Friday, December 2, 2011
Firefighters rescue trash container
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Lummis says Romney will be GOP nominee

"I do believe that eventually we're going to see Mitt Romney emerge as the Republican nominnee," she told interviewer Rylee DeGood.
Lummis said it's "been wonderful to watch these candidates grow on the campaign trail and hone each others' (economic) plans" and that the "great" Republican debates have better prepared the eventual party nominee (which, according to her prediction, will be Romney).
Another Wyoming political powerhouse, former U.S. Sen. Al Sipmson declined to pick a winner while speaking to the Cheyenene station on Thursday.
"I have irritated so many people in the world that at this point, if I were to pick one, I would again rain boulders on my bald dome and I'm not going to do that," Simpson said during a joint interview about his recently-published biography.
"However," Simpson said, "there are some real nutcases in the race, I just would throw that in. You pick them out."
While not naming any nutcases, Simpson did laugh off the chances of one would-be presidential contender -- himself.
The Cody Republican said an effort to draft him into the 2012 Presidential race (www.alsimpson2012.com) "gives me goosepimples all over."
"Those guys got together over 18 beers and put together this YouTube thing [Note: PG13 language] ... I nearly died laughing when I saw it because they had quoted one of my great phrases which I don't use here," Simpson said.
The "great phrase" Simpson is apparently referring to is, well, we won't use it here, either.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Smith Mansion's paranormal activity
In March, the Powell-based Wyoming Area Paranormal Society investigated whether the spirit of the structure's inventive creator, Francis Lee Smith, was present at the site; Smith died while working on the landmark home in 1992.
Tribune reporter Gib Mathers tagged along with the W.A.P.S. team at the Smith Mansion and wrote about it for the paper, but we never shared the footage the paranormal investigators eventually posted. It being Halloween, now seems like a prime time do so.
On the website she's set up to help preserve her father's creation, www.smithmansion.org, Sunny Smith Larsen wrote of the Wyoming Area Paranormal Society's work:
"This was an amazing experience and I cannot believe what was caught on W.A.P.S. equipment. A lot of things have happened over the years, strange things.
I have experienced many questionable things within the house, along with my mom, Linda. Friends and even strangers have told me about their experiences with "something" in that house.
I am glad to know that spirits do haunt the mansion, but I am left with even more questions."A follow-up W.A.P.S. investigation had been scheduled for the night of Nov. 11, but recently had to be canceled.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Former Yellowstone spokesperson honored for conservation
Organizers and elected officials in Colorado had said the event would be an economic boon to the area; Anzelmo and Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said it would have gone against policy, adversely affected the monument and temporarily shut off access to the public.
"Her (Anzelmo's) actions in the last year at Colorado National Monument, in preventing the overt commercialization of the park by a privately-sponsored competition, despite personal attacks and political maneuvering, are merely the latest examples of her dedication to the principles the National Parks System is built upon,” said NPCA Southwest Regional Office Senior Director David Nimkin.
NPCA's senior vice president for government affairs, Craig Obey, said Anzelmo -- who retired in July after 35 years of park service -- is "exactly the type of person we want in charge of our national treasures."
"Throughout her career she remained focused on the proven policies and science that she knows are needed to retain the character and spirit of the National Park system for the future," Obey said.
Anzelmo previously served as chief of public affairs for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks -- including acclaimed work during the 1988 Yellowstone fires. She later headed up public affairs for the entire National Park Service. Anzelmo also worked for the Park Service's unified area command in May 2010 following the BP oil spill.
Former Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Bob Barbee, who was Anzelmo's boss at the park, called her a top-flight professional.
"Her principled dedication to the values embodied in the national parks is unrivaled -- and when faced with pressures to compromise those values, Joan (Anzelmo) can be counted on to hold the line," Barbee said.
Anzelmo has received numerous awards, including from the Department of the Interior, honors in Congressional Record and in White House commendatory documents.
She called the NPCA's Stephen T. Mather Award the "honor of a lifetime"
"I am so grateful to have the National Parks Conservation Association as a steadfast partner and leader in helping to protect our nation's most precious natural and cultural resources and serve the vast visiting public to America's national parks," Anzelmo said.
