Images Gillette-Campbell County, WY: 2010

2010-11 | imagesgillette.com ®

What’s Online Catch the action at the Gillette Thunder Speedway.

Gillette-Campbell County, wyoming

C’MON IN, THE WATER’S FINE Residents have access to amazing swimming sites

Staycation Time Lively weekends right here at home

Revved-Up And Roaring Dirt track sports grow in popularity

sponsored by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce

WorKinG toGether

for the Community

Campbell County Chamber of CommerCe 314 S. Gillette Ave. Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 682-3673 frontoffice@gillettechamber.com www.gillettechamber.com Campbell County eConomiC Development Corporation 2001 W. Lakeway Rd., Suite C Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 686-2603 www.ccedc.net City of Gillette, WyominG 201 E. 5th St. Gillette, WY 82717 (307) 686-5200 www.ci.gillette.wy.us Campbell County Convention & visitors bureau 1810 S. Douglas Hwy. Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 686-0040 cccvb@orbitcom.biz toWn of WriGht, WyominG 201 Wright Blvd.

Wright, WY 82732 (307) 464-1666 www.wrightwyoming.com

The excellenT

Q

ualitative, Team-Orientated, Economically Responsible … these are words clients use to define Van Ewing Construction Inc. Our core philosophy perhaps explains why … “that the legacy we build with each project goes beyond a well-crafted structure to the absolute satisfaction of project objectives and everyone involved.”

This philosophy combined with the rapid growth of the Gillette, Wyoming area has allowed Van Ewing Construction to become the leading general commercial contractor in Northeastern Wyoming with projects ranging from $500,000 to $50 million. Founded in 1998 by Van Ewing and his wife Jody, the company and its employees have always focused on providing clients with work that exceeds expectations.

Our experience, knowledge, resources, highly skilled personnel and commitment to safety are the components that allow us to deliver every project on time, on budget and with a level of quality that is second to none.

Van Ewing Construction strongly believes that a construction project is a team effort from all involved, and we view the client relationship as a partnership where the success of all parties involved is our highest priority.

We invite you to contact us for your next project. We’ll bring the same dedication to excellence, innovation, integrity and quality that is the trademark of all our work.

becomes the PeRMAnenT

SeRVIceS COnstruCtiOn ManaGer at risk CMAR has become the delivery method of choice by most public entities and is preferred by Van Ewing Construction Inc. We have completed over $100 million of CMAR projects – saving owners millions of dollars in value engineering and construction costs.

Pre-enGineereD steel BuilDinGs Van Ewing Construction Inc. is here to help you design and build the facility that is exactly right for your needs. These function-orientated building design methods allow you to capitalize on aesthetic appeal and maximize usage, while staying within budget.

DesiGn/BuilD Our design/build process can provide savings in cost and time because the entire project, from design through construction, is managed and constructed by Van Ewing Construction Inc. The difficulty of dealing with separate entities on a single project is eliminated as you will deal directly with the professional staff at Van Ewing Construction Inc. from start to finish.

HarD BiD At Van Ewing Construction Inc. we are always ready and willing to put our project costs up against the competition. We work hard to be successful in finding ways to build quality projects faster and for less money than our competitors.

5650 Magnuson Boulevard • PO Box 99 • Gillette, WY 82717 307.682.8085 tel • 307.682.3064 fax • vec@vanewing.net www.vanewingconstruction.com paid advertisement

Campbell County Parks and Recreation – the facility for life, health, fitness and friends.

The new Campbell County Recreation Center will have its Grand Opening Celebration on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. The new facility features many new amenities including a 42-foot climbing wall designed to resemble aspects of Devil’s Tower Monument and will serve as the focal point of the spacious lobby to honor this national icon. The facility will also include: a six-lane lap pool, a three-meter diving platform, a zero-depth leisure pool including two water slides, a lazy river and many toy features, three basketball courts, four racquetball courts, elevated walking track, kids zone used for baby-sitting, concessions, weight room, cardio area, three exercise rooms, two birthday party rooms, two tanning beds, training and locker rooms.

The partnership developed in this project with the Campbell County School District allowed for an 81,000-square-foot field house with a six lane, 200-meter track and five indoor tennis courts. This unique 190,000-square-foot facility will have the advantage of combining a full-service recreation center with a multi-use competitive sports and training facility.

Shared use of the amenities will be the hallmark of this creative mixed approach.

Along with the new facility, a new logo has been developed.

www.ccprd.com

The big circle represents the lives that are enriched and the many balls we juggle as we balance our families, health, fitness and friendships.

The swoosh underneath represents the grounding effects of Parks and Recreation … the solid footing that comes from a supportive and active community.

250 W. SHOSHONE AVE. • GillEt tE, W Y 82718 • (307) 682-8527

2010 edition | volume 9 ®

Gillette-Campbell County, Wyoming

co nte nt s F e atu r e s 14 Staycation Time Restaurants, parks and more make Gillette the perfect getaway.

18 Revved-Up And Roaring

Gillette BUSINESS 40 Powered Up Coal mining operations continue to fuel Gillette’s energy economy.

44 Biz Briefs 46 Chamber Report 47 Economic Profile

Tough dirt-track sports grow in popularity.

24 C’mon in, the water’s fine Gillette features first-class swimming facilities and a championship program.

28 Building the 24/7 Campus New dorms, classroom space mark Gillette College’s growing presence.

32 Not-So-Mean Streets Gillette benefits from well-trained, well-equipped fire, safety squads.

36 Not Our First Rodeo

d e pa r tm e nt s 10 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Gillette-Campbell County’s culture

48 Image Gallery 54 Local Flavor 57 Health & Wellness 59 Education 61 Sports & Recreation 63 Arts & Culture 64 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

Gillette’s CAM-PLEX ropes national rodeo competitions, conventions and performances.

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

on the cover Casey McKim on his motorcycle at the Powder Basin Motocross Track Photo by Brian McCord

Please recycle this magazine

G i ll e t t e

5

imagesgillette.com

YOUR

SUCCESS

The definitive relocation resource

What’s Online

IS OUR

GOAL! Downtown Bank 319 South Gillette Ave.

picture perfect We’ve added even more of our prize-winning photography to the online gallery. To see these photos, click on Photo Gallery.

relocation Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

RC Ranch Bank 520 Running W Dr. 686-3300 682-9184 686-3340

Main Phone 24-Hour Banking Bookkeeping

Loan Departments: Business 686-3325 Personal 686-3315 Home Loans 686-3330

Five ATM LocATions Corner of 4th & Kendrick

Videos In our Interactive section, watch quick videos by our editors and photographers featuring people, places and events.

(Drive-Up)

106 N. Hwy. 14-16 10800 S. Hwy. 59 (Shell Food Marts)

Wyoming Center at CAM-PLEX RC Ranch Branch Bank

All First National Bank ATM, Debit & Credit Cards – Surcharge Free Earn ScoreCard Rewards

facts & stats Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

Local Flavor From the simple to the sublime, the delicious offerings here are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite.

