tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39078620600607779882024-03-21T07:48:50.370-06:00Bent Pine* CAMPING * HUNTING * SURVIVAL * EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS * FITNESS * OUTDOOR LIVING * FAMILY * CONSERVATION * WILDLIFE * Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-76710668233040740142016-05-19T01:21:00.002-06:002016-05-19T01:21:55.415-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Spike Strips *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHKjnf_lStuQjjnqQ3xFuwAVNDjI_Vs8THy46rEd0syjktrTZnO2w83UQoRfi_MzJaqtjtCe9t1Yn8iA0yETaMzbZUg6eOGRkNVcsdFDOTHtAyseNV0mvS1tiXBSFyR5nx332SK2S9jM/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHKjnf_lStuQjjnqQ3xFuwAVNDjI_Vs8THy46rEd0syjktrTZnO2w83UQoRfi_MzJaqtjtCe9t1Yn8iA0yETaMzbZUg6eOGRkNVcsdFDOTHtAyseNV0mvS1tiXBSFyR5nx332SK2S9jM/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
seems like the side-by-sides are getting larger and faster! I had several “very
large” four-seaters drive by my cabin last week. Apparently even though they
are as big as a car, they aren’t concerned with the speed limit because they
are off-road vehicles. Anyone know where I can find a good deal on spike
strips?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-18465928945149297902016-05-19T01:19:00.000-06:002016-05-19T10:53:25.520-06:00Thinning the Herd<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The tourist season hasn’t even officially begun and
already several examples of Yellowstone Park idiocy have made their way to
YouTube and news outlets. My first indication of a long and dangerous summer
was when I watched a YouTube video of Asian tourists standing within arm’s
length from the buffalo so they could take selfies with the animals. If that wasn’t
dangerous enough, there was a video posted of visitors to the park attempting
to pet the bison.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The ultimate display of idiocy occurred when an adult
male Canadian tourist thought that a buffalo calf appeared cold, loaded it into
his SUV and carted it off to the park rangers. Shamsah Kassam of Quebec was
cited for disturbing the wildlife… and the calf was put down after attempts to reintegrate
it into the herd were unsuccessful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every year several individuals are killed or seriously
injured by park wildlife. I know from my experience in Island Park that many
visitors have no clue that the animals are wild. I have heard people inquire as
to when the moose will be released each day. Others have called Fish and Game
to complain the animals are out and eating the flowers in the yard, demanding
that the officers retrieve them. Yellowstone Country apparently has the
reputation of being the world’s largest petting zoo! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some individuals laboring under this illusion are in for
a very rough summer, perhaps their last. All of the animals of the Yellowstone
bite, kick, gore, trample or eat you! Despite the programs on the National
Geographic Channel showing the bears, elk, moose, bison and wolves as cute and sympathetic
creatures, they consider humans either an annoyance, a danger or dinner… none
of these classifications are good from a visitor’s prospective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those of you who wish to interact with the wildlife, I
would recommend against it, but it is your choice. The next person to hoist a buffalo
calf into his vehicle may find that he is face-to-face with momma! Being careless
around the critters may result in the removal of your DNA from the gene pool. That’s
Mother Nature’s way of saying that a few less idiots procreating may result in a safer
environment for humans and wildlife. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-2255896866669303202016-05-12T23:55:00.000-06:002016-05-12T23:55:05.366-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Heavy Shutters *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVL8mIh4aHgwNzYjKWrIsJC1KHxHQfEtlLa3-BrA-59F0pR_MIlPphR5TdJNjjCRDdEYho4QU1-oFpPLxhPt8D74o-XFaGtBNUWNu-do0jiJmPQih8snNZ_7pR-9KOUsL-iZB-xcRkk0/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVL8mIh4aHgwNzYjKWrIsJC1KHxHQfEtlLa3-BrA-59F0pR_MIlPphR5TdJNjjCRDdEYho4QU1-oFpPLxhPt8D74o-XFaGtBNUWNu-do0jiJmPQih8snNZ_7pR-9KOUsL-iZB-xcRkk0/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was removing some shutters from a cabin this week that were constructed with
1X6 tongue and groove and 2x4 framing. Just a note of advice; if you are
shuttering a six to eight foot picture window, use lighter material or plan on
hiring a crane! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-20373573541659509962016-05-12T23:52:00.001-06:002016-05-12T23:52:56.910-06:00Local Candidate Forum Held in Island Park<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I attended a candidate forum last Tuesday at the EMS
building. The candidates for State Representative seats 35a and 35b, two
Fremont County Commissioner positions and the Fremont County Prosecutor were in
attendance. They were each given the opportunity to explain why they should be
considered for the position and each responded to a few related questions
submitted by the audience. Here are my impressions of the candidates based on
the forum.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">State
Representative 35a<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Van
Burtenshaw</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (incumbent) was very much aware of the state budgeting
process and expressed a commitment to take care of state workers and teachers.