She now lives in Jackson.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Economic official irritated by "Occupy" movement
"We're going to be loud, but we're going to be peaceful," Wicks said on Friday, while protesting in downtown Powell.
It seems to be a safe bet that local economic development officials won't be joining any local "occupy" protests.
In Forward Cody's latest newsletter, the organization's business development specialist, Scott Wagner, wrote that he is "truly irritated" with the Occupy Wall Street movement. Wagner's take:
"Hundreds of chronically unemployed people are out pitching a fit about their situation and wanting someone to fix it for them. Speaking out for your rights is a good thing, however, I think that the best thing for these people to do is to help solve this high unemployment and stagnant economy is to take the proverbial bull by the horns and become an entrepreneur. Small business is what makes our economy the world powerhouse that it is, and starting a business is a great way to solve the unemployment issue..."Wagner goes on to say many people he talks to don't know where or how to start a business; he says the solution is as simple as seeking help from Forward Cody.
Police chief's retirement letter
In case anyone's interested, here's some of what Feathers wrote in his official retirement memo to City of Powell Administrator Zane Logan, dated Sept. 29:
It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Powell for over 30 years as a Police Officer. I would like to thank the City for the many opportunities I have been afforded through my employment with the City, it has certainly been a blessing to me and my family. I am grateful for a fulfilling career in which I was given every opportunity to make a difference for my neighbors. However the time has come where a candid assessment of the leadership needs of the Police Department clearly indicate it is time for a Chief with a different skill set, a fresh vision and more energy than I possess. I leave with fond memories of my years with the City of Powell and the many friends I made here. I would like to personally thank you (Logan) for being the model of a 'good boss', I have cherished our working relationship. I wish you the best, may God bless you and your leadership of the City in the days ahead.Feathers asked that his successor be in place and assume responsibility for the department's operations at the end of his shift on Dec. 23.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Food-conditioned wolf killed in Yellowstone
Since July, the 110-pound male wolf had approached staff and visitors at close range at least seven times and had been unsuccessfully hazed each time from developed areas at Fishing Bridge.
The estimated 2- to 4-year-old wolf was a member of Mollie’s Pack from the Pelican Valley area.
The decision to remove the wolf came following a history of fearless behavior in the presence of humans, repeated visitation to developed areas within the park and numerous unsuccessful hazing attempts. Each of these factors was indicative of the wolf’s potential habituation to human food, which posed an increased risk to park visitors and staff.
Efforts to relocate food-conditioned animals generally have proven unsuccessful because the animals simply return to the areas from which they were removed.
Park visitors are reminded that intentionally feeding or allowing animals to obtain human food is a violation of park regulations, and may ultimately lead to the death of the animal involved. Park rangers vigorously enforce these regulations, which are designed to protect both people and animals. Visitors also are reminded to be vigilant at all times with proper food storage by keeping food, garbage, coolers and other attractants stored in hard-sided vehicles or food storage boxes.
Park rules require people to remain at least 100 yards from wolves at all times. Visitors also are advised to stay on designated trails, hike in groups of three or more people, be alert for wildlife and make noise in blind spots.
The best defense against attacks is to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and use binoculars, spotting scope or telephoto lens to get a closer look. Never feed, approach, disturb or entice wolves in any way. Bear spray may be an effective last resort should a wolf approach too closely.
Sightings of wolves in close proximity of humans and developed areas may be a dangerous situation developing and should be reported to the nearest visitor center or ranger station as soon as possible.
Monday, June 27, 2011
A reporter's wild goose chase ends
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One of these things is not like the others. |
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The decoy stoically supervised the arrival of soil to the project. |
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Free watercraft safety inspections Saturday
The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that boats are properly registered and equipped with safety and operational equipment. Each inspection takes approximately 15 minutes, depending upon the condition and number of watercraft present. Watercraft — which includes boats, jets skis and wave runners — that are in compliance and pass the safety inspection will receive two 2011, “Safe Boat” inspection stickers, indicating they are properly equipped with safety equipment.