Member FDIC

About this magazine Campbell County’s Only Hometown Bank www.fnbgillette.com

6

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Images gives readers a taste of what makes Gillette tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

®

GILLETTE OPTOMETRIC CLINIC P.C. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.visionsource-gilletteopto.com

Gillette- Campbell Count y, W yoming managing editor kim madlom Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinators Jennifer Graves, Erica Hines Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Joyce Caruthers, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Kevin Litwin, Joe Morris, Betsy Williams Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, Yamel Hall, Alison Hunter, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Web Developer Jeremy Dickens Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Marcia Miller, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond I.T. Service Technician Ryan Sweeney Regional Sales Manager Charles Sweeney Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland

Providing Comprehensive Vision Care with the Latest Technology Offering Honest, Caring, Personalized Service • • • • •

Eye Exams for All Ages Vision Therapy Contact Lens Fittings Emergency Eye Problems Pre & Post Care for Cataract and LASIK Surgery

WE ACCEPT: • Medicare • VSP • Medicaid • BCBS

Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller Integrated Media Manager Paul Tarrants Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall

President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen

Safety Glasses Gift Certificates Infant Care Large Stock of Contacts One of the Largest Frame Selections in Wyoming

(307) 682-2020 • 609 4-J Court

Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman

Chairman Greg Thurman

• • • • •

R.L. Mills, O.D. R.L. Jordan, O.D., F.A.A.O.

R.L. Fitzgerald, O.D. J.C. Maycock, O.D.

Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell

DOInc.

Your Lubrication Expert Since 1977

Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Recruiting/Training Director Suzy Simpson Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

Images Gillette-Campbell County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

DO Oil Inc. is a locally owned and operated leader in lubrication marketing.

Serving Northeast Wyoming’s diverse markets of: • Oil Production

For more information, contact: Campbell County Chamber of Commerce 314 South Gillette Avenue • Gillette, WY 82716 Phone: (307) 682-3673 • Fax: (307) 682-0538 www.gillettechamber.com

• Gas Operations

Visit Images Gillette-Campbell County online at imagesgillette.com

• Construction

©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

• Agriculture

Member Member

Magazine Publishers of America Custom Publishing Council

• Coal Mining

Visit us online at www.dooilco.com.

502 El Camino Rd. • Gillette, WY 82716 Phone: (307) 682-9049 • Toll-free: (877) 682-9049

Member Campbell County Chamber of Commerce

G i ll e t t e

7

STAMP OUT BREAST CANCER WITH YOUR FEET.

Every step you take in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® helps raise vital funds for the fight against breast cancer. But don’t let your journey stop there. Take a step toward improving your own health by educating yourself about the disease and getting regular screenings. Step by step, this Race will be won.

Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN.

This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

G i lle t te

9

What the Devil?

The Devils Tower National Monument is such an icon that it is memorialized on Wyoming license plates.

The nearly vertical monolith stands almost a quarter-mile tall above the Belle Fourche River. The monument is a destination for rock climbers, although people don’t climb Devils Tower in June out of respect for local American Indians who consider it a shrine.

President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the first national monument in 1906, and today it is the showpiece of a 1,347-acre national park. Devils Tower was also prominently featured in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Photo courtesy of Joe Lunne

Listen Up, Kids

Music to Everyone’s Ears Wildlife biologists, doctors, mothers and ranch hands – people from all walks of life make up the Powder River Symphony.

Talented musicians who enjoy making music for the love of their craft comprise the 60-member orchestra that performs four annual concerts, during a season that runs from October to April. The 2010-2011 season will be the symphony’s 24th.

Conductor and artistic director Steven Trinkle leads the orchestra, and most performances take place in the Heritage Center at the CAM-PLEX Multi-Events Facilities. Ticket prices are very reasonable at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military members, and $8 for students and children.

10

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

The Campbell County Public Library main branch is young at heart every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning.

Those three days are booked for storytelling sessions geared toward young children. Tuesdays and Wednesdays feature Storytime book readings for preschoolers, while Toddler Time takes place every Thursday morning. Toddler Time includes a variety of hands-on activities for the youngsters.

In addition, all computers in the children’s department of the library are reserved only for kids and students (pre-K to grade six) all day, every day.

Campbell County Public Library has its main branch in Gillette and another branch in Wright.

Almanac

Fast Facts n The cattle ranchers who settled the town in the 1800s originally referred to Gillette as Donkey Town.

That’s Fair To Say Entering your prized pig or your best jar of marmalade preserves is all part of the annual Campbell County Fair in Gillette.

The first fair dates back to 1920, and the 2010 version will take place July 27-Aug. 2 at CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities.

Each fair offers a rodeo and major concert as well as free stage entertainment, plus a variety of exhibits displayed in Energy Hall.

And of course, there are best-of animal competitions in categories such as beef, sheep, poultry, rabbit, cat, dog, dairy cattle, dairy goat, horse and swine.

The Wright Stuff Guests certainly know they’re in Wyoming when they stay at the Wright Hotel.

All 71 rooms of the interesting building are decorated in distinctive western décor, and many have panoramic views of the 55,000-acre Durham Buffalo Ranch. Another nice touch is that all of the rooms on the third floor have vaulted ceilings.

For business meetings, the Wright Hotel also has a king suite with a large conference table that can accommodate six to eight people, with connecting private sleeping quarters. The suite has a wet bar and a view of the snow-capped Big Horn Mountains.

The Wright Hotel is also home to Open Range Steakhouse, an award-winning restaurant whose entrees include steak cuts such as filet mignon, prime rib and New York strip.

n Oil exploration began in Gillette in the 1940s, and the first commercial oil field discovery was made in 1968. n More than 4,000 big game animals make up the population at Durham Buffalo Ranch. n Stock-car racing is a popular sport each season on the 3/8mile oval at Gillette Thunder Speedway. n Built in 1902, the First Baptist Church was the first church built in Gillette. It was the only church in the community until 1907. n The Campbell County Rockpile Museum houses collections of history, art, archaeology and natural history.

Fittingly, the museum is next to a natural rockpile formation. n The Energy Rotary Club Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole outdoor venue located behind the CAM-PLEX.

G i ll e t t e

11

Bright Future + A head CAMPBELL COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Teaching Effectively – Learning Successfully

Administrative Offices 1000 W. Eighth St. Gillette, WY (307) 682-5171

w w w.cc sd.k1 2 .w y.us

Almanac

Wild About Wildlife What’s the population of Campbell County? Nearly 77,000 ... antelopes, that is.

With a human population of “only” 40,000, it is somewhat amazing to realize just how many of the large animals live in Campbell County. Area officials say that the ideal population for antelope should be approximately 52,000, making the region a great place for antelope hunting.

Bow season occurs from Sept. 1-30, and gun season takes place from Oct. 1-31.

