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Headlines: Phase 1C COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Open Grand Teton Park hosts almost 3.3 million visits in pandemic year Sublette COVID-19 update – March 3 Texas lifts mask order and opens businesses 100% Yellowstone recruiting for 2021 Youth Conservation Corps program Roads in Yellowstone begin to close March 7 Big Fish Winter Derby March 6 & 7 2021 Wyoming Wildlife Photo Contest winners St. John’s eases visitor restrictions Wyoming Health Order #3 removed, state-wide mask mandate still in effect Governors ask President Biden to withdraw Executive Order banning new oil and gas drilling Special enrollment period open for health insurance Teton County also celebrating their Centennial in 2021 Pinedale Local: Pinedale Airport Impacts & Closures - Summer 2021 SCUF responds to house fire in Pinedale Nordic Ski Trail Grooming Report – March 5, 2021 Wyoming Legislature updates – March 3 & 4, 2021 3D Mobile Mammography Van in May Wyoming Legislature updates Funeral Service for Benny Pearson March 6 Sublette County Democrats reorganization meeting March 12 Lincoln County mill levy proposal public meeting in LaBarge March 25 3rd Annual 307 Mountain Bash April 10 DUIs outpacing last year in Sublette County Town of Pinedale seeks recreational sign RFP Final interviews of CAH management partners scheduled Rec Board Budget Request Hearings in March

Front Page Story Archive

Phase 1C COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Open (posted 3/6/2021)
Sublette County Public Health
Sublette County Public Health is excited to announce that we are now accepting registrations for COVID-19 Vaccine for those in Phase 1C Groups. Phase 1C Groups includes many essential critical infrastructure workers, homeless individuals, jail and dorm populations, and now individuals over age 50+.
• Individuals age 50—64 years were added to Phase 1C Priority Groups this week! We will now be concurrently scheduling appointments for essential workers along with individuals 50+.
• To Register--please go to Pinedale Online. In the top right corner, press the vaccine schedule button to go to the Sublette COVID-19 website to complete the Google Survey. If you need further assistance with registration, phone Public Health at 307-367-2157.
• When a dose becomes available, Public Health will call to schedule your appointment date & time. There is no cost for this vaccination.
• Janssen—Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine was approved by the FDA for Emergency Authorization. Sublette County Public Health received 100 doses this week. You can now choose your preferred brand of vaccine on our Google Survey registration form. We will begin scheduling clinics next week in smaller clinics at our Public Health Offices.
• Sublette County is scheduled to receive 100--200 doses/week of Moderna Vaccine in March. Doses are scheduled weekly at drive-thru events at the Marbleton Fairgrounds, the Mountain Man Museum, or at on-site locations.
• Sublette County Public Health is currently completing vaccinations for individuals in the Phase 1C groups. Individuals may still register for all Phase 1A & 1B groups on our Google Survey—we will continue to schedule individuals weekly in all groups as new registrations are received.

Please visit the Sublette COVID Website: https://www.sublettewycovid.com/vaccines for weekly Sublette County updates and the official Wyoming Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities Guidelines for Phases 1A/1B/1C.

03/04/21—#Moderna Vaccine Doses given in Sublette County
• 1st doses= 1,488
• 2nd doses= 769
• Total Doses= 2,257

Grand Teton Park hosts almost 3.3 million visits in pandemic year (posted 3/4/2021)
2020 is 4th highest year ever for recreation visits
National Park Service – Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park hosted 3,289,639 recreation visits in 2020, the fourth highest number of recreation visits for one year in the park's history. During 2020 the park was closed for almost two months, March 24-May 18, due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to 2019, total recreation visits decreased by only 3.4%, despite the pandemic.

The top five years for recreation visits in Grand Teton National Park are:
2018: 3,491,151
2019: 3,405,614
2017: 3,317,000
2020: 3,289,639
2016: 3,270,076

Of the top ten national parks for recreation visits, Grand Teton National Park was the fifth highest.

Sublette COVID-19 update – March 3 (posted 3/4/2021)
Sublette COVID-19 Task Group
The Wyoming Department of Health reported one new COVID-19 case in Sublette County today, for a total of three new cases so far this week.

There are currently five active cases in Sublette County, with 666 recoveries, and 7 deaths, for a total of 678 cases since the pandemic began.

Sublette County had four new COVID-19 cases reported last week, an increase from the two cases the week prior.

