Pinedale Updates, What's happening? Pinedale, Wyoming

Obituary
Edythe Louise Barp
Funeral Mass for Edythe Louise Barp, who died on Friday, January 25th, will be held at the Catholic Church in big Piney on Wednesday, January 30th at 10 am. Father Robert Lynch S. J. will officiate. Rosary was held on Tuesday, January 29th at the Big Piney Catholic Church. Interment will be at the Plainview Cemetary.

Cold, and More Cold
Temperatures plummeted to below -34 last night and cars strained to start in the morning. The weather report says that outside air temperatures will remain between minus 25 to minus 35 degrees in low lying areas of western Wyoming until noon today. A dry cold arctic air mass will stay over the area until late Thursday, and overnight temperatures will drop again tonight. The forecast for later in the week is for temperatures to get up to 7-15 above with lows of 15 to 20 below.

High School Diplomas Still Available
According to a press release from the Wyoming Veterans' Affairs Commission in Casper, high school diplomas are still available through "Operation Recognition", a special program available to those military veterans who left a Wyoming high school for military service in either World War II or the Korean War. Through the program, veterans who progressed to at least ninth grade in a Wyoming high school before leaving for military service may apply for a diploma, to be awarded by either the high school they attended or the school district in which their school was located. To date, approximately 60 Wyoming veterans have received their high school diplomas through Operation Recognition, including several who now reside outside the state.
Operation Recognition originated in Massachusetts several years ago, and there are now more than 20 states offering the program to their veterans. Wyoming began its Operation Recognition early last year. The program is administered by the Wyoming Veterans Affairs Commission (WVAC), with the Wyoming High School Association encouraging the participation of each of the school districts in Wyoming. Applications are available from the WVAC state office, 59905 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82604. Upon completion, the applications should be returned, along with a copy of the veteran's discharge document to verify his honorable service in either WWII or the Korean War. For further information, call the WVAC state office at 1-800-833-5987, e-mail: wvac@trib.com. Sublette County Sheriff Hank Ruland is the local Commissioner for Veterans' Affairs, 307-367-6593.

Military Servie Emblems
The Wyoming Veterans' Affairs Commission reports that Wyoming Veterans License Plate Military Service Emblems can be purchased by veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The adhesive emblems are affixed to the lower left corner of standard vehicle license plates and to the top center of motorcycle plates. Veterans can apply for the emblem from the Wyoming Veterans Affairs Commission, 5905 CY Ave, Casper, WY 82604 for a $10 fee plus production costs and postage and handling charges. To date, more than 500 sets of emblems have been mailed to Wyoming veterans and new applications are received daily. Veterans are reminded to submit only a copy of their discharge document, not the original document, with their applications. For more information, call the state office at 1-800-833-5987.

CCC Presentation by Local Historian Ann Noble
Green River Valley Museum, Wednesday, January 30, 7 pm

CCC crews building road along Fremont Lake

Local Historian Ann Noble will be giving an informative slide presentation entitled "CCC Camps in Sublette County" on Wednesday, January 30th at 7 pm the Green River Valley Museum in Big Piney.
The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) program was started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to alleviate the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression of the 1930s. One of Wyoming, and the nation's first CCC camps to open in 1933, was Camp Fremont, located on the south shores of Fremont Lake. Thousands of young CCC enrollees eventually worked in Sublette County during the Great Depression.
Today, many local people just think of the CCC Ponds near the southern end of Fremont Lake when referring to the CCC, but the crews did much more in our area including building roads, ranger stations, docks, campgrounds, telephone lines and were responsible for creating access to many of the recreational sites we enjoy today. Ann's presentation includes many historic photos of the crews doing projects throughout Sublette County.

Jesse Ellis Benefit
Saturday, Feb. 2, School Cafeteria, 4:30 pm
Free Will Donation
A Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Jesse Ellis, a senior at Pinedale High School who is undergoing treatment for cancer, will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at the Pinedale School Cafeteria from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
   Entry to the dinner is by Free-Will Donation. Some matching funds available from the Aid Association for Lutherans.
   There will be door prizes, a silent auction, and a bake sale. Silent auction items are being contributed by local individuals as well as items that were to be used by the Pinedale Fine Arts Council for Black Tie and Blues fundraiser. (Utah Symphony tickets, Off-Broadway Theatre tickets, Ballet West production tickets, Utah Opera Festivl summer tickets, Jazz game tickets, Decorative pottery, Mountain Bike Trail book, much more)
   The dinner is being co-sponsored by the Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 5200, the Sublette Center, the Pinedale Fine Arts Council, the Pinedale Hockey Association, and St. Andrews in the Pines Episcopal Church.
    Anyone interested in donating a door prize is asked to contact the Sublette Center. Bake Sale items should be brought to the cafeteria by 4:30 pm on the 2nd.

Legislative Representatives to visit Sublette County
Legislative representatives for Senators Thomas and Enzi and Congresswoman Barbara Cubin will be in Pinedale and Big Piney on Tuesday, January 29th for public meetings to discuss concerns and hear comments. Pati Smith, Lyn Shanaghy and Bonnie Cannon will be at the Big PineyTown Hall from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and in Pinedale at the Sublette County Courthouse Commissioner's Chambers from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Turn Water Bleeders On
The Town of Pinedale is posting reminders to Pinedale residents to turn on water bleeders to prevent water and sewerline freeze ups. Anyone with questions can call the Town Hall at 367-4136 for more information.

