A temporary home for 157 cats

The more than 150 cats seized from a Powell area home on Thursday (Aug. 26) needed a place to go as legal proceedings and logistical operations are pending. So, workers with the Humane Society of the United States set up a temporary shelter at the Park County Fairgrounds.

On Friday, a team of veterinarians, assistants and Humane Society workers examined and provided medical care to the confiscated felines. This video shows some of this morning's operation.

We'll have much more detailed coverage in Tuesday's Tribune.

More than 150 cats seized at Powell area home

Officials say 157 cats were seized from a rural Powell home today by employees and volunteers from the Humane Society of the United States, in coordination with the Park County Sheriff's and Park County Attorney's Offices.

A massive Humane Society trailer was loaded up with cats as they were captured in and around a Lane 11 residence south of Powell.

"We're doing a search warrant to collect cats," said County Attorney Bryan Skoric at the scene.

Workers assembled cages to carry captured cats from the home to an area where they were examined and tagged by Humane Society workers, and then loaded onto the trailer.
The Humane Society said in a press release that the cats were being taken to the Park County Fairgrounds for temporary care and holding. The cats will likely be taken to larger communities to be adopted out.

Within city of Powell limits, homeowners may own a maximum of two adult pets, but in the county's unincorporated areas, there are no maximums.

"There is no number -- it's the manner in which they're kept," Skoric said. He said the allegations were that these cats were not being properly cared for.

Adam Parascandola, the Humane Society’s director of animal cruelty issues who was leading efforts at the scene Thursday, said the home’s wooden floors were soaked with cat urine and feces. He said the high levels of ammonia in the house made the air potentially harmful to breathe for both animals and humans; workers in the home wore masks as they removed cats.

"It's definitely pretty unsanitary," Parascandola said.

“I have not gone into the residence nor will I,” said Skoric.Parascandola said Humane Society workers were using live traps and nets to catch the cats throughout the house -- including the ceiling.

"We do a lot of them (cat-catching operations) so we know where their hiding spots are," he said.

Skoric, who has been county attorney since 2003, recalled an early 1990's case where an elderly Cody woman had a large number of animals, but "Since I've been here, certainly we've had nothing like this," he said.

Skoric declined to name the three individuals who were living at the residence. Clifton Taylor was listed in the phone book as living at the 900 block address on Lane 11.

No criminal charges had been filed in the case as of Thursday morning.

The affidavit of probable cause used to conduct the search will not be publicly available until the warrant is returned to Circuit Court. That was expected to happen perhaps sometime tomorrow.

Skoric said the help of the Humane Society — which will pay for nearly all of the operation -- was critical. Parascandola estimated the Humane Society's cost at between $40,000 and $50,000; kennels and other materials were donated by PetSmart Charities.

"It's an operation that needed a great deal of cooperation," Skoric said, adding, "Quite frankly I don't know how Park County would have handled it (without the Humane Society).”

The Tribune will update this story as it develops.

Humane Society video of the operation is embedded below:

Signatures sought for independent Gov. candidate

A local conservative activist is collecting signatures to get Taylor Haynes, a Cheyenne rancher, former practicing urologist and current University of Wyoming trustee, on the general election ballot in November.

If you're interested in signing the petition, you'd better act fast.

Local folks interested in signing should contact David Kellett of rural Powell today (Friday), because he plans to put the signatures he gathers in the mail on Saturday. To make the ballot, Haynes must submit the signatures of 4,988 registered Wyoming voters to the Secretary of State's office by Monday, Aug. 23.

Kellett, organizer of the Wyoming 9-12 Coalition, said he would have the petition available at his home on Lane 9. He can be contacted at 754-4354.

Haynes' campaign has received added attention since Tuesday's primary election, apparently from Republicans who view winner Matt Mead as not conservative enough. Ron Micheli had been viewed as the most conservative candidate in the Republican governor's race, but Haynes, also a registered Republican, may be even more so.

Haynes told the Casper Star Tribune earlier this month he didn't think any of the leading Republicans "will take the hard, constitutionally-based line that I am saying I'll take." He was endorsed by Wyoming's Constitution Party last month.

On Haynes' campaign website, he lists his positions on a variety of issues, from taxes (minimize them) to abortion ("protect the life of the unborn unequivocally, no exceptions") to voluntary school prayer (a First Amendment right). But state sovereignty comes across as a clear key issue.

"We must contain the Federal Government to its constitutionally legitimate roll (sic)," says Haynes' home page "We CAN accomplish this by exercising the constitutional authority vested in Wyoming at statehood and returning to our traditional Christian values. We must protect what we’ve been given. We must DRAW THE LINE."

If he makes the Nov. 2 ballot as a gubernatorial candidate, Haynes, as an independent, would face Republican Mead and Democrat Leslie Petersen.

'Arthur 2 Fire' simmers near Yellowstone’s East Entrance

Strong winds Wednesday brought to life a fire that likely ignited from a series of storms that passed through the Yellowstone National Park area more than a week ago, according a National Park Service news release.

As of Thursday afternoon, the 75-acre Arthur 2 Fire was about a mile and a half miles southwest of Yellowstone's East Entrance. No closures were in effect.

Large amounts of dead upright and down timber — victims of the 2001 Arthur Fire — comprise the sequel's fuel.

No firefighters were battling the blaze Thursday.

“Because of the acres of snags and the heavy dead and down fuels, there is no way to get firefighters in there safely, no safety zone and no escape routes,” said Fire Management Officer Joe Krish.

Since it was lightning-ignited, the blaze qualifies as natural and the Park Service generally tries to allow natural processes to occur in Yellowstone.

“Yellowstone has requested a wildland fire management team to do a long-term analysis plan for the Arthur 2 Fire,” said the release.

Shoshone National Forest personnel also are involved in the decision to manage the fire, the release said.

Only about 20 percent of the fire’s perimeter is active, the release said.

Updates on the Arthur 2 Fire can be found on the Inciweb website.

(Revised at 6 p.m. to show that the Park Service has renamed the fire from "East Fire" to "Arthur 2 Fire." The new name better reflects the location of the fire, the Park Service said.)

