True tax reform
While we are encouraged by the proposals filed this past session, and the few that legislators passed in the 2023 General Session, we know Wyoming must engage in an honest and robust tax reform discussion to achieve true tax reform. The variety of bills filed primarily in the residential property tax arena, plus those that addressed the structural challenges identified in Tax Reform 2000, by no means could be considered true structural tax reform. Instead, we hope this is the beginning of a conservative, pro-family and pro-business tax reform effort and a sign of significant tax reform action in the future.
Updated: 23 hours ago
Letter to the editor: Traps are a safety hazard on public lands
As an avid outdoorswoman, I implore state and local wildlife management agencies to expeditiously implement the models of modern-day wildlife biology and ethics through laws and regulations that reflect empirical evidence.
Updated: 5 days ago
Letter to the editor: Rights being restricted in Wyoming
Rather than attempting to map out the nuances of any of these issues, these legislations simply attempt to put a hard stop on what legislators feel threatened by in the ongoing culture war.
Updated: 5 days ago
Wyoming Equality fighting to protect transgender student athletes
“We are confident that the law will recognize the promise of Wyoming’s Constitution: ‘No discrimination between pupils. In none of the public schools so established and maintained shall distinction or discrimination be made on account of sex, race or color.’ The Bostock decision clearly stated that gender identity was encompassed in the definition of sex. The tragedy is, we haven’t had to rely on court cases and statutes in the past: We’ve treated our children with the dignity, respect and individuality that all Wyoming students deserve.”
Updated: 5 days ago
Legislative work reflects Wyoming values
We operate differently in Wyoming. Our way of doing things, also known as the Code of the West, is what distinguishes our state from the rest of the world. Our unique position allows Wyoming to fund a world-class education system, grow our economy and live a life of liberty, free from government overreach. This session, we faced multiple attempts by outside Washington, D.C., interests to infiltrate the people’s house like never before, encroaching on Wyoming people’s priorities and promoting a narrative that is far from the truth. This effort is putting our conservative, common-sense Wyoming way in jeopardy.
Updated: 5 days ago
March 2023 Garden Column: Ask Flora
“Planting for Pollinators” is an upcoming class being offered by Sage & Snow Garden Club at the Pinedale Library on Thursday, April 20. Arlinda McLaughlin and Julie Kraft will share information on the importance of planting to attract pollinators. Pollinator Workshop, 6 to 8 p.m. Seed Exchange 5:30 p.m. (before the workshop). Bring seeds to share!
Updated: 2 weeks ago
Legislative Update - March 1, 2023
I will highlight four bills that passed the House on Wednesday.
Updated: 2 weeks ago
Column: Arguing is part of marriage
It was found that people who are more religious say they argue more than those couples who don’t go to church. I understand this. With God in the picture, we have another avenue to explore, similar to fifth-graders in a disagreement during recess, as we bring others into our tiffs. “I don’t like the way you mimic me and I’m pretty sure God finds that ridiculous, too.”
Updated: 2 weeks ago
Living – Life – Large
I probably will be shunned for being a non-sports fanatic, but I don’t watch sports. The only exception would be the Super Bowl. I don't, however, watch it for the game; I watch it for the commercials. I will also interject, this year’s Super Bowl was very disappointing. I can’t remember who was playing but the advertisements were far from entertaining or stimulating.
Updated: 2 weeks ago
Guest column: The greatest threat to your property rights in Sublette County
Recent decisions related to planning and zoning (P&Z) matters in Sublette County have created a fog of war, caused a great deal of uncertainty and made a mockery of enforcement. These are signs of property rights being lost and the continuation of this pattern is the biggest threat there is to your property rights in Sublette County.