Pinedale Stage Stop of the IPSSSDR
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race will be stopping in a different Wyoming community each night, allowing dogs and mushers to rest. The race begins in Jackson Hole and travels through Moran, Dubois, Pinedale, Lander, Atlantic City, Mountain View, Lyman,

Evanston, Kemmerer/Diamondville, Smoot/Afton and Alpine before the finish in Jackson Hole. Towns host festivities for mushers and spectators ranging from junior dog sled races for children, dog parades, ice sculpture contests, banquets, carnivals and fishing derbies. For more information and the complete schedule on the web go to: www.wyomingstagestop.org.

Saturday, Jan. 26 - Doggie Talent Show and Look-A-Like Contest at the Heritage Room of the Sublette Center, 333 N Bridger Ave, from 1-3 pm. Hosted by the Paws 4-H Club along with their leader Terah Palmer. Refreshments will be served. Prizes will be Pedigree products and promotional products.

Monday, Jan. 28 - Mushers arrive at Elk Ridge Lodge for the Green River Campout. Snowmachine shuttles from the Cora parking lot into the Lodge will be available from 4-8 pm. The Lodge will not be serving the public this evening.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 - Mushers begin leaving Elk Ridge Lodge for the Pinedale Finish Line at 9 am. Elk Ridge Lodge will be open to the public on Tuesday morning. Mushers will begin arriving at the Pinedale Finish Line at the American Legion Park on Madison Avenue (directly behind Big J's Auto Parts) around 11 am. All mushers should be present by 2 pm. Refreshments will be available at the Finish Line: fajitas, chili, cookies & hot drinks.

PACC Dinner & Dessert Social. Meet the Mushers! Pinedale Community Church, 5-7 pm. A barbecued beef & homemade desserts. Cost is $5 for individuals and $12 for family. All proceeds go to the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are available at the Chamber and at the door.

Wednesday, Jan. 30 - Mushers depart from Irish Canyon, 10 am. Hot drinks, cinnamon rolls and muffins will be available.

Memorial Services
Helen Velvick
Memorial Services for Helen Velvick will be held on Thursday, January 24, at 11:00 am at the Episcopal Church in Pinedale.

Louis Hoffmeier
Memorial Services for Louis Hoffmeier will be held on Friday, January 25th at 2 pm at the Sublette Center in Pinedale.

Big Piney & Pinedale Blood Drives
Big Piney and Pinedale High Schools are both sponsoring blood drives in February. The Big Piney drive is on Wednesday, Feb 6th, from 1 pm - 7 pm, and Pinedale High School's is on Thursday, February 7th, from 1 pm - 7 pm. The units are very much needed, and the schools are hoping to reach their goals of 50 units each. Everyone in the community is invited. For appointments, call Big Piney High School at 276-3324 or Pinedale High School at 367-2139.

Brrrrrrrrr!!
Pinedale woke up to -22 degree temperatures this morning and cars that started very reluctantly. As we write this it has warmed all the way up to -4 now and we're passing along the message from the Weather Service that high winds are expected to increase over the next couple of days, especially on the eastern side of the state, but also affecting Rock Springs to South Pass areas for those who are traveling. Winds, combined with the very cold temperatures, make for dangerously cold wind chill temperatures and potentially life threatening conditions if you are stranded somewhere out in the elements. Moisture is expected to arrive Thursday bringing snow showers through the weekend (the good news about that is it will have to warm up to start to snow). Travelers should expect snowpacked and icy road conditions, with times of limited visibility, between Thursday through Sunday. If you're headed north to Jackson, check the road reports for avalanches in the canyon or times when the highway department closes the road for short periods to do avalanche control, Wyoming Road Report.

Oh, and thank you to those of you who insist on updating us regularly on how tall your daffodills are already.

Meth Lab Seizure and Drug Arrests in Marbleton, Wyoming
Press Release: Office of the Wyoming Attorney General/Division of Criminal Investigation
Cheyenne, Wyoming, January 21, 2002

Local and state law enforcement officers arrested three persons and seized a methamphetamine lab in Marbleton, Wyoming last week. On the afternoon of January 17, 2002, officers from the Sublette County Sheriff's Office, the Mountain Enforcement Team and North West Enforcement Team stopped a pickup truck on 3rd Street in Marbleton, Wyoming. Kenneth Leon Hopkins, age 21 of Riverton, Wyoming, was in the vehicle with David Scott Brown, age 37, and Jennifer N. Steiger-Pierce, age 18, both of Marbleton, Wyoming.
    Hopkins was wanted on felony charges in Fremont County, Wyoming for his role in the operation of two methamphetamine labs that were seized in Fremont County by local and state authorities earlier in January. Information developed in the investigation indicated Hopkins was in the Big Piney and Marbleton area. A surveillance operation was conducted which resulted in the traffic stop and arrests.
    Deputies and Agents found a small boxed clandestine lab in the vehicle. The Mountain Enforcement Team and the North West Enforcement Team processed the lab and vehicle for evidence. Approximately 2.9 grams of methamphetamine was also found in the vehicle. Brown and Steiger-Pierce were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine.
    Those arrested were taken to the Sublette County Jail in Pinedale. These cases have been referred to the Fremont County Attorney and the Sublette County Attorney. The Mountain Enforcement Team and the North West Enforcement Team are two of six Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Forces in Wyoming funded with local and state monies and a federal grant from the Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Program through the United States Department of Justice. The Mountain Enforcement Team is composed of officers from the Jackson Police Department, Teton County Sheriff's Office, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The North West Enforcement Team is composed of officers from the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, Fremont County Sheriff's Office, Powell Police Department, Riverton Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Pinedale Entertainment Center Update