LIVE Park County primary election results

This post will be updated with results and election info as it's available. Keep refreshing this page for the latest.

10:45 p.m. Just got a phew from Clerk Kelly Jensen. We're done. No surprises. Keep in mind these results are unofficial until certified later this week.

Dave Bonner wins re-election to House District 25 by about 15 percent (300 votes), Sam

Krone wins District 24 pretty handily, incumbent Tim French and challengers Loren Grosskopf and Joe Tilden advance as the top three GOPers for the Park County Commission. Commissioners Jill Shockley Siggins and Bill Brewer have been voted off the board.

Barb Poley looks to be the winning candidate in the GOP treasurer's race.

West Park's $14.2 million cap tax fails with little doubt, with only about 30 percent of Park County voters supporting it.

Powell City Councilman Rex Sanders has lost his seat, with challengers Myron Heny and Tim Sapp advancing.

I think that's a wrap. You can see all of the county results here, and the Casper Star-Tribune is doing a fantastic job covering the statewide races here. The GOP governor's race is too close to call with nearly all votes in.

Thanks to those who followed along!

10:33 p.m. Things that Powell's vote didn't change -- in GOP race for treasurer, Barb Poley has emerged on top over Rebecca Winterowd, in state GOOP races, Simpson wins the county's support for governor, Cloud wins the county's auditor nod, Hill the county nod for state superintendent of public instruction.

10:12 p.m. Some more highlights: looks like incumbent city councilman Rex Sanders has been ousted. He picked up just 17 percent of the vote (69 votes), behind Myron Heny (45 percent of the vote, 182 ballots) and Tim Sapp (33 percent, 133 votes).

I think we can safely say the West Park cap tax has failed. Voters in Powell and Meeteetse soundly voted it down; with their votes added in, only 30 percent of voters county-wide supported the tax.

10:10 p.m. Most of Powell's precincts are in (so are Meeteetse's) and we have 24 of 29 precincts reporting; absentees are among those still out.

In House District 25, incumbent Dave Bonner leads with 45 percent of the vote (683 votes) over Gerry Parker's 32 percent (488 votes) and David Kellett's 18 percent (280 votes).

For the commission, incumbent Tim French (2,373 votes) and challengers Loren Grosskopf (2,029 votes) and Joe Tilden (1,873 votes) continue to have the top three slots for the three open seats. Incumbents Bill Brewer (1,783) and Jill Shockley Siggins (1,633) continue to trail. It's starting to look grim for them. Vicki Gibson of Powell looks like she picked up a ton of votes in her hometown, but with 1,104 votes so far, it likely won't be enough. Hank Whitelock is also in quadruple digits, with 1,349 votes.

9:47 p.m. Still waiting on Powell results to be uploaded.

9:26 p.m. Powell results just arrived. While those are being processed, it might be a good time to start checking statewide results, as the GOP governor's race looks TIGHT early on between Micheli, Mead and Meyer, with Colin Simpson significantly behind.

9:20 p.m. While we continue to wait for results from Powell and other areas, a brief recap of what we know so far:

Sitting commissioners Jill Shockley Siggins and Bill Brewer need help from Powell to keep their seats. Challengers Joe Tilden and Loren Grosskopf are sitting in the top two spots, followed by incumbent commissioner Tim French. It'll be a tough uphill battle for anyone other than those five to vault into the top three.

The West Park Hospital cap tax is headed to failure unless Powell voters overwhelmingly support it.

Similarly, barring a monumental shift in Powell, Barb Poley takes the GOP's nomination for Treasurer over Rebecca Winterowd.

Sam Krone takes the House District 24 race pretty handily, early results indicate.

Colin Simpson will win his home county in the GOP governor's race.

9:01 p.m. Some other results as we wait for Powell's ballots to come in... Again, this is with 10 of 29 precincts reporting, mostly Cody area.

In the GOP race for auditor, Cynthia Cloud (of Cody) has 66 percent of the vote (1,602 votes), Bruce Brown has 34 percent (827 votes).

State Superintendent of Public Instruction (GOP side), Cindy Hill leads 48 percent of the vote (1,114 votes), Jim McBride has 31 percent (703 votes), Trent Blankenship has 15 percent (351 votes) followed by Ted Adams - 6 percent and 131 votes.

U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo) is winning over challenger Evan Slafter, 83 percent to 17 percent.

If you're wondering To update the unopposed candidates (secretary of state, state treasurer, county sheriff, coroner, attorney, clerk of district court, etc.), nobody's getting bumped off by a write in campaign.

8:54 p.m. 10 Park County precincts are in (of 29). Basically still just Cody results.

In the GOP governor's race Simpson continues to lead with 39 percent (1,059 votes), followed by Rita Meyer at 23 percent (628 votes), 21 percent for Ron Micheli (563 votes), and 14 percent for Matt Mead (391 votes).

On the Dem side, Leslie Petersen leads Pete Gosar by 21 votes.

Challengers Joe Tilden (1,104 votes) and Loren Grosskopf (1,098 votes) and incumbent Tim French (1,068 votes) continue to lead the race for the three open seats on the commission. Siggins (889 votes) and Brewer (850 votes) are next, followed by Whitelock (659 votes).

The $14.2 million West Park cap tax is looking very likely to fail, with 58.5 percent opposed (1,662 votes) and 41.5 percent in favor (1,178 votes), again, in mostly Cody precincts.

In the race for county treasurer, Poley has more than 80 percent of the vote (1,931 votes), followed by just less than 20 percent for Rebecca Winterowd (472 votes).

Krone has 53 percent of the vote in the GOP District 24 race (1,027 votes), Simonton has 30 percent (587) and Whitman has 16 percent (313).

8:40 p.m. First results are in, they include 7 of 29 precincts, mostly Cody areas (correction, not Meeteetse).

Simpson's leading the county for the GOP governor nod, challengers Joe Tilden and Loren Grosskopf and incumbent Tim French lead the race for the three open commission seats. Incumbents Jill Shockley Siggins and Bill Brewer may be in trouble in the fourth and fifth position unless Powell comes through for them. Deputy Park County Attorney Sam Krone leads the House District 24 race by a healthy margin. GOP Treasurer candidate Barb Poley is up handily as well.