“A dry-land safety inspection is a preventative measure; it could save lives,” said Cody game warden Craig Sax, who will conduct and coordinate the inspection. According to Sax, one benefit of having a game warden inspect your boat on dry land is that no citations will be issued.
“Certainly it is better to discover that something like a life jacket or fire extinguisher needs to be replaced before getting on the water,” said Sax. “You never know when an accident might occur or when you might find yourself in an emergency situation.”
The department uses a very detailed checklist while conducting the inspections and makes note of equipment for the boat owner that should be replaced or repaired.
Sax also encourages boaters to do a little home study and take the free “Boating Basics” course offered by the department.
“The boating basics course is a good way to increase your general watercraft knowledge and safety and may qualify for reduced insurance rates with some carriers,” added Sax.
For more information on the boating basics course or free watercraft inspections, call the Cody region office at 1-800-654-1178.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Beartooth Highway opens for season
Friday's opening was just in time for the highway's 75th anniversary celebration, which takes place this weekend in Red Lodge, Mont.
Through a joint effort conducted each spring, snow plowing crews from both Yellowstone National Park and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) cleared the famous 67-mile passage that links the park’s Northeast Entrance with the community of Red Lodge.
The Beartooth Highway is maintained as a seasonal road that opens around Memorial Day weekend and closes by mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
This year a majority of the road spent well past its traditional opening date buried under more than 25 feet of snow and ice. In advance of the scheduled May 30 opening, MDT had cleared a section from Red Lodge to Vista Point, though the road was opened and closed several times over the next few weeks due to adverse weather and snow conditions. At the same time Yellowstone crews were forced to pull resources from the Beartooth to focus on road clearing efforts over Dunraven Pass to increase visitor access that was being affected by other weather-related delays within the park.
Each year the National Park Service clears the road from the park’s Northeast Entrance at Milepost 0.0 through Wyoming to the Montana state line at Milepost 43.1., meeting up with MDT crews that have plowed the road from Red Lodge.
Cutting through the Absoroka-Bearthtooth Wilderness, the Beartooth Highway is the highest elevation highway in Wyoming (10,947 feet) and Montana (10,350 feet), and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies, passing through one of the highest and most rugged areas in the lower 48 states, with 20 peaks reaching more than 12,000 feet in elevation. Because of the road’s altitude, extreme weather conditions including snow, ice, rain and high winds can force road closures at a moment’s notice. In 2008 the road was closed for nearly the entire season when a rock slide caused by heavy rains buried the road.
Because of rapidly-changing conditions, motorists are encouraged to check the status of the road in advance by contacting the proper state transportation departments.
Travelers in Wyoming may dial 511; those outside of Wyoming may call 888-996-7623, or visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation website at http://www.wyoroad.info.
Travelers in Montana may dial 511; those outside Montana may call 800-226-7623, or visit the Montana Department of Transportation website at http://mdt511.com/.
For road conditions inside Yellowstone National Park, visitors can call the parks’ 24-hour road hotline at 307-344-2117 or visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Yellowstone plans vehicle checkpoints this weekend
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (AP) — Rangers in Yellowstone National Park will be conducting vehicle safety checkpoints this weekend (June 3-4).
The checkpoints will allow rangers to look for traffic and safety violations and watch for impaired drivers. Rangers will also hand out information on safe driving tips, seatbelt use and DUI awareness.
Yellowstone has more than 300 miles of paved roads. Park officials say driving conditions can be challenging because of heavy traffic, rapidly changing weather and visitors and wildlife on roadways.
For current road conditions in the park, call 307- 244-2117.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Panthers capture state title, girls finish second
Friday, May 20, 2011
Mayor mixes up city's namesake
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The original version |
Tessa, the Tribune's managing editor, caught the unfamiliar name and we knew the Tribune had to investigate.
When I asked Mangold on Thursday afternoon who Powell was named after, he didn't hesitate:
"William Powell."
