By Sarah Hale on Mar 21, 2013 in Lincoln County, News, Outdoors The Lincoln County Commissioners have drafted a letter to the Bureau of Land Management regarding the Pine Creek Ski Area. The county is seeking to expand the allowable uses of the Pine Creek Resort. We have been working for years to enhance the facilities and operation at Pine Creek, the commissioner letter stated. Our intent is to provide a quality recreational experience while ensuring the economic benefit to Lincoln County. The letter to the BLM is a form request from Lincoln County for patent to better meet the future needs of the [Pine Creek] site. According to information provided by the County, plans for the Pine Creek Ski Area and Mountain Resort include: implementation of a progressively-installed snow making system and hydroelectric power generation utilizing Pine Creek as a source for both operations; improving access to the steep slopes along the west edge of the site for backcountry skiing purposes; establishing a new chair lift approximately 1,300 feet in length to provide skier access to slopes on the western extents of the site; developing one additional ski run and re-grading portions of an existing ski run, both located … Continue reading →

By Sarah Hale on Mar 22, 2013 in Education, Featured During the March 14 meeting of the Lincoln County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees, Policy JHCD passed on first reading. The policy deals with administering medication to students. The administration of medication while in school is generally discouraged, the proposed policy reads. When a child requires medication, the primary responsibility for administering such medication rests solely upon the parents. Policy JHCD outlines how schools will address situations where medication administration is required. The school district recognizes there will be students, with short and long-term conditions, that may require the administration of medication during school hours, upon request of the parent/guardian, the policy states. Medications should be limited to those required during school hours, which are necessary to maintain the student in school, as well as conditions requiring access to emergency rescue medication. Under the proposed policy, school personnel identified by the school administrator and trained by the school nurse may administer medications to students under appropriate procedures developed and supervised by the school nurse. The proposed policy must pass a second reading before it can officially be adopted by the school board. Read more: Buy 100% Pure Okinawan … Continue reading →

By Dan Dockstader on Mar 22, 2013 in News The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reported on Friday, Mar. 22, that there is a new entry for the Perkes Public Access Area, located along the Salt River five miles south of Alpine, Wyo. The new route replaces the former access to the area, Fishermans Access road (directly west off state Route 89), which is no longer a public road. The Perkes Public Access Area will now be accessed by taking Creamery Lane, nine miles south of Alpine, off state Route 89 west to Stateline Road. The Perkes Public Access Area is then three miles north on Stateline Road. Signs direct traffic to the public access area. A new entry road and parking area have been completed with a new boat launch being developed this spring as weather permits. We really appreciate the Perkes Ranch working with us to continue to provide public access to the property, said Matt Miller, habitat and access coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The new access will actually work better for everyone involved. The Perkes Public Access Area is one of sixteen areas in Star Valley that Game and Fish manages to provide … Continue reading →

By News Release on Mar 21, 2013 in Featured, Wyoming CHEYENNE, Wyo. The Wyoming Military Department is planning to furlough more than 430 employees due to the Department of Defenses planned furlough beginning April 26 for up to 176 hours through the end of September. The majority of the employees work in Cheyenne at the Joint Forces Readiness Center and the Wyoming Air National Guard. All employees, including 108 state employees funded 100 percent by federal funds, will receive furlough notices before the end of next week. We will remain operationally ready and take care of our affected employees to the maximum extent possible during the planned furlough period, said Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, Wyomings adjutant general. We are doing everything possible to ensure when the call comes from Gov. Mead to assist Wyoming residents, the Wyoming National Guard will be ready to do so with minimal delay and maximum ability. The Wyoming Army National Guards field maintenance facilities in Cheyenne, Evanston, Laramie and Lovell will be closed on Fridays to save on maintenance and utility costs. All other buildings will operate under the agencys normal business hours. Reducing hours worked by 20 percent will affect the force; our output … Continue reading →

The Star Valley Independent has been covering the news of the valley for over 110 consecutive years without missing a single edition. Over that time, the newspaper has seen everything from tragedy to comedy while covering the many unique communities that comprise Star Valley. Take a look back in time 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago to what made the pages of the Independent this calendar week of the year. 25-years ago: Brenda Inskeep and members of her class celebrate St. Patricks day five years ago this week at Holdaway Elementary. Road construction is scheduled to start on Aftons main street the first week of April, according to the Wyoming Highway Department. Washington Street (U.S. Highway 89 through Afton) will be resurfaced with plant mix pavement and applied with plant mix seal. The seal will also be applied to the highway from First Avenue north the Catholic Church. The overall project will involve the installation of storm drains, concrete curbs and gutters and existing side walks will be replaced. New sidewalks will be placed between First and Third Avenues. The concrete median strip will also be removed and a new strip will be replaced between Fourth and Fifth Avenues … Continue reading →

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is planning a robust series of discussions about changes coming to programs offered for state residents with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Currently, WDH provides services through an Adult Developmental Disabilities Waiver, a Child Developmental Disabilities Waiver and an Acquired Brain Injury Waiver using a combination of state and federal Wyoming Medicaid dollars. A law approved by the Wyoming Legislature and the governor earlier this year called for a redesign of current programs. Two new waivers are being developed: a capped Supports Waiver and a Comprehensive Waiver. Current waiver participants will be transitioned to the new waivers between January 2014 and July 2015. We are looking to use existing funding to help more people in need of services who are currently on waiting lists while also making improvements that support independence and enhance the quality of life for participants, said Chris Newman, Behavioral Health Division senior administrator with WDH. Newman announced a series of public forums, which are being offered together with the Wyoming Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities, to discuss the waiver redesign effort: Casper, April 4, 6:30-8 p.m., Parkway Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Natrona and American rooms, 123 West E … Continue reading →