Soon! We got a sneak peak at the inside of the new Pinedale Entertainment Center Saturday and it is awesome!
    The Center is hoping to open early to mid-February, according to PEC Manager Jim Foster. The two, 130-seat, state-of-the-art movie theaters are done with the exception of laying carpet and some finish work. The bowling alley looks almost ready to walk into and start playing games. Carpet layers were putting down the carpet in the pool room as we toured the facility Saturday afternoon. Walls are done, tile is almost finished, and the bathrooms are in.
   There are two movie theaters, a blue one and red one with chairs in place (covered in plastic) and the screens on the walls. The theaters have state-of-the art sound equipment, on a slightly smaller scale than the big theaters, but just as high tech. The Entertainment Center will be showing four movies per week, with matinees and a headlining feature movie each week.
    The bowling alley has the lanes, seating, and even pins in at the end of the lanes. PEC staff are excited about

the new bowling alley and want to hear from the community to see what people would like to see for starting new leagues.
The arcade room will have 15 video arcade machines for kids of all ages to enjoy. The meeting room will be available for rent for conventions and private parties. They plan to have dances on weekends with live bands and DJ'd music. Parents are anxiously awaiting the opening to give local kids a place to go and have fun, and will like the non-smoking, non-alcohol policy of the complex. Crews still have some cabinetry finish work to do on the concession area and the large meeting room and many small details to complete in these last few weeks before opening, but all in all it looks very close to being ready! (Click on pictures to see larger view of images.)

Ask the Game & Fish
Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Q. I have a nonresident friend who would like to come big game hunting with me. What do I need to do?

A. Get him a nonresident application booklet by calling (307) 777-4600 and giving us his address. The booklet is also on the G&F Web site at gf.state.wy.us.
Be advised though, residents and non-residents cannot apply together, because with different fees and quotas the drawings are completely different from each other.

CCC Presentation by Local Historian on Jan 30th
Green River Valley Museum, 7 pm

Mark Your Calendars
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan 28-30: Pinedale Stage Stop/IPSSSDR
Feb 2: Half Moon Lake Snowmobile Speed Run
Feb 9: Half Moon Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Feb 9-10: Pinedale Snowmobile Drag & Oval
Feb 17: Snow Explorers Daniel Poker Run
Feb 21-23: Green River Valley Winter Carnival
Feb 22-23: Alpine Ski Invitational @ White Pine Ski Resort
Feb 23: Snow Explorers Steak Fry
Mar 2-3: Ice Fishing Derby on Fremont Lake
Mar 9: Pinedale 100 Snowmobile Race
April 6 (tentative): Aniel Daniel Chili Cook-off
June 1: Sublette Co Free Day at Museum of the Mountain Man
June 9 (tentative): Half Moon Lake Fishing Derby
June 16: Father's Day Fishing Derby on Fremont Lake
June 29-30: 2nd Annual Wind River Blues Festival
June 30: Bondurant Bar-B-Q
July 21: Old Timer's Picnic
August 3-4: Sailing Regatta on Fremont Lake

One of two movie theaters in the almost completed Pinedale Entertainment Center. (Click here for more details.)

Green River Valley Winter Carnival
February 21-23 in Pinedale
The Green River Valley Winter Carnival is scheduled for Thursday, February 21 through Saturday, February 23, 2002. The Winter Carnival, being spearheaded by Pinedale Roundup Editor Rob Shaul, will include arm wrestling tournaments, a drag beauty pageant, children's events and adult contests and races. Other fun events planned include a snowmachine long jump, a community dance, and casino night. Carnival activities will take place in various locations around Pinedale. More details will be announced at a later date as the schedule is finalized.

2002 Fishing Walk-In Atlas Available
2001 Walk-In Hunting Atlas Still Valuable
Anglers are alerted the 2002 Fishing Walk-In Area atlas is now available at Game and Fish offices and license agents, and hunters are alerted to hold on to their 2001 atlas.
   "Although the current hunting atlas says '2001' and most areas closed Dec. 31, hunters are encouraged not to throw the publication away, because some areas are open into February for cottontail rabbits and geese," said Brian Olsen, G&F access coordinator in Casper. Olsen also alerts hunters with unfilled area 94 elk licenses they can extend their season for antlerless elk to Jan. 31 by stopping into the G&F's Pinedale office and picking up a permission slip for the Big Piney Hunter Management Area.
    The new fishing atlas features 58 private land fishing locations that are open to public angling. "As hunters and anglers purchase their 2002 licenses to hunt or fish on these walk-in areas, they are encouraged to make a donation to the Access Yes program," he said.
   Access Yes contributions help fund the Walk-In and Hunter Management Programs. Hunters and anglers can donate when buying licenses over the counter or when applying through the mail.
   The Walk-In and HMA programs were started in 1998. Landowners interested in receiving an annual lease payment for allowing public hunting or fishing access should contact their game warden or nearest G&F office. Wyoming Game & Fish News Release