Looks bad for the cap tax. 58 percent (1,053 voters) against and 42 percent (761 voters for).

Powell's results are still on the way.

Governor's race:

GOP

Simpson -668

Meyer -412

Micheli -383

Mead -248

Kousoulos - 31

County Commission (top three):

Joe Tilden -744

Loren Grosskopf - 695

Tim French - 608

Jill Shockley Siggins - 581

Bill Brewer - 504

Hank Whitelock -409

Karla Dee Gitlitz -176

Fred Reynolds - 125

Vicki Gibson - 170

Bill Yetter -160

Ted Davey - 57

House District 24:

Krone - 788

Simonton - 442

Whitman - 248

8:08 p.m. Still no results yet, but elections department staff are in the process of uploading results from four precincts. Clerk Kelly Jensen said complications with having to print and use some emergency ballots has complicated the process, but she expects some results - such as those from Cody's bigger precincts - could be available in about 15 minutes.

7:50 p.m. Some more financial numbers, on the governor's race, if you're interested, as you'd guess, Cody native Colin Simpson led the way in raising money in Park County among Republicans, pulling in $257,144 in the county as of Aug. 3 -- with $117,260 coming from himself or immediate family. Ron Micheli raised $15,855 in the county. Rita Meyer raised $8,455 and Matt Mead raised $5,080 from individuals. Lesser-known GOP gubernatorial Candidate Alan Kousoulos of Cody raised all of his $4,038 in Park County, $3,111 of that from himself or immediate family. On the Democratic side, Pete Gosar raised $250 and Petersen reported raising nothing here.

Just for the record, the courthouse is hopping tonight. We've got ballots coming in, and down in the basement, the county planning and zoning board is hosting an overflow crowd at their monthly meeting.

7:34 p.m. No ballots back yet, but it appears turnout in Park County was really high, says Clerk Kelly Jensen. There were an unexpectedly high number of Republicans, Jensen said.

Party-switching, perhaps?

"We believe we had a lot (of switches)," Jensen said, but that's still just speculation until the numbers come in.

Ballots are coming in from the more than 10

polling places across the county as I type.

"The other clerks were saying it (election day) was dull and boring, I was like, huh?" said Jensen.

7:15 p.m. I'm not going to guess the results of some of the contentious races, but here are some possibly useful numbers to consider as the polls close here in Park County and across the state:

As of Aug. 3, the reporting deadline, here's what the fundraising picture looked like for the Republican candidates for House District 25 (the Powell area):

1. Tribune publisher (and incumbent) Dave Bonner - $1,850
2. Powell Church of Christ Preacher Gerry Parker - $1,830
3. K.I. Computing owner and tea party organizer David Kellett - $900

Back in May, Kellett said he'd need to raise $15,000 to run a successful campaign, so we'll see if that holds true.

And in the extremely heated GOP race in House District 24 (the Cody area) to replace outgoing House Speaker Colin Simpson, here's how the fundraising numbers shook out:

1. Private attorney Steve Simonton - $20,606 (for the record, that appears to be more than double the amount raised by any other legislative candidate in the state)
2. Deputy County Attorney Sam Krone - $9,430
3. Optometrist Jason Whitman $4,345

Just for fun, if Facebook followers are an accurate predictor of support, he's how the GO gubernatorial candidates may finish:

1. Colin Simpson - 2,337
2. Ron Micheli - 2,073
3. Matt Mead - 1,932
4. Rita Meyer - 1,714

And the Dems:

1. Leslie Petersen - 426
2. Pete Gosar - 417

6:10 p.m. As you hopefully are aware, today is primary election day in Wyoming (along with fellow W-state Washington). If you didn't know, well, you do now, and you've still got time to get to the polls and vote (they close at 7 p.m.).

Obviously, there aren't any results available from Park County just yet, but as soon as they are, I'll be updating this post. Just refresh the page for the latest. I'll probably start updates in earnest around 7:15 or so, depending on how things go.

If you're looking for some other sources to check live results as they come in, you can try the Park County Clerk's Office primary election results page and, for the whole state, the Secretary of State's elections results page. If things work like they did in 2008, the Tribune should have county results online before anyone else.

There's a lot of big races to track tonight. Here's what I plan on focusing on: the Republican county commission race, West Park's cap tax, the Cody and Powell GOP state house races (that's district 24 & 25, respectively), and, of course, the governor's races. And I'll be sure to track the county treasurer's race in the Republican party and Powell's Ward 3 City Council race (which is non-partisan).

As we wait for the polls to close, if you've got any fearless predictions for the outcome of tonight's races, by all means, please post them in the comments below and wow us with your political prognostication skills.

Death in Powell not related to escaped convict

Powell police are investigating the death of a woman who was found in a Powell home Monday morning.

Contrary to rumors circulating around town, the incident is in no way related to the Monday arrest of an Arizona prison escapee in Meeteetse, said police chief Tim Feathers.

Kristina Gevara, 26, was found dead in a Bent Street home Monday morning, according to Park County Coroner Tim Power.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday to determine the cause of death, but no results were available Tuesday afternoon.

A final report may not be available until toxicology reports are complete, which could take up to three weeks, Power said.

The case is under investigation.

You can read more about the story in Thursday’s Powell Tribune.

Updated: Escaped convict captured in Meeteetse

UPDATE 1 p.m: Tracy Province, an escaped convict from Arizona, chose to sign a waiver of extradition Tuesday morning in Park County's Circuit Court in Cody.

Following the hearing, a heavily-armed contingent of Park County Sheriff's officers escorted him out of the courthouse to a waiting car which returned him to the county detention center.
For more, see Thursday's Tribune. The earlier story follows.

A convicted murderer who escaped from an Arizona prison 11 days ago was apprehended in Meeteetse early Monday morning. Another escapee and a suspected accomplice remain at large.

Tracy Province, 42, was arrested without incident by federal officials near the Oasis Motel around 6:20 a.m, the U.S. Marshals Service said. An alert Meeteetse resident had recognized him Sunday from photos on the news and contacted the Park County Sheriff's Office. Province's Park County booking photo is at right.