He also was proud of his assistance in opposing the Island Park National
Monument by introducing the resolution in the state legislature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Daniel
Davis</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> emphasized that he was a strict constitutionalist which
would be great if he was running for national office. He proclaimed that
according to the constitution, the federal government had no right to own any
property and that all the national forest lands belong to the states. I have
bad news for Mr. Davis, that ship sailed well over a century ago. Without
presenting any specifics on what he would do if elected, I am not sure he would
be an effective state representative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">State
Representative 35b<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul
Romrell</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (incumbent) was also obviously very seasoned in the
state budgeting process. He has been working to use the increase in the state
gas tax to repair Highway 20 through the caldera. While this year is going to
be only patching, chip and seal, he hopes to have the road rebuilt within the
next couple of years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Karey
Hanks</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is a local school bus driver who also identified
herself as a strict constitutionalist. She spent most of her time telling of
hours spent with local school children, conveying the importance and her love
of the constitution. She was less clear about what she hoped to accomplish if
elected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fremont
County Prosecutor <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Karl
Lewies</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (incumbent) is a polished attorney who spent his time
addressing the complaints issued against him by his opponent. He explained that
he handles the criminal prosecutions and that his deputy handles the civil
actions, including the Commissioners’ meetings. He does case preparation on
Mondays for upcoming trials and the meetings are also on Mondays. Regarding his
private practice, he advised that since Fremont County is not the hotbed of
criminal activity, he has intermittent time that is available. He uses the time
productively to practice law in his private practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcia
Murdoch</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> presented two issues regarding Mr. Lewies that she felt
needed to be addressed. First, Mr. Lewies does not attend the County
Commissioners’ meetings but delegates that duty to his deputy. Second, Mr.
Lewies maintains a private practice while serving as county attorney. Ms.
Murdoch promised to attend the Commissioners’ meetings personally and not
maintain a private practice. Regardless of whether one thinks that these issues
are important, at least someone studied and found areas to distinguish
themselves from their rival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fremont
County Commissioners<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The county commissioners have made several mistakes over
the last few years that have caused many to question their judgement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s pick three: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The county commissioners hired Jan Brown and Tom Cluff.
The two of them got involved in what amounted to encouraging outside
organizations interested in establishing the Island Park National Monument.
Residents throughout Fremont County have spent hundreds of hours working to
offset the damage caused by the county employees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The 150 percent increase in the landfill fee was a
result of a failure to act in a timely manner. The closing of the Saint Anthony
landfill has been pending for almost a decade and some of the expenses involved
in that task should have been foreseen. A modest fee increase several years ago
dedicated to that task would have avoided such a burdensome increase. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The City of Teton declined an application to rezone a
rural property in a residential area near the river to allow a multi-acre open
gravel pit. The County Commissioners overruled the local planning/zoning
committee and allowed the pit. The City sued the County and the County lost. It
cost the County $13,000 for the legal fees of the City of Teton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 27.6px;">Fremont County Commissioner</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Leroy
“Lee” Miller </span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(incumbent) discussed the procured grant to
widen and improve the Yale-Kilgore Road. He also discussed the commissioners’
commitment to opposing the national monument. He also admitted that the county
made a mistake in approving the gravel pit and getting stuck with Teton’s legal
fees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Larry
Singleton </span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">is a rancher who expressed a desire to add the
perspective of the agri-businesses of Fremont County. He was concerned about
spending but left little meat on the bones when discussing the inadequacies or
mistakes of the current commissioners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fremont
County Commissioner<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jordon
Stoddard </span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">touted his on-site supervision of the county employees
and his personal response to county residents’ concerns. He defended Jan Brown
and Tom Cluff, disagreeing with the characterization of their involvement in
the national monument fiasco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Val
Hammond </span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">is also involved in agri-business and seemed to be well
organized. The increasing county budget was also his main concern. He discussed
the thirteen thousand dollars that the county had to be after losing a lawsuit
filed by the city of Teton over a zoning mistake made by the county.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Idaho has the advantage of being a conservative state.
