The Glenrock Bird Central Newspaper by TBCE, LLC dba Dignified Designs

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Volume 5 Issue 21

Area Resident Sorge Aims to Take House District 6 Seat from Incumbent Cannady

Photo courtesy Chris Sorge CASPER, Wyo. (AP) —Jeremy Pelzer Edited by Amanda Smith (TBC) Douglas resident Chris Sorge who hails from the great state of Nebraska is hoping to become the youngest legislator in Wyoming. Sorge attends Eastern Wyoming College in Douglas, and served as an intern for state lawmakers during this years past legislative session. Sorge is twenty years old but will turn the constitutionally required age of 21 just prior the filing deadline for candidacy. Sorge hopes to receive a seat in the Wyoming State Legislature and is challenging incumbent State Rep. Richard Cannady of Glenrock in the race for the Republican nomination in House District 6. Cannady is seeking his third term in office. If Sorge is elected he would become one of the youngest persons to serve on the Wyoming State Legislature.

Dispute Between Dish/Wyomedia Resolved. Local Channels Back on the Air by Amanda Smith (TBC) The long running dispute between Dish Network and Wyomedia, that has been ongoing since the first of this year, has been resolved. The dispute caused the voluntary outage of local channels in Wyoming including local news station K2. A press release states that the two sides have reached a multi-year retransmission agreemement. The agreement will enable channels provided by Wyomedia, to once again be broadcast on the Dish Network. This includes the affiliate for FOX KLWY of Casper. Channels were taken off the air after a resolution between Dish and Wyomedia could not be reached. Local channels were turned back earlier in the week.

Glenrock Resident Plays Carnegie Hall by Tammy Taylor (TBC) On April 15, 2012, Glenrock resident Paula Flynn achieved one of her lifelong dreams, playing the piano onstage at Carnegie Hall. Flynn is the collaborative pianist for the Casper Children’s Chorale, which was chosen as the featured choir to perform at Carnegie Hall in the Festival of Gold. Heritage Festivals are musical events held in various cities and allow choirs and bands to perform and be scored. If the choirs and bands meet certain criteria and receive the required scores, they are invited to perform in the Festival of Gold. The Festival of Gold is one of the ultimate achievements for chorales throughout the country, allowing them to perform on one of the most well-known venues. Groups that are able to make the trip to New York City sing with a large group of approximately seven other choirs, with one group being chosen to be a featured chorale and performing the first half of the concert alone. Casper Children’s Chorale’s story began two years ago in 2010 when it performed at the Heritage Festival in Orlando. The chorale wowed the judges with its’ performance, which included singing in Baroque, Spanish dance, a Bernstein Latin mass and a song half in Swahili. CCC won a Gold Award, the Adjudicator’s trophy and earned

the top score at the festival. For the Gold Award, a children’s choir must score an 85 average or higher, with CCC scoring 98, 96 and 95. For the Adjudicator’s Trophy, a group must also score an average of 95 or higher CCC was then asked to apply to be a part of a larger group that would travel to New York City and perform at Carnegie Hall. Director Marcia Patton sent a DVD of the chorale performing three songs, and CCC and Paula Flynn were chosen for the honor. After arriving in New York City on April 12, 2012, Paula Flynn was Glenrockian Paula Flynn plays Carnegie able to take in some of Hall. Photo courtesy Paula Flynn the sites. She visited Rockefeller Center, the group was made up of choirs St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the World Trade Center from Canada, Brazil, Wisconmemorial. She also was able to sin, and Indiana, among others. walk through Central Park and “This was the culmination of a catch a showing of Phantom of lifelong dream”, said Flynn. She added “It was a great feeling, the Opera on Broadway. but afterwards I kept thinking On April 15, 2012, Flynn, along did I really just do that?” Flynn with the Casper Children’s noted the wonderful feeling at Chorale took the stage at Carn- the thunderous applause as they egie Hall. Wearing matching teal walked onto the stage. Accordshirts, the members of CCC per- ing to her, Casper Children's formed three pieces before being Chorale owned the stage of joined by the other choirs to sing Carnegie Hall. seven more pieces. The rest of

Wyoming MHCC Outperforms Larger Unemployment Wyoming Hospitals Down For 7th Memorial Hospital – The latest proud of our staff, they are why are now available at the we stand out as one of the top Straight Month ratings US Department of Health and hospitals in Wyoming.” Stated CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming's unemployment rate is down for the seventh straight month. The state Department of Workforce Services said Tuesday that Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March was 5.3 percent, down from 5.4 percent in February. There were about 5,500 more people employed this March than last March, a 1.9 percent increase. Sublette County, home to large natural gas fields, once again had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.5 percent. Lincoln County had the highest rate at 8.9 percent. The national unemployment rate is 8.2 percent.

Human Services hospital quality comparison website.

The site displays rates for Process of Care measure for every hospital across the country and allows users to create a side by side comparison of hospitals within Wyoming.

MHCC CEO Ryan Smith.

Hospitals from around the country can be compared at http:// hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/

Douglas’s Memorial Hospital that serves all of Converse County, consistently outperformed the state’s larger hospitals on Patients’ Hospital Experience, proving bigger is not always better, and that Memorial Hospital of Converse County’s “Hometown Care” goes a long way in providing a positive, healthy experience for patients. “We are all thrilled with latest hospital comparison data. It shows we are on the right track with our renewed focus on patient satisfaction. I am very

Proud Member of the Associated Press

Ex-Rolling Hills Clerk Up For Parole Town Responds

2009 Booking photo Alyssa Steward courtesy Converse County Sheriff’s Department. by Tammy Taylor (TBC) A woman who was convicted in 2009 of embezzling nearly $100,000 from the Town of Rolling Hills is up for parole. Alyssa M. Stewart, who had worked as the clerk / treasurer for the Town of Rolling Hills from 2006 - 2007, had been charged in October of 2007 with several felonies but reached a plea agreement with the state where she pleaded guilty to two counts of felony larceny, and the rest of the charges were dropped. When asked by the Honorable Judge John Brooks what she had used the money for, Stewart responded that she had used it for clothing, food, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and property work, among other things. She was sentenced in June of 2009 to two concurrent terms of 5 - 10 years for felony larceny. She was also ordered to pay the Town of Rolling Hills restitution in the amount of nearly $100,000. Stewart was initially incarcerated at the Wyoming Women’s Center in Lusk but in November of 2011 was transferred to the Adult Correctional Center in Casper.

MHCC CEO Ryan Smith. Courtesy Photo MHCC.