The Arizona escapee, who had been serving a life sentence for murder and robbery, is scheduled to appear at an extradition hearing before Circuit Court Judge Bruce Waters tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9 a.m. in Cody.

Province, John Charles McCluskey, 45, and Daniel Renwick,35, escaped from the Arizona State Prison at Kingman on July 30, officials say. Casslyn Welch, 43, is believed to have assisted them in the escape.

Renwick was apprehended on Aug. 1; McCluskey and Welch are still at large. The Marshals Service said Monday they believe McCluskey and Welch - a romantic couple and cousins - may have left the Yellowstone National Park area and headed to Montana.

When arrested this morning, Province was carrying a handgun and a hitch-hiking sign saying, "Casper," said a release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Province was initially taken to the Hot Springs County Jail in Thermopolis, but later brought to Cody, booked into the Park County Detention Center at 2:44 p.m., sheriff's records say.

At a press conference Monday evening in front of the jail, Deputy Park County Attorney Sam Krone (at center in at-right photo) said he plans to ask Judge Waters to hold Province without bail until he is extradited to Arizona.

Krone said the case type was not completely without precedent in Park County, noting the 2008 arrest and extradition of Charles White, a man accused of murdering his mother and sister in Red Lodge. He did note that this case "certainly has garnered a lot of press attention nationwide."

Lt. Tod Larson, the jail's administrator (at right), said no special security measures would be needed inside the facility while Province is being held.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Larson said. "We have a very secure facility."

Park County Sheriff's Office Lt. Dave Patterson (at left) said a deputy initially received a tip from a Meeteetse woman mid-afternoon on Sunday saying she had seen Province. The deputy, Patterson said, determined the tip was legitimate and notified U.S. Marshals. After formulating a plan in the "wee hours" of Sunday night, Province was arrested Monday morning, Patterson said.

He said deputies had been pursuing multiple tips of possible sightings of the escapees.

"There has been lots of call-in tips," Patterson said, declining to speculate or elaborate on which other reports might have been legitimate.

Noting that McCluskey and Welch are still on the run, Krone asked Park County citizens to remain vigilant.

At a press conference in Phoenix, the U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona said McCluskey and Welch consider themselves to be a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde.

“I think they’ve taken the persona that this is some type of movie and this is a kind of joke that they are living, but it is not,” said Marshal David Gonzales. “It is a very, very serious business.”

Law enforcement officials say evidence has connected McCluskey - who was believed to be then-traveling with both Welch and Province - to a double-homicide in New Mexico last week.

“We are going to continue working this around the clock,” Gonzales said.

McCluskey and Welch are considered to be armed and extremely dangerous; anyone with information on the fugitives is asked to call their local police or the ASP Kingman Escapees Task Force in Arizona at 602-542-1212.A $40,000 reward has been offered for information leading to their capture.

You can read more about the case in Tuesday's and Thursday's Tribunes.

Live from Bozeman

[Editor's note -- The most recent updates will appear at the top.]

6:40 p.m. -- The Powell Pioneers finished as the 2010 Northwest Region tournament runner-up following a 12-9 loss at the hands of Ashland, Ore. The Pioneers have played 11 regional tournament games over the last two seasons. Their only losses in that time have been to the eventual tournament champions.

Brady Thomas, who held the Pioneers to a single run in the first-round game between these two teams entered in the fifth inning with Ashland clinging to a one-run lead, 3-2. Thomas, the eventual tournament MVP, proceeded to strike out four of the first seven batters he faced as he held Powell hitless during his first three innings on the hill.

During that time, the Pilots from Oregon threatened to stop the contest early. Pitcher Scotty Jameson, who tagged in for Powell starter Josh Cragoe after two innings, was the victim of momentary wildness and also a couple errors in the field behind him during a five-run sixth inning by the Pilots. Ashland added a single tally in the seventh and uncorked a three-run home run in the eighth inning to make the score 12-2 and chase Jameson from the hill.

Just when the contest looked like it was over, the Pioneers found a way to make it exciting. Auston Carter led off the bottom of the eighth with a hit. Colter Bostick followed with a single of his own, setting the stage for what was, perhaps, the momentum shifting play of the game. Tyler England appeared to be hit on the forearm, but after extended discussion, and despite England's effort to show officials the mark on his wrist, the umpiring crew ruled the ball had hit the bat for a fouled strike.

Pioneer head coach Mike Jameson was ejected for being too persistent with his questioning of the call. Following the ejection, the next six Pioneer batters all reached base safely, leading to seven Powell runs, drawing the Wyoming champs back to within three runs. Thomas worked a 1-2-3 ninth, however, to preserve the championship for the Oregon representatives.

Carter, Bostick, Grant Geiser and Colt Nix each finished with two hits as Powell tagged Ashland for 11 hits. The Pioneers were guilty of 15 strikeouts in the contest, however, and also were harmed by four costly errors on defense.

This will be my last blog entry for the 2010 Northwest Regional tournament. For more information on all the happenings here in Bozeman, be sure to check out Thursday's edition of the Powell Tribune.

2:30 p.m. -- It will end the same way it started. The Powell Pioneers will face Ashland, Ore., for the championship of the 2010 Northwest Regional tournament following a gritty 8-5 victory over Laurel, Mont.

Powell managed just six hits in the contest and drove in just two of their eight runs. The remainder of the damage was self-inflicted as Laurel was guilty of six errors in the contest.

In need of a clutch pitching performance by someone, the Pioneers received just that from Jake Beuster. The Powell starter threw seven and two-thirds innings, allowing just seven hits and striking out four. He walked six, but was able to get himself out of jams time and again thanks to a solid Powell defense. Beuster surrendered just two runs. Scotty Jameson came in and closed the door for a save, recording three strikeouts in the process.

Jameson will be available for all but two outs of the championship contest.

