Powell Tribune

Gun-free zone repeal dealt blow in Senate

A bill to repeal gun-free zones created by schools and local governments was killed by a state Senate committee on Wednesday, though an identical measure remains pending in the House. Senate File … more

By CJ Baker and Ramsey Scott | 1/29/19

Ban on handheld devices brought no citations in first year

One year after the City of Powell prohibited drivers from using handheld devices, it’s hard to pinpoint the ban’s exact impact. “I’m still seeing people still not using … more

By CJ Baker | 1/29/19

Hunter Burningham, fish culturist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, patiently waits for a bite while clouds move on the Lower Sunshine Reservoir Thursday afternoon. He and other Game and Fish hatchery employees used their day off to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor

Arriving at the foothills of the Absaroka Mountain Range before sunrise, four fishermen braved below-freezing temps to try their luck on the hard water. Working hard for every fish harvested, they … more

By Mark Davis | 1/29/19

Grizzly bears — such as this bruin in Yellowstone National Park — are a hot topic in this year’s legislative session. Both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature have introduced bills in response to a judge’s decision that stripped the state of the ability to manage grizzlies outside of the national parks.

State Senate gives initial approval to bill allowing grizzly hunts

A bill currently being considered by the Wyoming Legislature would, in theory, allow the state to thumb its nose at a federal judge and begin hunting grizzly bears. Senate File 93 would give the … more

By Mark Davis | 1/24/19

Sandy Newsome, R-Cody, works a morning session in the state House chambers last week in Cheyenne. Newsome favors a new statewide lodging tax that will bring in millions more dollars for the Wyoming Office of Tourism. Supporters say it will allow Wyoming to better compete with neighboring states in attracting visitors.

Statewide lodging tax gets closer to reality

Lodging taxes are likely to go up if a popular bill is signed into law further funding Wyoming’s Office of Tourism. Surprisingly, the proposed tax is supported by industry … more

By Mark Davis | 1/24/19

Wapiti murder case set for March trial

With his office short-handed, Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric has hired one of Wyoming’s most seasoned prosecutors to assist with an upcoming murder trial. Skoric is pursuing a … more

By CJ Baker | 1/24/19

Newly elected Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon speaks to journalists on Friday during the Wyoming Press Association’s winter convention at the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center in Cheyenne.

Gov. Mark Gordon pledges support for state management of grizzlies

New Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said he’ll pick up where his predecessor left off on several important wildlife issues — pledging his support for habitat conservation as well as pressing for … more

By Mark Davis | 1/22/19

Club Dauntless co-owner Stacy Bair announced last week that the fitness club is moving forward with plans for a Powell location.

Club Dauntless moving forward with Powell fitness center

Despite missing out on a liquor license, a Lovell-based fitness center has decided to open a new Powell location anyway. “We had made the decision not to move forward with our expansion into … more

By CJ Baker | 1/22/19

Mary Keller leads a march around City Park in Cody at the conclusion of the 2019 Women and Allies March Saturday afternoon. Organized by Wyoming Rising, the event encouraged participants to ‘share your vision for a more equal, just and compassionate future.’

Third Women and Allies March covers wide range of issues

Immigration, reproductive health care, equal pay, indigenous women, LGTB rights, history and science were among the diverse topics discussed at the Women and Allies March in Cody on … more

By Tessa Baker | 1/22/19

Wild horses in the McCullough Peaks herd are shown in this photo captured by Cindy Bennett and titled ‘McCullough Peaks Mustangs on the Cliff.’ Supporters of the herd brought a poster-size print of the photograph to last week’s Park County Commission meeting, as they sought commissioners’ support for naming a portion of U.S. Highway 14/16/20 the ‘Wild Horse Highway.’ Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the proposal.

Cody area highway could be named for wild horses

Getting from Cody to Greybull may soon mean taking a trip along the “Wild Horse Highway.” Supporters of the McCullough Peaks wild horse herd are lobbying the Wyoming Legislature to … more

By CJ Baker | 1/22/19

While dozens of Shopko locations will close, the store in Powell is set to remain open, but will lose its pharmacy. The company announced Wednesday that is filing for bankruptcy and will sell all of its pharmacies.