Campbell County also has opportunities to hunt mule deer, elk, moose, prairie dog, turkey and sage grouse, and is a hot spot for good fishing.

Gillette At A Glance Population (2009 Estimate) Campbell County: 41,473 Gillette: 31,000 Wright: 1,347

Gillette

MONTANA WYOMING

Sheridan

Location Campbell County is in northeastern Wyoming, between the Big Horn Mountains and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Recluse

14

Ucross

Spotted Horse

For More Information Campbell County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Gillette Ave., Gillette, WY 82716 Phone: (307) 682-3673 Fax: (307) 682-0538 www.gillettechamber.com frontoffice@gillettechamber.com

24 59 1 14

Gillette

Buffalo

Beginnings Campbell County was established in 1911. It is home to the cities of Gillette and Wright, along with the unincorporated communities of Recluse and Rozet. The county seat of Gillette is named for 1890s railroad surveyor Edward Gillette.

Devils Tower National Monument

Weston

14 16

Rozet

Moorcroft oft

Wyodak

90

CAMPBELL

16

Savageton 25 5

50

Wright 59 387

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Gillette, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesgillette.com.

G i ll e t t e

13

Staycation Time

Restaurants, parks and more make Gillette the perfect getaway

Story By Joe Morris Photography By Brian mcCord

L

ooking for a weekend adventure that involves great food, plenty of outdoor and indoor exercise, cultural activities and more? Then look no further than Gillette, which can keep you plenty busy for a couple of days, and then some.

To get that vacation feel, plan to stay in one of Gillette’s many hotels. Prime picks for locals and residents alike are the new Gillette Settle Inn & Suites, Country Inn & Suites or Wingate by Wyndam, which offer regular rooms, suites and plenty of other amenities.

Once you’re unpacked, swing by the Campbell County Rockpile Museum.

You’ll get all kinds of inside scoop on what makes this area special, from exhibits that range from rifle and saddle collections to a “dress-up” area for kids and a video tour of a coal mine operation.

Hungry by now? No worries. The award-winning Prime Rib Restaurant is

ready to tempt with their famous 10-ounce Sirloin Pepper Steak, marinated in a house-original peppers and herbs mix. Afterward, enjoy a game and a drink in the Blue Martini Lounge.

All of that good food needs to be worked off first thing Saturday, and the Campbell County Recreation Center is just the spot. Courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis adjoin an indoor running track, and there are also two separate weight rooms, a cardio area, four racquetball courts, a squash court, spinning bikes, a six-lane swimming pool and more.

Gillette’s wide-open spaces also provide many outdoor recreation options. The nearby mountains are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing.

But all of that exercise works up an appetite, so stop by The Main Bagel Company for a quick nosh, and then head back out on the trails at

From left: Slow-roasted prime rib at Prime Rib Restaurant; a horse roams the countryside on Adon Road.

14

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

G i ll e t t e

15

16

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

McManamen Park or Lasting Legacy Park. These well-loved local parks have plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy a quiet Saturday morning.

Walk a little more, and you’ll find yourself in downtown Gillette. And it’s a multitasking kind of stroll, as the city’s public art displays compete with the shops and merchants all around. The Mayor’s Art Council was formed in 2003 to start the Avenues of Art public art program, which now brings in sculptures from around the country. Then it’s off to the many venues at the Powder Basin Shopping Center, Southview Shopping Center, Camel Plaza and Silverado Center.

Bring your checkbook!

Head back to the hotel to drop off your purchases, and then over to the Great Wall restaurant to sample some of

the best Asian cuisine to be found in these parts. Get good and warm, because the next venue is the Campbell County Ice Arena, an NHL-size rink for recreational skating, hockey games and more. Forget your skates? No worries, They have a full rental facility, not to mention a heated viewing area for those who prefer their ice in glasses.

On Saturday nights there’s no better place to check out than Bootlegger’s Roaring 20s Grill & Speakeasy or Pokey’s Smokehouse & Barbeque, and then after dinner, drop in at Brothers Coffee Company for some java and live music.

On Sunday, start the day right with breakfast at Boss Lodge Restaurant & Business Center or Perkins Family Restaurant, and then check out the CAM-PLEX, a multipurpose complex that’s hosted everything from national rodeo competitions to week-long fireworks exhibitions. From there, it’s fiesta time as you grab a farewell lunch at Las Margaritas and discover why it’s the restaurant of choice for locals who crave something from south of the border.

Staff Photo

Clockwise from left: Delilah by Benjamin Victor; Schizoid Johnny performs at the Best Western Tower West Lodge; Rockpile Museum

G i ll e t t e

17

Revved-Up

Roaring Successes Tough dirt track sports grow in popularity

18

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Casey McKim jumps his motorcycle at the Powder Basin Motocross Track.

G i ll e t t e

19

Story By Kevin Litwin | Photography By Brian McCord

What’s Online Catch the action at the Gillette Thunder Speedway at imagesgillette.com.

H

ere’s the dirt on motorsports in Gillette – they are alive and well, and exciting.

One rollicking example is the high-banked, 3/8-mile, dirt track oval of the Gillette Thunder Speedway, a popular racing venue whose attendance has grown steadily over the years. Motorsports action at the speedway takes place every Saturday night from mid-April to mid-September.

The Gillette Thunder was established in 1977, but moved to its current location on the eastern portion of the CAM-PLEX property in 2004. CAM-PLEX donated the land to the track, and the speedway holds its weekly races as a nonprofit organization.

The divisions that compete each Saturday night are late models, limiteds, B-modifieds, A-modifieds and thunder stocks. Other events include two sprint car races that are scheduled twice a year, a monster truck competition and the nationally known World of Outlaws series that makes an appearance at Gillette Thunder every July.

“On any given Saturday night, we have 85-115 cars out here competing, with 1,5001,800 people in the pit road areas and another 600-1,000 people in the grandstands,” says Ed Kirchoff, promoter of the Gillette Thunder Speedway. “No kidding, this is one of the best manicured dirt tracks in Wyoming – it is real friendly to the tires and the car chassis. Plus it’s

• Our buses are clean and comfortable with air conditioning and restrooms • Wheelchair accessible buses available upon request • Charter and contract services

1700 E. Hwy. 14-16 • Gillette, WY • (307) 682-0960 • Toll-free: (800) 442-3682 E-mail: powderriver.charters@coachamerica.com • www.gillette.coachamerica.com

a wide track with plenty of passing room, and some of the late models and sprint cars can top out at 100 mph in the straightaways.�

Also part of the dirt-related excitement in Gillette is motocross racing, which involves motorcycles racing outdoors on tough terrain within an enclosed area. Such is the case at Powder Basin Motocross Track, which was established in 1992 and is also located on CAM-PLEX property along a 20-acre site.

The one-mile dirt track features tight, windy

A driver takes a turn at full speed during the late models main event at the Gillette Thunder Speedway.