The contest was a scoreless tie heading into the fifth inning. A solo home run to left gave Laurel a 1-0 lead, but Powell answered in the bottom of the inning thanks to two walks and two hit batters in the frame. Powell took the lead an inning later and held it the rest of the way. The game didn't look secure until the eighth inning. Up 4-2, Powell batted around in the frame as its first five hitters reached base safely, resulting in four valuable insurance runs. With rain starting to fall, Laurel tagged Jameson for a trio of ninth inning runs before coaxing a fly ball for the final out.

The championship game is tentatively scheduled to begin around 3 p.m., but with rain falling as the contest ended and more grey clouds visible to the southwest, we'll see if that actually happens.

11:30 a.m. -- We're half an hour out from opening pitch and for the Pioneers, that first pitch will be handled by Jake Beuster, who will be taking the mound for the first time in this tournament. Meanwhile, dark clouds are hugging the mountains around the valley. Hopefully they'll stay away and we can get a full day's worth of baseball in as scheduled. The time for today's championship game will be 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Powell-Laurel contest.

Tuesday, 9:45 a.m. -- We're a little more than two hours out from the opening pitch of Laurel-Powell. Somebody please explain to me why two high-caliber programs in close proximity to each other geographically somehow never play in the regular season. This would have made for a headline regular-season doubleheader either of these last two summers.

Then again, the fact that they haven't met just adds to the aura of the contest when it occurs in the regional tournament.

The big question for the Pioneers today is how to handle their pitching situation. Scotty Jameson has 9.2 innings available today. Colter Bostick has a little over three available. Grant Geiser has five remaining in his account. Aside from Colt Nix, every other arm in the Pioneers' stable is staring at 12 innings of availability today.

Last year in this situation, head coach Mike Jameson rolled the dice and tried to slip through the early game, leaving Scotty with a full tank of innings for the championship game. The only problem was the Pioneers came up one base hit short of reaching the title game.

On the other hand, you'd hate to reach the title game and have to take a committee approach with the championship on the line. These decisions are why head coaches get paid the big bucks.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a game-time temperature in the upper 70s or low 80s. The ever-present threat of rain is called for in the afternoon, so we'll see if Mother Nature impacts play on this final day.

There's really not much else to say and they're about to kick me out of my office-away-from-office in the hotel, so lets wrap this entry up and see what happens on the final day of the 2010 Pioneers baseball season.

11 p.m. -- It'll be Laurel vs. Powell at high noon on Tuesday to determine who advances to the championship game. The defending regional runner-up handed Ashland, Ore., its first tournament loss with a 21-9 seven-inning victory on Monday night.

Powell and Laurel, two teams that have never met in the regular season the past two years despite enjoying a high level of post-season success, will play at noon on Tuesday. The winner advances to play Ashland in a winner-takes-all championship game.

6:15 p.m. -- Neither rain nor hail was going to keep the Powell Pioneers from their appointed round in the final day of the Northwest Region baseball tournament in Bozeman, Mont.. Powell handled an hour-long weather delay as easily as it did Bonneville pitching in recording a 14-5 victory to advance to tomorrow's noon contest. Whether that game will be a sought-after meeting with Laurel, Mont., or a rematch with opening-round foe Ashland, Ore., remains to be seen.

Colter Bostick pitched eight and one-third innings, allowing nine hits and five runs, two of which came in the ninth inning after Powell had the game well in hand. The lefty fanned eight Bonneville batters, five of those after having to endure the 60-minute stoppage in play. Colt Nix tagged in to register the game's final two outs.

Offensively, Powell returned from the rain delay to smash 11 hits off Bees pitchers in the final four innings. Grant Geiser finished 4-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Josh Cragoe added a three-hit day that included a double and two RBIs. Auston Carter, Tyler England and Dallas Robirds each drove home a pair of runs as the Pioneers spread their 17 hits liberally throughout the lineup.

Powell is now one of the final three teams left standing. That number could drop to two before the evening is complete as an Oregon victory would eliminate Laurel. Regardless, it will take two Pioneer wins on Tuesday to bring home the title.

4:30 p.m. -- After an hour rain delay, we're getting ready to get back to action. Let's hope we don't have to do that again.

3:30 p.m. -- Welcome to Bozeman, Mont., where we're currently in a lightning/rain/hail (take your pick, we've got all three) delay in the middle of the fifth inning. The Powell Pioneers are on top 9-2 at present.

Mother Nature was kind enough to wait to unleash until after the Pioneers had brought across four two-out runs in the top half of the fifth to pad an already-three run lead.

Bonneville tagged Powell starter Colter Bostick for a two-run homer in the bottom of the first, but hasn't managed a hit off the Pioneers' lefty in three innings since. Bees' pitchers, however, have issued 10 free passes already today. Powell has converted eight of those opportunities into runs.

We're in a holding pattern until the weather subsides. It could be a while.

12:3o p.m. -- We're about 90 minutes out from the first pitch of today's game, which is a rematch of the 2009 tournament opener between the Pioneers and Bonneville, Idaho, Bees. For those that weren't at that game, you missed a wild one. Bonneville grabbed an early lead, thanks in part to Pioneer errors, then slid way behind when Powell sent its entire batting order up to plate twice in a monster double-digit inning that appeared to put the Pioneers in control.

Not so fast. Bonneville battled all the way back, chasing Pioneer starter Scotty Jameson and regaining the lead late on a home run off reliever Grant Geiser. Powell answered in its final at-bat as Bonneville walked Colter Bostick to get to Auston Carter, who delivered a game-winning RBI to advance the Pioneers.

In other words, prepare for a wild and potentially high-scoring ride today.

After a cool and grey morning, the skies have cleared enough to let sunshine through, although we'll be playing the game under a 50 percent threat of thunderstorms. They've appeared like clockwork in the region every afternoon of the tournament, so why not expect them today as well. For that reason, the laptop may well be staying in the safety and dry comfort of my hotel room today.

One would imagine the Pioneers will hand the ball to Bostick today as Powell's day one starter has seen his innings count reset and will be available to throw the distance today. Scotty Jameson is the only Pioneer running up against the innings cap right now. After seeing action the last two days, Jameson will have just two and two-thirds innings available today. Powell would, obviously, like to keep those in the bag so that, should the Pioneers advance, they'll have him available for a full game tomorrow.