A parolee is eligible for parole after serving 2/3 of their sentence. The Town of Rolling Hills received notice that Stewart will have a parole hearing this month and the town was invited to either appear in person at the parole hearing or send a letter to be considered at the time of the hearing. The town has chosen to do both. If parole is granted,

she could be released in September of 2012. According to Rolling Hills Mayor, Devonie Mueller, the idea that Stewart could serve only three years is an injustice. To date, the town has only received restitution in the amount of $777.92 , out of the $99,853.71 ordered. “The enormity of her crime deserves more than a three-year slap on the hand”, stated Mueller. In a letter sent to the parole committee, Mueller said that she felt that Ms. Stewart “blatantly misused town funds by conniving to keep misappropriations out of the Governing Body’s knowledge and the public’s knowledge.” She stated that Stewart was so good at covering her tracks that to this day, they are still running into transactions that have been forged or receipts for funds that have been misappropriated. Stewart’s acts were financially devastating to the Town of Rolling Hills, forcing the town to stop road repair projects and outsource work. However, her actions also took an emotional toll on the Council members at the time. Shon Lindsey, who served on the council for 13 years, spoke at Stewart’s sentencing hearing in June of 2009. After finding that Stewart had forged his name on several checks, it “sent me on a downward spiral and made me physically and mentally ill.” It is Mayor Mueller’s feeling that “Ms. Stewart should re-pay her debt, and serve the sentence imposed by the District Court.”

Community Message Board

The Town of Rolling Hills - Where the deer and Antelope really do play! If you haven’t done so already, check out the Town of Rolling Hills great website. Chock full of information so be sure and check it out: www.rollinghillswy.org

Meetings in Glenrock Where: The Senior Center East Door (thrift store entrance.) When: Monday nights from 7pm - 8pm

American Legion Jessie Martin Post # 9

American Legion Jessie Martin Post # 9 is a non-profit organization in Glenrock. They can be reached at #307-436-4908 or m1f1w111@ yahoo.com

American Red Cross

American Red Cross has a local office located in Casper WY. They are located at 318 West “B” Street and can be reached at #307-2378436, Fax#307-265-0324, or emailed to wilkinsonh@usa.redcross. org. Their web page is www.wyomingredcross.org. Like them on Facebook.

Glenrock Library News Namaste!! Hello in Nepali from the library! Visit our Mango Foreign Language database on line. Find out how to get connected. There are over 80 languages to choose from. Learn from the comfort of your own home. This database comes to us courtesy of the state library. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our patrons who fall in that category!! I can’t believe that May is here. In the month of May, we celebrate National Children’s Book Week. This year it is May 7-12. Grant Elementary is starting the week on the right foot with Literacy Night, May 7 at 6:30. The Children/Young Adult Librarian (aka: Youth Service Librarian) will be present and talking Summer Reading!! Registration starts June 4!! Wednesday, May 9 will be our last story time for this school year. We will celebrate it with the Gingerbread Man! Last day things will be passed out. We’ve had a great story time this year! There were a total of 22 plus kids that have had fun listening to stories and making crafts. I do want to send out a special thank you to all of the moms, dads and grandparents that have brought their kids to story time. You truly are an inspiration to all

of us. Wyoming Reads is scheduled for May 15. For the past few years it has been held at Natural Bridge. The Sue Jorgensen Foundation started in 1999 by John Jorgensen to honor the memory of his wife. We are very fortunate to have a very dedicated group making sure that the first grade class of both Converse County School Districts be involved in this special day. Both libraries in Douglas and Glenrock will be closed Wednesday, May 23 for a collaborated staff meeting. We we will reopen the following day with our regular hours. For Read Me A Story May 5- May 12: Mud by Mary Lyn Ray. May 12- May 19: Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed. Pick up the phone and dial 436-2353 to listen to a great story!!

G-Rock Town Council Discusses Bronco Building, Arbor Day and the Fate of A-Square Facility

Glenrock Town Council members met for a special meeting last Monday April 30, to discuss the fate of the lease of the A-Square facility located in Glenrock. Left to right are council members Rosalie Goff, Mayor Linda Care, Chase Anfinson, and Catherine Valentine. Photo © (TBC) Tammy Taylor. by Tammy Taylor (TBC)

of the next council meeting.

The Town of Glenrock met for a town council meeting on April 23, 2012. In attendance were Mayor Linda Care, Council members Brandy Popp, Chase Anfinson and Catherine Valentine as well as Clerk / Treasurer Donna Geho. Absent was Council member Rosalie Goff.

Cathy Valentine talked about Glenrock’s Arbor Day celebration, which will take place on May 5, 2012. This is Glenrock’s 8th year of designation as being a “Tree City USA”. On the morning of May 5, 2012, residents may visit the Glenrock landfill and pick up bare root trees, including Native plum, Siberian elms and small potted Limber pines while bringing items to discard to the landfill.

The council opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Mayor Linda Care shared with the council details of her trip to F E Warren Missle Base north of Cheyenne for the third annual tour for community partners. She said it is on the historic register. There are over 214 historic buildings on base, and any new construction is required to blend in. Training modules were viewed as was a mockup of an actual missile that is used for training. The Commander conducted the tour and Care was able to meet many of the officers. She was accompanied by Council member Rosalie Goff. Brandy Popp discussed that she sat in on the first of the interviews on the architects regarding the feasibility of the Bronco Building. Popp stated there was one interview completed by the time of the council meeting and two more scheduled for the Tuesday, April 24th. They hoped to have an announcement of a decision on which architect to hire, by the time

Wyoming Game and Fish was on hand at the Council meeting and gave a presentation on how to handle problems with deer in town. Information was given regarding a study done in 1997 of 100 major cities relating to wildlife-related damage. The study showed that 61% of residents in these cities suffered from wildlife-related damage to property, with approximately $3.8 billion in property damages annually. They discussed safety concerns of deer in urban areas including deer being threatening to people and pets as well as dogs chasing deer. Other problems that arise from deer moving into urban areas include predators like mountain lions that seem to follow deer, diseases that deer can spread, and traffic accidents caused by deer. There were many suggestions that were given to help keep deer out of urban areas. These suggestions included fencing, contraception (which is extremely expensive and short-lasting), physi-

cally moving deer, and controlled hunting. They suggested that the council consider bans on feeding deer, and the negative impact these acts have on the deer population as well as fines associated with such acts. The council discussed and approved a request to allow the lease of South Rec for Glenrock's annual Hogfest. The Four Aces requested and received a catering permit to cater the Hogfest celebration. The meeting was adjourned. The Glenrock Town Council held a special meeting on April 30, 2012 regarding the proposed lease agreement for the former A-Square building to the Sharps Rifle Company, Inc. The proposal has been on the agenda for several work sessions and the council voted unanimously to approve the lease. Sharps will lease the building with rent deferred for the first six months, at which time six months back-rent will be paid but also the following six months rent in advance. According to the agreement, the company will be allowed to purchase the building for $750,000 after three years. If it chooses to purchase the building, the rent will go towards the purchase. Sharps put up equipment that has been stored in the building as collateral, should it be unable to make payments. After the unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.

Glenrock’s TNT Youth Basketball Team Places Second in Pepsi Cola Tourney

We’re on the web at http:wyldweb. state.wy.us/glen or at www.conversecountylibrary.org. Our phone number is 436-2573. Fax number is 436-8525. Be sure to “friend” us on Facebook!! Just look up Glenrock Library.

