School Board
There are three seats on the school board that are up for election in 2010.

The Area 2 seat, which is made up primarily of Fairview, Auburn, Grover and borders parts of Bedford, Thayne and Afton will be up for election.

Area 2 candidates for School Board include Alan Linford from Afton.

The Area 5 seat, which is made up of all areas north of Star Valley Ranch and Freedom is up for election.

Area 5 candidates for School Board include Donna Ivie of Etna and Tyler Brog of Freedom.

The third opening on the Lincoln County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees is an  at-large seat. Any individual that resides within the boundaries of Lincoln County School District No. 2 is eligible to run for the at-large position.

Candidates who have filed to run for the at large seat include John Wolfley of Etna, Stewart Petersen of Cokeville and Dave Johnson of Thayne.

Each Trustee term is four years.

Hospital Board
There are four seats on the hospital board that are up for election in 2010. Seven candidates have filed to run for positions on the board. Each seat is a four-year term.

Candidates do not have to live in specific areas within the North Lincoln County Hospital District to serve on the hospital board.

The list of 2010 candidates for the North Lincoln County Hospital Districe Board of Trustees is as follows: Ann Maki of Alpine; Marlowe Scherbel of Afton; Megan O’Rourke of Star Valley Ranch; Ed Bruce of Afton; Robert Hunsaker of Afton; Gerald Roberts of Thayne; and Kurt Garrard of Fairview.

The residents of Lincoln County showed just how important the election was with over 5,000 votes being tallied.  It was approximately 2,000 more the total of the primary election in 2008 when just over 3,200 voters turned out.  On August 17,  a total of 5,250 votes were cast with 4,466 of those being tallied by registered Republicans.  With 18 of 18 precincts reporting, the fifth penny option passed with approximately 60 percent of the vote or a total of 2,869 compared to 1,923 who opposed the measure.

Another hotly contested race was for Lincoln County Commissioner with a total of nine candidates running for two open slots.  The Republican side proved to be as close as it appeared to be with Paul Jenkins carrying just over 26 percent of the total, or 1,905 votes. T. Deb Wolfley came in second with 1,486, 20 percent of the vote. Mark Hunter was next with 1,323 votes for 18 percent. David Parsons collected 881. while Bruce Davis tallied 792.  The Democratic side of the race was also extremely close with Robert Peternal garnering the most votes with 378 or just under 45 percent.  Incumbent Tammie Archibald also moved on with a total of 319 votes.  Vance Welch finished with 138 votes.  The top two candidates from each ticket will advance to the General Election.

For the first time in many years, the County Coroner’s race was one of major interest as newcomer Dave Dunn was challenging 28-year incumbent Mike Richins.  Richins carried the day with 2,660 votes to Dunn’s 1,629.

Town races also drew high interest but perhaps none higher than that of Afton Mayor where the position was left open by outgoing Alan Stauffer.  Loni Hillyard collected roughly 53 percent of the votes for a total of 324.  Sam Hepworth and Kenn Belveal finished with 192 and 78 respectively.

County Races included a race for Assessor, Clerk and Treasurer.  The Treasurer’s race saw Kathy Tomassi upset incumbent Jerry L. Greenfield on the Republican side.  Tomassi collected 1,704 to Greenfield’s 1,529.  Ron Galloway ran unopposed on the Democratic ticket.  Debbie Larson claimed the Republican ticket for Assessor with 2,870 votes.  Rick Merritt was next with 1,374.  Jeanne Wagner ran unopposed on the Republican ticket for County Clerk.  Sid Stevens claimed the Democratic ticket for County Clerk, also running unopposed.

At the state level, with two-term Democratic Governor, Dave Freuedenthal leaving office at the end of the year, the Primary Election may turn out to be a defacto mandate for the next leader of the Cowboy State.  Micheli easily carried Lincoln County with a total of 5,316 votes or 66 percent.  Matt Mead was next with 1,176 votes while Rita Meyer was close behind with 1,039 votes.

As a state, the Governor’s race was extremely close between the three with Mead taking the unofficial results with a total of 30,272.  Rita Meyer was close behind with 29,558.  Micheli finished a close third with 27,592.