Monday, 6:15 a.m. -- Just a quick note to confirm that Powell is, indeed, playing in the 2 p.m. game today. The Pioneers will face Bonneville, Idaho, which fell 19-13 to the still-undefeated Ashland (Ore.) Pilots. Idaho's representative was actually ahead in that game going into the seventh inning before the Pilots unleashed a barrage of 13 runs over their final three at-bats to overwhelm the Bees. Laurel, Mont., takes their shot at Ashland at 6 p.m. tonight. By day's end we could be down to two teams or still have three left in play here in Bozeman, Mont.

6:30 p.m. -- They haven't announced it, but unless I'm missing something, Powell will play the Bonneville Bees out of Idaho regardless of what happens in tonight's late game. The pairing was ensured when Laurel eliminated host Gallatin Valley by a lopsided 19-1 final count in a game that was stopped in the fifth inning by one heck of a rain storm.

Idaho and Ashland, Ore., will play tonight, but the only breakdown of the remaining four teams that wouldn't feature a repeat game at this stage would be for Powell and Bonneville to play in one game and Ashland and Laurel to play in the other.

The remaining question will be which time slot will the Pioneers appear in. At this time the online schedule is still showing Powell in the 2 p.m. contest. We'll let you know if something changes.

2:30 p.m. -- Tell the office I won't be in tomorrow. The Powell Pioneers have advanced to the Final Four of the 2010 Northwest Region tournament with an 11-7 victory over Blacksmith Fork, Utah. Tyler England was 4-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Auston Carter drove home another three batters as all 10 of the Pioneers' RBIs came from the number five slots or lower in the batting order.

For the second year in a row, Grant Geiser gave Powell a clutch pitching performance, throwing six and two-thirds innings to pick up the victory. Scotty Jameson tagged in and threw the final seven outs to register his second save of the season.

Powell will play again tomorrow at a time and against an opponent to be determined. Due to Legion rules designed to prevent teams from facing each other twice unless absolutely necessary, the Pioneers could find themselves playing just about anybody still on the bracket.

Out in Oregon, the Babe Ruth All-Stars' run came to a 15-2 end at the hands of Kitsap, Wash. Here's a big tip of the ol' ballcap to head coach Pudge Fagan and his crew. Great job of representing the state of Wyoming and making the community proud.

11:15 a.m. -- They're underway in Oregon and after one inning of play, the score is 0-0 between Powell and Kitsap, Wash. Kitsap is batting in the second inning. Live play-by-play is being posted to the Powell Babe Ruth Facebook page for those who want to follow along. Kudos to those behind the effort to make that happen.

Here in Bozeman, we're about 45 minutes out from game time. As with every other day this week, we're looking at sunny skies right now with the threat of afternoon rain and not a hint of breeze at the moment. Should Powell win, their next game time and opponent won't be known until later tonight. We're at that stage of the tournament where teams theoretically could start encountering each other a second time and, under American Legion rules, they'll avoid that scenario at all costs, even if it means sliding around teams on the bracket. What we do know is that by day's end, there will be only four teams still remaining.

Sunday, 10 a.m. -- We're about two hours out from opening pitch with six teams remaining here in Bozeman, Mont. Powell will face Blacksmith Fork, Utah. For many of the teams here, today is all about survival as the innings cap for Friday's starters will start to reduce after today. Expect many pitching-by-committee situations today as depth plays a role in today's managerial decisions.

No word yet on who the Pioneers plan to send to the hill. It was in this position last season that the Pioneers received a gritty complete-game performance by Grant Geiser that helped set Powell up for a run to the tournament's final day. A similar showing from someone in orange and black would again set the team up nicely to possibly make a stab at prolonging baseball through Tuesday.

Out in Oregon, the Powell Babe Ruth team is about one hour away from its semifinal appearance against Kitsap, Wash. Hopefully the All-Stars can take a page out of the Pioneers' playbook yesterday and toss a shutout on the board to reach the championship game. Kelso, Wash., and Bayview, Idaho, will meet in the second semifinal contest of the day. The winners meet this evening for a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series tournament.

7 p.m. -- Just received word that Klamath Falls won by a 15-5 count out in Oregon, so the Powell Babe Ruth All-Stars are in the championship semifinals on Sunday. They'll play at 11 a.m. against Kitsap, Wash. Powell is now two wins away from a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series. Good luck to head coach Pudge Fagan and crew out in Oregon as they look to make the weekend even more memorable on the diamond.

6:45 p.m. -- Powell will face Blacksmith Fork after the Utah squad fell 14-2 to the Bonneville Bees. First pitch is scheduled for noon tomorrow.

Things go well for Powell out in Klamath Falls. The Nationals currently lead Hermiston by a 14-3 count. Unless the northern Oregon squad scores and scores fast, this will be over via run rule and the Powell All-Stars will advance to the semifinals as the No. 2 seed from their pool.

4:00 p.m. -- Three of Powell's first four batters doubled and the difference from Friday to Saturday couldn't have been more dramatic than night and day as the Pioneers are now one of six teams left playing in Bozeman.

Grant Geiser finished 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles and three RBIs. He also recorded a pair of outfield assists from center field in the eighth inning to help preserve Powell's shutout. Josh Cragoe and Scotty Jameson each added two hits while Auston Carter and Colter Bostick each drove in a pair of runs.

Every member of the Pioneers' lineup recorded at least one hit in the contest.

As impressive, and necessary, as the victory was, it could have been better. The Pioneers stranded a whopping 14 baserunners in the contest. The team also suffered from having a couple baserunning gaffes that cut potential big innings short and forced the contest to its full nine innings.

Jameson threw seven innings before being lifted in the hope of conserving his innings for later games. All pitchers in Bozeman are on a 12-inning limit during any three-day window. Jameson allowed four hits and a walk while striking out four. Colt Nix threw the final two innings in relief, getting a huge boost from Geiser in the eighth inning, then registering back-to-back strikeouts in the ninth to help extract himself from a bases-loaded, nobody out scenario and preserve Powell's shutout.