Shopko pharmacy to close, store spared

The Powell Shopko is going to lose its pharmacy, as the store’s corporate owners announced Wednesday that the chain is getting out of the pharmacy business. However, Powell’s Shopko … more

By CJ Baker | 1/17/19

Wormald chosen to lead PHS as new principal

After serving as the assistant principal/activities director for 10 years, Tim Wormald will soon take on the top leadership position at Powell High School. Superintendent Jay Curtis is … more

By Tessa Baker | 1/17/19

Park Motel managers plan to modify the motel’s sign so it does not flash. Brighter bulbs had made the sign’s flashing features more noticeable and drew complaints.

City puts stop to strobing lights on motel sign

An upgrade to the Park Motel’s welcome sign proved to be a little too flashy for the City of Powell. In response to complaints, city officials recently ordered the motel to stop the … more

By CJ Baker | 1/17/19

Amid thick fog, Colby Stenerson signs in skiers for the Powell Recreation District ski bus to Sleeping Giant Ski Area on Saturday morning. The bus leaves the Mr. D’s parking lot at 7:30 a.m. and begins its trip home from Sleeping Giant at 3:45 p.m., giving area kids a full day of fun in the snow.

Service to Sleeping Giant helps area kids learn to shred powder

As a big yellow bus pulled into Mr. D’s parking lot, the headlights cut through thick fog, illuminating blurry-eyed parents and energetic children with a head of steam. This isn’t a … more

By Mark Davis | 1/15/19

Last April, Powell school bus drivers underwent active shooter training for how to respond to an intruder. Throughout Park County School District No. 1, staff and students have participated in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training.

Powell school district moving forward with safety, security plan

The new year will bring a new safety plan for Powell schools. From stronger windows to revamped fire drills to in-depth training, district leaders continue to take steps toward making local … more

By Tessa Baker | 1/15/19

A mature bull elk rests near the railroad tracks between roads 11 and 12 on Friday, just west of Powell. Infested with scabies, the elk was put down by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department after being unable to stand.

Sick bull elk put down near Powell

A 6x6 bull elk was dispatched by wildlife managers on Friday after being found in poor condition outside of Powell. Earlier in the week, the bull was pursued by Game Warden Chris Queen, but it was … more

By Mark Davis | 1/15/19

Former Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Rodney Miears’ patrol car was severely damaged in a 2015 crash in the Wapiti area. Miears has filed a lawsuit in Wyoming’s federal court against the company that owned and operated the delivery truck that hit him.

Former trooper sues trucking company over vehicle crash

A former trooper with the Wyoming Highway Patrol is suing the owner of a food delivery truck that turned in front of his patrol car and caused a head-on crash in 2015. In a complaint filed in … more

By CJ Baker | 1/10/19

City Arborist Del Barton has been closely monitoring the progress of the Powell Arboretum, which is a 10-year research project on what trees do best in the area’s climate. He’s helping launch a new effort that’s aimed on rejuvenating Powell’s aging tree population.

New program aims to renew Powell's aging urban forest

The beautiful ash trees lining city hall will be gone and so will most of Powell’s oldest trees. Sooner rather than later, invasive insects and age will take them all. Powell is 110 years … more

By Mark Davis | 1/10/19

Congress fails to reauthorize conservation fund

As Congress broke for the Christmas break — and in a partial government shutdown — the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was one of the programs left behind. Wyoming senators have … more

By Mark Davis | 1/10/19

A sign posted on the front door of Linton's Big R on Tuesday announces the store's pending transition to a Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply.

Linton’s Big R sold to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home

One of Powell’s most iconic businesses, Linton’s Big R Store, is changing hands. In a Tuesday morning release, Linton’s Big R CEO Jim Linton and COO John Linton announced that … more

By CJ Baker | 1/8/19