Wyoming Snowmobiling Study
University of Wyoming Study
A study conducted by the University of Wyoming estimated that snowmobiling generated over $10 million in state and local government revenue last season. Approximately 70 percent of this revenue came from sales tax, while 25 percent of these monies came from gas tax revenue and five percent came from user fees paid by snowmobilers to fund and operate the Snowmobile Trails Program. The study indicated that snowmobilers in Wyoming spent more than $234 million and enjoyed a high degree of satisfaction with the sledding opportunities in the state. Daily per person trip expenditures in Wyoming ranged from $68.50 for resident to nearly $100 for nonresidents to $180.27 for outfitter clients. Additionally, annual equipment expenditures in Wyoming range from an average of $64.11 for outfitter clients to$329.94 for nonresidents to $2,306.13 for residents. More details about this study are available on the Wyoming Snowmobiling web site: http://wyotrails.state.wy.us/snow/news.htm.

Doggie Fashion Show, Pinedale Stage Stop of the IPSSSDR
Jan 26, 1 pm
The 3rd Annual Doggie Fashion Show, a popular part of the Pinedale activities held in conjunction with the Pinedale Stage Stop of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), will be on Saturday, January 26th at 1 pm in the Heritage Room of the Sublette Center in Pinedale. The show is sponsored by the Pinedale Stage Stop and P.A.W.s, Big Piney 4-H Dog Club. Prizes will be provided by the IPSSSDR and Pedigree Dog Food. There will be youth and adult divisions in the show, with local Celebrity Judges. For more information, call Terah Palmer at 307-276-4440 or Tracy Walker at the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce, 307-367-2242.

Ice Fishing on Half Moon Lake Andy Bennett enjoys a day ice fishing on Half Moon Lake earlier this week. He and his friends caught three fish. The ice on the lake is over 12 inches thick

Season Focus:
January is the month outdoor recreationists are concentrating on two main topics, snowmobiling and hunting.
Snowmobiling
This year the snow outlook is a whole lot better than the past couple of years. The sledding is good in the Upper Green and at higher elevations in the Wyoming Range. We haven't had fresh snow in awhile, and the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail isn't being groomed yet from Irish Canyon to Pinedale. Snow pillow snow depths at Blind Bull Summit are reading between 3 to 4 feet, and Gunsight Pass is reading a little under 3 feet. We should continue to get some snow during January, but it is often the month when it is "too cold to snow". We typically get more snow during February and March as temperatures warm up and stay around 32 degrees, creating ideal conditions for snowmachining and frequent snow showers that make excellent snowmachining powder.
Local businesses offer snowmachine, trailer and clothing rentals. Local outfitters and guides can take you on guided snowmobile tours to spectacular areas off the beaten

Cow Cabins offers a retreat on 2,000 acres of private land.

trails. Local guest ranches and lodges offer rooms and meals close to miles of snowmachining trails so you maximize your sledding time. Want to get completely away? Try renting a remote cabin all to yourself with acres of exclusive snowmachining country!
Hunting
Out-of-state hunters wanting to hunt elk next fall should have already sent in their applications to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. Applications must be in to Cheyenne by January 31st. The sooner the better though, because it is taking extra time to process mail due to extra precautions processing mail for anthrax inspections. Application deadline for moose and bighorn sheep is February 28th, and the deadline for deer is March 15th. Non-residents must use a licensed Wyoming outfitter to hunt big or trophy game in National Forest Wilderness areas in Wyoming. Pinedale area Outfitters & Guides.
Summer Recreation
If you're wondering what the weather will be like for your summer trip into the mountains, check out our archives for what things were like last year during the same month. Front Page Archives

Montana Logging & Ballet
Friday, Jan 18, 7:30 pm
The Pinedale Fine Arts Council presents the Montana Logging and Ballet Company, a quartet from Helena, Montana, on Friday, January 18th at 7:30 pm in the Pinedale High School Auditorium. The group performs a blend of music, comedy and satire to comment on political and social trends. The idea behind the Montana Logging & Ballet Company's humor is to provide laughs not at the expense of people, but at the expense of systems, institutions and policies. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, and can also be purchased at the door. In Pinedale, tickets are available at Office Outlet, Moosely Books, Moose Creek Trading Company, and the Cowboy Shop. In Big Piney, tickets can be purchased at the Prairie Cafe, Big Piney Library and Office Outlet. For more information about this year's season performances, see the Pinedale Fine Arts Council's web site at: www.pinedaleonline.com/pfac.

Green River Snowmobile Poker Run
The Pinedale Snow Explorers Snowmobile Club will be holding their annual Poker Run on the Upper Green this Sunday, January 20th. There will be $5 and $10 hands with an 80% payback. Participants can purchase hands at 10 am at Elk Ridge Lodge with the pay off and last card at 3:30 pm at the Lodge. Hamburgers will be available "at the Bend". For more information, contact Gary Neely at Bucky's Outdoors, 307-367-4561, e-mail: buckys@wyoming.com, or see the Snow Explorers web site: www.pinedaleonline.com/snowexplorers.
Upcoming events for the Snow Explorers include the Half Moon Lake Speed Run on Saturday, February 2nd, the Pinedale Drag and Oval Races on February 9-10, and the Daniel Poker Run on February 17th.

