Articles from the December 28, 2016 edition


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  • Green River, county year in review

    David Martin, Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    The last year was a busy one in Green River. During the elections, Mark Peterson decided to seek higher office as a Sweetwater County commissioner and declined to run for his spot on the Green River City Council. That decision resulted in a race between Tom Murphy and Ken Ball. Murphy ultimately defeated Ball in the General Election. “He’s a nice young man, I’m happy he did as well as he did,” Murphy said after the election. Brett Stokes lost his re-election bid to Robert Berg. Berg said the rac...

  • Funding was a major issue during 2016

    David Martin, Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    In 2016, one word dominated the headlines and discussion throughout local governments: funding. While the Green River City Council has dealt with decreased revenues for the past several years, the issue spread to the Sweetwater County government after a decline in the county’s valuation resulted in a 20 percent decline in the 2016-2017 budget. Wally Johnson and the other commissioners told residents layoffs would be a last resort and held true to that statement as county employees were not e...

  • Game night gets out of hand

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    A man accused of beating up his wife pleaded not guilty to two felonies and one misdemeanor. Darrel Lee Montez, 42, of Green River, appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Richard Lavery at an arraignment to two felony counts of aggravated assault and battery and one misdemeanor charge of domestic battery. If found guilty of the all three counts, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, six months in jail and a maximum fine of $20,750. According to court documents, on Oct. 2...

  • Game and Fish report successes in 2016

    Staff Report|Dec 28, 2016

    Black-footed ferrets, mule deer migrations, and grizzly bear management were among the top issues in 2016 for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “It’s been a memorable year for Wyoming’s wildlife and those who support this incredible resource,” Game and Fish Director Scott Talbott said. “It’s rewarding to look back on a year’s accomplishments for our state-due to the great collaborative work between the public, partners and Game and Fish.” The following is a snapshot of notable accomplishments and impactful events this year in Wyoming cons...

  • Frank Luis Reyes

    Dec 28, 2016

    Frank Luis Reyes, 80, Green River, passed away Dec. 21, 2016 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was a resident of Green River for the past 66 years and the former resident of San Antonio, Texas. He was born July 27, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Francisco Reyes Ramone and Olivia Hanlon. Reyes attended the San Antonio Catholic Schools. He married Gloria Medina in Green River, Feb. 11, 1956, they were married for sixty...

  • Rodney W. Whitlock

    Dec 28, 2016

    Rodney W. Whitlock, loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly Dec. 13, 2016. Rod was born Feb. 20, 1952, to Garren and Louise Webb Whitlock in Dragerton, Utah. He worked in several coal mines in Utah and Wyoming. Rod married Elizabeth Palacios, and they had two children, Randy and Michelle. Rod and Liz later divorced but remained close friends. He is survived by his son, Randy, of Price, Utah; his daughter, Michelle and spouse Mica Cope, of Juliaette, Idaho;...

  • Peter Americo Turcato

    Dec 28, 2016

    Peter Americo Turcato, 87, of Rock Springs, passed away Dec. 24, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. A longtime resident of Rock Springs, Turcato died following a brief illness. He was born on Nov. 24, 1929 in Sunrise, the son of Angelo and Lena Spilarre Turcato. Turcato was a 1947 graduate of the Rock Springs High School. He married the former Florence Shalata in Green River Aug. 28, 1947 and they were married 69 years. Turcato was employed as a sales representative for Wonder Bread for...

  • Yaeko Dean

    Dec 28, 2016

    Yaeko Dean, 82, of Green River, passed away Dec. 25, 2016 at her home, surrounded by loved ones. A longtime resident of Green River, Dean died following a brief illness. She was born on Dec. 2, 1934 in Yomitan, Okinawa, the daughter of Shiryu Toma and Kamado Matsuda. Dean attended elementary school in Okinawa and was a World War II survivor. She married Navy Hospital Corpsman, Clyde Franklin Dean, in Naha, Okinawa, Sept., 5, 1961. They moved to the United States in 1965, then later moved to Gree...

  • Our View: Hoping for a better 2017

    Dec 28, 2016

    9 was a lousy year for a variety of reasons. Legendary musicians Prince, David Bowie and Merle Haggard passed away during the course of the year. Similarly, well-known actors and actresses have passed as well, including Carrie Fisher, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Alan Rickman and Gene Wilder. The world of sports lost Muhammed Ali, Arnold Palmer and Gordie Howe. Space pioneer John Glenn also passed away this year. Locally, 2016 was difficult for a variety of reasons. In Sweetwater County School District No. 2, students and staff have had to experience...

  • Letter: Saying goodbye after 10 years

    Dec 28, 2016

    Dear Editor, It has been an indescribable privilege to serve Uinta County citizens with the many legislators, staff, LSO, two governors and the many state agencies and their staff over the last 10 years. Only around 1,900 people have served as legislators since Wyoming became a state in 1890. I consider myself blessed to have been part of Wyoming’s state government, trying to help make the state a better place to live and do business in. I say thanks to all who have served, those I had the privilege to serve with, and the many people who helped...

  • Treasure the Christmases now

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    Each time I celebrate Christmas with my little ones, I try to cherish it as much as possible. I know all to well that before I even know what happened they will be teenagers rolling their eyes at me and telling me I embarrass them or how uncool I am. But for now, I can honestly just look at them and smile at how a simple toy, book or piece of candy can bring a big smile to their faces. This year was no different. My boys, Matthew, 7, and John, 4, spent Christmas Eve day asking me when Santa was...

  • 21st Century Cures Act Is no panacea

    Trudy Lieberman, Rural Health News Service|Dec 28, 2016

    Will patients benefit from the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act? After listening to politicians and reading the headlines, most people might think it’s the best thing ever to come along for patients. “A new day for medical research is on the horizon,” proclaimed Rep. Fred Upton, the outgoing chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which had just won a major victory last week. “The House and the Senate have passed this bipartisan legislation which will ensure our health system can keep pace with incredible advances in science...

  • Kids keep busy in 2016

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    Kids throughout Green River also had an exciting year in 2016. It didn't matter if they were even in school yet, they still had a good time at toddler and story times the Sweetwater County Library hosts. When they weren't busy at the library, preschool students were having their parents read more than 2,000 books to them. Last year, three classes at the Sweetwater County Child Developmental Center accomplished this goal and as a reward they celebrated the achievement with a pizza party....

  • Seniors enjoy many activities in 2016

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    January of 2016 set the tone for the year with seniors starting off trying to get healthy both physically and mentally. The Golden Hour Senior Center offered a wide-range of classes to help seniors improve their health. Some of the classes that targeted the improvement of physical health were Zumba Gold, chair exercises, line dancing and a better balance class. Line dancing and Zumba really gave the seniors a cardiovascular workout, while both the chair exercises and better balance classes...

  • A year of honors, explorations

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Dec 28, 2016

    The year kicked off with a new organization being formed at the Green River High School. The school started a charted group with the National Future Farmers of American Organizations. In March of 2016, the Green River High School Speech and Debate Team took third at state. It wasn't the outcome the team wanted, since it is used to taking first at state, but the team was happy to come in third. Head coach Carina White said the tournament was going to be tough for the new and inexperienced team....

  • Our favorite shot of 2015

    Dec 28, 2016