But when I then asked if it wasn't actually John Wesley Powell, the mayor readily agreed he was in error.
"Oh yeah, John Wesley Powell," he said.
I then, to Mangold's chagrin, pointed out that his column had attributed Powell's origins to William, not John W.
"I'm going to change it real quick," Mangold said. He did note there actually is a famous William Powell (in fact, many). The best known William Powell was an acclaimed actor who starred in many films between the late 1920's and mid-1950's.
In less than 10 minutes, the mayor had corrected his message to say residents should instead thank "John Wesley Powell for planning a town far enough away from the river."
Of course, as the city's website notes, John Wesley Powell never actually came here to plan out the town or do anything else, but that's another matter altogether.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Updating State Track 2011 thread
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Video: U.S. 26-89 landslide in action
This time lapse video, shot by WyDOT, shows the rock, mud and vegetation slowing sliding across the highway on Tuesday, May 17. It compresses 30 minutes of footage into 47 seconds.
According to WyDOT:
The transportation department website has more on the challenging situation.The slide is moving at a rate of about one foot per minute with an estimated 40,000 cubic yards of material currently covering the highway to depths of up to 40 feet. WYDOT crews began moving material off the highway Saturday, but by 10 p.m. they could no longer keep the road open. Contractors were brought in to assist Sunday, but by Monday it became clear that effort was only further destabilizing the slide above the road.
“For every loader of dirt we moved out, four more would come down,” said WYDOT District Engineer John Eddins. “No amount of equipment is going to be able to open the road until the slide stops moving.”
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Avalanche closes East Entrance Road
A 70-yard wide, 20-30-foot deep field of snow that came down in an avalanche has forced the route through Sylvan to close, the Park Service said in an email sent this evening.
"Extremely hazardous conditions, current debris levels on the road, and ongoing snow slide events make reopening impossible until complete assessments can be made," the agency said.
This May 2 photo provided by the National Park Service shows a 15-foot drift on Sylvan Pass. |
The East Entrance road -- which opened for the season on Friday -- has been intermittently open and closed this week thanks to the large amount of shifting snow in Sylvan Pass. Warmer weather and rain have been blamed for the unstable conditions.
The Park Service said forecasts for the pass in coming days call for daytime temperatures in the 50's, which will make the heavy snowpack increasingly unstable
"Weather conditions are being continually monitored by park staff to keep the road open when it is considered safe," the park service said in an email yesterday.
Yellowstone visitors should call the 24-hour park road report (307-344-2117) for the most current conditions and be prepared for conditions that can change quickly.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tourists disregard signs, trudge on Old Faithful
At around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, a group of 30 left the boardwalk in front of Old Faithful Lodge and sauntered to the very lip of the geyser.
Signs are posted everywhere warning of the danger.
“They claimed they hadn’t seen the signs,” said Yellowstone Park Spokesperson Al Nash.
Three individuals — the tour group leader, tour bus driver and a tour member who initiated the out-of-bounds stroll — were cited for being off-trail in a thermal area and fined $125 each.
For more on the story, see Tuesday’s Tribune.
— By Gib Mathers, Tribune Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Dramatic video shows rock slide near Lovell
The short but dramatic video, posted on YouTube, shows a few rocks coming down to the left of the man, then more falling on the right.
Then the entire road cut comes loose, causing the man to run and shout profanity. The video ends with a lot of whooping about a large pile of rock on the road.
The man's identity couldn't be confirmed and he couldn't be reached for comment.
The slide happened Monday on U.S. Highway 14-A east of Lovell. A falling rock advisory remains in effect for the route, which remains open.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Cox to testify before U.S. Senate committee
Cox will present a statement on behalf of the transportation departments of Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota focusing on the needs and priorities of rural states in the next surface transportation program. His testimony will begin at 8 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
Cox, who formerly served as Powell’s police chief, is one of five state transportation department heads from around the nation who will present testimony before the committee and answer questions from senators.
To watch a streaming broadcast of the hearing, go to the committee’s web page.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Your Heart Mountain photos