Upper Green River Snowmobile Trails	Wyoming Range Snowmobile Trails
Click for larger map	Click for larger map

Doggie Fashion Show
Jan 26, 1 pm
The 3rd Annual Doggie Fashion Show, a popular part of the Pinedale activities held in conjunction with the Pinedale Stage Stop of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), will be on Saturday, January 26th at 1 pm in the Heritage Room of the Sublette Center in Pinedale. The show is sponsored by the Pinedale Stage Stop and P.A.W.s, Big Piney 4-H Dog Club. Prizes will be provided by the IPSSSDR and Pedigree Dog Food. There will be youth and adult divisions in the show, with local Celebrity Judges. For more information, call Terah Palmer at 307-276-4440 or Tracy Walker at the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce, 307-367-2242.

911 Call Leads to Man's Arrested for Domestic Altercation at Pinedale Middle School
According to a news release from the Sublette County Sheriff's Office, a domestic altercation during a freshman basketball game at the Pinedale Middle School Tuesday evening, January 15th, resulted in a 28-year old male being taken into custody by the Sublette County Sheriff’s Department for Battery on a Household member.
   The High School freshman basketball game was held at the Middle School gym because the Wrangler Gym was being used for another activity. Pinedale Middle School Principal Mike Vassallo stated that there was a verbal altercation between two non-school, non-parent adults outside the gym during the game. According to Mr. Vassallo, no weapon was brought into school buildings, and this was a verbal incident only at the Middle School. No students were threatened at any time during the incident at the school, and it did not involve any Pinedale students or parents of Pinedale students.
Sublette County Sheriff's News Release-January 16, 2002:
     "On January 15, 2002, at approximately 1920 hours, Sublette County Sheriff's Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a woman who stated that she was hiding in the Pinedale Middle School bathroom from her husband who was outside with a gun. The woman advised that her husband was drunk and was threatening to kill her and himself. Sublette County Sheriff Deputies responded to the school and found the woman and three citizens who stated that the suspect had left the area. Since the current location of the suspect was unknown, Sheriff's Deputies escorted the woman and three citizens to the Sheriff's Office for their safety.
   The 28-year old suspect's vehicle was located at his residence in Pinedale. Sheriff's Deputies determined that the suspect was still sitting in the front seat of his vehicle. The suspect's father was contacted and responded to the residence and was able to speak with his son. The suspect was taken into custody by Sheriff's Deputies and transported to the Sublette County Detention Facility. Sheriff's Deputies did recover a 9mm pistol from the suspect's vehicle when he was taken into custody. The suspect was charged with one count of Battery on a Household Member.
   The investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly followed his wife to a basketball game at the Pinedale Middle School. There, he allegedly confronted his wife in the hallway and assaulted her with his hands. At no time did anyone present, including the wife, see a firearm in the man's possession while on the school grounds. The investigation also revealed that at no time were any other members of the community confronted or threatened by the suspect."

Pinedale Music Students to perform with All-State Groups January 20-22
Over 450 of Wyoming’s best high school music students will meet in Cheyenne on January 20-22, 2002 for the 2002 Wyoming All-State Band, Orchestra and Choir Clinic. The clinic is hosted by Cheyenne East High School where all of the clinic rehearsals will take place. The All-State Clinic is held in conjunction with the Wyoming Music Educator’s Association’s conference. The Wyoming High School Activities Association together with the Wyoming Music Educator’s Association sponsors this annual event.
The All-State Gala Concert will be presented on Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at the Cheyenne Civic Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. Three students from Pinedale were picked from live auditions last November to participate with these groups. Melanie Stevens will be singing with the All-State Choir while Riley Bennett (percussion) and Kate Neely (piccolo) will be performing with the All-State Band. Directing the All-State Choir will be Janet Galvan from Ithica College, New York. The director of the All-State Band will be Dr. David Holsinger from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Melanie, a junior, is the daughter of Nancy and Paul Stevens. Riley, a senior, is the son of Daryle and Rhonda Bennett. Kate, a senior, was the only piccolo picked out of the entire state of Wyoming. Her parents are Gary and Ruth Neely. Their school directors are Gena Anderson – choir and R. Craig Sheppard – band.

Black Bear Public Meetings
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be holding public meetings across Wyoming between January 22-24 to discuss proposed 2002 black bear seasons and regulations. Meetings will be held in Pinedale at 7 pm on Wednesday, January 23 at the Fire Hall. Written comments about the proposals will be accepted through Jan. 25.
   Regulation changes for 2002 include extending seasons and quotas in some western Wyoming hunt areas and adding the non-Indian fee deeded land within the Wind River Indian Reservation as a black bear hunt area.
   The G&F believes black bear populations appear stable. The proposed seasons are established to maintain populations at existing levels. If unable to attend a meeting, written comments will be accepted through Jan. 25 by writing:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Attn: Regulations
3030 Energy Lane, Suite 100
Casper, WY 82604
   The G&F Commission will act on these regulations at their Feb. 21-22 meeting in Cheyenne. Anyone who would like a copy of the proposed regulations or needs auxiliary aids to attend a meeting should call (307) 473-3402. Wyoming Game & Fish web site: http://gf.state.wy.us/

