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.