Updated: 1 month ago
Legislative Update – Jan. 25-31
HB0121 - Property tax deferral program-amendments. I have heard the concern over rising property taxes. This bill would provide relief for some who are struggling with paying their property taxes. This bill amends a current property tax deferral program that counties can administer, but to date, only Teton County has adopted rules to use the program. This bill would move program administration to the Department of Revenue, open it up for taxpayers in all 23 counties and the state would then hold the lien, instead of the county. A taxpayer would qualify for the deferment program if they demonstrate any one of the following conditions: a limited income that is at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty line; over the age of 62; has a disability as determined by the Social Security administration; purchased the property at least 10 years before the beginning of the tax year or is a disabled veteran. While this program does not solve the property tax problem alone, it is another tool taxpayers have to access relief, and I lean toward supporting this bill.
Updated: 1 month ago
More government transparency coming from your newspapers
The Wyoming Press Association has brought a bill to the 67th Wyoming Legislature requiring the state’s newspapers to publish all public notices that appear in print editions on their websites, too.
Updated: 2 months ago
Life is better than ever if work is not your forte
With my phone, which has more computing power than the Apollo 11 had when it went to the moon and back, I’d texted my kids, reaching them in less than a second. Their response was slightly slower as they decided if they really wanted to ruin their day by getting into a lengthy communication with the woman they’ve never forgiven for making them, when ill with strep throat, get shots instead of pills. It was a mere sampling of their childhood … hell on earth.
Updated: 2 months ago
Living – Life – Large
The average price for a dozen eggs is around $4.25, unless you’re shopping at Ridley’s; then it’s closer to $8.25. In Mexico a dozen eggs is around $2.20 USD. The average price for all countries is $2.87 USD.
Updated: 2 months ago
Legislative Updates – Jan 16 through Jan. 19
As a citizen legislature, there is limited time to discuss all the ideas brought forward by legislators. Today, we spent time discussing the rules for this legislative session with the aim of deciding on procedures that will allow us to run a smooth and effective legislative process. The House considered several rule changes today. There has been a great deal of discussion about how large a majority it requires to bring a bill out of the Speaker’s desk, or move a bill up on the Majority Floor Leader’s bill order for the day.
Updated: 2 months ago
Letter to the editor: It doesn't take a scientist
We are not scientists, but it doesn’t take a scientist to know that this gravel pit and hot mix asphalt plant will enormously affect the environment and quality of life for the surrounding area. The U.S. Office of the Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality, Planning and Standards states, “Asphalt processing … facilities are major sources of hazardous air pollutants … exposure to these air toxins may cause cancer, central nervous system problems, liver damage, respiratory problems and skin irritation.”
Updated: 2 months ago
An open letter from the Green River Valley Health Foundation
As a foundation, we want to make sure that we are able to meet the needs of our community in advancing health and wellness, as well as being able to continue to support our clinics and the future critical access hospital. After much consideration, we felt keeping our independence would best help us continue to accomplish this.
Updated: 2 months ago
Legislative Update – Jan. 10
The last Speaker of the House to be elected from Pinedale was Dick Luman in 1943. Needless to say, it has been a long time since Sublette County had a Speaker of the House.
Updated: 2 months ago
Column: What does it mean to be local?
Again, I will share the advice of the late Snook Moore, an outfitter that lived up Tosi Creek, “Never live on a place ya’ can’t pee off the porch.”
Updated: 2 months ago
Column: No one is youer than you
As the new year starts, it’s not usually a significant end to something or the monumental beginning of anything else. It’s simply another try at being a lot more valuable than we were, attempting to eliminate vices and willingly striving to be part of the solution and not the problem. None of us have it all figured out and also everybody’s family is crazy.
Updated: 2 months ago
Contributing to the chaos – Oct. 15
Though commonly known, it is not commonly accepted. Sometimes it is easier to not accept the truth than to deal with the discomfort of it.
Updated: 1 year ago
Eiden: Furniture was never meant to last
When we met, Gar was a bachelor with an eclectic assortment of furniture and decorations that I was fairly certain we needed to burn.