TNT Basketball team- Pictured from right to left; Keely Ottersbach, Morgan Schwindt, Olivia Sebesta, Shyla Whalen, Paige Muller, & April Szymanski, with Coach Kelly Schwindt. Photo © Florie Schwindt

Community Baptist Church, 301 S 2nd St, Glenrock, Regular Information: Worship service 10:30 AM Sundays, nursery provided. Sunday School 9:00 AM. Every month: open communion first Sunday, potluck last Sunday at noon. Info: 436-9091. Church of Christ, acappella, 420 S 2nd St - worship service communion 10:00, sermon 10:15 Sundays; Bible study Wed, 6 PM. Assembly of God, 201 N 3rd St - 10:00 Sundays. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 939 W Birch St Regular Info: worship service with communion 8:30 AM Sundays, children's Sunday School after service; Bible study Mon 7 PM, 10 AM Wed. Church of the Resurrection, 506 W Birch St - worship service 8:30 AM Sundays. St. Louis Catholic Church, 601 S 5th St: Regular Information: Mass Sat 5:30 PM, Sunday 9 AM and 7 PM. For more information, call 436-9529 Glenrock Baptist Church, a Bible-believing New Testament Church, 125 N 7th St - Sunday Bible study 9:45 AM, Sunday morning service 11 AM, Sunday potluck 12:30 PM, Sunday afternoon service 2 PM, Wed evening service 7 PM. Les Potter, 3153218. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 219 Lookout Dr, 4362217. Sacrament meeting, Sunday, 9:00 AM. Visitors welcome. Sunday School, 10:10. Glenrock First Southern Baptist Chapel, 485 E Birch St, 2516688. Sunday services 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM; Sunday School 9:30 AM; youth at Boys and Girls Club 5:30 PM. Tuesday Men's Bible Study at Rec Center 6:30 PM. Wed service 7:00 PM. Christ Episcopal Church, 415 W Cedar St, 436-8804; Sunday service and Sunday School, 9:30 AM.

TNT-Glenrock's Youth Basketball Traveling Basketball Team was started three years ago in Glenrock by fellow LGenrockians Kregg Schwindt, Paul Sebesta and Jim Williams. The team consists of the following Glenrock TNT 5th grade players Morgan Schwindt, Olivia Sebesta, April Szymanski, Paige Muller, Shyla Whalen, Lauren Gates, and 4th graders Marissa Wintermote and Keely Otters-

bach. Kelly Schwindt is the Coach of the TNT team. “We really wanted to form a youth basketball team for the younger kids in Glenrock" stated Florie Schwindt, who helps organize the tournaments along with Sandy Muller, also of Glenrock. The team plays in tournaments throughout Wyoming beginning in late fall and ending in early spring, including Wheatland,

Worland, Torrington and Casper tournaments during the 2012 season. TNT played in the Pepsi Cola Tournament in Worland and took a hefty and well played 2nd place, and in tournaments in Wheatland and Casper, placed 4th at both. Coaches organizers and team players would like to acknowledge and show their appreciation in supporting TNT to the follow-

ing businesses; Process Power and Control, Inc., Hilltop National Bank, and Eastgate Service; all of Glenrock. As well as Silvertip Electric, and B & H Rig and Tong Sales, Inc. both of Casper. Team picture (taken by Florie Schwindt) at the Pepsi Cola Tourn. in Worland (January 2012) Well done TNT, good luck in your youth basketball tournaments next year!

First Season Glenrock Youth Volleyball Team Proves They Can Finish What They Started G-Rock’s newly formed Platte River Volleball team did pretty well for their first season. The 4th grade team place 2nd in the Bronze bracket in Gillette last during the week of 4-28-12. The team also played in Casper, Laramie and Gillette and competed at the Gillette this past weekend. PRV heads to State AAU in Casper on May 12th. The Platte River Volleyball 4th grade team is the only team that is entirely 4th graders. Most of the youth volleball teams are composed of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. “The girls compete well and are having tons of fun, while learning the fundamentals of the game.” stated Brandi Rowe, parent of player Jaylee Rowe. Tisha Smith of Glenrock’s Small World Day Care is the coach for the team. Photo courtesy Brandi Rowe. Back Row: Coach Tisha Smith, Autumn Hiser, Wynter Lewis, Shyla Whalen, Faith Rau, Kalysta Kurtz, Coach Shantel Stellpflug, Coach Charlotte East Middle Row: Coach Breanna Young, Haley Madsen, Olivia Sebesta, Paige Muller, Sydnie, Stellpflug, Coach Sandy Muller. First Row; Mandi Tvedt, Brooke Ferrell, Isabella East, Keeley Ottersbach, Marissa Wintermote, Cameron Magee Front: Jaylee Rowe, Kaitlyn Cathcart, Mackenzie Suppes

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 2

Converse Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Travel Section brought to you by The Glenrock Bird

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 3

Glenrockian Earns Medalist Honors in Women’s Golf - Makes Headlines Kline, Red Raiders Take First at Fourth GPAC Qualifier Taylor Kline earned medalist honors in leading the Northwestern College women's golf team to a first place finish in the fourth and final round of the GPAC Qualifier played today at Green Valley Golf Club in Sioux City, Iowa. The Red Raiders shot an impressive 358 in the cold and blustery conditions with winds that often reached over 30mph. They finished one shot in front of Dakota Wesleyan (359) and two strokes better than third place Morningside. Kline, a sophomore from Glenrock, Wyo., earned medalist

honors with an impressive nineover 81 (39/42), five strokes in front of second place Erin Hedlund (Morningside). Emma Wynja finished alone in third place with an 87 (44/43) and Andria Hinz tied for 13th with a 94 (45/49). Jess Locker (T1996) and Betsy Wallin (43rd-106) round out the Northwestern scores. There were only six scores recorded lower than 90, two by Red Raider golfers. Northwestern overtook Morningside and finished in second place overall after the four rounds. The Red Raiders shot a 72-hole total of 1,394 (341/361/334/358) and finished 46 strokes in back of GPAC champion Dakota Wesleyan (1,348). Morningside finished

Glenrock Wrestlers Keep On Showing Their Stuff!

third, one shot in back of NWC, followed by both Hastings and Midland who tied for fourth with a 1,510. Kline finished second overall out of 70+ golfers with a 72hole total of 328 (84/83/80/81), 10 strokes in back of four-time GPAC champion Dani Bellet (DWU), who came into the final round as the NAIA's top-ranked player. Wynja finished fifth overall with a 339 (81/91/80/87) and Andria Hinz came in 13th place with a 364 (89/93/88/94). Wallin finished tied for 24th with a 383 (97/94/86/106).

On April 20th and 21st Glenrock Wrestling Club members travelled to Casper to compete at the Sarah Tolin Greco and Freestyle wrestling tournaments. Sarah Tolin Windy City Wrestlers Greco Results Intermediate-75 - Dustin Simmons's place is unknown.

Bantam-45 - Kamden Thompson's place is unknown. Bantam-55 - Kaden Thompson's place is unknown. Intermediate-75 - Dustin Simmons's place is 4th. Intermediate-80 - Alex St. Gelais's place is 4th. Novice-75 - Dakota Reynolds's place is unknown. Novice-80 - Charles Kidd's

Glenrock – May 8, 2012 – Law enforcement personnel from Glenrock will be carrying the “Flame of Hope” in their leg of the Wyoming Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Wyoming athletes. The “Flame of Hope” will be carried on torches and passed from one law enforcement agency to another until it is delivered to the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Wyoming State Summer Games in Laramie on Thursday, May 10th, 2012.