Vaccine Update
The Wyoming Department of Health has revised its 1C priority group for COVID-19 vaccinations by lowering the recommended age to those 50 aged and older (see attached graphic). Registration for the vaccine is open for those within this group, and can be made here: https://www.sublettewycovid.com/vaccines

With FDA’s approval of the Johnson & Johnson ("Janssen") vaccine last weekend, there will soon be far more vaccine available nationwide, and Sublette County has already received 100 doses of this COVID-19 vaccine.The one-shot Janssen vaccine does not require the same cold storage as the Moderna vaccine, and Sublette County Public Health will schedule administration of these doses separately, rather than in mass-vaccination events. When registering for the COVID-19 vaccination at the link above, respondents will be asked if they have a preference for the Moderna or Janssen vaccine. Fact sheets about both the vaccines are also available on the website.

Texas lifts mask order and opens businesses 100% (posted 3/3/2021)
16 states do not have mask mandates for COVID-19
Pinedale Online!
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott issued an Executive Order on Tuesday, March 2nd to rescind their state-wide mask order, increasing capacity, and allowing businesses to open 100%. He said that COVID-19 has not disappeared, but recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using have made it that state mandates are no longer needed. Businesses can still limit capacity and implement safety measures at their own discretion. Click on this link for his media release on his Twitter feed.

Texas is not the first state to end a statewide requirement for people to wear masks in public. Fifteen other states either lifted their mask mandate or never adopted one in the first place, according to AARP:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee

Yellowstone recruiting for 2021 Youth Conservation Corps program (posted 3/2/2021)
For youth between ages 15-18
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WYOMING - How would you like to work, learn, play, and serve in the world’s first national park? Yellowstone is currently recruiting for the 2021 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a residential work-based education program for young men and women between the ages of 15 and 18. Visit the YCC program to apply. Completed application materials must be postmarked by March 10, 2021.

A five-week session will be offered June 28-July 30. Twelve youth will be randomly selected from across the country to participate in the program. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and 15 years of age by June 28, but not over 18 years of age by July 30. Yellowstone recruits youth from all social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds for the program. COVID-19 mitigation measures will be implemented to offer as safe a program as possible this summer.

No previous wilderness experience is necessary, but enjoying camping is a plus since it will be required during work assignments. Applicants should possess a positive attitude, a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, and get along well with others. Participants will be required to live in the park. A minimal fee will be charged for room and board. Wages will be set at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

YCC is designed to develop an appreciation for the nation’s natural resources and heritage through unique educational, recreational, and work experiences. Corps members work together with National Park Service (NPS) staff to complete conservation projects such as trail rehabilitation, campground restoration, and a wide variety of resource management, visitor support services, and maintenance projects.

Participants develop their job and leadership skills while exploring personal values, gaining self-esteem, expanding their awareness of work ethics, and learning firsthand about environmental and conservation issues. Corps members also participate in evening and weekend recreational activities and discover the many options for careers in the NPS and other land management agencies.

Questions may be directed to Yell_YCC_Office@nps.gov.

The Yellowstone YCC Program is funded by park entrance fees and generous donations to Yellowstone Forever, the park’s official nonprofit partner.

Roads in Yellowstone begin to close March 7 (posted 3/2/2021)
For 2021 spring snow plowing
National Park Service - Yellowstone National Park
Roads in Yellowstone National Park will begin to close to over-snow travel on Sunday, March 7. Spring plowing will start as road segments close. All over-snow travel will end for the season March 15 at 9 p.m. Weather-permitting, some park roads will reopen to automobile travel April 16 at 8 a.m.

Road closure dates (gates close at 9 p.m.)
• March 7, Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris
• March 9, Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon Village
• March 14, Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge
• March 15, all remaining groomed roads
• At Mammoth Hot Springs, the hotel and cabins, Gift Shop, Ski Shop, and food services will close March 1. The Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone General Store, Post Office, Medical Clinic, and self-serve fuel pumps stay open all year.
• At Old Faithful, the Bear Den Gift Shop and Geyser Grill will close March 15.
• Warming hut closure dates range between March 1 and March 15.

The road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction to Cooke City, Montana, is open to automobiles all year. At Tower Junction, self-serve fuel pumps are available all year.

Visitors driving to and in the park during the spring should have flexible travel plans and prepare for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time. Visit park roads for the status of Yellowstone roads. Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). In addition, call 307-344-2117 for recorded information.