Leslie Peterson easily claimed the Democratic nomination with 10,759 votes to Pete Gosar’s 8,397.

Finally, in the U.S. House of Representative, Cynthis Lummis easily defeated Evan Slafter with 84 percent of the vote.

All of these results are unofficial until they can be reviewed by both the Lincoln County Clerk and the Secretary of State.  Click here for the full results.

The Tavern on the Greys received an award from Phillips for their work in taking an assertive posture in terms of trying to reduce the number of instances of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).  As a result, Phillips has shown that the number of DUI arrests are down approximately 50 percent from the same period of months from a year ago.

“I feel that it is always best to recognize people when recognition is due,” he said.  “Most of the credit is due to Tavern on the Greys.  They initiated the conversation with me and wanted to discuss what they could do to protect their patrons.  Credit should also go to Officer John O’ Connor with the Alpine Police Department who was instrumental in this as well.”

In 2009, the Town of Alpine compiled 26 DUI arrests, 24 of which were compiled in the final seven months of the year.  So far this year the town has had nine DUI arrests including a 50 percent reduction in the number for the months of June, July and August.

Among some of things that were discussed between the Alpine Police Department and the Tavern were the Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) program and its ability to help reduce the insurance risks to those businesses and also identifying when people have had too much to drink.

Studies have shown that the TIPS training will help reduce the number of fights within a drinking establishment, DUI arrests in the area and the incidents of death due to drinking and driving.  Some of the items during the training focuses on simple changes such as offering food to a customer in an effort to reduce the amount of alcohol in the system.

Phillips singled out the Tavern on the Greys for going above and beyond a typical response to this issue as they printed up designated driver t-shirts, offered free games of pool and utilized a number of other incentives during their events to promote a safer environment.

“They realized that one thing isn’t going to work for every person,” Phillips added.  “They came up with several things to help them address the issue.”

Phillips stated that the Tavern requires all of their employees to complete the TIPS training as well as going as far as driving patrons home or to arrange rides for those who require it.

“It’s about keeping their patrons safe,” he said.  The Tavern took it upon themselves to  take a look at their business and they are really going the extra mile.  They have seen no reduction in their business and that is a wonderful, positive thing.  It’s a positive thing for the entire town.  Sue Atwood is a driving force with what they are doing [there] and they are helping to reduce the number of DUI arrests.”

Phillips stated that not only do instances of DUI cost a large chunk of local police budgets, but that it also can tear families apart through accidents.  He also believes that the Tavern and other businesses are taking the responsibility seriously.

“I would much rather have cooperation than compliance,” he concluded. I would rather work with the businesses to help take care of the most important thing. There’s no way we can be everywhere at once.  What we really want is that type cooperation from people.”

Specifications of the water system will included the installation of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to control and monitor the operation of three water supply well pumps, two booster pumps located at a single main control building and monitor the water level in two independent remote elevated storage tanks.

In addition, the project is expected to include three 75-horsepower submersible water supply well pumps, pitless units, drop pope underground connection piping, motor controls, power and electrical system upgrades and related equipment in three existing water wells that are currently owned and operated by the Town of Alpine.

Construction will also take place to add approximately 330 square feet to the existing water supply well control building.

Part of the overall project will also include a standby power generator and an automatic transfer switch.
The town expects substantial completion of the project to take place by October 31, 2010, with a final completion date of December 15, 2010.

The contractor, Evans Construction Company, will be excavating landslide debris at MP 13.2 under a $265,185.80 project. In conjunction with this excavation, the contractor is also excavating the wasted material from WYDOT’s Maintenance ditch cleaning operations, from the only storage area on the west side of the pass that is available for the maintenance forces to use.

Working closely with the staff from the Caribou-Targhee N.F., WYDOT is finding a way for the project to be mutually beneficial to both agencies. The material from the storage area is being hauled away and placed on Forest Service roads that access nearby campgrounds.

So far, there has not been an impact on traffic, as all work is being done off the highway. However, when the contractor moves into the landslide area to begin removing debris there, intermittent delays of up to 20 minutes during the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. can be expected.