This ends the season for the Red Raiders.

Volunteers Are Needed For The 2012 Special Olympics State Summer Games Laramie, Wyoming – On May 10, 11 and 12 over 800 athletes, coaches and partners from all over the Cowboy State will arrive in Laramie for the 2012 Special Olympics Wyoming Summer Games competition. To give these athletes and coaches the best chance to have a fun and successful weekend volunteers are needed to assist during various competitions. Volunteers are needed at the following event: basketball, power lifting, track and field, swimming and diving and gymnastics. For more information or to volunteer contact Emily Gran at Egran04@gmail.com or at (605) 641-7249. Summer Games is one of the five main state competition events held each year for Special Olympics Wyoming athletes.

Competition events are hosted at the University of Wyoming Field House and Corbett Building, Laramie High School, Wyoming School of Gymnastics, and the Laramie Recreation Center. The Laramie Ice and Event Center will host the celebration banquet and dance. Please join us in supporting these Wyoming athletes as they compete for gold, silver and bronze! Results will be posted on the web at www.specialolympicswy.org. About Special Olympics Wyoming For more information about the Area or State Games visit www. specialolympicswy.org or call the Special Olympics Wyoming office at (307) 235-3062.

Special Olympics Wyoming is a not-for-profit organization providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities; offering them continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Special Olympics Wyoming changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect. Visit Special Olympics Wyoming at www.specialolympicswy.org. Engage with us on Facebook: facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsWyoming; Twitter: http://twitter.com/SpecOlymWY or our event picture

Joey Pinkerton of Glenrock takes on his opponent during the Wheatland tournament. Photo courtesty Karie Moulton.

Intermediate-80 - Alex St. Gelais's place is 2nd. Novice-75 - Weston Knight's place is 3rd. Novice-80 - Charles Kidd's place is 2nd. Schoolboy/girl-128 - Kayla Likes's place is 2nd. Cadet-132 - Shae Simmons's place is 2nd.

place is 4th. Schoolboy/girl-70-84 - Kauy Thompson's place is 4th. Schoolboy/girl-112-120 - Kayla Likes's place is 2nd. Cadet-94 - Kolten Thompson's place is 1st. Cadet-120-132 - Shae Simmons's place is 3rd.

Sarah Tolin Windy City Freestyle Results

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mEmoriAl HospitAl

Oregon Trail Rural Health Clinic provides quality basic medical care to the communities of Glenrock and Rolling Hills. Unlike other Rural Health Clinics, Oregon Trail is part of Memorial Hospital of Converse County, one of the most trusted healthcare providers in the area. Memorial Hospital operates Oregon Trail RHC as an extension of care. The clinic is connected to the hospital by a dedicated high-speed network, and more importantly, dedicated providers who ensure their patients receive the best possible care. Our clinic, combined with some of the most respected healthcare providers in the area, creates a unique healthcare experience for Glenrock and its neighbors. In addition to stuffy noses, sore throats, and wellness exams, the clinic staff also perform EKG’s, minor surgery procedures, women’s health services, blood tests, physicals, and much more. Carla Bloem, PA-C, and her team provide healthcare services Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM; closed over the noon hour.

MeMorial Hospital

ConvErsE County

Glenrock resident Carla Bloem is a Certified Physician’s Assistant trained and licensed to practice medicine in Wyoming under the supervision of Memorial Hospital doctors. Carla has been treating family and friends in Glenrock for more than a decade. Her background in medicine and love for Carla Bloem, PA-C small town living provides Glenrock area residents the perfect mix of Advanced Medicine and Hometown Care. Carla’s experience, combined with the clinic’s diagnostic services, ensures Glenrock area residents have access to basic health services close to home. In addition to Carla, Dr. Brian Retherford— Memorial Hospital’s Board Certified obstetrician and gynecologist—also sees patients at Oregon Trail Rural Health Clinic. Dr. Retherford is trained in a broad array of women’s reproductive health issues as well as all aspects of pregnancy healthcare. He Dr. Brian Retherford performs yearly gynecological checks and deals with common women’s disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, urinary incontinence, and menstrual problems. Dr. Retherford also performs minimally invasive surgeries for gynecological disorders.

oregon trail

of Converse County

Rural Health Clinic

Advanced Medicine. Hometown Care.

111 South 5th Street ~ Douglas, Wyoming

525 E. Birch St. ~ Glenrock, Wyoming

307-358-2122

Local Law Enforcement Gearing Up To Carry “Flame Of Hope” For Special Olympics

307-436-8838

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle worldwide. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wyoming began in 1987. Since its inception, the Torch Run has raised more than half a million dollars to support Wyoming athletes. The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 1300 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the movement’s largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. Annually, more than 85,000 dedicated, compassionate and volunteer law enforcement officers participate in the torch run throughout 35 nations, 12 Canadian providence and 50 US states, raising more than $38 Million USD for local Special Olympics programs and more than $300 Million since its inception in 1981. Thousands more support the runners’ efforts through runner sponsorships, local fundraising events, corporate sponsorships and Torch Run T-shirts and other merchandise sales. At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and Special Olympics athletes run the “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions.

During the Torch Run, Wyoming Law Enforcement will be wearing brightly colored (safety blue) T-shirts while carrying the “Flame of Hope” across our state, please be sure to cheer them on when you see them. For more information on the Wyoming Law Enforcement Torch Run or to purchase a Tshirt please visit www.SpecialOlympicsWY.org.

Casper Police Department will pass the torch to Glenrock Police Deparment at Lion's Park in Glenrock on May 8th and continue on to Douglas Police Department personnel until the torch reaches Laramie.

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 4

13 Governors Notify Automakers of Their Desire for Natural Gas Vehicles CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead joined 12 other Governors in promoting wider use of natural gas. The Governors sent a letter to automakers requesting information on procuring natural gas vehicles for state vehicle fleets. The states are gathering the information to develop a multi-state solicitation, which will likely be forthcoming later this summer. “For many Americans, high gasoline prices create a financial strain in an already difficult economic environment,” the Governors’ letter reads. “As governors, we share the concerns of citizens and are committed to finding solutions.” The Governors’ letter also notes that natural gas presents a tremendous opportunity for America to use domestic resources for the country’s trans-

portation needs. “Wyoming and other states need to buy vehicles for our fleets. If we can aggregate our purchasing power in order to get natural gas vehicles it will build momentum for the production of these cars and trucks,” Governor Mead said. “This joint effort makes sense fiscally. It also makes sense practically given Wyoming’s role as the number 2 natural gas producing state in the country. We want to encourage others in private industry to build infrastructure and convert their own fleets.” The states involved in this effort are Wyoming, Oklahoma, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Utah, Maine, New Mexico, West Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, Ohio, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Wyoming's Wage Gap Largest In Nation CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A new survey says women in Wyoming are being paid 64 cents for every dollar men make. The survey conducted by the National Women's Law Center says the wage gap in Wyoming is the largest in the U.S. and is significantly worse than the national average of 77 cents. In fact, the survey shows the cur-

rent wage gap in the state is comparable to the national average in 1984. The survey also shows that the gap in pay is standard across education classifications. Cheyenne economist Dick O'Gara tells the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that the difference in pay can be linked to the energy industry, which dominates Wyoming's economy and hires mostly men.

