“We’re out here educating the soldiers, their families and communities on what we are doing and what they can do to help each other,” explained Col. Knowlton. “Afton has been great. The community here is organized and very supportive. They already have a structure in place.”
The one-year deployment will include 2,400 Wyoming soldiers, an estimated half of the guard’s enlistment for the Cowboy state.

Members of the Wyoming National Guard’s 1041st based in Afton, Evanston and Rock Springs will be allowed to volunteer for the Kuwait deployment.

The 1041st was previously assigned to Iraq.

The Kuwait assignment will includes camp support for the all troops at the base operations and security details for convoys coming and going from Iraq.
Troops will be trained for the Kuwait assignment in Texas.

Be sure to click below for exclusive interviews with Colonel Knowlton, Battalion Commander and Major Samuel E. House, Army Public Affairs

Now in it’s third year, Braves in Action has helped with various items such as blankets and quilts for those devastated by Katrina, to a more local feel with painting and general clean up.

“It gets the students involved in the community through service,” stated SVHS Student Body President, Drew Hathaway.  “It really gets them  into the spirit of the Thanksgiving Holiday.”

Driven by their desire to better the community, and the generosity of the holiday season, Braves in Action is made up of student volunteers from SVHS while the school provides busing and refreshments for those involved.

Head Wrestling Coach, Eddie Clark, is beginning his tenth year at the helm of the program.  He has four state titles, eight regional championships and Star Valley is generally regarded as one of the state’s top wrestling squads.

Lady Braves’ Head Coach, Jason Cazier, returns for his second season, but will be joined by a pair of new assistants.  Justin Walker and Nicc Crosby will be the junior varsity and sophomore coaches respectively.

As for the Braves, they will have their third head coach in as many years as Mark Taylor takes the reins.  He’ll be assisted by Kade Wilkes and Andy Taylor as the Braves will look to rebound from a miserable 2007-08 campaign.

Home events will be a rarity for the programs this year, although several games and matches will take place before the Christmas holiday.

The wrestlers will host their annual Star Valley Invitational earlier than usual, as the action will take place December 12-13.  It’s the only home action for the Braves until late January.

As for the roundballers, Bear Lake will invade Afton on December 27 for their first home games, while Jackson will be in town just a few days later on December 30.

I know I’ve been a bit lax on giving up the answers on the Stir, so I’ll go back and get credit where it’s due.  This week’s question comes from a championship era in Star Valley football.

The Braves first football title came in 1961 against the Buffalo Bison.  The leading rusher on that team went on to play at BYU and later was on the coaching staff for their 1984 National Championship.  He is now a professor on campus.

Who is this man?

This shouldn’t be too hard, especially for any long-time valley residents.

Now on to this week’s predictions.

1A - Southeast @ Burlington - There’s no reason not to think that this might be a baseball type score.  Here’s my reasoning.  Burlington beat Cokeville, 7-6.  Southeast beat Cokeville, 7-2.  In fact, it’s a distinct possibility that this game is decided on one play for a two-point conversion to something similar.  That’s football at it’s most primal.  One score.  Two teams.  Can one squad cross a line when the other won’t let it?  If you’re anywhere near this game, you should go.  This one will be old-time, throwback stuff in my opinion.  I’ve seen too many road games won in this way however, so I’m bucking the odds.  Llama says - Huskies: 7-6. (Reality Check: Southeast, 12-0 - It seems no other offense can penetrate the defense of the Cyclones this year.)

2A -  Big Horn @ Burns: I won’t waste your time on this pick.  I don’t know anything about either team for the most part, although there always seems to be a spirited comment-section debate in other parts of the internet between them.  Former SVHS great, Jerry Hart, taught at Burns, so that’s my pick.  Llama says - Burns: 21-17.  (Reality Check: Burns 41-6 - I’d like to take credit for this, but like I said, it was just a guess.)