“People in Wyoming like the outdoors, and racing is just another activity to experience in the high plains.” curves along with hills for big motorcycle jumps and smaller jumps. Two regional motocross competitions are scheduled each year at Powder Basin, with one staged in early May and the other in late August.

“We are affiliated with the High Plains Motocross Association, which features riders from Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Nebraska who earn points each weekend during a season that runs from April through August,” says Randy Stahla, president of Powder Basin Motocross Track. “At our two races in Gillette, we schedule several competitive divisions, with riders starting out as young as 4 years old and going all the way up to the expert class.”

Stahla says 250-400 bikers compete in Gillette at each of the two annual races, with 10-40 motorcycles registered in each division.

He adds that motocross racing often seems to be a family sport, with generation after generation getting involved. One example is Stahla himself, who has been in motocross for 30 years and now watches his 16-year-old and 6-year-old sons compete.

“Motocross is a big deal in Gillette – in fact, all racing is a big deal here, whether it’s cars or motorcycles,” he says. “People in Wyoming like the outdoors, and racing is just another activity to experience in the high plains.”.

From left: Riders round an S-curve at the Powder Basin Motocross Track; a race at Gillette Thunder Speedway

22

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

G i ll e t t e

23

24

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Swimming

Lessons Gillette features first-class swimming facilities and a championship program

I

Story By Betsy Williams

t takes a lot more than a stroke of luck to create a championship swim team, and Gillette has mastered the formula.

Unparalleled facilities, a dedicated coaching staff and talented swimmers have helped lead the Gillette Swim Team to 15 consecutive state championships.

“We have a really nice facility here, and we don’t ever really stop practicing,” says Phil Rehard, GST head coach for the past eight years and the 2009 Wyoming Swimming Coach of the Year.

The club program has approximately 200 registered participants, with a staff

of seven to eight assistant coaches, Rehard says, and swimmers are able to train and practice year-round, thanks to the well-equipped Campbell County School District Aquatic Center.

The center features the state’s only 50-meter pool, Rehard says, and a firstclass weight room, with an outdoor portable pool that is erected during the summer months. “The building opened in 1982, and we had people on the school board who pushed it through so that now we have this awesome aquatic center,” he says.

With that capital commitment came

Campbell County Pool facilities include a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool and much more. photo by brian mccord

G i ll e t t e

25

“We have one of the best programs like this in the country. The hard work of our coaching staff is integral, and we’re fortunate to have the money to pay enough coaches to keep the ratio

of the new Campbell County Recreation Center. The Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department and the Campbell County School District joined hands in creating a facility that combines a full-service recreation center with a multi-use competitive sports and training facility.

The $55 million center features lap and leisure pools, two water slides, five tennis courts, three basketball courts, a 200-meter track and a 42-foot climbing tower resembling aspects of the Devils Tower National Monument, plus a spectator venue for organized sports, exercise rooms and babysitting areas.

The rock theme is used throughout the aquatic area.

The 256,000-gallon, six-lane lap pool at the new center uses an efficient sand filter system and features a diving area more than 13 feet deep, with water heated to 85 or 86 degrees.

The leisure pool includes water features such as a windmill, water tank and a net that holds flotation devices so children can walk across the water.

Campbell County Pool is open year-round

26

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Brian M c Cord

a commitment to swimming. “We run a swim program through our school where every student in grades one through 12 comes for a 10-day period of swimming lessons,” Rehard says. “Our program sees every kid in our school and our community from the time they enter first grade until graduation, so we have the opportunity to recruit every kid in our system to be on our swim teams.”

This exposure to an active lifestyle also leads to healthier students, and the system has made a commitment toward that as well, with a healthy schools coordinator who oversees nutrition and physical activity.

“It’s a real bonus for us to have him,” Rehard says of the coordinator. “We have one of the best programs like this in the country. The hard work of our coaching staff is integral, and we’re fortunate to have the money to pay enough coaches to keep the ratio between swimmers and coaches low. We also appreciate the great support of the parents.”

Community recreation takes front and center this year with the opening

Brian M c Cord

between swimmers and coaches low.”

G i ll e t t e

27

28

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Building the

24/7

Campus New dorms, classroom space mark Gillette College’s growing presence

Story By Joe Morris

G

illette College has a way of mounting a strong response to challenges.

When the subject of dormitories came up a while back, some wondered if the college would have any interest from students. Similar questions were posed regarding the interest in new fields of study and even adding sports teams. And the answer, every time, has been a resounding ‘yes.’

“In August 2009, we had the grand opening of our first student-housing village, which is four buildings with 100 beds in total,” says Dr. Paul Young, executive dean. “We had it filled, and even a waiting list, before construction was finished.”

In addition to students, the buildings also house some faculty members so that it’s a true living/learning community, and a model for future growth as part of a campus master plan that calls for an eventual 500 beds.

“Our first hurdle was to fill it, and it was really the first project in a set of baby steps for us as we work to become a residential college,” Young says. “Now we have students and faculty living there, holding study sessions and other academic activities. It’s been more successful than we could have imagined.”

Across campus, the new $40 million Technological Education Center has opened, giving faculty 96,000 square feet of teaching space for the college’s various industrial

Gillette College’s new resident student village features suite-style rooms that accommodate three to seven people. photo by brian mccord

G i ll e t t e

29

programs, but also providing classrooms, computer labs, study areas and, right in the center of it all, a new culinary training center.

“We’ve got a 2,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art kitchen like you’d see on ‘Iron Chef,’” says Young. “It even has extras like videoconferencing cameras that can zero in on the prep area so we can talk to other colleges while we have chefs demonstrating techniques for our students.”

The center will be home not only to Gillette College students, but also to an academy for high school students in the area. In that capacity, it joins the successful energy and hospitality-related academies already giving local and regional students a leg up on their careers while they finish high school.

“We’re very excited about being able to widen the horizon for these young people,” Young says. “These academies prepare them for jobs here in Gillette, or in the entertainment and restaurant industry in Jackson Hole, even on cruise ships … the sky’s really the limit.”

For now, though, Young says he’s content to catch his breath and (briefly) let the dust settle.

“We’ve gone from 20 acres and one main building two years ago to four buildings on 90 acres now,” he says. “We’ve got new sports teams like men’s and women’s basketball, and a whole lot of excited students. But don’t get too used to anything around here, because we’ll be changing it all around again before long.”

Staff Photo

Clockwise from top: Gillette College’s student village has a combination of single- and double-occupancy rooms; a spin class at Club Energize; the library at Gillette College

30

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

What’s Online

Brian M c Cord

Staff Photo

Brian M c Cord

Read more articles about Gillette’s diverse learning environments by going online to imagesgillette.com and clicking on “education.”

G i ll e t t e

31

The Campbell County Fire Department is a combination volunteer/paid fire department.

32

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Not-So-Mean Streets city benefits from well-trained, well-equipped squads

G i ll e t t e

33

Story By Joe Morris | Photography By Brian McCord

W

ith everything from safety programs for area schoolchildren to a new radio and tower system designed to allow for communication anywhere, Gillette’s public-safety officials have — literally — got you covered.