72 Year Old Retired Catholic Priest Engages Race for Wyoming’s Lone Seat in U.S. House CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A 72-year-old former Roman Catholic priest has announced he will run as an independent for Wyoming's lone seat in the U.S. House. Charlie Hardy said Monday he will run for Congress using only his $401-a-month Social Security check to fund his campaign. He says he doesn't want people donating money to his campaign. Hardy will have to collect 3,740 signatures in order to get on the

November ballot. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/IBzWSr ) that Hardy served as a Catholic seminarian and priest for 25 years in Wyoming. He also lived in Venezuela for eight years as a missionary. The seat is now held by Republican Rep. Cynthia Lummis. Casper College political science professor Chris Henrichsen previously announced he will seek the Democratic nomination.

Great Lakes Airlines to drop Gillette service GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Great Lakes Airlines is dropping its service to Gillette Campbell County Airport on May 17. Great Lakes had provided two round trips per day between Gillette and Denver on its 19seat aircraft. The departure marks the end of a 13-year relationship between the airport and the Cheyennebased airline, which for years offered the only flights to and from Gillette.

Airport Director Jay Lundell tells the Gillette News Record (http://bit.ly/IBfUr2 ) that competition from new airlines and opportunities in other cities made it more profitable for Great Lakes to look for business elsewhere. Lundell says SkyWest Airlines could help to fill the void. SkyWest now runs three daily round-trip flights between Denver in Gillette on a 30-seat plane.

Falling Energy Prices Prompt Wyoming Budget Cuts BEN Press

NEARY,Associated

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Falling energy revenues have prompted Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead to order state agency directors to prepare for even deeper cuts to their budgets next year. The governor also placed an immediate cap on the number of state workers. Mead sent a memo to state agency directors on Friday directing them to prepare for 8-percent budget cuts in the fiscal year that starts July 2013. That cut is twice what the Wyoming Legislature had directed state agencies to prepare for earlier this year. The larger cuts apply to all agencies except the Wyoming Department of Health, which was already under orders to trim spending. Mead also directed state agencies not to add to the total number of state workers. Renny MacKay, spokesman for the governor, said Monday that agencies may replace workers who leave state employment, but they may not increase their overall workforce. "The price of natural gas has continued to decline and the revenue outlook at this point in time remains somber," Mead wrote to directors. "For these reasons, I believe it necessary for us to implement precautionary measures." Natural gas was trading for around $1.80 per thousand cubic feet at the Opal Hub in western Wyoming on Monday. That's far below the $3.25 level that state budget analysts had predicted in January would hold as the average price this year. Each dollar drop in gas prices costs the state more than $200 million in lost tax revenues. "Wyoming is very fortunate to have amazing resources and all of us benefit," Mead said in a statement Monday. "But we are subject to price fluctuations in the commodities market and especially natural gas price fluctuations. Wyoming and our government are nimble and with this belt-tightening we will continue working to make state government as efficient as possible." Implementing 8-percent budget cuts would save $74.5 million dollars in FY 2014, up from roughly $37 million in savings represented by the 4-percent cuts the Legislature had called for, MacKay said. Mead also told agency directors that they still must prepare for additional 8-percent cuts in the 2015-16 biennium

that the Legislature has mandated. The cuts would be calculated from the $3.2-billion state funds budget for the two-year fiscal period starting this July that the Legislature approved earlier this year. "If we see a turnaround and revenue increases, we may not have to make deep cuts going forward," Mead stated. "But this advance planning allows for a more surgical approach if a reduction in spending is needed." Wenlin Liu, senior economist and interim administrator at the Economic Analysis Division of the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information, said Monday that Wyoming hasn't yet seen much of a revenue decline from falling natural gas prices because the effect of the price drop that started earlier this year hasn't filtered through the tax collection system. Liu said coal revenues to the state's General Fund were about $52 million from the start of the current fiscal year last July through March. He said that's below projected revenue levels of $56 million for the period. He said the state's coal revenues may continue to lag as more power companies take advantage of lower natural gas prices to convert plants to run on gas. Sen. Phil Nicholas, a Laramie Republican and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Monday that Mead's decision to increase the cuts up to 8 percent in the second year of the coming biennium should force state agencies to come to terms with the prospect of achieving the full 8-percent cuts in both years of the following biennium. "I think the governor is trying to wrestle with the notion that the outlook for revenues is a little bit discouraging right now," Nicholas said. Nicholas said he expects some of the bigger agencies in state government may end up shouldering a larger share of the cuts because many smaller agencies spend most of their money on personnel and won't be able to cut spending without reducing critical public services. Natural gas prices depend largely on the weather, and this past winter's mild temperatures helped lead to record levels of gas kept in storage. Nicholas said it's impossible to predict now what the coming winter will hold. "One cold winter could change that dramatically," he said of gas prices and storage levels.

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 5

Watch for Signs of Rodents Help Prevent Hantavirus Infection Wyoming residents cleaning garages, campers, cabins, hay stacks and barns should be aware that rodent droppings can signal the need to avoid hantavirus infection, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. “Hantavirus is uncommon, but is a dangerous and potentially deadly disease,” said Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. Nine HPS cases have been reported in Wyoming since 2000. A case last year in Carbon County resulted in death, as well as two unrelated cases in 2008. Murphy said infected rodents shed the virus through urine, droppings and saliva. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is transmitted to humans when they breathe infectious aerosols created when dried materials contaminated by rodent urine and feces or saliva are disturbed. Infection is also possible when the virus is directly introduced into broken skin or mucous

membranes, if it is ingested or after rodent bites.

urine and droppings. Place the paper towel in the garbage.

Murphy said rodent infestation in and around the home and in outbuildings such as barns remains the primary risk for hantavirus exposure. Recommended guidelines for safe and proper cleanup of rodent-infested areas include:

· After the rodent droppings and urine have been removed, disinfect items that might have been contaminated by rodents or their urine and droppings:

· During cleaning, wear rubber, latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves. · Spray rodent urine and droppings with a disinfectant or bleach solution until thoroughly soaked. The bleach solution can be made by combining 1 ½ cups of household bleach with 1 gallon of water. · To avoid generating potentially infectious aerosols, do not vacuum or sweep rodent urine, droppings, nesting materials or contaminated surfaces until they have been disinfected. · Use a paper towel (while wearing gloves) to pick up the

--- Mop floors with a disinfectant or bleach solution. --- Disinfect countertops, cabinets, drawers and other durable surfaces with a disinfectant or bleach solution. --- Spray dirt floors with a disinfectant or bleach solution. --- Disinfect carpets with a disinfectant or with a commercialgrade steam cleaner or shampoo. --- Steam-clean or shampoo rugs and upholstered furniture. --- Launder potentially contaminated bedding and clothing with hot water and detergent. Use rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves when handling contaminated laundry. Machine-dry laundry on a high setting or hang it to air dry in the sun. --- Leave books, papers and other items that cannot be cleaned

“Overhead Overhead power lines think.” are closer than you think.

with a liquid disinfectant or thrown away outdoors in the sunlight for several hours, or in an indoor area free of rodents for approximately one week before cleanup. After that time, the virus should no longer be infectious. Wear rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves and wipe the items with a cloth moistened with disinfectant. --- Disinfect gloves before removing them with disinfectant or soap and water. After removing the gloves, thoroughly wash bare hands with soap and warm water. In especially dirty, dusty or rodent-infested environments, extra protective clothing or equipment should be worn such as coveralls, shoe covers and special face masks known as respirators. If a building has been closed and unoccupied for a long time, doors and windows should be opened for ventilation at least 30 minutes before work begins.

Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Pedestrian In Casper CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A man who crashed into and killed a teenager standing on a downtown Casper sidewalk has pleaded guilty. Scott Allen Coleman originally pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness in the death of 18-year-old Jeremy Webb last May. But on Tuesday he pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and property destruction under a deal with prosecutors. The deal calls for Coleman to serve up to 13 years in prison. He could have faced up to 40 years if he had been convicted by a jury. Coleman was driving erratically before the crash. A state trooper tried stopping him authorities say Coleman told them he thought he was getting a police escort. The Casper Star-Tribune reports that judge Thomas Sullins will determine how much restitution Coleman should pay when he's sentenced.

“

Look up before you go up.

Most accidents involving electricity happen by coming in contact with overhead power lines. Any time you’re working outside on your roof or with long or tall objects such as ladders, gutters, pool skimmers, or irrigation pipes, be aware of what’s above you. Even momentary contact with an overhead line can prove instantly fatal. For more safety information, visit rockymountainpower.net.

Wyoming Inmate Dies Of Apparent Suicide CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Authorities say a Wyoming inmate has died at a hospital after apparently trying to kill herself the day before at a women's correctional facility in Lusk. Officials with the Wyoming Department of Corrections say 20-year-old Eulalia A. Garcia was flown from the Wyoming Women's Center to a hospital in Casper early Thursday morning, April 19. She died Friday morning. Garcia was sentenced in December to three to five years for unlawful manufacture or delivery of drugs.

Secretaries Vilsack / Salazar Announce Readiness For Wildfire Season Forecast shows possibility of severe wildfires in some regions WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today outlined the federal government's readiness for the wildland fire season to ensure protection for communities and restoration of forests and public lands across the country.This inculdes Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, stated Cindy Wertz, Public Affairs Specialist for the BLM. The Secretaries were joined by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and National Predictive Services Program Manager of the National Interagency Fire Center Ed Delgado. The Secretaries described federal capability to respond to wildfires that are becoming more complex, particularly in areas where urban populations are situated near forested and rangeland areas. Firefighting capabilities are available to handle the fire season, they declared, with more than 15,000 firefighters available in 2012, including permanent and seasonal federal and state employees, crews from tribal and local governments, contract crews, and temporary hires. "We are ready to meet the challenge," said Secretary Vilsack. "The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy provides a strong, new blueprint to ensure community safety and the restoration of ecosystems to benefit all Americans, especially those who live in the urban-wildland interface areas. Our concern does not stop at the border of federal lands, but rather a strategy that is an all-lands approach for safety and wildfire management.” On average the USDA Forest Service and the Department of the Interior bureaus respond to more than 20,000 wildfires per year, suppressing all but a small percentage of them on initial attack. “Regions across the country face serious risks of extreme wildfires this year because of the mild winter and low precipitation levels in many areas,” said Secretary Salazar. “Knowing the risks and preparing for the wildfire season is a key part of a successful fire response, and Interior will continue to coordinate closely with federal, state, local and tribal partners to ensure we are ready for any fire scenario. Our thousands of firefighting men and women stand ready to suppress wildfires as early as possible to minimize human safety risks and prevent damage to the environment and our economy.” Much of the 500 million acres of public land managed by the Department of the Interior is in the low-elevation rangelands in the West, where grasses and shrubs provide an abundant wildfire fuel source – especially after mild winters. Together, USDA and DOI’s wildfire prevention and suppression efforts employ 15,000 firefighters. DOI’s fire funding availability for fiscal year 2012 is $736 million and USDA’s 2012 fire budget totals $2.155 billion. “We urge citizens in at-risk areas to take necessary precautions,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “That means stay informed and make a family plan. FEMA’s Ready Campaign provides more information at www.Ready.gov,” he added. “FEMA stands ready to support the Departments of

Agriculture and Interior and our state, tribal and local partners should disaster strike,” he said. “Federal firefighters, aircraft, and ground equipment are strategically assigned to parts of the country as the fire season shifts across the nation. Firefighting experts will continuously monitor conditions and move these assets as necessary to be best positioned and increase initial attack capabilities,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “In addition, we are in the midst of conducting accelerated restoration activities nationwide that will result in healthier forests and will lessen fire risks in years to come.” Restoration efforts on public lands are critically needed to address a number of threats to the health of ecosystems, watersheds, wildlife habitats and forest dependent communities. Threats not only include wildland fire, but also climate change, invasive weeds and invasive insect epidemics. Forecasters at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise say that an exceptional drought continues across much of the Southwest from western Texas to California and into the Great Basin and will increase the possibility of an above normal significant fire season in those areas this year. Also of concern are the western slopes of the Rockies in Colorado, parts of the Southeast to include southern Georgia and northern Florida, northern Wisconsin and Minnesota and parts of Hawaii. Particularly throughout the West, a century of fire exclusion has left public lands overstocked. Work to restore ecosystems will include accelerated restoration efforts that include thinning and prescribed burning operations by federal land managers and their partners across jurisdictions. Wildfire does not stop at property boundaries. In the past ten years, wildfires have destroyed 28,000 homes, businesses, and outbuildings. Wildfires can threaten power grids, interrupt commerce, and put people out of work. Tens of millions of Americans depend on national forest watersheds for drinking water. Repairing damage to watersheds caused by extreme wildfires can cost millions and take a lifetime for vegetation to grow back. Federal land managers are also helping communities prepare for wildfire. Federal partnerships with tribal, state, and local agencies strengthen preparedness programs, such as Firewise http://www.firewise.org/ and Ready Set Go! http://www.iafc. org/readySetGo that help families and communities prepare for and survive wildfire.

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 6

Mead, Enzi, Barrasso Statement on BLM’s Proposed Fracking Rules Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., released the following statements regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rules governing hydraulic fracturing operations on federal lands: “While I am still reviewing the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rules, I generally favor regulating hydraulic fracturing through state governments, which is how it had been done up until now,” said Enzi. “The people in state government are the same people who live and work in the areas being regulated. They take all the interests of the affected areas to heart because they have the same interests. Clean water is essential and so is energy. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive.” “Wyoming has led the way in

providing information about hydraulic fracturing operations on private, state, and federal lands,” said Barrasso. “But now, Washington is rolling out more red tape that will duplicate Wyoming’s regulations. Each layer of unnecessary bureaucracy will slow down American oil and natural gas production and discourage investment and job creation in the West. The Obama Administration should respect Wyoming’s responsible leadership and effective disclosure regulations – not mandate more red tape.” Background: In June of 2010, the State of Wyoming adopted the nation’s first rules governing well stimulation. Effective as of September 15, 2010, the regulations address wellbore integrity and flowback water and require the disclosure of

hydraulic fracturing fluids. The State of Wyoming’s regulations apply to private and state lands as well as federal public lands within Wyoming. Governor Mead’s Statement on BLM’s Draft Rule for Hydraulic Fracturing “Wyoming is well ahead of the BLM on regulating hydraulic fracturing. We were the first state to require disclosure of materials used in the process, we require disclosure before the hydraulic fracturing occurs and this requirement is for all land in Wyoming. Proven leadership and effective regulation at the state level cause me to question the need and purpose of federal regulation, especially when it is less effective and in many respects duplicative.”

