Head coach Marty Linford has stepped down after coaching wrestling at Cokeville High School for 22 years. During that time he coached seven team state championship teams and 44 individual state champions. He was recognized seven times as coach of the year.
The SLCEDC has announced a name change for their subcommittee tasked with directing and working with Economic Development Liaison Stephen P. Allen.
Unlike previous sessions of the Wyoming Legislature, this year we had the enviable question of what to do with nearly $2 billion surplus. That’s a big departure from only two years ago, when our state faced one of the largest budget deficits in history. Many of us remember the tough spending reductions that had to be made in the wake of the COVID pandemic and bottomed-out energy prices to keep our finances in the black. With that recent experience still fresh on our minds, both the House and Senate agreed to send $1.4 billion of the surplus funds to savings and utilize the remaining $383 million to meet the immediate and short-term needs of the citizens of Wyoming.
After three weeks, the Wyoming Legislature has begun to deal with important issues that I will briefly summarize. An Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund was created with $6 million/year transferring from the Wyoming Tourism Reserve Account to be used for outdoor recreational infrastructure construction and maintenance throughout the state. This passed the House and now goes to the Senate for further debate.
Mrs. Warner and her fourth grade class celebrated Chinese New Year on Thursday, Feb. 2. The class enjoyed participating in a variety of activities, including tasting authentic Chinese foods. One of the favorite activities was the dragon parade through the halls of the elementary school inviting all to open their doors to bring good luck into their classrooms.
Anderson Tax & Consulting in Kemmerer officially opened its doors on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Nicole Anderson is the owner of the firm. She is an Enrolled Agent (Federally Licensed Tax Practitioner) and has her Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Wyoming. Anderson’s goal is to bring a hands-on approach to tax and accounting services to the community. She says she will she will work with clients to make sure they are not just following federal laws but will analyze each individual client’s circumstances in order to maximize their tax and accounting results yearly.
Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race —Stage Three postponed on Monday, Jan. 30 Pedigree Stage Stop Race — Stage Three, hosted by the town of Pinedale, was postponed Monday due to adverse weather conditions. Bitter cold temperatures combined with windchill in the early to mid-morning race window stayed below the acceptable threshold for racing. The Pinedale Stage Three leg was rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2, at the same trailhead location — the Upper Green River trail head at the end of Hwy 352, Cora. The Pinedale course follows the Upper Green River near its headwaters in the Wind River Mountains of western Wyoming.
Craft day at the library The Cokeville Branch Library held its monthly craft day on Monday, January 23. Those attending enjoyed making a cute snowman can. Thanks to Tracey Whitehead and the staff at the library for sponsoring this fun event. Head to the library to see February’s craft. February craft day is on February 9 at 3:00 and 5:00. Don’t miss out! Sign up today!
Bryli Groll, daughter of Zane and Carrie Groll was chosen to participate in the Wyoming All State Choir in Sheridan. Participants audition for this prestigious opportunity and are chosen from among students throughout the state of Wyoming. Students join together for a couple of days to rehearse and then present a concert for family, friends and community members. Bryli is a junior at Cokeville High School. Congratulations, Bryli!
District Spelling Bee Cokeville Elementary sent nine students to the District Spelling Bee in Star Valley on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Students participating included, from sixth grade, Bentley McKinnon, Presli Pope and Kynleigh Davis; fifth grade, Kora Petersen, Lindsay Thomas and Ryker Teichert; fourth grade, Ari Groll, Anna Dietz and Ainslie Himmerich. Bringing home top honors was Bentley McKinnon, placing 10th with the opportunity to advance to the County Spelling Bee. Fourth grade Ari Groll placed first overall with Ainslie Himmerich taking second overall. Congratulations spellers!
December craft day at the library The Cokeville Branch Library held its December craft day on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Those participating created a darling decorative Christmas board. Thanks to Tracey Whitehead and the staff at the library for sponsoring this fun event for the community.
The music department at Cokeville High School presented a Christmas Concert on Wednesday, Dec.14 under the direction of Jonathan Rose with Nanette Cook at the piano. The junior high band performed first with “Carol of the Boombuckets,” “Santa the Barbarian” and “The Polar Express.” The high school band followed with “Sleigh Ride,” “A Jazzy Christmas” and themes from “The Nutcracker.” The junior high choir took the stage next performing “Christmas!…in about three minutes,” “The Christmas Song,” “Rise Up Shepherd” and “That’s Christmas to Me.” The high school choir was next with “Twelve Days After Christmas,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “And Can it Be?” The final group to perform was Celebration with “Carol of the Bells,” “White Winter Hymnal” and “Childhood Christmas Favorites.” It was a wonderful night of Christmas Music!
The Turning Point held its third annual Hall of Trees on Thursday, Dec. 8, raising money and garnering awareness for its cause. The event stems from the pre-COVID Parade of Trees. Turning Point Director Bobbie Orcutt said of the change, “We found we got a bigger turnout and more community support bringing the event to a hall.”
The Kemmerer High School wrestling team took the first step toward defending their 2A State Wrestling Championship over the weekend, competing at the ultra-competitive Wasatch Intermountain duals in Heber, Utah.
The Cokeville Volunteer Fire Department hosted a special night for firefighters and their families on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the fire station in Cokeville. Local firefighters representing the Bear River Fire District were honored for their many years of service. Among those were Mike Duran, with 30 years of service, 20 of those years serving as Fire Chief. Justin McKinnon was
Library held Favorite Christmas Foods night The Cokeville Branch Library Food Club held a “Favorite Christmas Foods” night on Monday, Dec. 5, for patrons and their families. Those attending brought a favorite Christmas food to share. Following dinner there was time for games and visiting. Thanks to Angela and the staff at the library for sponsoring this fun family event.
Saturday, Dec. 3, the town of Cokeville held its annual Christmas events beginning with the craft fair at the city hall throughout the day with local vendors sharing their talents. This was followed by a parade of lights down Main Street ending in the park where children and adults alike could visit with Santa and Mrs. Santa while enjoying hot chocolate, cider and cookies. The annual tree lighting also took place at the park where the children could see the ornaments they each created on the town tree. What a great way to celebrate Christmas in Cokeville. Thanks to everyone who shared the day.
“Scrooge’s Christmas Carol” was the theme of the McPhee Performing Dance Company’s Christmas Dance Recital on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The students did an amazing job, both on their solos and group numbers. Angie Boyer was an excellent narrator. Congratulations, Lorelle McPhee, on a fantastic production! It was a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season.
The Best Western in Kemmerer was recognized with the brand’s highest honor, the M.K. Guertin Award, at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts’ 2022 Convention held recently in Cleveland, Ohio. The award was presented in front of approximately 2,000 Best Western hoteliers.
The Best Western in Kemmerer was recognized with the brand’s highest honor, the M.K. Guertin Award, at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts’ 2022 Convention held recently in Cleveland, Ohio. The award was presented in front of approximately 2,000 Best Western hoteliers.