Cody's Lion
Cody Wright, son of Sandra and Justin Wright, bagged his first mountain lion in the Big Sandy area on Christmas Day. His family operates Mule Shoe Outfitters, a family-owned outfitting and guiding business which hunts in the Bridger Wilderness and Bridger-Teton National Forest, along with BLM lands outside of Pinedale, Wyoming.
Cody wrote about his adventure, "I have been going hunting with my Dad since I was 4 or 5 years old. Now I am old enough to hunt myself, and my Dad takes me lion hunting every day I am not in school. On this lion hunt we unloaded the snowmachines and found a track. We turned the dogs out and they treed the lion. When we got to the tree we saw it was a big lion and I shot it. Everything about lion hunting is fun."
Mountain lion season is open from November 10th until March 31st, or until the quota is filled for specific areas. Seven-day lion hunts are still available offering a challenging hunt in remote country using snowmachines for access.
For more information about lion hunting and Mule Shoe Outfitters, visit their web site: www.muleshoeoutfitters.com.

Sheriff's Office Warns About Telephone Solicitors
The Sublette County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) and the Wyoming Attorney General's Office are warning citizens against falling prey to telephone solicitors who may falsely imply that they are raising money for local Sheriff's Offices or Sheriff's Deputies. Several citizens have received unsolicited telephone calls asking them to donate one to the American Deputy Sheriff's Association (ADSA) to provide money for the families of fallen officers in Wyoming. The solicitors have also claimed that contributions will be used to provide bulletproof vests and in-car video systems to Wyoming law enforcement officers. One citizen was told that by contributing they could avoid a traffic citation in the future.
According to a press release by the SCSO, no organizations are authorized to solicit funds for or in the name of the Sublette County Sheriff's Office. The SCSO neither endorses nor condones any telephone solicitations claiming to represent or support sheriff's deputies of the Sheriff's Office. People having consumer fraud complaints should contact the SCSO or the Consumer Protection Unit of the Wyoming Attorney General's Office at 1-800-438-5799.

"Packaged" Tour Program Seminar
Targeting the Group Tour Market
The Wyoming Travel & Tourism Division of the Wyoming Business Council will conduct the "Wyoming Packaged tour Program" in Rock Springs on Wednesday, January 23, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn.
   Experienced tourism professionals will come to Rock Springs to provide ideas, opinions and options to help individual businesses and organizations succeed in the group tour market.
   Bruce Beckham, was a tour operator, and now a speaker and educator for the tourism industry will lead the panel. Other guest speakers are Michele Michalewicz of Salt Lake City, and Gary Schluter, Ft. Collins. Both are tour/receptive operators for Wyoming who have extensive knowledge of the state and tourism industry.
   A continental breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. There is no charge for the breakfast or seminar. Reservations are required.
   Please contact the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce with any questions or to let them know you will be attending.

What: Wyoming Packaged Tour Program
When: Wednesday, January 23, 2002
7:30 am-Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Seminar/Panel
Why: Opportunity to bring new customers into your attraction or business.
Where: Holiday Inn
Sponsor: Sweetwater Travel & Tourism & Rock Springs Chamber.

R.S.V.P. Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, 362-3771 or rschamber@wyoming.com
Fax: 307-362-3838

Wyoming Game & Fish worried about Wolf preying on Elk
According to an AP story that appeared on the Trib.com web site January 15th, Wyoming Game & Fish officials are concerned that a pack of wolves preying on elk in the Gros Ventre drainage may reduce the herd to the point of affecting hunting seasons. Wolves preying on elk in the feedgrounds along the the Gros Ventre River northeast of Jackson could become a problem that might impact the herd and jeopardize hunting season length. According to the article, wolf experts are dismissing the concern stating that vehicles and mountain lions kill substantially more elk than wolves, and the feedground elk population this year is 13,000 while the management objective is 11,500 elk. Click here for the online story.

Ask the Game & Fish:
Q. Is there a limit on the size of hole that can be augured for ice fishing?

A. Wyoming regulations do not specify that ice fishing holes must comply to a certain size. However, for safety’s sake it is recommended that holes larger than 8 inches not be made. The smaller hole prevents anglers from falling through if it is snow camouflaged or hasn’t safely refrozen Ice fishermen also find that an 8-inch hole is sufficient to handle almost any fish that is likely to be caught.

Defending the goal Pinedale Squirts (ages 9-10) played Big Piney during games in Pinedale this weekend. High School age Midgets also hosted two games with Idaho Falls this weekend at the Pinedale rink.

Jesse Ellis Get Well Fund
A Get Well Fund has been established at the First National Bank in Pinedale for Jesse Ellis, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease on December 31st. He is a senior at Pinedale High School and is currently undergoing treatment in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. The fund will help defray medical and transportation expenses on his behalf.

For more of Dave's pictures, see our Photo Gallery.

Snowmobiler's Heaven

Snowmobiler's Delightl This is beautiful country and there are ways to enjoy the scenery all year round. The area has many miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, as well as off-road powder for adventure enthusiasts. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail runs right through Pinedale. The Wyoming Range offers more than 330 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails. Local businesses offer snowmachine rentals. Picture above is of the Wyoming Range H Trail near Mount McDougal taken Friday by Triple Peak.