The afternoon session begins in half an hour. Utah and Idaho will be the first to play. Just like yesterday, the skies are darkening to the west. We'll see if we get day two of baseball in a severe thunderstorm watch.

In Babe Ruth action, we have a bad news, good news scenario. The bad news is that Kelso, Wash., notched a 13-3 five-inning victory over Powell. The good news is that the All-Stars kept the score low enough in the contest that all they need to advance to tomorrow's semifinals is for the host Klamath Falls Nationals to defeat Hermiston, Ore., in the last game of the night.

3:15 p.m. -- The Powell Pioneers remained alive in the 2010 Northwest Region tournament with a 9-0 victory today. Scotty Jameson and Colt Nix combined for a six-hit shutout to end four games' worth of frustration against Washington teams in the tournament. The Pioneers will play tomorrow against the loser of the Blacksmith Fork, Utah, - Bonneville, Idaho game that will be coming up next.

Out in Klamath Falls, Ore., the Powell Babe Ruth team trails Kelso, Wash., 6-3 in the third inning.

More details on the Pioneers' game once I'm clear of the dugout. Stay tuned.

12:35 p.m. -- They're taking infield, so just a few more minutes. Scotty Jameson gets his turn on the hill for Powell today. Also, following up on a note from yesterday, Tyler England is in today's starting lineup and appears to be running without issue in pregame. There has been a slight change to the Pioneers' usual batting order though. Olie Olson will bat in the leadoff spot today with England sliding down to the seven hole.

12:15 p.m. -- Laurel lives to fight another day with a 16-6 win over the Alaska Road Warriors in an eight-inning contest. Alaska had rallied for a 6-4 lead before everything fell apart and Laurel unleashed a dozen unanswered runs. We're running almost on time, so that 12:30 p.m. first pitch might actually fall close to 12:30 p.m.

10:45 a.m. -- Not to forget the drama taking place out in Klamath Falls, Ore., today, I've put pen to paper and examined the scenarios for the Powell Babe Ruth team in today's final day of pool play. If Powell defeats Kelso, Wash., today and Hermiston, Ore., loses to the Klamath Falls Nationals. Powell advances as the top seed in its pool with Kelso following as the No. 2 team from the pool. Wins by both Powell and Hermiston set up a three way tie in which Powell would still advance as either the No. 1 or No. 2 team provided it does not give up 18 more runs than Hermiston does in its win today. I'll take those odds.

The same holds true if Powell and Hermiston both lose today, except in that case the All-Stars would have to avoid surrendering 19 runs over the amount scored by Hermiston to avoid being passed by the host Klamath Falls Nationals.

The only scenario that does not work out in Powell's favor comes should the All-Stars fall in today's game and Hermiston defeat the Nationals in the tournament's final pool-play game.

Saturday, 10:25 a.m. -- Back at Heroes Park in Bozeman, Mont., where, I'm happy to report, the sun did, indeed, come up today following the darkness of yesterday's debacle. What remains to be seen is if the Pioneers can shake off their four-game losing streak against teams from the state of Washington and live to fight for at least one more day in the 2010 Northwest Region tournament.

After dodging severe thunderstorms that dumped record levels of rain further west in the valley last night, the skies are beginning to clear here in Bozeman. There's not a lick of breeze to speak of and the Laurel Dodgers are attempting to stave off elimination against the Alaska Road Warriors. We're in the third inning and its 4-2 Laurel right now.

If we run on schedule, we're just a shade over two hours out from first pitch in Powell-Olympia. That said, we have yet to start the second game of any session on time, so don't be surprised if 12:30 p.m. drifts closer to 1 p.m.

11:20 p.m. -- It will be Powell vs. Olympia, Wash., with the loser making an early exit from the 2010 Northwest Regional tournament. Olympia fell 7-2 to the host team, Gallatin Valley, Mont., this evening after committing five errors in the field and striking out 13 times at home plate. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Bonneville, Idaho, defeated Wasilla, Alaska, 11-7 in the day's other game. So your Saturday schedule has Laurel-Wasilla in one elimination game, followed by Powell-Olympia. Blacksmith Fork and Bonneville meet in one championship semifinal and Gallatin Valley and Ashland meet in the other.

A Powell victory on Saturday advances them to face the loser of the Blacksmith Fork-Bonneville contest.

4 p.m. -- I've changed venues to my office-away-from-office at the hotel. Putting some more details to the Pioneers' game, Powell finished with six hits. Olie Olson was 2-for-3 with a triple. Grant Geiser was 2-for-3 with a double. Tyler England and Josh Cragoe recorded Powell's other two hits.

England gave Pioneer fans a nervous moment near game's end. During his at-bat in the seventh inning, England fouled a ball off his kneecap. After a few moments on the ground and a few more jogging in foul territory to test his leg, England was able to finish his at-bat, but was clearly still walking gingerly on it following the contest. Hopefully its one of those things that will get better with time tonight and he'll be at 100 percent when the Pioneers fight to stave off elimination tomorrow.

Colter Bostick took the loss for Powell on the hill. Bostick threw five innings, allowing 14 hits and nine earned runs. He struck out three and walked just one as the Pilots didn't always strike the ball hard, but were able to find gaps in the defense to earn their base hits. Cragoe came on in relief and threw the final inning.

Dark skies are moving in and I'm going to speculate the afternoon session gets delayed at some point. That could cause havoc with Pioneer fans trying to determine when the team plays next, not to mention a scheduled 7 p.m. opening ceremony. If Olympia wins tonight, Powell will play at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night. If tournament host Gallatin Valley wins, Powell will take the diamond at 12:30 p.m., just like today.

3:15 p.m. -- At the risk of making the understatement of the year, the start of the 2010 Northwest Region tournament did not go according to script for the Powell Pioneers as the team fell 15-1 in just seven innings to Ashland, Ore.

Powell was never able to get its offense going. The Pioneers stranded a leadoff double in the fourth inning, a leadoff triple in the fifth inning and had baserunners caught in rundowns in the third and sixth. During its final at-bat, Powell loaded the bases with nobody out and managed just one run, that coming via wild pitch.