3A -  Kemmerer @ Glenrock: This could very well be the game of the year regardless of class.  The interesting thing about undefeated teams that blow out so many of their opponents is that it almost always slows down and is a close game.  Both teams can run.  Both teams can stop the run.  The big question is:  How much can either team will themselves on big plays.  A missed tackle here or there will swing a game like this to the other team.  This one reminds me of Buffalo @ Star Valley in 2005.  The Bison took the early lead, but the Braves were storming back and had momentum.  On third and a mile from inside their own ten-yard line, the Bison run a reverse to their third string tailback who converts.  If the Bison don’t make that play, it’s likely the Braves score from the resulting field position.  Instead, it’s a 17-14 Bison championship.  That’s a gutsy call.  It’s going to be something like that, that will decide this game.  Kemmerer has been awesome and they have a terrific program.  But my considerable gut is telling me that Glenrock has played this season like they have something to prove.  So despite the Lincoln County pull, I’m going with the home team.  Llama says - Herders: 16-13.  (Reality Check:  Herders 18-0 - Egos are hurting in Kemmerer today as the Herders left little doubt in this match up.  I didn’t think anyone could blank the Rangers, regardless of class, so hats off to Glenrock who proved they are one of the best in the state, period.)

4A - Buffalo @ Douglas: There’s a part of me that is annoyed that the West couldn’t get to the title game.  That’s the funny thing.  For about two solid months, I assumed that Cody would get there, but as one rotund sportscaster on ESPN says: “That’s why they play the game.”  Hats off the Bison, who, like their Glenrock brethren, seem to be on a mission to rectify last year’s loss.  My heart will be cheering for Douglas.  Yes, they have some mean-spirited wrestling mothers who obviously don’t like Star Valley, but they are on a 30-year drought.  The thing is, my head is telling me not to ignore how focused the Bison seem.  They’ve been the team to beat since last year’s last second loss in Jackson, so redemption is my theme for the day.  They were my pick at the beginning of the year, so they’re my pick now.  Llama says - Bison: 28-14. (Reality Check: Douglas 34-21 - So much for that dominating Bison defense.  Buffalo even scored late to make this closer, but Douglas was in control for the vast majority of this game.  I love it when long droughts are put to an end, so congratulations to the Bearcats.)

5A - Green River @ Gillette: Well, once again it’s two teams who were expected to be here.  Green River has shown some amazing athleticism this year, while Gillette is simply put:  Gillette.  Good at almost everything.  I’m swinging for my Southwest Wyoming tendencies here and blatantly picking against the Camels for no real reason.  Llama says - Wolves:  28-21.  (Reality Check:  Camels 23-21 - A missed field goal with nine seconds by the Wolves gave the Camels a win on their home field.  Nobody will be wanting to talk to that guy today.)

Well, there you have it.  For the folks in Burlington, Burns, Glenrock, Douglas and Gillette, enjoy your day, because it won’t happen next year.  Everyone seems to be happy about 2009 at the War, we’ll see if they are when Championship Saturday comes along.

On November 4 of last week, a positive test from a sample coming from the Osmond Pipeline was determined to contain e-coli.  Today, officials have stated that the sample which triggered a boil order in the area was misread and has been classified a false positive test.

According to Ron Bassett, chief operator of the Osmond Pipeline, any number of minute contaminants could have contributed to the false positive.  The sample could also have been misread.  Bassett went on to say the further testing will be done that is required by the EPA.  Those tests are ongoing.  At the present time, there is no danger of e-coli.  Schools and those on the system have either been notified or are in the process of being notified.

Lincoln County Public Health called for a boil order on November 5, while the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) called for an order on November 7.

Hoopes spoke with the Independent about his time in the National Guard, his 35 years as an educator and his 20 + years as a coach with various sports programs in the valley.

The Independent recognizes America’s Veterans and thanks them for their service and sacrifice.

Please click below for a Veteran’s Day conversation with Bill Hoopes

The two began their day by traveling on Highway 89 into Salt River Pass at the south end of Star Valley. They pulled their pick-up over at the entrance of Water Canyon, unloaded their horses and started riding.

During the trip into the canyon the two talked of other hunting adventures they have had in the same area. “I pointed out where my dad had taken a big bull elk and where I have had success as well,” said Kellen.
After riding well into the canyon, the two got off of their horses to try and spot some deer. To begin with, they spotted a herd of about 15 elk around 1,200 yards away. Though they were not hunting for elk, the sight certainly got them in the hunting mood. “It was a picture perfect morning and a great day for hunting,” said Kellen.

Adam spotted some deer not far away from where they were standing and decided to move to a place where he could see the deer better. Kellen began riding through the trees to push the deer out for Adam to get a better look.