Saturday, January 12, 2002
IPSSSDR, Pinedale Stage Stop
Half Moon Lake Resort Comment Period Ends Soon
Mesa Closure in Effect
Pinedale Local's Page

Snowmobiling, Skiing and Ice Skating Update: 1/12/02
Snowmobiling: The Continental Divide Trail currently has from 4" to 36" base, with more in the Upper Green area than down by Irish Canyon. The portion in the Upper Green is being groomed, but from Irish Canyon to Pinedale is ungroomed. Riders are cautioned to watch for stumps and rocks on all trails. Snow pillow readings for Blind Bull and Gunsight Pass report between 2 ft - 4 ft snowdepth. Snowmobilers who just came back from the E & H Trails in the Wyoming Range reported bare and crusty trail conditions at the trailhead entrance but great snowmobiling just a few miles up. Upper Green CDT riders should note that The Place is not open this season. Elk Ridge Lodge is, however, and is open for drop ins for lunch from 11-3. They also sell snowmachine gas & oil and snowmobile registrations. Lunches are "off the menu" for pizza, burgers, sandwiches, soups and, of course, great desserts and pie. Snowmobiling races and poker runs are coming up! Check our Calendar.
Ice Fishing: Folks have been saying the ice fishing on Boulder and New Fork Lakes has been great with good ice conditions. They're catching 7-8 lb lake trout and 3-4 fish/day. Fishermen are getting out on Half Moon Lake and pulling out mackinaw, reporting ice thicknesses of 5-8" depending on location. Fishing on Dollar Lake is also reported to be good. Fremont Lake still isn't frozen over yet.
Ice Skating: Both Pinedale and Big Piney ice skating rinks are open with public skating hours.

IPSSSDR-Pinedale Stage Stop Jan 28-30
The Pinedale Stage Stop of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) will take place Monday - Wednesday, January 28-30, 2002. Now in its 6th year, the race is a qualifying event for the Iditarod. This year the race hosts 30 champion teams from France, Japan, Canada and the U.S. competing for the $100,000 purse and traveling nearly 500 miles through Wyoming’s backcountry for 11 days. The race has attracted world-class mushers including Jeff King, Alaska; Bruce Lee, Alaska; Jacque Phillip, France; Hans Gatt, Austria; Dan MacEachen, Colorado; Rick Swenson, Alaska; and Susan Butcher, Alaska.
The Finish Line for this year's Pinedale Stage Stop has been moved from west of town to the American Legion Park on Pine Creek in the hopes that more people can participate in the finishes.
A Musher's Dinner and Reception, sponsored by the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Tuesday, January 29th from 5-7 pm at the Pinedale Community Church at 113 S. Maybell. Cost is $5 for individuals and $12 for families.
More information about the IPSSSDR is available from the official web site: www.wyomingstagestop.org.

Half Moon Lake Resort Comment Period Ends January 20
Written comments on the improvement and expansion project for Half Moon Lake Resort must be received by the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest by January 20th.
Half Moon Lake Resort proposes to make the resort a full-service, four season resort by expanding the existing lodge, improving and expanding the parking area, adding slips to the marina, and building two additional guest cabins and employee housing. The proposed expansion will enlarge their current facilities from 8 acres to 42 acres and involve improvements including water well, restroom, leachfield, utility and power installations.
Anyone wishing to submit written comments about this project should mail them to District Ranger, Pinedale Ranger District, PO Box 220, Pinedale, WY 82941. Contact Cindy Stein or Richard Roberson of the Pinedale Ranger District for more information on the proposed Half Moon Lake Resort Master Plan.
Half Moon Lake Resort web site: www.halfmoonlake.com.

Mesa Closure in Effect
January 15 - April 30
The Pinedale Bureau of Land Management reminds residents that all public lands on the Mesa south of Pinedale are closed to all off-highway vehicle travel (snowmobiles, ATVs, pickups, SUVs, etc) for the protection of wintering mule deer and to prevent soil erosion. The closure is in effect from January 15-April 30. The Green River Road, Paradise Road, and all other county-plowed roads on the Mesa remain open for travel. Personnel of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Sublette County Sheriff's Office and BLM law enforcement staff are exempt from the closure. Natural gas facility operators are allowed to perform maintenance and pumping as required.

For more Pinedale local information, see our new Pinedale Local page

Snowmobiling, Skiing and Ice Skating Update: 1/5/02
Snowmobiling: The Continental Divide Trail currently has from 4" to 36" base, with more in the Upper Green area than down by Irish Canyon. Riders are cautioned to watch for stumps and rocks on all trails. The snow pillow readings seem to be a bit out of whack today with Blind Bull reporting a jump from 3 feet yesterday to 12 feet today and Big Sandy not operating at all. Gunsight Pass reports about 29" snowdepth. Upper Green CDT riders should note that The Place is not open this season. Elk Ridge Lodge is, however, and is open for drop ins for lunch from 11-3. They also sell snowmachine gas & oil and snowmobile registrations. Lunches are "off the menu" for pizza, burgers, sandwiches, soups and, of course, great desserts and pie.
Ice Fishing: Folks have been saying the ice fishing on Boulder and New Fork Lakes has been great with good ice conditions. They're catching 7-8 lb lake trout and 3-4 fish/day. Fishermen are getting out on Half Moon Lake and pulling out mackinaw, reporting ice thicknesses of 5-8" depending on location. Fishing on Dollar Lake is also reported to be good. Fremont Lake still isn't frozen over yet.
Ice Skating: Both Pinedale and Big Piney ice skating rinks are open with public skating hours.