The park asks each visitor to recreate responsibly to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, do not visit the park. Self-quarantine to avoid exposing others.

Learn more about area-specific spring reopening dates here. All dates are subject to change based on future conditions and public health guidance. We will continue to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance and adjust operations as needed. For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download Yellowstone's App.

Big Fish Winter Derby March 6 & 7 (posted 2/27/2021)
The Big Fish Winter Derby will be held Saturday & Sunday, March 6 & 7th on Fremont Lake. The event is sponsored by the Pinedale Lions Club. Entry fee is $40. There will be adult and youth divisions. Those fishing must have a valid Wyoming fishing license to participate.

The two-day fishing event will feature over $7,000 in cash and prizes. There is a $1,000 Grand Prize for the largest fish turned in each day. The tournament pays four places each day as well as $100 for the biggest fish each hour and $200 for the biggest rainbow and brown brought in each day.

There will be a youth division for anglers under 14 years of age. Youth participants must be fishing with a licensed adult participant. Entries in the free Youth division are not eligible for prizes in the Big Fish division, but youths are welcome to enter the main tournament instead.

NOTE - check-in is NOT required this year to avoid crowded conditions.

For lodging information: www.visitpinedale.org.

Advertising support from the Pinedale Travel & Tourism Commission.

2021 rules are included in the registration link. Click here for registration info.

More information on the Pinedale Lions Club Facebook page.

2021 Wyoming Wildlife Photo Contest winners (posted 2/26/2021)
The Wyoming Game & Fish has posted a YouTube video of the winners of their 2021 Wyoming Wildlife Photo Contest winners. Click on this link to view the slide show.

The majority of tests in Teton County have come back negative for COVID-19.

St. John’s eases visitor restrictions (posted 2/26/2021)
St. John’s hospital in Jackson, Wyoming has lifted some of the visitor restrictions that were put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients may now have one visitor per day. Youth patients can have both guardians.

Teton County has moved into Low Risk Level for COVID-19. With a population of about 23,500 people, the county has had 3,273 lab-confirmed cases and 9 deaths over the past year due to COVID-19. The vast majority of their cases have been in the 19-29 age group. The county has been extremely cautious in dealing with COVID-19 restrictions in order to keep the community safe and protect their health care workers and the local hospital’s ability to handle the patient caseload. On February 21st, the hospital announced their COVID-19 patient caseload had fallen to zero for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020.

The new visitor guidelines require the following:
- Visitors must be age 18 or over and in good health
- Proper masks are required at all times; no buffs or bandanas
- Visitor hours apply
- Covid patients may not have visitors
- Additional restrictions apply in Living Center and Cancer Care

Source: http://www.stjohns.health/blog/2021/february/visitation-guidelines-at-st-john-s-health-eased-/

Cases of COVID-19 have dropped significantly in Wyoming since the surge in November 2020.

Wyoming Health Order #3 removed, state-wide mask mandate still in effect (posted 2/25/2021)
Gathering sizes relaxed as of March 1st as metrics continue to improve
Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health have announced the removal of a health order addressing operations of personal care services, along with a continued relaxing of COVID-19 protocols as Wyoming’s metrics continue to improve.

Beginning March 1, Health Order No. 3, which addresses operations of barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care services is being eliminated completely. Attendance limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings will increase once again, and protocols for restaurant and theater operations will be adjusted. Indoor gatherings that incorporate social distancing and face coverings are permitted for up to 25 percent of capacity or 1,000 persons, and outdoor gatherings of up to 2,000 persons. In addition, sporting events and artistic performances will see participation limits eased.

Four Wyoming counties have now received variances from statewide requirements in response to local conditions. Additional changes to statewide protocols are expected to continue as metrics allow. Vaccination efforts are expected to help accelerate that process, Governor Gordon said.

"The efforts made so far have allowed us to maximize attendance safely at larger events like the state high school wrestling championships this weekend and the state high school basketball tournament that was cancelled last year," the Governor said. "If we continue on our current trajectory, I expect us to be able to continue to remove orders as we safely return to a new normal."

As of February 25, more than 16% of the state’s population has received at least one vaccine dose – one of the highest rates in the country. All Wyoming counties are now in phase 1b of the phased distribution plan, which includes adults 65 and over, frontline essential workers, and individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk. Wyoming vaccine distribution information can be found here.

