News

G&F News: Grizzly bear euthanized due to cattle depradation

Published by admin on Thu, 04/18/2024 - 1:05pm

A grizzly bear was euthanized Monday after confirmed cattle depredation on private land south of Ten Sleep. On April 14, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department investigated a report of an injured cow with wounds consistent with grizzly bear depredation. Wildlife managers verified nearby tracks and signs that suggested the bear frequented the ranch for approximately one week. The subadult, male grizzly bear was euthanized after consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service due to its involvement in depredation and its behavior frequenting the ranch.

90 Years Ago: Shell Hall hosts its first dance

Published by admin on Thu, 04/18/2024 - 1:02pm

100 years ago
April 18, 1924
The Standard received a telephone call Wednesday from County Commissioner Olney that a contract had been let for the removal of the west wooden bridge from the Big Horn River to the edge of the new steel section that has just been completed.
90 years ago
April 19, 1934
The first dance in the Shell Community Hall will be held Saturday, April 21. Harry Lee is making the arrangements for this initial dance. Lee promises good music and a good time for everyone attending. A lunch will be served at midnight. All proceeds will go to the community hall.
80 years ago
April 20, 1944

Wyoming Business Tips: Build a better business plan

Published by admin on Thu, 04/18/2024 - 1:01pm

A business plan is like a road map that guides you through starting your business and is a crucial tool for any entrepreneur. It helps you launch your business on the right foot and provides a blueprint for long-term success and growth. So, if you have a great business idea, starting with a solid business plan is the first step toward turning your dreams into reality.
Your business plan should answer the questions of what you are going to do; how you plan to do it; who will purchase your product or service and why; and a financial plan of how it will make a profit.
Here are a few tips to help you create a better business plan:
-- Get to know your potential customer: Identifying who is most likely to purchase your goods or services is essential to your business planning. Market research and analysis are crucial to understanding whether there is a viable market for your goods or services.

News Briefs

Published by admin on Thu, 04/18/2024 - 1:00pm

UW Extension offers Gardening 101 with Gary Emmett

Wyoming’s elections to look different this year

Published by admin on Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:56pm

How and when Wyoming residents can vote will look different this year.
Two election laws related to political party affiliation and absentee voting were added to the books in 2023, making the August primaries the first major election affected by the new regulations.
Under the new rules, May 15 is the last day registered voters can change their political party affiliation. The affiliation associated with a voter’s registration determines which primaries — either Republican or Democratic — they are entitled to vote in. Previously voters could change their party affiliation at the polls on Election Day, and many are accustomed to doing so. Qualified voters who are not yet registered will still be able to register and choose their party the day of.  
Meanwhile, the window for absentee voting — also known as early voting — is shorter than before for most voters. The previous 45-day time frame was reduced to 28 days.

VA health care enrollment in Wyo. surges by 35%

Published by admin on Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:55pm

CASPER — The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that 745 Wyoming veterans joined the VA health care system in the last year, outpacing the national average.
Enrollment in Wyoming was 35.44% more than the system enrolled the previous year.
Nationally, the VA enrolled 401,006 veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 30% more than the previous year.
This is the most yearly enrollees in at least five years at VA, and nearly a 50% increase over pandemic-level enrollment in 2020, according to the department.

Flitner sisters to be featured on ‘Ranch Her’

Published by admin on Thu, 04/11/2024 - 12:48pm

Morgan and Scotty Flitner, the ranching daughters of Greg and Pam Flitner of Shell, will be featured in an upcoming episode of “Ranch Her.” Now in its second season on RFD-TV, the series profiles the extraordinary women of the ranching industry, highlighting their grit, grace, and glory.
Morgan and Scotty’s episode debuts Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. and repeats on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m.  Two weeks later, on May 21, the show will spotlight Lindsey Anson of the Pitchfork Ranch near Meeteetse.
Jamie Johnson, the show’s host, and a film crew visited the Flitner Ranch in October.
“First time I’ve ever had a TV camera in my face,” laughed Scotty. “Could have done without it, but I think it went OK.”

Fair event tickets to be offered for purchase in person, online

Published by admin on Thu, 04/11/2024 - 12:44pm

Pre-event ticket sales were only available online last year. At the April 1 fair board meeting, the board and fair manager Cash Duncan discussed changing the ticketing process to accommodate more people.
Last year, those purchasing tickets before the event were given a discount in contrast to those who paid at the event. This was not a popular approach with many people who wanted to purchase their tickets early for the discount but didn’t have the means to do so online.
Duncan explained that the online company was taking a percentage of the ticket sales. He wasn’t sure this was in the fair’s best interest, as it takes from the income generated by ticket sales. The board agreed.
A small discount will be offered to those who purchase their tickets early. Details will be worked out at the next board meeting, including the possibility of an all-pass ticket/wristband.
PERSONNEL

Hand counts may restore public trust in elections, senator says

Published by admin on Thu, 04/11/2024 - 12:42pm

Still stinging from a defeat in Park County, Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Powell, said last week that while he still prefers a hand count of votes cast in this year’s elections to electronic tabulating machines, he doesn’t feel he has the support to push for such a change in Big Horn County. At least for this election cycle.
“I was hoping someone from over there might pursue it because I’d sure help them out — I just don’t want to be the lone ranger,” he said.

Antelope Butte wraps up season 

Published by admin on Thu, 04/11/2024 - 12:33pm

Blanketed in fresh snow, the Big Horn Mountains welcomed outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the closing weekend of the 23/24 winter season at the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area.
Two days of events and live music entertained those who journeyed up the mountain. The lodge and hill was a flurry of activity — one thought they walked into the 1980s with the panorama of clothing sported by guests and employees. Hulk Hogan made an appearance. Dangling neon earrings, wigs, vintage T-shirts, and big big hair. Complete with a costume contest. 
A highlight of the weekend was Saturday’s pond skim. Contenders were challenged to ski or snowboard down the hill and successfully make it across a man-made pond, carved out of the snow and filled with the water from Granite Creek. A thrilling event to watch and even more to compete.