Weekly Us Oil, Gas Rig Count Up By 20 To 1,965

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. is up 20 this week to 1,965. Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that 1,355 rigs were exploring for oil and 606 were looking for gas. Four were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week, Baker Hughes reported 1,836 rigs. Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas gained eight rigs, Louisiana and New Mexico each gained four, California gained two and North Dakota gained one. Alaska and Colorado each lost two rigs while Pennsylvania and West Virginia each lost one. Arkansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming were unchanged. The rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981 and bottomed at 488 in 1999.

Governor Visits Wyoming National Guard in Kosovo CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead, First Lady Carol Mead and Wyoming’s Adjutant General, Major General Luke Reiner, traveled to Kosovo to visit Wyoming Army National Guard members serving in Kosovo and in Bosnia. They arrived in Kosovo Friday afternoon and left very early Sunday morning. The 24 Wyoming National Guard Soldiers provide aviation maintenance and deployed on September 22,

2011. “These men and women committed to serve our country in Kosovo for a year,” Governor Mead said. “Carol and I are deeply grateful for their commitment to Wyoming and America and recognize their families’ sacrifice. We were honored to have the opportunity to visit these Guard members face to face and let them know Wyoming stands behind them.”

“I am very proud of this unit,” Major General Reiner said. “These Soldiers are representing Wyoming well and proving their military value to our state and country.” The Soldiers are from Detachment 3, B Company, 777th Aviation. They are providing maintenance support for the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation, from the North Dakota Army National Guard. The Wyo-

Governor Mead and First Lady Carole Mead stand with Wyoming National Guard Soldiers in Kosovo. Photo courtesy Mead Press Secretary.

ming guard members are from Cheyenne, Green River, Laramie, Powell, Sheridan, Wheatland, Torrington and from North Platte, Nebraska. The 777th is part of the Wyoming Army National Guard’s most deployed unit, “Charlie Med.” The medical evacuation unit has deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Bosnia, and Kosovo among other places.

“In The Rear View Mirror” Most are prone to nostalgia, looking back on a moment-in-time or events in years past that brought a level of comfort, happiness, or both, as we took a stroll down “memory lane.” The degree will vary from generation to generation and the value attached to those events. Memories are known for being quite selective. Our threescore plus generation harkens back to a time that stands in stark contrast to the present day. The biggest problems for educators back then were truancy, and students sticking their gum under the desk. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, and the Lone Ranger blazed the trail and reflected the values of the day-honesty, courage, fidelity, selflessness, and a clear sense of right and wrong every Saturday at the matinee. Red Skelton, Milton Berle, and the “Honeymooners” tickled our funny bones. Dr. Jonas Salk, in 1955, gave us the polio vaccine to combat the most frightening and dreaded health problem of the post-war era. When he was asked who owned the patent to the vaccine, he replied, “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?” For 20 seasons and 413 episodes, Marshall Dillion and Kitty of “Gunsmoke” never kissed for all those years. Not that they couldn’t have, and some imagined they must have. The key to its success were the characters and a plots that insured its unparalleled success. Billed as an “adult western” the content was safe for kids as well. By contemporary metrics, small-screen classics like “Father Knows Best,” “Leave it To Beaver“ and “Ozzie & Harriet” have been characterized as “corny” “square” and wholly unrealistic to life even as it was back then. Yes, there were divorces, alcoholics, perverts, and liars. However, those sins were not the standard, and TV networks promoted an “ideal” to aspire to, therefore, when the father and mother as the central figures in “solving the family problems” reached a conclusion, only a small slice of the viewing public disagreed. Pornography was available back then, however, those with that appetite were forced to “back alley” stores, where it should have been. Today it has reached pandemic proportions under the guise of free speech. Teachers were in charge in schools back then, and the fear of the dreaded, often used, paddle that hung prominently on the principals wall, served both as a deterrent and reminder of what would befall violators of school and parental codes. The recalcitrant’s defiance was short lived, and a subsequent note home usually garnered another “reminder.“ We were surrounded back then. The PTA was the backbone of the school system. Back then a cougar was a large feline that we saw at the zoo or in the wild, not the star of her own show. A family consisted of a father, mother and kids. An alternative lifestyle was to remain single. And, “Roe versus Wade” meant to either use the oars, or get out of the boat. No one had to bribe or “chase” us out of the house to exercise or play. Parents had to “threaten us” to get us to come back in. And coming out of the closet meant you had finished dressing. We took guns to school for show-an-tell, and watched “American Bandstand,” and boys dreamed about Lionel trains and little girls fancied a musical doll stroller to place on their Christmas list. Back then, a “golden era?” In some ways. Idyllic? Perhaps. Perfect? No. Where have those days gone? All of the aforementioned TV heroes and notables share a commonality-they’re dead. They are gone. Except for a few octogenarians, most of them have passed. We have a new cadre of heroes. We still need them. We have Tim Tebow and Ron Paul. We have computers and cell phones, for good and ill. Facebook is a social network that reaches 900 million souls worldwide. The classroom desperately needs parents engaged in the schools, building bridges with teachers and demanding school boards listen to them. Never before has there existed more mediums to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ who redeems and transform lives. Passivity is indifference and complacency in masquerade. New challenges require new leaders and heroes. My generation’s preference for a kinder, gentler time has been eclipsed by the reality of the day. It will require more than a “knee jerk” reaction or pandering. Recent generations may now be ready to face the reality that the “its all about me” root they swallowed has now left a sour taste, and the pressing issues of our cultural, social, political and spiritual realm has left a vacuum in their lives that renders them more receptive to connecting to a set of values that heretofore was unpalatable. With our economy on “life support” and our liberty under siege, a return to some time tested, immutable principles may be our heritage to a generation we’ll never see. In reality, we discover “these are the good ole days!” In this “drive of our life”, we’ll need the rear view mirror from time to time. But, ignoring the “road ahead” is…well keep your eyes on the road. Are you up to it? What do you think?

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 7

Just a Dream

TJ Casey is a singer/ songwriter, storyteller, composer and entertainer. He was raised up on ranches in Wyoming and Montana and now teaches the "Code of the West" and poetry to students all across America. Check him out at: www.tjcasey.net.

A batch of new grown flowers; a foot or two of snow. By the fire, I sit for hours; ‘til it’s time for the sun to show. I sit, impatient, waiting; as the snow begins to melt. Now dark is slowly fading; see the damage, Ma Nature dealt. Then I hear this awful smacking as I sit upon my perch. Then boards, they start to cracking; as the building makes a lurch. Then I wake and find my body; half way “down the hill”. As my house tumbles ‘round me; I feel a kind of chill. Then I thank the Lord while thinking; “that’s Ma Nature for ya, thank God that this is just a dream or I’d be in California!!!”