Adam saw several does and a small buck come out of the trees but decided to pass them up. Kellen then rode up to the top of a nearby ridge to get a view of the surroundings and he spotted three horseback riders coming toward them. Kellen radioed his son and told him to stay put to see if the riders pushed some more deer out of the trees in the area.

Their simple plan worked as a deer entered the space between them. Adam decided to take the first shot at the three-point buck as it was crossing over the ridge. “Adam let out a big war hoop. I could tell by that, he had been successful,” said Kellen. “I started to make my way over to the deer to help Adam field dress it.”
They boned and field dressed the deer to get it ready to pack on their horses. The two both took each other’s picture with the deer and then proceed to cut off the antlers just before they left.

After the last cut was made they went to get their horses so they could load the meat. Before he left, Kellen stepped up on the hill just above the carcass to check and see if they had left anything behind. “Out of the corner of my eye I saw something. I turned around and on the downhill side of the carcass, stood a cougar,” he said. “I yelled to Adam, Adam, Look!.”

“The cat had its eyes fixed on me, never looking away once to notice Adam or other surroundings,” Kellen recalled.

In an instant Kellen was transformed from being the hunter to being the hunted.

“I turned my back toward the deer and not 15 feet away from me was standing a mountain lion. I turned and bolted toward the guns. While I was running for the guns, my dad was trying to back away from the deer and the cat,” said Adam. “He tripped over a rock and into sagebrush onto his back. In a moment’s time, the cougar jumped and was within inches of my dad’s feet. My dad tried to kick dirt at the cougar and covered his head and neck with his arms.”

“Immediately the cat’s face was at my feet,” said Kellen. “His snarling teeth were at the tip of my boots. I didn’t know what my next move would be, but I was certain, I knew the cat’s.”

Kellen said that in the midst of the commotion he had a confidence that he was going to be okay. His son had demonstrated steadiness his whole life when facing struggles.

“I heard the crack of the rifle to my left,” said Kellen. “At this point, everything moved in slow motion. The right side of the cat contorted inward. Fur puffed into the air. The cat was forced sideways by the impact of the bullet. I knew it was over.”

Things may have been moving in slow motion for Kellen, but for Adam everything had to happen fast.
“After I had grabbed the .30-30 rifle, I flipped around and cocked it while running back to the cat,” said Adam. “I had my back turned when the cat had jumped to attack my pops. All I saw was the cat pawing at my dad with her ears pinned and teeth showing. I can still hear my dad so vividly saying shoot, Adam, shoot! I pulled back and shot the cat through the heart. She took two leaps away and dropped dead.”

Kellen said his legs were rubbery as Adam went to help him up after he shot the cat. “You saved my life. You saved my life,” Kellen recalled saying to Adam. The two staggered down the slope, each with a rifle in hand, to view the now lifeless cat.

“We went a few yards up the hill, and on bended knee offered thanks to God,” said Kellen. “Adam acted as a voice. An amazing feeling overcame us both and we felt protection and safety. I hugged my six-foot son and said again, You saved my life.”

Then it was back to the business at hand for the two men.

“We loaded the deer onto the pack horse and took off,” Adam said. “The seriousness of the situation didn’t really hit me until I was on the way out of the canyon. I have become a lot more thankful for my blessings and for my father.”

When they got home they took care of the deer meat and Adam went to the Game and Fish office to file a report.

According to Lucy Wold of the Game and Fish Department, Kellen and Adam handled the situation in the correct way. “We’ve done a lot of research, and this type of situation is very rare. They did the right thing. They protected themselves and notified the game warden,” she said.

Game Wardens Todd Graham and Neil Hymas investigated the scene after Adam filed the report.
“The Lancasters did the right thing. They weren’t hunting alone and they were aware of their surroundings,” said Cokeville Game Warden Neil Hymas. “The Lancasters left the mountain lion carcass at the kill site and immediately contacted Game Warden Todd Graham.”

The Game and Fish did not consider the situation to be an “attack” because no one was injured in the incident. They are considering it an “encounter”.

The only reasoning that Kellen and Adam can come up with for why the cougar acted the way it did is that it followed the scent of the blood and because Kellen was standing just over the carcass.

“The woods are their home and when we go into the woods, we are on their terms,” said Kellen. “That first night of sleep was hard. I saw yellow teeth every time I closed my eyes.”