The Pioneers will face the loser of tonight's Olympia, Wash.,-Gallatin Valley, Mont. Even though the tournament is being held at the home of the Bozeman Spikes, Gallatin Valley is technically the host team. The Pioneers are still capable of winning the tournament as this is a true double elimination bracket. It will just take a five-game winning streak.

1:35 p.m. -- The Pioneers trail 2-0 after two innings.

12:25 p.m. -- We're behind schedule already as Blacksmith Fork toppled Laurel by a 15-6 final score. The Utah champs broke it open with eight consecutive runs late to break open a 7-5 contest. Now the Pioneers get their chance to uphold the honor of the '09 returnees. First pitch in 15-20 min.

Friday, Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m. -- The Sports Guy is live at Heroes Park in Bozeman, Mont., with the beautiful Bridger Mountains framed behind the center field fence. Blacksmith Fork, Utah, and 2009 regional runner-up Laurel, Mont., are locked in a battle as I type, with Utah in the lead, 3-1.

Just to get you acquainted with the stadium, it's a fairly cookie-cutter shape. It'll be 325 feet down both lines to take one out of the park. To straight center field it'll take 400 feet worth of muscle. The center field fence between the power alleys also climbs about four feet higher than it is in left and right field. If we get the standard afternoon breeze blowing up the valley, the stadium configuration will probably help the Pioneers' left-handers in pulling the ball over the fence, so good news for Grant Geiser and Colter Bostick.

First pitch will take place in about two hours. See you back here then.

Powell Babe Ruth reaches semifinals

Your Powell Babe Ruth All-Stars will play Sunday in the semifinals of the Pacific Northwest regional tournament and stand just two wins away from a place at the Babe Ruth World Series table.

Powell had a chance to seal its own fate with a win over Kelso, Wash., but fell by a 13-3 final count. That turned out to be a moot point, however, when the host Klamath Falls Nationals defeated fellow Oregon qualifier Hermiston in a run-rule decision Saturday evening. The results set up a three-way tie between the teams, which Powell won via tiebreaker after allowing the fewest runs in four pool games.

Powell will face Kitsap, Wash., at 11 a.m., Mountain time, on Sunday. The winner advances to the regional championship game later in the day. Congratulations to head coach Pudge Fagan and the members of the Powell All-Stars. Good luck Sunday!

UPDATE 2:30 P.M., Sunday: Out in Oregon, the Babe Ruth All-Stars' run came to a 15-2 end at the hands of Kitsap, Wash. Here's a big tip of the ol' ballcap to head coach Pudge Fagan and his crew. Great job of representing the state of Wyoming and making the community proud.

All-Stars one win away from semifinals

Maybe its the excitement. Maybe its technical issues. Whatever the case, The Sports Guy couldn't edit the regional baseball thread and this news is just too big to sit on.

The Powell Babe Ruth All-Stars moved within one victory of a spot in the semifinals with an 11-0 five-inning win over the Klamath Falls Nationals on Thursday night. Head coach Pudge Fagan called it a "total team effort" that included numerous stellar defensive plays, particularly in the outfield. Powell scored three runs in the first, two in the second, three in the third and its final three runs in the top of the fifth.

That was more than enough for pitcher Cooper Wise, who went the full five innings on the hill. Wise, along with teammate Justin Lynn, earned offensive MVP honors for the game. Brendan Phister picked up defensive MVP honors as the All-Stars improved to 2-1 in Oregon.

Powell has tomorrow to rest and relax before preparing for a Saturday contest against Kelso, Wash. If the All-Stars win that contest, they're in Sunday's semifinals. Even with a loss, the team has positioned itself nicely for a possible tiebreak scenario involving one or more teams.

The Sports Guy will be heading to Bozeman in the morning to follow the Pioneers, but keep watch on this blog and we'll update you as the weekend goes along on how things shake out as the Babe Ruth squad looks to advance out of pool play.

The regional baseball thread

[Editor's Note: Whether you're looking for news from Klamath Falls, Ore., on the Babe Ruth team's regional appearance or the latest from Bozeman, Mont., and the Pioneers' appearance at regional tournament play there, this is the thread you'll want to check out. As always, the most recent information will appear directly underneath this note.]

Wednesday, 1:20 p.m. -- After tasting final-inning defeat on Tuesday, the Powell Babe Ruth All-Stars turned the tables today, rallying from a 5-1 deficit against the Klamath Falls Americans to record a 7-5 victory. Powell trailed for all of the game until the team took their first lead of the day with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Powell retired the home-town Americans 1-2-3 in the top half of the seventh to give the All-Stars their first taste of victory in six tournament games spanning the last two summers. The All-Stars will look to continue their momentum tomorrow night when they play another Klamath Falls team, the Nationals, in an 8 p.m. contest.

Tuesday, 6:45 p.m. -- The Powell Babe Ruth All-Stars suffered a cruel defeat in the opening round of action at the Pacific Northwest regional tournament in Oregon. Leading by a 5-2 count through the middle innings against Hermiston, Ore., the All-Stars watched as the northern Oregon champs rallied to tie the game before connecting for a two-out, two-run home run off closer Justin Lynn in the top of the seventh. Powell attempted a late rally, but managed to push just one run across home plate in its final at-bat to fall by a 7-6 final score. Powell plays again at 11 a.m. on Wednesday against the Klamath Falls Americans, a late addition to the tournament schedule after the team representing Canadian province British Columbia opted not to attend.

Tuesday, 10 a.m. -- To get this thread started, here's a little development from the American Legion baseball realm. The Powell Pioneers (42-14-2) will open regional action in Bozeman, Mont., on Friday against Ashland, Ore. The team from Ashland completed an epic run through the elimination side of the bracket after losing its state tournament opener and brings a 31-12 mark to the regional tournament.

The Babe Ruth team, after enjoying opening ceremonies in Klamath Falls, Ore., last night, will be stepping onto the diamond in approximately two hours for their opening pool play contest against the North Oregon representative. Remember, you can catch live web coverage of that game at www.kigerstadium.com but you'll need to be using Internet Explorer and download VLC Media Player (available on the website) in order to grab the feed.