Gillette and Campbell County have always been very supportive of fire and police efforts, and that’s translated into departments that are well trained and have the necessary equipment to deal with everyday concerns as well as major emergencies, should they arise.

“We are finishing a replacement fire station in Wright, and then beginning another one in the CAM-PLEX area,” says Don Huber, chief of the Campbell County Fire Department. “Those are replacing ones that are in other places where we don’t have as many people now. We’re able to look at how the town, and the county, have grown, and then 34

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

put in new stations so we’re near the most-populated areas.”

The department operates 10 fire stations and a training center, and covers almost 5,000 square miles of territory, Huber says. Its combination of staff and volunteer firefighters also are heavily engaged in community safety programs, which include everything from business emergency preparedness to fire safety for schoolchildren, says Ron Smith, training chief.

“We do industrial training for industries, because many of them are 40 or 50 miles out of town and it’s a long time before help can get to them,” Smith says. “We also work with mine rescue teams, and go into all the elementary schools with a basic fire-safety program. We know that works, because we have had fires where the children knew what to do through that training.”

Over at the police station, the focus these days is on a

$1.5 million communications system that includes new towers and portable radios that will greatly enhance officers’ ability to network, says Richard Adriaens, former chief of the Gillette Police Department.

“The state system does a good job of providing mobile and car radio coverage, but we had significant lapses in coverage in some of our larger buildings,” Adriaens says. “These towers will give us outstanding coverage, and these new radios allow us to utilize both 800-megahertz and VHF frequencies, which means that we’ll have good communications both in buildings and across the wide-open and mountainous spaces here – it’s the best of both worlds.”

Both Adriaens and Huber credit the community for supporting, financially and otherwise, all of their safety and preparedness programs.

“All the governments here, and the community, really

back what we do,” Adriaens says. “This new radio system alone puts us in good shape for the next 10, 20 years. We’re going to be ready to meet all the demand created as the city grows, and that says good things about how supportive and appreciative our town is for what we do.”

The Campbell County Fire Department provides fire, rescue and hazardous materials services for 4,716 square miles of northeastern Wyoming,

G i ll e t t e

35

Not Our First

ROdeo Gillette’s CAM-PLEX ropes national rodeo competitions, conventions and performances Story By Betsy Williams | Photography By Brian McCord

A Senior Barrell Racing at the Jesus Little Levi Rodeo at the Camplex Wrangler Arena showcases teens age 14-17.

36

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

s the West’s premier multi-event facility, Gillette’s CAM-PLEX is no stranger to national and international conventions, regional competitions and local events.

“We host close to 400 events that draw about 350,000 people,” Dan Barks, general manager, says of the 1,100-acre complex. “The economic impact on the community of this facility is more than $18 million annually.”

Both Airstream and American Coach RV Rallies will hold annual meetings at the facility this year, drawing close to 2,000 RVs and more than 3,000 people, while the North American Dog Agility trials in the spring and fall will culminate with the championship round slated in September.

The facility’s 35 employees take these and the many other concerts, banquets, trade shows,

performances and equestrian events in stride.

But when it’s time to host the event billed as “the world’s largest rodeo” – the National High School Finals Rodeo – the community steps in to provide a Gillette welcome as big as the West.

With more than 6,000 high school contestants and families from 41 states, Canada and Australia descending upon Gillette in periodic years for the coveted 10-day event, it takes months of coordination to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“The National High School Finals Rodeo occupies the community and CAM-PLEX life for quite some time,” Barks says. “Our staff devotes more than a year to get ready for this, and we work with about 900 volunteers. The community supports this very well.”

“This is not our first rodeo,” says Rex Brown, marketing manager. “We’ve held this rodeo

G i ll e t t e

37

38

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

What’s Online Go to imagesgillette.com to learn about Gillette College’s rodeo team.

more than any other community has ever held it, and this is our eighth round.”

Fortunately, the commitment for this competitive event is for two years at each location, so the CAM-PLEX will host the championship beginning the third week in July 2010 and 2011.

“In addition to the people who come here, we also have to house more than 1,700 horses on 60 acres of horse stalls and 1,200 RVs on up to 180 acres of our RV park grounds,” Barks says.

“About 833 hotel rooms are booked by the people who don’t have RVs. Most people stay about eight days. This one event brings in more than $5 million in economic impact to Gillette.”

One indoor and three outdoor arenas serve as venues for the 1,500 competitors as they participate in rodeo competitions, a beauty pageant, volleyball tournament, a scholarship fundraising auction and nightly evening dances.

Ten concessionaires provide food, and a major trade show in the Wyoming Center features all types of western attire, saddles, ropes, jewelry and gifts.

The 122,000-square-foot Wyoming Center recently celebrated its first anniversary, and has been in constant use. Barks says that although no capital expansion projects are on the board at the current time, he and his staff will be busier than ever.

“We have seven separate indoor buildings with 400,000 square feet of space, and many times we’ll have five or six events going on daily,” he says. “Our focus is to keep the facilities we have booked and busy.”

Children practice steer roping at the Jesus Little Levi Rodeo at the Wrangler Arena.

G i ll e t t e

39

Business

Powered

p

Coal mining operations continue to fuel Gillette’s energy economy

40

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Brian M c Cord

Powder River Basin Co. coal plant in Gillette

G i ll e t t e

41

Business

Story By Joe Morris

C

oal production is big business for Gillette and Campbell County, and with new technologies for both extraction and use, the industry will continue to be a major player in the economic development of the region for years to come.

One-fifth of all coal production in the United States originates in the Powder River Basin, which produces a lowsulfur, low-ash coal that is highly prized for its ability to comply with the Clean Air Act. Peabody Energy operates here and has long and deep ties to the Gillette economy.

Peabody has three mines in the area: North Antelope Rochelle, the largest and most productive mine in North America, shipped 97.5 million tons of compliance coal in 2008, and has produced more than 1 billion tons since the mine opened; the Caballo Mine, which shipped 31.2 million tons of coal in 2008; and the Rawhide Mine, which offered up 18.4 million tons that same year. All of Peabody’s mines are known for industry-leading safety and reclamation practices, which include land-restoration projects throughout the basin.

In 2008, Rio Tinto Energy America (now Cloud Peak Energy) was the second-largest coal producer in the country; combined, its four mines in the basin control approximately 2.5 billion tons of recoverable coal.

Similar to that from Peabody’s mines, its recoverable coal

is sought after for its low environmental impact when burned.

These major players and others in the industry continue to dominate the state’s economic development landscape, and also play a huge role in their local areas as well, says Marion Loomis, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association.

“Even though there has been a drop in demand for Powder River Basin coal due to the economy, the industry has managed to keep all of its employees, and even increase those numbers,” Loomis says. “That’s good news for places like Campbell County.”