Updated: 1 year ago
Barrasso: Irresponsible Democrats pushing for U.S. to follow California's failed energy model
Democrats are trying to impose California‘s unreliable energy policies on the rest of the country. Americans are responding, “Don’t turn America into California!”
Updated: 1 year ago
Eiden: Fear not – your children will always need you
Parents are never unemployed.
Updated: 1 year ago
Lummis: The West is burning and politics are fanning the flames
As smoke from summer Western wildfires spreads all the way to Maine, the entire country finally realizes what the West has long known: America’s forest-management policies are not working.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos - Sept. 17
As I look at the illusion of reality, brought forth by the incompatible deeming that to be you must be compatible with incompatible, I slow my steps.
Updated: 1 year ago
Eiden: I'm understanding a few things better
I’m understanding a few things better as time goes by. It takes longer for me because I’m a little hardheaded.
Updated: 1 year ago
9/11 retrospective: A different country now
This is a column from Roundup editor Brady Oltmans as part of the Roundup's anniversary coverage of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Updated: 1 year ago
9/11 retrospective: Why it's called terrorism
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Roundup has published columns from its Sept. 13, 2001, edition. This is from Rob Shaul, editor and publisher of the Roundup at the time.
Updated: 1 year ago
9/11 retrospective: Land of the Free...Home of the Brave
A guest column from Aidan M. Mullett II, that was originally published in the Pinedale Roudup's Sept. 13, 2001, edition.
Updated: 1 year ago
Legislative Update – Aug. 31
Hello Sublette County, this is Albert Sommers reporting to you from the 2021 interim work of the 66th Legislature.
Updated: 1 year ago
Our body has a wired set point
I recently read an article stating, “Don’t scold yourself for gaining weight, your body is wired to return to a natural set point.”
Updated: 1 year ago
Relationships are hard
Gar and I are still married after 42 years, even after spending two winters in a 30-foot camper.
Updated: 1 year ago
Legislative Update – Aug. 1
Hello Sublette County, this is Albert Sommers reporting to you from interim work of the 66th Legislature.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos
Due to the what, of what is, we as small-town dwellers are seeing firsthand a seemingly no end to the new disembarking from urban arenas. Because we were raised this way we, for the most part, accept them with open arms.
Updated: 1 year ago
Sublette Centennial 'pioneers' sought
The search is on for residents of Sublette County for at least 50 years to be recognized as a “Sublette Centennial Pioneer.”
Updated: 1 year ago
Proposed ordinance bringing out the worst in us
This is an editorial from the staff at the Pinedale Roundup.
Updated: 1 year ago
Parents are never done helping kids
I do think 4-H is a hecka lotta work for mom and dad.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos
It’s not that I’m totally rebelling against the ways of now.
Updated: 1 year ago
Bears and I have a lot in common
Bears are not my favorite animal; in fact I really dislike bears, but I’ll admit, we have a lot in common.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos
Pole Creek is a small river that was born in the high granite cracks of the Wind River Range.
Updated: 1 year ago
It's Christmas in July, in letter form
In case you hadn’t noticed, every year the Eiden’s Christmas letter gets later and later, until this year, it’s an epistle for Christmas in July. Lucky you.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos
On May 9, we celebrated Mother’s Day amidst the turmoil of weak people offended by the name of the day. During this invasion of offensive terminology, I introduced my mother.
Updated: 1 year ago
Legislative update – The Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce
I am in Casper for meetings of the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce.
Updated: 1 year ago
My hiking partner
The first time I took my best friend up on a mountain, he was a shivering puppy in the snow.
Updated: 1 year ago
Let conservative states lead on reducing national debt
From Sen. Cynthia Lummis.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos
In the movie “Forrest Gump,” Forrest was asked if he was stupid. He replied, “Stupid is as stupid does,” meaning that a person should be judged by his actions, not his appearance.