Richard Brady:

Carolyn Danko:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Mack Frost:

Melanie Saldana-Gardner (former Powell resident now residing in Hinesville, Ga.) :

Mike Wright:

Shannon Lusk:

Shawnee Dicks:

Teri Ann Oursler:

Todd Thayer:

Todd Thayer:

Todd Thayer:

Todd Thayer:

Todd Thayer:

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Cody teen located
"On behalf of the Cody Police Department, I want to thank everyone for the attention given to this incident," said Chief Perry Rockvam in the release.
Elizabeth "Liz" Wellong, 15, had been reported missing Thursday afternoon after she did not attend school and her belongings were found to have been packed.
Friday's release did not indicate where Wellong was found, or under what circumstances. Rockvam said no further information was available.
State basketball updates
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day at the Legislature: Wednesday, March 2
CHEYENNE (AP) — Developments on the 36th day of the 2011 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature, Wednesday, March 2, 2011:
BUDGET — Gov. Matt Mead used his line-item veto to remove a $450,000 appropriation from the Legislature's supplemental budget bill that had been set aside to buy land for construction of a new governor's mansion. He stated that if he decides over the next year that the expenditure would be wise, other funds should be available.
CONCEALED CARRY — Mead signed into law a bill that will allow citizens to carry concealed handguns without a state permit starting in July.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE — The Senate rejected a bill that would have specified that Wyoming would only recognize marriages between one man and one woman.
EMINENT DOMAIN — Mead signed into law a two-year extension of Wyoming's moratorium on using eminent domain powers for wind projects.
EDUCATION — The House gave final approval to a bill that would establish statewide standards for annual teacher evaluations. The bill now goes to Mead.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Helena wins game 2 over Quake
Day at the Legislature: Tuesday, March 1
CHEYENNE (AP) — Developments on the 35rd day of the 2011 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature, Tuesday, March 1, 2011:
MARRIAGES — A conference committee agreed to amendments to a bill that seeks to specify that Wyoming will only recognize marriages performed between one man and one woman. The House is set to consider the revised bill on Wednesday.
HEALTH CARE — The House gave final approval to a bill that would put up $1 million to expand the state's health care pilot project. The project aims for offering limited health care coverage for up to 200 low-income people.
SPICE DRUGS — The House and Senate concurred on a bill to outlaw so-called "spice" drugs.
EDUCATION — A conference committee reached agreement on the "teacher accountability act," and both the House and Senate are set to consider it on Wednesday. The House and Senate failed to reach agreement on some proposed changes in another bill regarding the high school courses required to qualify for the state's Hathaway scholarship program.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day at the Legislature: Monday, Feb. 28
CHEYENNE (AP) — Developments on the 34rd day of the 2011 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature, Mon., Feb. 28, 2011:
HATHAWAY — The House rejected a conference committee report on proposed changes in the Hathaway college scholarship program. The House rejected the Senate's insistence that foreign language remain mandatory for some recipients.
TEACHER STANDARDS — State Senate and House negotiators have compromised on a bill that would establish statewide standards for annual teacher evaluations. The bill now goes back to each body for consideration.
PUBLIC MEETINGS — The Senate killed a bill that would have required Wyoming government boards to record their closed sessions.
MARRIAGE — A conference committee failed to come to agreement on a bill that would specify same-sex marriages to be void in Wyoming.
DUI — The Senate passed a bill that would eliminate motorists' right to refuse to take chemical tests to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol in their body.
PATRIOTISM — The Senate for the second time approved a bill that would require the American flag to be displayed in public school classrooms and require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
SEX OFFENDERS — A bill to tighten registration requirements for sex offenders passed in the Senate for the second time.
SPOOFING: A bill making it a crime to impersonate another person through various electronic means passed the Senate.
Friday, February 25, 2011
State/national wrestling
Check back with the Tribune throughout Friday and Saturday as we'll be posting the latest updates as they become available. The most recent information will always appear immediately below this note.
Cast's first match on the mat didn't last long as his opponent was forced to forfeit due to an injury just 65 seconds into the first period. He'll face ninth-ranked Travis Peralta of Ridgewater in the quarterfinals.
Nick Petersen, who, like Cast, had a first-round bye this morning, won convincingly with a 13-3 decision over No. 11 Nate Bazan. He'll face unranked Teagen Franco of Yakima Community College in the quarters.
For Bernie Dupuy (165), it was a good effort against the top-ranked wrestler in his weight class, but not quite enough to take the win. Dupuy dropped a 7-3 decision. For Sears Tiernan, it was a meeting with the No. 2 man in the heavyweight division, and a 12-2 loss in a battle of top-10 grapplers. Ben Price, who lost in the opening round, received a bye in the first elimination round of the day, keeping all seven Trappers alive on the bracket.
