Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 303
Once again Governor Mark Gordon took to Facebook to update Wyoming citizens on the continuing effort to open up the state and restart the currently lagging economy. Joined by Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming Agricultural Director Doug Miyamoto, and representatives from six of the states largest rodeo events, Gordon continues to keep Wyomingites informed as to the summer’s events. Governor Gordon began by stating that Wyoming now has 653 lab confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a probable 207 more positive cases. Gordon a...
Monday night’s town council meeting opened with the third and final reading of 2020-01 the budget for fiscal year 2021. As many residents already knew there is a shortage of funds for many of the towns summer activities, and while the frustration is well known and well felt, as with many of our own home budgets, when there isn’t any money, there just isn’t any money. There were two changes made to the budget, first a cost increase for the monthly command center fees that help keep smart meters up and running, and the second change to the budge...
With the COVID situation appearing to have no real end in sight, I was able to touch base with Ann Anderson Pine Bluffs Health Clinic director to ask about how our local office was handling some of the challenges that have been brought forth. Battling the rumor mill, the virus, and the steady need for medical care here in town, Anderson and her team continue to attempt to offer the best service that they can. Pine Bluffs has been lucky there are very few people here who have been touched by COVI...
In yet another press conference Governor Mark Gordon spoke about the opening of Yellowstone National Park, and yet another spike in positive COVID-19 cases. There has been one more death, and 73 new confirmed cases over the week. On the positive side, there have been no new hospitalizations leading to the idea that those that are getting sick are getting better currently Openly wearing his own mask, the Governor is trying to emphasize the importance of social distancing and wearing masks. The COVID-19 metric is showing that a couple of areas...
This week in Cheyenne there has been a fierce debate over the President’s decision to lower the flags to half mast for the Memorial Day celebrations. For the first time in our history there were several people in the state of Wyoming that want the lowered flags to represent people other than those who lost their lives in service to their country. Since May 30, 1868, American’s have celebrated those who paid the ultimate price for their country. Originally known as Decoration Day, the first Memorial Day took place in Arlington Cemetery. Acc...
Across the nation today Memorial Day looks different than it has in the past. Instead of families and friends gathering to celebrate those who lost their lives in the name of freedom we are still practicing social distancing and waiting for the go-ahead to open our country back up. Americans are running around in face masks and staying inside trying to figure out when things will return to normal. What did not look different today was the annual celebration at the Pine Bluffs cemetery. The Donal...
Once again the Ladies Auxiliary of the Pine Bluffs American Legion stepped out for Memorial Day to give out poppies for donations to help American Veterans with essential needs. On Friday the ladies managed to raise $73.25 and on Saturday they pulled in $84. The ladies were at the Texas Trail Market for both days and even with the shortened hours for the holiday people were still willing to donate even while times are hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ladies of the Pine Bluffs Donald...
While the wind carried away the soft sounds of Pomp and Circumstance the 46 Burns High School seniors walked across the football field to their futures. For the first time in the school's history graduation was held on the football field, another first for Burns was the graduation of more than 45 students. Students that began their final year never expected to have to finish online, they never expected to miss their prom, their class trip, and everyday lunches with friends, but they held their...
This time of year always brings people back to their own graduation, their own entry into the adult world. It’s about this time that we start to hear us old folks saying things like, “If I only knew then what I know now,” or “I wish I had the energy that I had back then with the wisdom I have now.” As well meaning as all of us old folks are, I can almost hear the eyes of every senior rolling when we start talking. This year was even more of a challenge with the introduction of COVID-19. In mid-March seniors went home from school only to find ou...
Monday’s town council meeting opened once again with a larger number of building permits as residents continue to fix home issues throughout the COVID-19 shutdown. While many can work from home, this seems to be the best time to get that garden planted or that fence built. Keeping with the new standard of social distancing, residents are being seen outside working in their yards and tending to their homes. The council also had the second reading of the FY 2021 budget. While many citizens are seeing the necessity to tighten their belts and w...
Monday night’s town council meeting saw some residents frustrated over the closing of the pool for the summer due to the COVID-19 situation. The council and the local census representative Stephanie Freeman would like residents of Pine Bluffs to understand that failing to respond to the census could impact some of our local amenities even more. Numbers from the current census will impact things like school lunch programs, firefighters, families in need, and plans for highways. According to 2020census.gov “Census results affect planning and fun...
Back in 1907 when Laramie County also included what is now called Platte and Goshen County, the Laramie County fair was held in Wheatland. Hundreds of people would Load up on the train and ride the rails to take their spot in what was called Cheyenne Day at the origin of the fair. Back in 1907 the fair consisted of bake offs, animal showing, and rodeoing. While there were no rides, and no vendors, children still came from miles around to play the games and eat the food. From 1908 to 1917 the fair was usually held in September and typically on...
Governor Gordon's conference May 1st opened up several businesses including barber shops, hair salons, and tattoo parlors. Governor Gordon also offered an apology to local outfitters who seemed to think that his comment about out-of-state fishing licenses and tourism was flippant and took the matter of lost business too lightly. Governor Gordon was joined by Dr. Alexia Harris and both concluded that a slow but consistent opening of the state should hopefully prevent more outbreaks of COVID-19. Governor Gordon updated news on unemployment, the...