Updated: 1 year ago
I talk to myself while I walk
At my and Gar’s age, not to mention our activity level, which is less than any sloth on planet earth, we’re certain we should be moving our joints every day, so I walk and Gar swims.
Updated: 1 year ago
Once a mother - always a mother
Recently, sleep physiologist Rachel Markwald set out to study fatigue on a Navy warship.
Updated: 1 year ago
Brunette chose as regional Volunteer of the Year
Des has been a part of our MESA program since its inception nearly 10 years ago.
Updated: 1 year ago
Contributing to the chaos
There are people who find anger with who you are for speaking your truth.
Updated: 1 year ago
Highway Patrolman problems
It was a Monday morning so I naturally didn’t have a joyful spirit, similar to how I am on all the other days of the week.
Updated: 1 year ago
Wyoming 66th Legislature – Update No. 5
From Rep. Jim Roscoe, House District No. 22
Updated: 1 year ago
Lummis: Call it a crisis
Night after night, Wyoming citizens are turning on the news to see a national security and humanitarian crisis unfolding at our southern border.
Updated: 1 year ago
Legislative Update – April 3
From Rep. Albert Sommers, House District No. 20
Updated: 1 year ago
It's not easy living with a brown-haired blonde
I use a hair product called “Freeze-It” to keep my mop in place and my motto is, “One can never, no not ever, use too much hairspray.”
Updated: 1 year ago
Legislative Update – March 26, 29
From Rep. Albert Sommers, House District No. 20.
Updated: 1 year ago
Wyoming 66th Legislature Update 4
From Rep. Jim Roscoe, House District No. 22.
Updated: 1 year ago
Daytime habits that affect your sleep at night
Local commentary from Trena Eiden.
Updated: 2 years ago
Legislative Update – March 20
From Rep. Albert Sommers, House District No. 20
Updated: 2 years ago
Ricketts: The fight for Wyoming's economy
From Bondurant resident and former TD Ameritrade CEO Joe Ricketts.
Updated: 2 years ago
Contributing to the chaos
An underlying problem I feel, in this masked world we exist in right now, is not seeing faces anymore.
Updated: 2 years ago
Legislative Update – March 12, 16
Rep. Albert Sommers, House District No. 20
Updated: 2 years ago
Wyoming 66th Legislature Update No. 3
From Rep. Jim Roscoe, House District No. 22
Updated: 2 years ago
Legislative Update – March 7-9
From Rep. Albert Sommers, House District No. 20
Updated: 2 years ago
A chat with 10-year-old me
I’ve often thought what I’d say to my 10-year-old self if I could go back in time.
Updated: 2 years ago
Contributing to the Chaos
Mindfulness is awareness. It is to know, feel and see what is happening in the moment.
Updated: 2 years ago
Legislative Update – Feb. 28, March 1-2
From Rep. Albert Sommers, House District No. 20
Updated: 2 years ago
Church people are much too trusting
We try to attend church everywhere we visit.
Updated: 2 years ago
Contributing to the Chaos
Some of us stay up way too late at night, but for myself, I get up way too early in the morning.
Updated: 2 years ago
Sommers: Funding Wyoming's K12 education program
A brief history and the situation the Legislature faces this session.
Updated: 2 years ago
Eiden: The first week is always the hardest
After arriving in Florida, we stayed with our kids for a few days while setting up the camper.
Updated: 2 years ago
Legislative Update – Feb. 3-6
From House Rep. Albert Sommers, District No. 20.
Updated: 2 years ago
OP-ED: Presidential suspension on mineral development bad for Wyoming’s wildlife
Brian Nesvik is the director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He has worked on behalf of Wyoming wildlife and people for over 25 years.
Updated: 2 years ago
Contributing to the Chaos
I do believe it is time that we begin to put the pieces back together, if in fact we are not beyond fixable.
Updated: 2 years ago
Robinson: GOP purity test
A letter from Sublette County Republican Party Chairman Jim Robinson.
Updated: 2 years ago