There will be no delays to traffic during commuter hours from 6:30 am – 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists are advised to slow down and obey the posted speed limits while driving through construction areas. They should devote their full attention to the flaggers and changes in traffic patterns, traffic control devices, and signing to get through these construction areas safely. They should also increase their usual following distance, move into the correct lane well in advance, restrict cell phone usage or other distractions, and be aware of their surroundings.

Bert entered the US Navy in 1931 and retired as a Navy Chief with over 31 years of service.  He moved to Star Valley in 1977 and built a home in Alpine, one in Thayne, and had a foundation for a third.

His emphysema prevented completion because he could no longer live at high altitude.  His hobbies also included a beautiful vegetable garden and building exact model replica homes.

Because of his great love for the people of Star Valley, Bert and Billie placed all their property in a trust account for the benefit of students in Star Valley School District! He is survived by his dear wife Billie May, and sons Jeffrey and Sanford Bewkes.

Memorial graveside services and Military Honors will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, 10 July 2010, at the Thayne, WY cemetery.  All veterans and friends of the Bewkes family are invited and encouraged to attend these special honors.

What remains to be known is just how many counterfeits exist in the area and how far they may have spread.
According to Alpine Chief of Police James Phillips, residents would be wise to be vigilant.  Phillips said that three $20 counterfeits had been turned into his office between June 11, and June 24.

The first bills came from the Etna Trading Company, and the second and third bills came from the Alpine Variety Store.

Phillips hopes that this is the end of the problem, but believes the public should take the issue seriously.

“Whether there are more with this series of bills it’s hard to say,” he said. “But there are definitely more counterfeits out there.  The last time this took place I spoke with the Secret Service out of Cheyenne, and they said they were being buried with fakes.”

One reason for an increase in phony money is the poor economic circumstances.  Despite the desperation that may take hold, counterfeiting is considered an extremely serious crime.  Phillips stated that retailers should know the proper steps if they suspect a fake.

“[They] should take the bill so that it gets out of circulation,” he added. “It devalues American currency.  A suspect bill should be taken and the employee needs to inform the customer that they cannot accept it as payment and they will contact the police.  We don’t want a confrontation and this can be taken care of simply.  But, the bills need to be taken out of circulation.  Retailers should not be taking this as payment.”

Phillips, along with Lincoln County Sheriff, Shane Johnson, said that individuals should certainly not try to pass the bill off as they try to avoid losing money out of their pocket.

“Whoever has the bill last is the one who will be losing the currency,” Johnson said.  “It is a federal violation and the Secret Service gets involved.  It’s extremely serious.”

“The sad part is that sometimes people are unaware and they may have gotten it by accident,” added Phillips.

The Alpine Chief also stated that the public can aid in the process by being able to pass along information on the person should they leave with the suspect bill.  Although the authorities may be forgiving of an accidental one-time use of a counterfeit bill, knowingly passing a bill in one’s possession is certainly more aggressively prosecuted.

“The Secret Service keeps track of those names,” replied Phillips.  “They want to see if your name pops up in other locations, then you’ll be looking at some fairly serious charges if it does.  It’s important that everyone keeps an eye out and watches for it.  Even if you get your change back and check your change.  Protect yourselves.”

Phillips concluded by stating some of the items to look for if you are inspecting currency.

• Visit the Secret Service website where it will inform visitors about some of the security measures in the newer bills.  Click here for the website.

• Compare them against known good bills.  Feel the paper.  It’s usually not as soft or as slick as counterfeits.

•  Any of the larger bills have a security strip with a band that can be seen under a light.  The latest bills feature a band that glows under a black light.

• The modern currency has watermarks.  Holding a bill up to light will show a watermark.

• Check for color shifting ink.  Newer bills will have a slight shimmer.  This ink is located on the lower right corner in the new $20 bill.

• American currency is made of cotton and the money has micro pieces of red and blue fibers mixed into the  weave.

• A security pen which can  be purchased relatively cheaply will show up yellowish on a real bill.  On counterfeits it will show up as brown or black.

• Taking a fingernail and scratching certain aspects of the money will result in the discovery of raised ridges in the details of the bill.

Last week, the Star Valley Search & Rescue (SVR&R) performed a swift water training course which is extra challenging due to the Snake’s current depth.

SVS&R Commander, Robert Roberts, commented on the weekend.