In a time where economic future is uncertain the town of Pine Bluffs was able to get some good news concerning the grant for the feasibility study that was to be used for the senior assisted living project. Originally, there had been some concern over whether the feasibility study would even be able to take place now that the economy is so impacted by COVID-19. Mayor Alan Curtis and treasurer Kim Patterson were not only able to salvage the grant but bring home a little more. At the Wyoming Business Council board meeting on May 8th instead of be...
Some of you will remember that last year Alisha Michaud and Michaud farms planted over 200 new grapes for their winery. What does a grape farmer do during a time of social distancing? They plant more grapes! Michaud and her family will not see wine for at least a few more years but as of now they have a full acre of grapes ready to grow. On Saturday April 25th, the Michaud's planted 600 grape plants. Last year they planted 100 Marquette red grapes and 100 Itasca white grapes and this year they...
Governor Mark Gordon has begun introducing ways to open the state back up. While many Americans are still battling high numbers and active cases of COVID-19 Wyoming is in the unique position to be able to open possibly a little earlier. While Wyoming’s active cases are in the hundreds, there have only been 2 deaths due to COVID-19. While the desire is to have no death from this horrible sickness, we are doing much better than several other states. There is no decision at this time as to whether Cheyenne Frontier Days will continue; however, Wyo...
Monday’s virtual meeting of the town council started with a larger number of building permits than we have seen thus far. The new normal of social distancing has seen an increase in home projects being done. Spending more time at home is giving residents a chance to spruce up those outside projects that seem to get put off due to lack of time. The bid for the new airport hanger project was accepted. Anderson Shaw from Scottsbluff, Nebraska was able to come in with the low bid. Originally the town was responsible for paying for 100 percent of t...
The staff of the Pine Bluffs Post took time out of their day on Friday to deliver bouquets of May Day Flowers to local businesses that have stayed open during the COVID-19 crisis. Jo Radcliffe, Penny Merryfield, and Victoria Smithey went to several local businesses to deliver the flowers and to say thank you for supporting our town during this time. The ladies stopped at the gas stations, the car care center, the market, the post office, And several other places. Although we did not reach every...
The chilly air in the rain did not keep some residents from attending the tailgate party at the Pine Bluffs Community Center this weekend. Sonja Fornstrom and the Recreation Department opened the Community Center parking lot to allow folks to barbecue and enjoy social distancing company. Katt Fornstrom was on hand to roll out the music including requests for loved ones and special friends. Several families gathered outside to help take part in the festivities, and a good time was had by all....
Volunteer week looks a little different this year due to the current situation, but here in Pine Bluffs there are still folks trying to do what they can for others. Typically, Senior Center director Alisha Michaud sees help from all over town. In the past volunteers have done several things for the center, but with the new social distancing and small group rules there are not as many opportunities as there once was. The Senior Center typically stays very busy on a normal week, seniors from the...
My mother, for lack of a better term, would have been considered a "cat person". This is not to say that she was a devoted cat aficionado, but she preferred the feline to the dog. Growing up our house usually had at least one cat hanging around, but other than the two that were there during my high school years, I am hard pressed to even remember their names. Our pets were never considered family members, they were just there for enjoyment while it lasted. My mother was also an exceptionally...
Three women in the community are trying to make a difference during this time of uncertainty by making masks for those who are in need. Carmen Ladd, Diane Wise, and Carolyn Ragsdale have all sat down in front of their sewing machines to help make lives a little easier for the essential workers nationwide. Carmen Ladd, a retired teacher from Pine Bluffs Junior and Senior High School has made over 260 masks for all kinds of people nationwide. Originally, Dr. Lisa Burton from Cheyenne Regional...
Monday’s meeting of the Pine Bluffs Town Council started with a presentation from special guest Ken Hunter, CEO of Kimball Health Services. Hunter discussed the status of COVID-19 as it pertains to our local clinic and Kimball Health Services. He explained the necessity of closing our local clinic for a short period of time for safety purposes and encouraged residents to take the recommended precautions to avoid getting sick. The Pine Bluffs Health Clinic is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and anticipates resuming normal o...
Pine Bluffs response to the Census has been lackluster at best with only 12.8% reporting thus far. If these numbers stay consistent what could be the potential impact? Revenues for the town’s General Fund could be affected which in turn could impact services and the operation of several departments to include town administration (the Town Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and Treasurer), first responders to include Emergency Medical Services and the Police Department, the Recreation Department, streets and alleys, parks and common areas, and the cemetery. W...
After over twenty years of service, local favorite Mary Cushing has decided to hang up her library hat in favor of retirement. Cushing has been in Pine for much of her adult life and is looking forward to spending some time with husband Bill who also retired this last year. With the Library being closed for the last few weeks Cushing was unable to spend her last bit of time there and is saddened to not have the chance to be able to say goodbye to everyone in person. Molly Williams was also sad...