The changes are in effect from March 1-15. A fact sheet explaining the most recent update and the updated orders can be found on Wyoming’s COVID-19 website.

Governors letter

Governors ask President Biden to withdraw Executive Order banning new oil and gas drilling (posted 2/22/2021)
Governor Mark Gordon media release
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon led a coalition of 17 Republican Governors urging President Joe Biden to withdraw an Executive Order that bans new oil and gas development on federal land and in offshore waters.

In the letter, Governor Gordon and his fellow Governors stress the negative economic effect of the ban on western states with large tracts of federal land. The Order has the effect of "chasing away capital investment for long-term economic growth and undermining public services, public conservation, public safety, public education, and more."

Governor Gordon also emphasized the importance of the high-paying jobs created by the energy industry, as well as the impact of the order on energy independence and grid stability. The Governors were unified in their support for an "all of the above energy approach" and said that "As governors, we believe that solutions come from innovation, not regulation" stressing state primacy for emission standards.

"You began your presidency with calls for unity, specifically to end the divide that pits urban versus rural, and as Republican leaders, we stand ready to work with your Administration to advance our states and country," the letter reads. "In contrast, the lack of consultation with our states demonstrated by Executive Order 14008 is alarming, showing disregard for the citizens we serve and the businesses that employ them and keep our country running and our nation secure."

This letter is part of Governor Gordon’s continued coordinated effort to protect Wyoming citizens and industries from overreaching Federal actions. Last week, the Governor informed Federal officials that he is prepared to take all necessary actions to protect Wyoming from unilateral actions targeting and crippling our energy industries.

Joining Governor Gordon in signing the letter were Governors Kay Ivey (AL), Mike Dunleavy (AK), Doug Ducey (AZ), Asa Hutchinson (AR), Brad Little (ID), Eric Holcomb (IN), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Pete Ricketts (NE), Doug Burgum (ND), Kevin Stitt (OK), Kristi Noem (SD), Bill Lee (TN), Greg Abbott (TX), Spencer Cox (UT).

A copy of the letter may be found here.

Special enrollment period open for health insurance (posted 2/22/2021)
Enrollment open until May 15, 2021
In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced a special enrollment period for health insurance from February 15 through May 15, 2021, for individuals and families who are uninsured or underinsured. Individuals and families in Wyoming can enroll in Marketplace health coverage until May 15. The special enrollment period is available to all Marketplace-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application, missed the earlier deadline, or updating an existing application. This Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families to apply and enroll is available to consumers in the 36 states served by Marketplaces that use the HealthCare.gov platform. Wyoming is one of those states.

Access is available through a variety of channels: through HealthCare.gov directly, the Marketplace call center, or direct enrollment channels. Consumers can find local help at Localhelp.healthcare.gov or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Assistance is available in 150 languages. The phone call is free.

Teton County also celebrating their Centennial in 2021 (posted 2/21/2021)
Sublette and Teton counties in Wyoming are celebrating their 100th birthdays this year. It took two years for Sublette County to finalize the process. Teton County’s creation took an act of the Wyoming Legislature to be formed in 1921. Click on this link for more on this history: Teton County turns 100 years old (buckrail.com, Feb. 19, 2021)

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Pinedale Online! is designed and maintained by Wind River Web Services LLC in Pinedale, Wyoming to offer a "slice of life" view of happenings in and around Pinedale, Wyoming. Webmaster for this site is Dawn Ballou. Although we try to cover as many local events as possible, we have a very limited staff and much of this site is done in our volunteer time. We welcome community volunteers who can provide pictures or event information. Photos by Pinedale Online unless otherwise credited. Please see our companion site Pinedale OFFline, www.PinedaleOFFline.com, updated annually on April Fool's Day. All site content is copyright 2020. No photos, stories or content may be used or reproduced without permission for commercial or non-commerical purposes. Please contact Pinedale Online for more information or permission about using pictures or content found on our site, or advertising on this website. If you find any broken links on our site, please let us know. Privacy Policy: E-mail inquiries may be forwarded to the local Chamber of Commerce, businesses or others who can best respond to questions asked. We use website server visitation statistics to compile web traffic analysis to refine our site content to better serve our visitors. Server statistics do not gather e-mail addresses or personally-identifiable information. Pinedale Online does not sell, trade or rent our opt-in lists or any personally-identifiable information to third parties. Thanks for visiting Pinedale, Wyoming on the Web!