Coal producers continue working on more efficient methods of extraction, as well as funneling money into research on clean-burn facilities while also restoring land in and around mining sites. These efforts broaden their role in the local economy, and will continue to do so as the industry evolves and changes its basic practices going forward.

“You’re always looking for more efficient ways to operate, and things like carbon capture and sequestration continue to be a trend that we watch,” Loomis says. “We also stay on top of land-use issues and restoration projects. We’re going to continue to produce a lot of coal out of Wyoming, because even with new regulations and changes coal is going to continue to be a part of this nation’s electricity mix and a major economic engine for the state and especially Campbell County.”

Powder River Coal Co./Peabody Energy Corp.

42

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

G i ll e t t e

43

Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Gillette’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$60,041 Gross income from farming, ranching ($1,000)

$12,327 Retail sales per capita

$53,465 Accommodations and foodservices sales ($1,000)

3,683 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Biz: train Buzz: BNSF is one of the largest freight railroads in North America. The Powder River Division is headquartered here. The Powder River Basin supplies 40 percent of the coal in the U.S., and some 35 BNSF trains service Gillette each day.

BNSF is one of only four transcontinental railroads serving North America. www.bnsf.com 44

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Peregrine Leadership Institute Biz: training Buzz: The Peregrine Leadership Institute helps companies become more efficient. The training institute assists the public and private sector by improving organizational effectiveness and capabilities through leadership development.

The institute mentors, teaches and coaches individuals to become lifelong leaders. www.peregrineleadership.com

Alpha Natural Resources Biz: coal company Buzz: In 2009, Alpha Natural Resources merged with Foundation Coal. The company produces, processes and sells 100 million tons of steam and metallurgical coal annually from more than 60 mines and 14 coal preparation plants here and in four other states. www.alphanr.com

A Prairie Dawn Biz: home dĂŠcor items Buzz: Dawn Pfeifle has been a professional floral designer for 25 years and now owns A Prairie Dawn on South Douglas Highway in Gillette. Items for sale include wall art, metal sculpture, mirrors, candles, candlesticks, ladies jewelry and permanent floral arrangements.

(307) 687-3133

Black Hills Portal Biz: web publishing Buzz: Black Hills Portal is a community online resource for information, events, services and commerce in and around the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Officials from the firm have worked with Campbell County staffers to train them on how to create content that will rank high in search engines. www.blackhillsportal.com

G i ll e t t e

45

Business | Chamber Report

Busy Bees Gillette Chamber’s awareness program touts shopping locally

A

new marketing and merchantawareness campaign has businesses in Gillette and Campbell County abuzz about the possibilities.

As part of the “Gillette is the Place to Bee” program being rolled out in mid2010 by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, merchants will get some help in promoting their businesses within the community. The intent is to

keep dollars spent locally by using holiday programs, special promotions, a bee mascot for stickers and signage, and more.

“We have been working on creating this ‘shop at home’ program for quite a while, and will be doing everything from putting out promotional materials to our merchants and businesses to doing two or three annual promotions

SET Y UR SIGHT ON ADECCO

AIM, SHOOT and TAG your new position!

Call Us Today (307) 686-1124 or visit us at our NEW location 306 S. Gillette Ave., Ste. B

Part Time

46

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Full Time

Temporary

Direct Hire

in partnership with our local media that will let people know about special sales and other activities,” says Julie Simon, President. “The merchants can take part all year long and do as much within the program as they like in terms of promotions.”

The program will highlight the benefits of shopping locally, including supporting schools, infrastructure improvements, police and fire departments, public-recreation sites and more. It joins another new effort, ChamberMail, which will target new residents through a brochure containing advertising and promotions for newcomers. The chamber is offering a trip to China in the fall as part of a campaign. And then there’s the ChamberPAK, a collection of fliers and other materials that is distributed monthly to promote businesses, sales and other special events.

“We have a lot of programs here, but we also are always adding to our community outreach,” Simon says. “We want the community as well as the businesses to be aware of what we have here, and to have all the information that’s available about what’s in their own community. When people investigate and explore Gillette, they tend to stay here, and spend here.”

In addition to these efforts, the 600-member chamber also maintains a healthy roster of networking and education events for its members, working hard to make these activities as unique and informative as possible.

The organization also promotes advocacy at the local, state and federal levels, keeping tabs on government programs and initiatives that will affect the local business community, and getting the word out when necessary.

In the end, it’s all about effective communication, Simon says.

“There’s always something going on that affects our businesses, and we work very hard to keep up and to get that information out there.”

– Joe Morris

Business | Economic Profile

Gillette Economic overview Located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, Campbell County is the powerhouse for the state. Rich in natural resources, the mineral industry and supporting manufacturers dominate the economy.

Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center 201 W. Lakeway Rd., Suite 1004 Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 682-5232 www.wyomingentrepreneur.biz

Taxes

1% County Sales Tax

Manufacturing – Works 300 W. Sinclair Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 567-8171 www.manufacturing-works.com

4% State Sales Tax

5.3%

Campbell County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Gillette Ave. Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 682-3673 www.gillettechamber.com

Total Sales Tax

Transportation Campbell County Airport 2000 Airport Rd., Ste. 108 Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 686-1042 www.ccgov.net

Economic Resources

Campbell County Economic Development Corporation 2001 W. Lakeway Rd., Suite C Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 686-2603 www.ccedc.net

Wyoming Business Council 214 W. 15th St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-2800 www.wyomingbusiness.org

Why Wyoming 214 W. 15th St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-2864 www.whywyoming.org

Camelanes

Industrial Sites Industrial sites include the Gillette Tech Center, a cityowned business park; and two industrial parks, Energy Park and Southern Drive. Visit the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation’s Web site for more information, www.ccedc.net.

Government Offices City of Gillette 201 E. Fifth St. Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 686-5200 www.ci.gillette.wy.us Town of Wright 201 Wright Blvd.

Wright, WY 82732 (307) 464-1666 www.wrightwyoming.com Campbell County Government 500 S. Gillette Ave. Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 682-0374 ccg.co.campbell.wy.us

Spanish Collection | E-mail | Internet Public Fax | Notary Services | Meeting Rooms

BOWLING CENTER

(307) 682-4811 1005 W. 2nd St. • Gillette, WY 82716

2101 S. 4J Rd. Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 682-3223 Fax (307) 686-4009

305 Wright Blvd.

Wright, WY 82732 (307) 464-0500 Fax: (307) 464-0502

WWW.ccpls.org G i ll e t t e

47

Image Gallery

What’s Online  Visit imagesgillette.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in Gillette.

A frozen creek creates a foreground to a sunrise landscape in Gillette.

48

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

photo by brian mccord

G i ll e t t e

49

Image Gallery

Longhorn Saddlery offers a variety of saddles, other tack items and more.