On the high school side, the championship quarterfinals are close to wrapping up. No results or team score updates yet, but to clarify an item from earlier today, Randy Andrews was an upset victim in the first round, bringing an abrupt end to the state title hopes of the 34-6 wrestler. Andrews will look to make as much noise as possible on the elimination side of things as he goes after a third-place medal and score as many points as possible toward the team race.
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Friday, 1:40 p.m. -- Haven't been able to reach anyone on-site in Casper, but we can at least remove part of the asterisk from the 1:15 p.m. post. The 160-pound bracket has been revised and now shows Olson as a winner by fall in the first period. Powell's team score has similarly been adjusted. The Panthers remain in third place, but now have 40 points, putting them six off the pace. As tight as this three-horse race for the 3A title is forecast to be, those points could come in handy by tournament's end.
Out in Spokane, Jesse Hillhouse turned in a 7-2 decision in his showdown with North Idaho's Brock Banta. He's into the quarterfinals against Wismit Moinius, an unranked grappler out of North Iowa Area. Bobby Robbins wasn't as fortunate at 149 pounds, dropping a 16-5 major decision to sixth-ranked Mark Marionovich.
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Friday, 1:15 p.m. -- And just like that, the results have appeared from Casper. Or have they? After round one, the Panthers sit in third place with 36 team points. Worland is in first with 46 points. Douglas is second with 42 points.
The bigger story, if accurate, would be that Olie Olson (160) and Randy Andrews (171) are both shown as having lost their first-round matches by fall. If true, that would deal a significant blow to Powell's chances for a state title as both were on a short list of state title contenders at their respective weights. I'm putting an asterisk by this one for now (*) and making some phone calls to verify.
In the meantime, Powell won at least 12 matches in the first round, including eight wins by fall among scoring wrestlers. Kurt Bullinger turned in the fastest first-round pin, needing just 20 seconds to get on and off the mat with his arm raised in victory. Jimmy Seckman and Dylan Rood also took less than 45 seconds to finish off their round one foes.
Round two should be getting started. Obviously, we'll report back in with clarification on the situation at 160 and 171 if needed. Round two is also underway in Spokane, updates coming as events warrant.
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Friday, 1 p.m. -- Round one is pretty much in the books at Spokane and it couldn't have gone much better than it did for Northwest College. The Trappers have six of their seven wrestlers alive on the championship side of the bracket. Bernie Dupuy was a 10-4 winner at 165. Sears Tiernan won by fall in just 2:26. Only Ben Price fell onto the elimination bracket, dropping a 4-0 first-round decision at 197. No team scores have been posted yet as the final 285-pound matches are still on the mat, but Northwest pulled good points through round one.
The second round will be coming up and now we start getting to the fun part. Of the six Trappers still in title contention, five will be hitting ranked opponents. Dupuy will square off against the top-ranked grappler at 165. Tiernan will face the No. 2 man at 285. Robbins, Hillhouse and Petersen will also take on opponents ranked 11th or better in the nation. Only Cast draws an unranked foe in round two as he'll face Tony Lisek of Jamestown.
Still waiting on WHSAA to make round one results available from Casper. We'll pass those along as quickly as possible.
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Friday, 11:45 a.m. -- We now have our first correction of the weekend. The results have changed in Spokane and are now showing that Hillhouse's first-round victory was actually a win by fall, adding a little more to the Trappers' team score as the school goes after another top-10 finish.
In the meanwhile, Bobby Robbins has hit the mat and defeated Ryan Davis of Iowa Central by a narrow 5-4 decision. Up next for him is Lincoln College's Mark Marionovich, ranked sixth in the weight class.
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Friday, 11:15 a.m. -- The first result is in from Spokane and returning All-American and No. 1 in the 133-pound division Jesse Hillhouse cruised to a technical fall victory in his tournament opener. The victory sets up a second-round showdown with Brock Banta of North Idaho, who also won by tech. fall. One month ago, this would have been an unheard-of match at this stage of the bracket. Hillhouse was ranked No. 1 and Banta No. 2 when the pair faced off at the Apodaca Duals. It certainly isn't the sort of match you'd expect in the second round, but Hillhouse and NWC head coach Jim Zeigler were comfortable with their game plan, which produced an 8-2 win in January.
Keep in mind that Keithen Cast (174) and Nick Petersen (184) are already through to the second round as well by virtue of first-round byes. The 141-pounders are getting set to take the mat at Spokane. I'll check back in on the progress of Bobby Robbins (149), Bernie Dupuy (165), Ben Price (197) and Sears Tiernan (285) in about an hour, at which time we should also be in possession of the first round results from Casper and the state 3A championships.