippee, yippee yo-yo,” I sang to the mules. The mules didn’t serenade me back while mugging for a photo. Perhaps they couldn’t carry a tune, were tongue-tied or simply preoccupied trying to put their best foot (hoof) forward when they spotted me sporting a camera.

This is no award winning pic, but it was fun shooting this guy when he tried to sniff the camera lens.

Getting back to nature is a great way to embrace our Wyoming heritage, even if it just entails getting a whiff of manure or rubbing shoulders with stock. As a friend of mine used to say, “It’s all good.”

Video: PHS Shooting Drill

Last month, emergency responders staged a drill in which shooters took over the new Powell High School. The scenario involved Powell police, EMS, fire department, school officials, and NWC resident assistants helped play the roles of students.

Gunbarrel chief aims at good eats for team

Reporter’s note: I wrote this story a couple weeks ago and it didn't fit in the paper. It’s not too bad a story and reflects the close bond felt within fire camps.

Like most of the folks on the Rocky Mountain Fire Use Management Team, Logistics Section Chief Loren Wickstrom takes taking care of fellow crew members as job one when it comes to hygienic bathrooms/showers and quality grub.
The food firefighters are served must meet federal standards, but, perhaps more importantly, must be palatable and nutritious. Meals must not only be good so the guys on the line can continue their strenuous exertions, but it must also be good to maintain morale.

Firefighters eat a lot.

“You’re looking at probably 4,000 calories a day,” Wickstrom said...

Wickstrom said that was a guess, offhand; he was not exactly sure what the federal standards were.

Most of the management personnel from the fire bosses to other managers have been there — sweating and cutting fire lines a stone’s throw from the flames.

“I think I make a good logs chief because I have been on the line,” Wickstrom said.

Wickstrom is personally committed to the crews’ health and spirit. If firefighters complain about the victuals, Wickstrom takes care of it.

Firefighters get served to dine in either a mess tent or have food delivered if they can’t tear themselves away from the business at hand — fighting fire.

MREs, or meals ready to eat designed for soldiers — consisting of dehydrated food sealed in plastic — can sustain a firefighter, and they often do.

“You can eat MREs,” said Wickstrom, “but after a while, they get old.”
After a couple of days, when firefighters are in isolated locations, Wickstrom will have hot cans flown in. Hot cans keep food hot for up to five hours. Or they can be packed with ice to keep milk cold.

“They appreciate it,” Wickstrom said.

Transported coffee may get cold, but Wickstrom will send in stoves so the guys on the line can warm the java. If a stove isn't available, Wickstrom said, in a pinch, they’ll drink it cold.

Though some might find it inappropriate, Wickstrom has also purchased — out of his own pocket — and sent cans of snuff to crews after they have been in the hills a week or so.

“‘You don’t know how you saved me by bringing Copenhagen in the hot cans,’” one firefighter told Wickstrom.

Sack lunches are ample. Two sandwiches with meat one-quarter inch thick, apples or oranges, a couple candy bars, and a fruit drink.

Sometimes they will include frozen burritos wrapped in foil. Around lunch time, firefighters can toss their foil-wrapped burrito in the fire to warm, Wickstrom said.

Special diets can be an issue, but Wickstrom caters to their needs as best he can. He asks what firefighters’ requirements are and purchases the necessary food items in town.

The Gunbarrel camp is a tent city laid out like a military bivouac. Trucks are lined in a row, tents where personnel sleep in another designated location. There is an information trailer, incident command, logistics, etc. Personnel are served in an open-air tent and chow down in another.Caterer Gary Fales enjoys serving Gunbarrel firefighters.

Fales runs Rimrock Dude Ranch and the Trail Shop and Inn on the North Fork of the Shoshone, off U.S. 14-16-20, and said he has been the caterer at similar incidents in the past.

The chow is pretty good. One evening firefighters enjoyed steak with all the trimmings, he said. A couple of weeks ago, Fales said there were 150 people.

Fales’ employees do the cooking. The hours could be described as brutal.

“We start at two in the morning,” Fales said.

Fales is working hard, but said he must give credit to his wife, Dede, and his cooks’ for their efforts.

Suppers look appealing — enticing aromas surging from steamy pots seduces the stomach. A casual reporter’s camp survey one evening indicated dinner was toothsome.

“I like to cook good food for these people and it is fun to hear they like it,” Fales said.

The chow usually is pretty good, Wickstrom said. He compared supper to that served at a hometown diner or an Applebee’s Restaurant.

“My main priority is that the folks on the ground are taken care of,” Wickstrom said.

Gunbarrel helicopter overhead

This helicopter was busy filling its bucket from Buffalo Bill Reservoir and dumping the water on the Gunbarrel Fire atop Jim Mountain a few clicks to the west Saturday. Surprisingly, when the helo hovered to top its tank, the pelicans chilling nearby held their ground (water), evidently unruffled by the big thumping bird’s nearness.

Gunbarrel meteorologist gets it right

On Saturday, at the fire camp just west of Buffalo Bill Reservoir, temperatures were in the low 80s with a light breeze. Smoke was billowing over Jim Mountain like cumulous clouds smeared with pink dye. Rain seemed like a distant dream.

Nonetheless, Dave Lipson, incident meteorologist for the Gunbarrel Fire, predicted that it was going to rain over the Labor Day weekend. The rest of the type I incident management team listened. Before a drop of rain fell, fire hose was fetched off the mountain and camp workers began rolling it up in preparation for demobilization.
Sure enough, Lipson's precipitation prediction was right on the money — rain and snow arrived Sunday and Monday, placing a strangle-hold on the fire’s advance. The prediction wasn't a matter of luck...

Lipson was on loan from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration office in Riverton. Today’s firefighters use science to predict and hopefully corral fire behavior. Though, ultimately, nature still calls the shots.

“We can’t control the weather,” Lipson said, “but we can control the fire to a certain extent.”

Meteorologists and fire management can guesstimate where a fire will travel to plan fire lines, protect areas or implement burn-outs to contain fires.

Predicting the weather not only helps fire strategy planning, it helps personnel plan for fire camp life. If a cold front or moisture is en route, more sleeping bags can be ordered and equipment covered, Lipson said.

A type I incident management team - the most highly trained type - requires a certified incident meteorologist, such as Lipson. Other type teams can request them as well.

To make his forecasts, Lipson observes first-hand how a fire reacts to weather and how the weather reacts to fire. He accompanies reconnaissance flights, hikes fire perimeters, observes burn-out areas, and launches weather balloons to ascertain what the weather and wind is up to.

On the Gunbarrel fire, a permanent weather station near Eagle Creek (about five miles east of Yellowstone National Park) and a temporary station on Logan Mountain (around 15 miles west of Cody) provided Lipson with wind speed/direction, temperature and precipitation.Fire can be a strange thing to predict. Ironically, a smoke plume rising on one end of a fire can shade the other end, thus reducing heat and reducing the fire. But a fire can also wither everything in its path and so create more fuel or a whirlwind to increase its radius, Lipson said.

Lipson digs what he does. He said it is gratifying see the direct results of his forecasts. With the Gunbarrel fire held at bay by the Lipson-predicted wet stuff, there's little wonder why.

More rain and snow is expected. However, even if the weather clears and the hills dry-out, the fire is not expected to kick-up as it has in the past.

The type I team demobilized Tuesday, turning the fire’s keys over to a type III team.