50

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

staff photo

Flight by Ana Lazovsky, located on The Avenue of the Arts in Gillette

photo by brian mccord

G i ll e t t e

51

Image Gallery

Sunset in Gillette

52

staff photo

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

A mule deer near the visitor’s center at Devils Tower

photo by jeff adkins

G i ll e t t e

53

Local Flavor

Marketable Commodities New location, vendors highlight Gillette Farmers Market plans

W

ith plans for a bigger venue and increased participation from farmers and other vendors, the Gillette Farmers Market is poised to become an even more vibrant part of the community.

The market, which operates on Saturdays from early August through the first frost, is a great way for residents to connect with farmers in Campbell County and the surrounding area. Everything from locally grown vegetables and poultry

54

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

products to grass-fed beef is available, and the growing national trend of buying local produce and products has led to a search for new digs, says Lori Bates, horticulture program coordinator for the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office.

“Our master gardeners are in the process of growing the market, so we are looking at several new sites in and around Gillette that would offer more space and also keep a park-like setting,” Bates says. “We have a lot of plans

and a lot of ideas to make sure that we have a bigger, better market for 2010 and beyond.”

The market’s current downtown location had room for only a dozen or so vendors; as the market’s popularity has grown, so has the number of farmers and ranchers looking to take part. This growth, along with the rise of the extension’s master-gardener program, means a few changes, but also good things for the market going forward.

“Our master gardeners go through a

program of the University of Wyoming that’s done at the extension office,” Bates says. “They have a 40-hour course, and then they do 40 hours of volunteer work. Their main purpose is to help educate the public on horticultural products, to provide a proper education on the foods that are grown in the area.”

Couple that with ongoing promotional efforts from the Wyoming Farmers Marketing Association, of which the Gillette operation has been a member for the last decade, and it’s easy to see how the market is expanding in size and scope.

“In the past we have had farmers with vegetables, fresh eggs, beef, even some craft items,” Bates says. “We want

it to be all local sellers, but we get some in from the surrounding counties as well. One of the changes the master gardeners are working on is defining our market and the growing area that it will cover, so people will know exactly where everything is coming from.”

Even when it was just starting out, the market was a popular feature in downtown Gillette. With a new location and stronger grower participation, Bates predicts a very bright future for local foodies.

“During the season we have all kinds of things there,” she says. “People really like it, and with more room and some other improvements it will continue to be very popular.”

– Joe Morris

G i ll e t t e

55

56

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Health & Wellness

Growing, But No Pains Campbell County Memorial Hospital expands facilities, services

illette residents know that health care is a priority in the region — they can see it coming out of the ground at Campbell County Memorial Hospital.

The hospital, which serves Gillette and northeastern Wyoming, is in Phase One of a three-phase expansion and renovation project that ultimately will include 137,000 square feet of new construction, an expanded emergency room, new technology and a new 209space parking garage with a covered walkway leading to the hospital.

“People are pleased, but they’re used to seeing a lot of construction because we’re growing so rapidly around here,” says Robert Morasko, chief executive officer. “We’ll be doing a lot of things after this is over, such as renovating and remodeling patient rooms on an ongoing basis, but this is setting the stage for us for at least the next 10 to 20 years. The community is very excited, and so are we.”

The project was planned with an eye to the future. The new three-level addition will be constructed with an unfinished third floor and be capable of supporting three additional levels.

Phase One includes the parking garage and covered walkway – both expected to be completed in October. The new construction is Phase Two. Plans call for a ground level to house administrative offices ranging from human resources to community relations. Those offices are currently located throughout the facility.

The first floor will be an inpatient and outpatient surgery center with three equipped operating rooms. The second level will be unfinished, with future plans for a 36-bed medical/surgical unit.

A helipad will be constructed on the existing ambulance bay.

Phase Three is the renovation of the existing facility and will include walk-in clinic, retail pharmacy and additional upgrades.

The total project cost is estimated

Staff Photo

G

Campbell County Memorial Hospital

at $65 million.

“We were rated A-minus by S&P for the bond financing, which we were very happy about,” Morasko says. “But the expansion is just one part of all that we’re looking to do here. We’re also going to take part of our existing space and turn that into a physician clinic because we’ve been recruiting so successfully that we’ve run out of space.

And we’ve also remodeled our lab space and renovated and expanded our

emergency room, so we’re doing a lot of rehabbing even as we’re into all this new construction.”

Taking the ER from eight to 16 beds will ease traffic there, but the hospital has also spun out several community clinics in an effort to treat patients away from the main facility as well. The hospital also contributed $2.5 million to Hospice Hospitality House, a project of the Campbell County Healthcare Foundation.

G i ll e t t e

57

58

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Antony Boshier

Education

When complete, the Challenger Learning Center of Wyoming will join the more than 50 other centers in encouraging students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Space Cadets Challenger Learning Center soon to fly in Gillette

F

rom the tragic loss of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986 rose a dream of a better future led by welleducated scientists, and Gillette is poised to be home to the latest physical showcase for that vision.

Begun by families of the lost crewmembers, there now are more than 50 Challenger Learning Centers around the world. The centers focus on science education and critical thinking, weaving classroom efforts with simulated missions on earth and in space that require hands-on techniques for problem solving.

Discussion about bringing a Challenger center to Gillette began a few years ago, but recent capital donations have enabled planning to build the facility to begin in earnest, says Brian Ewenson, an aerospace education consultant who ran a center in Tucson and is serving as interim director for the facility.

“Gillette’s board has gotten a lot of companies involved, as well as most of the civic-service organizations in town,” Ewenson says. “A center is a great fit here because it’s designed to expose kids to math, science and technology, and many of them will go on to have careers as engineers, chemists and geochemists with the city and with the mining companies around here.”

By January 2010, the center’s supporters had $1 million in pledges, a number that allows for both the physical work to begin and that also indicates to corporate benefactors that

the center will become a reality, motivating them to pitch in as well. At the same time, the Campbell County Public Land Board has donated five acres at the CAM-PLEX for the 300,000-square-foot center, and Schutz Foss Architects has drawn up the plans.

For many of those involved, this has been a long time in coming.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs over the past eight years as people here have worked for this,” Ewenson says. “A lot of people said it wouldn’t happen, but they have great belief and vision here. Nello and Rollo Williams, who teach here and created Einstein’s Adventurarium and the Campbell County Public School Planetarium, had the vision, and got others on board. They said the energy capital of the world needs this kind of building, so that homegrown talent could fill local positions.”

The center will focus primarily on elementary-school students, so those scientists of the future won’t be coming back from college for 15 years or so. But once the center opens in late 2011 or early 2012, there will be a few people waiting patiently for some spectacular results, and even looking skyward.

“Wyoming is one of two states that has yet to produce an astronaut for NASA, so that could well be a bonus in the end,” Ewenson says.

– Joe Morris G i ll e t t e

59

60

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Sports & Recreation

Ride ‘Em, Pronghorns Gillette College’s Rodeo Team Ranks High in Nation

M

College, Young says Burch Rodeo Co. in Rozet allows the Pronghorns team to use their rough stock for practice.