Taking Things for Granted Take about thirty seconds before you continue reading. Think about something that is very important to you in your life, and then keep remembering that. What is it? Is it your mother, husband, kids, car, job? Now think about that same thing. Do you think maybe you take whatever or whoever you thought about, for granted? Be honest with yourself, nobody is going to judge you! The truth of the matter is we take a lot of things for granted, and sometimes we do it to the point where we realize that it’s too late to go back. For me, I do my best to keep myself in check every single day to make sure that the things that are important to me in my life, are not being taken for granted. Now and again some things slip through and I realize that we’re all human and this will happen. It doesn’t keep me from feeling any less terrible when all is said and done. I recently had a very humbling

moment. I got into a relationship I have recently been “relieved” of and during that relationship I was practically forced to stop talking to a few people that were near and dear to me. Since my relationship has ended, I have been able to reconnect with those people. One of which is a friend that has been very close to me for a long time. When I started speaking with this person again recently, I was asked the simple question: “What happened to you?” That simple question stopped me dead in my own tracks, and because I am an honest person I didn’t even try to come up with an excuse. I told the truth, and when I was done I felt absolutely terrible about what just came out of my mouth. Simply put, I had taken my friend for granted. Now that I got things cleared up with my friend, I had a realization that this can never happen again. I took for granted in the past, that this friend would be there forever. Now, even though that friend is still there for me there was a very good chance that this person would want nothing to do with me anymore. I mean, if somebody just stopped

talking to you one day because you had a new boyfriend or girlfriend – what would you do?

make sure you’re appreciating the things that matter most in your life.

Then I got to thinking… how often do we do things like this to the ones we love? Do we get so involved in other things that we forget to take the time to just let the people in our lives know that we care? Do we take for granted that our jobs will be there tomorrow? Will our car still run when we put the key in the ignition?

Thank your boss for the opportunity to be where you are, whether you like your job or not. Give your pets some extra love, or call your parents and tell them you love them. The people in our lives definitely appreciate kind gestures and the fact that you’re thinking about them. It also makes everyone involved, feel good and appreciated.

Take a few moments each day, Glenrock and Beyond, and

Have a great week!

Confessions Of A Spice Hoarder by Susan R. Stoltz

containers. It was time to purge in a very big way.

As I continue my kitchen sustainability makeover, I decided the spices were the next hurdle to conquer. I love to cook and bake, so a well stocked spice cabinet is essential, however what I discovered was that I was a spice hoarder.

So I began with a few rules of thumb. Anything in plastic over a year old went in the garbage. Those spices I had that were in plastic but purchased recently were transferred to glass containers and labeled appropriately. The old, or should I say, ANCIENT (and I mean so ancient the Egyptians probably used them in their mummy making), spices also went in the garbage. I had made an effort in the past twelve months to purchase organic spices in glass containers, so I did have quite a good supply of those on hand.

I was truly shocked to find that 50% of the spices in my cupboard were housed in plastic, and not only that, plastic that was full of BPA’s or bisephanol A, a chemical used in making plastic of all kinds that is known for it’s ill effects on the human and animal endocrine system. And to top it all off, if you’re like I am, some of those containers had been around for years and years giving those spices time to really absorb everything cancer causing out of that plastic. So every time I cooked I was adding a not-sohealthy dose of BPA’S directly into my food source. I also found some spices in metal tins; much preferable to the plastic unless they are dated ’1989′ and ’1974′ as were the ones I fished out of the bins and shelves. And just as a frame of reference – I didn’t graduate from high school until 1975 and we all know how long ago THAT was! Spices retain their flavor if they are fairly fresh - these were probably harboring all sorts of moldy spores of one kind or another. I estimated that 70% were past their usefulness. In all I found 147 spice

I did find some spices in glass containers that had an expiration date that far exceeded the average life of a dog, and some that were so old no expiration date was even present. I dumped the spices out of those jars and washed the glass, and saved them for future use. Unfortunately the plastic caps on almost every single one of these jars had to remain, but I will replace them as they are used up with organic product in glass jars with metal caps. It took approximately 2 hours but the final result: an organized spice cabinet without a single plastic container present. Everything is re-usable thus eliminating future plastic waste and less exposure on a daily basis to the ill effects of BPA’s in my diet.

My husband is a crossdresser, he is not gay. I found out not long after we were married and somehow found a way to accept it. We keep it hidden from everyone here in our town (assuming you don’t care that I don’t put what town we live in) and he does his thing when he feels like it, and I stay out of it. I don’t get it, don’t like it, but I love him when he’s not in woman’s clothes. Recently I have been seeing a counselor over this who told me there is no way anyone can accept this kind of behaviour and it is him that needs the counseling, not me. After 15 years, I am considering leaving him if he doesn’t stop. Its eating at me and I can’t stand it, though I like to wear jeans and flannel shirts and boots from time to time, I don’t feel as if I am switching over to the other side, like he is. Do you think its the same thing when women dress down, boots, jeans etc., as when a man (like my husband) dresses up (a dress, heels in his size feet, and even make up.) Help me out here, I love my husband we have an incredible relationship and even after all these years, the sex is still great. BUT, I can’t pretend that I don’t hate what he does anymore. I want a normal man who treats me the same way he does. Confused yet? Dear Confused, Ok ok first of all, fire your counselor. Yes, a person can learn to accept this, you have done it for 15 years. You did not talk about any of the reasons he has told you he likes to dress in womens clothing. Statistically this behavior is from some deep rooted problem. Whether it was abuse of any kind, or it could simply be that he just likes womens clothing. We as women love to dress down, and that usually means jeans, boots and a t-shirt...even sometimes our husband’s t-shirt or button down. But the ultimate question to you is, is this one thing a big enough problem to end a 15 year good marriage? You have a man that treats you great and you still have great sex. This “normal man” you speak of, who you want to “treat you the same as your husband” may end up having bigger problems, and not showing you the same kind of love your husnand does, and perhaps and this “normal man’s” problem will be far worse than dressing in womens clothing. I am a big list maker. I think you need to make a list of all the things you love about your husband, and I’ll wager there are many, and all the things you don’t like about your husband. Then take the “I don’t like” list and disect it into things you are willing to compromise with and see which column is the deal breaker. If you end up with more items on your”I don’t like” list, then it is sit down time with your husband. The only way items should make it to the deal breaker column is if these are items that completely make you accept or deal with something that changes the person you are, your beleifs and everything you make a stand for. These are very serious items that compromise who a person is and how they live their life. So guessing that you have lived with this wonderful man that wears womens clothing on occasion for 15 years, and loves you unconditionally, I can almost bet his cross dressing is not a deal breaker. Maybe you two need to discuss his dress days are to be when you are not around. Good luck with all this. One last thing, ask you husband if he has a pair of the new Chanel pumps, if not I recommend he get a pair they are to die for!! Lol take care, and love the one your with. -Keep me posted. Sassy --- sassy@theglenrockbird.com

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 8

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Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 9

Sunday May 6, 2012 The Glenrock Bird Page 10