“We offer two classes, one is a technician for swift water rescue, the other is operations for first responder certifications,” he said.  “This was for Search and Rescue personnel and about every two or three years we like to have this class because we have a lot of in-house training on the whitewater but it’s good to get the certification.”

Roberts made a point to mention that the training, which keeps the responders able to do what is required, was paid for by donations from the Ranch Rodeo.  This year’s Ranch Rodeo is upcoming over the Fourth of July celebration.

The class brought in experts from Colorado and Laramie, Wyo.

“The first day is all classroom,” said Roberts.  We go over incident command and we go over different scenarios that we could get into on the river. We go over rope river scenarios and then we go and tie ropes and get different mechanical advantages and raising and lowering systems.”

The class then gets their feet wet.  Literally.

“The next day is on the river and they start off with swimming and learning how to go through the rapid and refine different techniques,” Roberts replied.  “How to swim into the eddies, learning how to use the throwbags, if someone is floating there and you can throw them something then that is preferable.  The people have to be able tot throw it out and reel it in and throw it back out in a certain amount of time.  They learn how to do rescue swims with a live swimmer.  They learn how to deal with a panicked swimmer and different techniques to avoid being drowned by someone like that.”

Other techniques included how to take a raft that has been flipped and flip it back over for use and pull people back into it.
The training isn’t just for show.  The SVS&R responds on average from six to 18 river related response calls per year.  While the Snake River is the primary culprit, the Greys and Salt Rivers are also included in that number.

In terms of keeping the SVR&R funded, attendance and donations from events like the Ranch Rodeo is a vital aspect.  In addition, there are things the public can do to aid these volunteers if something does go wrong.

Some of these include wearing Personal Protective Equipment (referred to as PPE’s), whistles, life vests and even helmets.
Roberts also says that alcohol plays a large part in their rescues.

“Keeping away from alcohol while floating,” he said.  In a lot of cases this has been the main issue.”

Roberts also stated that he and the Search & Rescue are willing to teach a class to the public if interest provides.

“If any group is headed down the Snake and would like a little training, please call me or Dusty [Skinner] and we’d be happy to help.”

“Last year, we saw increased numbers in certain areas,” said Lincoln County Weed &  Pest Assistant Supervisor, Farrel Hoopes.   “Generally it is considered that if you have 16 per square yard,  it is economical to treat them at that point.

Hoopes went on to say that after that number, the amount of vegetation the pests destroy justifies the cost in battling them.  While it’s impossible to tell just how things will go when confronting the insect issue, there has been a fairly recent precedent.

“In 2003-04, we were counting at the Afton runway over 100 per square yard,” Hoopes added.  “We are thinking that it could be that bad this year.  The weather plays a huge part on how many [grasshoppers] survive.  Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating at this time.”

That year there were accidents caused on roadways due to decreased visibility and even reports of hazardous road conditions to the sheer amount of insects being crushed on the road.

Hoopes explained that the eggs stay dormant through the winter and when the ground warms up they come out.

“We  need to have really  warm weather followed by rainy cold and wet weather and that just hasn’t happened,” he replied.  “Our concern is that when the weather warms up it will stay warm and we will have a large number of grasshoppers.  Likely there will not be anything until we get some temperatures into the 70’s.”

So what will be the targets of what could be a huge grasshopper season?

“What we have here are clear-wing grasshoppers and it’s a grass eater so it’s bad for meadows and lawns,” Hoopes stated.  “The more dry things get the worse they are.  They will eat alfalfa if they have too but they prefer grass.  They can be sprayed to mitigate the damage with several chemicals that we have here.  They will come up out of the ground at about 1/16th of an inch long and they are striped like a tiger.”

The search continues to locate a fifth person willing to serve as part of the board. The fifth seat on the Alpine Planning and Zoning board is set aside for an individual who lives outside of the incorporated Town of Alpine but in the greater Alpine area.

The four individuals currently serving on the planning and zoning board in Alpine are Part Marolf, Melisa Wilson, Josh Floyd and Dave Jenkins. Anyone in the greater Alpine area interested in serving on the board is asked to contact Terra Miller at the Town of Alpine, 654-7754 or any of the planning and zoning board members.