Before I get there, let’s get to the questions.  This one will be an easy one for Braves fans.

Who was the last Star Valley player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season?

Bonus:  What was the year?

Extra Claven question:  Within 50 yards, how many did he rush for?

Please use the comment section.  I know I’ve been a bit lazy in keeping up with the questions, but I’ll get them rounded up this weekend.  Good luck to all the teams involved.

Well, I won’t keep you in suspense, I think a Cody @ Douglas title tilt is in the future.  Of course, Buffalo and Powell will have something to say about that.

Powell @ Douglas - Both teams flat out got it done when it was on the line last week.  Powell has a very tall, athletic defensive secondary.  It makes it very tough to complete passes over the middle and when it comes to a jump ball on third and long or in the end zone, the Panthers certainly have it covered.  However, the depth of the Powell defense will be tested by a Bearcat offense that is rolling right now.  I think Powell will have some success in slowing down Douglas, but not nearly enough.  Douglas’ defense will be fired up right now on their home field, and the idea of hosting a state title game this year will be feeding the Bearcat crowd all afternoon.  I just don’t think the Panther have enough offense to hang with the home team that hasn’t smelled a championship since 1978.  By the way, in trying to find out what a Bearcat was, I found the picture to the right.  Is this right?  I’ve never seen one.  Doesn’t it look like that huge rats in The Princess Bride?  Anyway, we’ll see if this animal can outduel a Panther anyway.  I think the game is close in the first quarter, but Douglas should be hosting the 4A championship next week.  Llama says - Bearcats:  31-13.  (Reality Check: Bearcats 28-27 2OT) (Wow!  What a barn burner in Douglas.  A lot of credit to the Panthers for showing they were very much up to the task.  Kudos to Coach Stringer and his staff for their effort and kudos to the Douglas coaching staff for a gutsy call when an opportunity presented itself. )

Buffalo @ Cody - This game is interesting.  For some reason, I find myself subconsciously looking for reasons for a Buffalo win.  I’m not sure why?  For whatever reason the Broncs are stuck in my head as an offensive team.  In fact, it’s their defense that has been so dominant over the last six weeks, and it will be the reason Cody will have a caravan rolling from Park County over to Douglas.  Now, that’s not to say that Buffalo will be going away quietly.  After all, this team came within a couple of inches of an undefeated season last year.  But it’s the Bronc D that has me thinking that they will come out on top in a very physical and hard-fought game.  Look for some good, old-fashioned smash mouth football in Cody this weekend, with the difference being some good field position set up by some good returns from the Bronc special teams.  By the way, 1991 was the last time Cody was on top of the world.  Llama says - Broncs:  17-7. (Reality Check: Bison - 23-0)(  Another Wow here!  I couldn’t have been more wrong about this match up.  The Bison proved their experience in the post-season is invaluable and their hunger to get back to the title game trumped the Broncs. )

In other matchups, I like a re-match of Burlington and Cokeville in 1A, although Southeast getting to host the Panthers could be a big difference maker.  Hard to believe but wrestling and basketball practice start a week from Monday.  Enjoy this weekend kids, it’s gone before you know it.

Click below for an exclusive video of these students as they work on their craft.  A big thank you to the students and Mr. Ashton who allowed the Independent to film their class.

The conversation about playing title games at a neutral site on Wyoming’s only Division 1 stadium has been rolling on for the past several years, and in fact both Ron Laird of the WHSAA and Tom Burman, Athletics Director of UW had said that this year’s vote would have likely been the last proposal on the subject for quite some time.

The board of directors voted 10-7 this week to move the state football championship games to War Memorial Stadium in Laramie on a one-year trial basis in 2009.

Quarterfinal and semi-final games will still be hosted by the highest remaining seed, but Wyoming, one of just three states to still allow schools to host the culminating event, has remained split on the discussion.

So, it seems that the championship games of 2009 will have more riding on it than just state trophies.

The conversation also allowed the WHSAA to take the large majority of the gate fees.

The last state title game hosted by Star Valley took place in 2005 when the Buffalo Bison defeated the Braves, 17-14.

Early dates for the Class 1A and 2A title games are scheduled for Nov. 13, 2009, with the Class 3A and 4A championships scheduled for Nov. 14, 2009.

What’s your opinion on the subject?  Use the comment section to let your voice be heard.