Sublette County's First & Last Babies
Tanya, Travis and three year old Tanner Elliott of Big Piney welcomed 7# 4 oz Teagan James on January 3rd becoming the first baby in Sublette County in 2002. Teagan was delivered at St. John's Hospital in Jackson and the Elliotts received many gifts donated by Teton County businesses for the family of the first baby born in the new year. Teagan's

grandparents are Kent Profit and the late Judy Profit of Big Piney, and Monte Elliott and Esther Bridger of Dillon, Montana.
Andrea, James and Clancy Rogers of Pinedale ended the 2001 year by bringing home their Cinderella, 6# 9 oz Emma Grace Amanda on December 31st. Emma was also born at St. John's Hospital in Jackson. Her grandparents are Cyd and Charlie Goodrich of Pinedale and Jim and Gay Rogers of Laramie.

Hunters: Send your applications in early this year!
Taking longer for mail to be processed due to anthrax scares
Wyoming Game & Fish News Release
With several application periods already underway in January, the Game and Fish Department is stressing that it is extra important this year to apply early in the application period. "Because of the complications of the anthrax mail terrorism and hoaxes, it is understandably taking longer for mail to reach its destination," said G&F License Draw Manager Tom Rowe. "So we are urging all hunters to apply during the first 10 days of an application period in order to maximize the chance of their application arriving by the established deadline date."
   Nonresident elk hunters and all limited quota spring turkey and bison hunters must have their applications to the G&F's Cheyenne office by 5 p.m. Jan. 31. The deadline for both resident and nonresident moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat applications is Feb. 28 and nonresident deer and antelope is March 15.
   Even though anthrax problems have temporarily closed postal centers and stranded mail for extended periods, Rowe says the G&F is bound by regulation to only accept applications that arrive by the deadline and to reject all those which arrive after the deadline date.
"We are issuing this alert because we do not want any hunter to miss the chance to draw their license," he said.
   Nonresident applications are available by calling the G&F at (307) 777-4600. Resident applications can be picked up at license agents and G&F offices. All applications are also available from the G&F's website at gf.state.wy.us.
   Anyone with questions about the application periods or licenses is urged to call the G&F at (800) 842-1934 or (307) 777-4600 outside Wyoming.

Important Hunting Application Deadlines:
Non-Resident Elk:January 31, 5 pm
Non-Resident Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mtn Goat: February 28
Non-Resident Deer & Antelope: March 15

People seeking jobs with the government or school districts should check the state and federal job announcement web sites. More job information can be found at the Wyoming Job Bank and Wyoming Job Listings. We strongly encourage anyone considering moving here have a job in hand before coming, as well confirmed arrangements for their permanent lodging. Rentals are almost always fill up very quickly and there are not a lot of open jobs at any given moment. Local real estate agencies can provide more information on availabilities at any given time.

IPSSSDR
Pinedale Stage Stop January 28-30, 2002
The largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states, the IPSSSDR (International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race) is slated for January 26 through February 6, starting in Jackson Hole then traversing nearly 450 miles of Wyoming backcountry before ending in Teton Village. The first stage, a 3-mile run, begins at Jackson Hole's Town Square and finishes at Cache Creek Canyon.
   Thirty top international teams will run in the 2002 IPSSSDR including three-time Alpirod Champion Jacques Philip, Nenana, Alaska; 2000 IPSSSDR third place and 2001 IPSSSDR second place winner, Melanie Shirilla from Lincoln, Montana; International Sled Dog Racing Association Gold Medal Winner Joseph Loveless, Roy,Washington; and Grant Beck, Yellowknife NWT, ranked fourth in the International Federation of Sleddog Sports Mid-Distance World Cup Program.
   Now in its seventh year, the IPSSSDR is the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states and a qualifying event for the Iditarod. With its unique Stage Stop racing format, the race traverses through 12 Wyoming communities, stopping in a different town each night. The 2002 race begins in Jackson Hole, before traveling through Moran, Dubois, Pinedale, Lander, Atlantic City, Mountain View, Lyman, Evanston, Kemmerer/Diamondville, Alpine and returning to Jackson Hole.
  The race will go from the Dubois Snow Oval to Elk Ridge Lodge, 58 miles, at Green River Camp, on the 28th. On Tuesday they will leave Elk Ridge Lodge at 9 am and travel to Pinedale, 33 miles. There will be a Pinedale Musher Reception from 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, the teams leave Pinedale at 10 am and ride to Irish Canyon, 17 miles south of Pinedale, and on to Blucher Creek, 30 miles, where they will camp out. This year, the Pinedale Stage Stop finish line has been moved to the park in town on Pine Creek. For more on the Pinedale Stage Stop Schedule, click here.
   The race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For more information, visit the race Website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com or call (307) 734-1163.

Last Year in Review
Below are some of the things that stood out in 2001. Check our Front Page Archives to read more about what happened in Pinedale in years past. We have archived data for 1999, 2000 and 2001.