As for practice sites, students mostly use the CAM-PLEX and other smaller local arenas. For now, Gillette College has never been the home team at a rodeo competition – they are always the away team.

“College rodeos are pretty well set – some other college would have to give up a rodeo for us to host one, and that hasn’t happened yet,” Young says. “We’re looking forward to the day when we build our own arena on campus to start hosting competitions.”

Meanwhile, a year after introducing rodeo at Gillette College, a cross-country and track and field program was added to the Pronghorns athletics department for 2008-2009.

“Our runners are already doing well because they train in the high altitude of Gillette, then excel against opponents who train at sea level,” Young says.

And for the 2009-2010 school year, men’s and women’s basketball debuted on the Gillette campus.

“We are finished adding sports for awhile,” Young says.

“Our biggest problem is that we are limited by facilities, and don’t even have a fieldhouse yet. But for right now, we’re doing pretty well offering five sports to the 1,000 students who attend classes here for two years at Gillette College.”

– Kevin Litwin

Photo Courtesy of Gillette college

ost college student-athletes play sports such as baseball, basketball, volleyball or soccer. At Gillette College, 40 students make up the rodeo team.

Gillette established the sport during the 2007-2008 school year, and the Gillette Pronghorns’ men’s and women’s rodeo teams were both ranked in the top 10 in the nation in 20092010. The Pronghorns are coached by Will LaDuke and compete against schools such as the University of Wyoming, Sheridan College, Eastern Wyoming College, Casper College and Colorado State University.

“There are a lot of pronghorn antelope around Gillette, and since they are one of the fastest animals on earth, we thought it would be a good sports mascot for our college,” says Gillette College President Paul Young.

Young says the 20 men and 20 women drive to all rodeo events, hauling their horses by trailer.

“Each competition is a three-day weekend for those kids, starting on Friday afternoon, and they aren’t done until Sunday afternoon,” he says. “It’s like a pro rodeo, with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday that feature bull riding, steer wrestling, goat tying and barrel racing.”

Wyoming, and especially the Campbell County region, is home to some of the biggest and best rough-stock providers in the United States, and several supply the meanest bulls and fastest goats for rodeo competitions. As a favor to Gillette

Cole Elshere, a Gillette College rodeo team member, spurs a saddle bronc horse during a rodeo in Sheridan.

G i ll e t t e

61

Now Showing in Our Video Gallery

Sit back and enjoy a preview of Gillette amenities.

Explore its landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun.

See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions.

Experience the history, hot spots and local happenings.

Gillette is rated L for Livability

imagesgillette.com

Arts & Culture

Open-Air Art Gallery Avenues of the Art sculpture program continues to grow

C

ommunity beautification efforts took an artistic turn in Gillette in 2003 when the Mayor’s Art Council formed and launched Avenues of Art, a program that has placed works of art throughout the city.

Today, more than two dozen sculptures are exhibited along Gillette’s busiest district. The sculptures are on display from June to the following June‚ and are placed on permanent exhibit if sold. The purchases are made by companies or individuals as a public donation‚ with the sculptures then becoming property of the city so they can be permanently on exhibit.

The mission of the Mayor’s Art Council is “to create a more visually pleasing environment and expand the opportunities for residents and visitors to experience quality works of art in public places.” Several local businesses donate their services to support this mission.

Greg’s Welding Inc. builds all the temporary pedestals for the sculptures‚ Radix Construction pours the concrete for them‚ and Van Ewing Construction builds permanent pedestals for city-purchased pieces at no charge.

– Joe Morris

From left: Samson by Benjamin Victor; Polar Bear and Cubs by Dollores B. Shelledy

visit our

advertisers Adecco Office & Industrial www.adeccousa.com

Contractors Supply Inc. www.gillettecsi.com

Black Hills Power & Light Company www.blackhillscorporation.com

DO Inc. www.dooilco.com

BW Insurance Agency www.bankofthewest.com

ERA Boardwalk Real Estate www.eraboardwalk.com

Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities www.cam-plex.com

First National Bank of Gillette www.fnbgillette.com

Camelanes Bowling Center www.camelanes.com

Gillette Optometric Clinic www.visionsource-gilletteopto.com

Campbell County Chamber of Commerce www.gillettechamber.com

Gillette-Campbell County Airport www.iflygillette.com

Campbell County Memorial Hospital www.ccmh.net

Hillcrest Auto Body Specialists Inc.

photos by brian mccord

Campbell County Parks & Recreation Department www.ccprd.com

L&H Industrial www.lnh.net Powder River Dental Associates www.powderriverdental.com

Campbell County Public Library System www.ccpls.org

Settle Inn & Suites www.settleinn.com

Campbell County School District www.ccsd.k12.wy.us

Source Gas www.sourcegas.com

Coach America Crew Transport www.coachamerica.com

Van Ewing Construction Inc. www.vanewingconstruction.com

G i ll e t t e

63

Community Profile

Gillette Community Overview Campbell County was established in 1911. It is home to the cities of Gillette and Wright‚ along with the unincorporated communities of Recluse and Rozet. The county seat of Gillette is named for 1890s railroad surveyor Edward Gillette.

Medical Services Overview

Science Center 525 W. Lakeway (307) 686-3821

Residents of Gillette/Campbell County enjoy the services of many physicians in more than 20 different specialties.

Campbell County Memorial Hospital offers excellent hospital care with 78 beds.

Climate

10 F

Average Home Price

January Low Temperature

31 F

$181,162

January High Temperature

Arts and Culture

July Low Temperature

Campbell County Rockpile Museum 900 W. Second St. (307) 682-5723

July High Temperature

Educational Overview Gillette/Campbell County has a good public school system, some private schools, and access to a branch of a fouryear state university.

More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Western History Museum Powder River Symphony CAM-PLEX Heritage Center (307) 660-0919 www.prs.vcn.com Mackey Ranch Group Tours 8486 N. U.S. Highway 14-16 (307) 686-9091

(307) 682-5678 Toll-free: (800) 682-5676 Jack DeBerg Owner

MORE ONLINE imagesgillette.com

54 F 85 F

CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities 1635 Reata Dr. (307) 682-0552 www.cam-plex.com

1403 East 7th Gillette, WY 82716

Living green starts from the ground up.

Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant.

It's easy. That's living healthy and green.

Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

64

i m ag e s g i ll e t t e . c o m

Real estate is your biggest investment.

Don’t you want to leave that in the hands of an experienced professional?

• Residential Sales • Commercial Sales and Leasing • Land Development and Subdivision • Farm and Ranch Properties • New Construction • Investments • Condominium Sales • Relocation Services

R E A L ESTATE

Technology. Integrity. Experience. = Excellence in Service, Always There for You

ERA Boardwalk Real Estate Inc. 600 4-J Court • Gillette, WY 82716 Office: (307) 686-9200 • Fax: (307) 686-0564 E-mail: bdwk@vcn.com • www.era.com • www.eraboardwalk.com