None of these races are as dramatic as picking between Bernie Sanders and Ted
Cruz. All of the candidates are good people. Local voters have some interesting
choices in the upcoming primary election. Good Luck!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-61834614712696100222016-05-05T12:53:00.001-06:002016-05-05T12:53:54.069-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Avoid Hitting Spring Animals *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILq7RvUe9JavwOAvnDhSDhl5pdnrfLUamTWDfRMrPaWu0Aznh1naUHrDWGlc0Bueo9cxRsG2G1DsA8FFRpDQQi4QN4EaGD6if-MQy-_Cr-Ux0wOlIWC9-W-QDpBgvjcZMTZebjihqMME/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILq7RvUe9JavwOAvnDhSDhl5pdnrfLUamTWDfRMrPaWu0Aznh1naUHrDWGlc0Bueo9cxRsG2G1DsA8FFRpDQQi4QN4EaGD6if-MQy-_Cr-Ux0wOlIWC9-W-QDpBgvjcZMTZebjihqMME/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
the disappearance of the snow comes the increase in large animals migrating
across the roadways. Slow down and drive cautiously. Animal/vehicle collisions
can be deadly for a vehicle’s occupants, as well as the animal.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-80296328361893284702016-05-05T12:51:00.002-06:002016-05-05T12:51:33.519-06:00The Summer Residents are Arriving!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">With the melting of the last vestiges of winter come the
summer’s residents of the caldera. Some are wanted and appreciated, while
others are detested. Some provide vital functions to the area, while others are
simply nuisances. There are even a few summer residents that are destructive
and should be shot!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know what you are thinking. How bad are his neighbors?
I’m talking about the returning wildlife to Island Park. The first summer residents were the flocks of
birds that began emptying our bird feeders daily while waiting for the ground
to clear of snow. The flats greeted the returning herd of antelope with its
emerging grass, on which they could be seen grazing. The elk and deer began
moving to the caldera from the lower elevations where they wintered. Raptors
have begun constructing nests on the man-made platforms installed for their
convenience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the flip side, the seagulls are back. The winter’s congregation
of ravens has been overrun with the flocks of seagulls that descend on the
county landfill. The dominating gulls also overrun Big Springs, consuming any
food offered to the ducks or trout. One has to almost push them out of the way
to walk on the bridge walkway and avoid their white, post-modern impressionist graffiti
that they have applied to the bridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The pelicans have also returned. They are large and
somewhat majestic birds but gluttons. Each gorging themselves on hundreds of
pounds of trout, conservation has never been their concern. All that matters to
them is that they satisfy their insatiable appetite. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life in the caldera is always in an ebb and flow. The
enjoyment of spending time here is watching the transitions occur. Nature
always finds its balance but I am not adverse to those who offer a little
assistance in maintaining that balance. I
am just saying …..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-83160127102529715862016-04-27T22:22:00.001-06:002016-04-27T22:22:31.691-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * I found My Trailers *<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplACkXMg50mI9D5MKUz9E8HVEiYwL_6euttpWD5gZV1q3HbtBpj2xw1oS1fK4rPW8wflob4YfV68s4m8_qh-aNrQXzBdbd2_G-F07RuUSV786Igmy-IxIxc82CDRJalgYsAa_B06GvDA/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplACkXMg50mI9D5MKUz9E8HVEiYwL_6euttpWD5gZV1q3HbtBpj2xw1oS1fK4rPW8wflob4YfV68s4m8_qh-aNrQXzBdbd2_G-F07RuUSV786Igmy-IxIxc82CDRJalgYsAa_B06GvDA/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
found my utility trailers this week. I knew they were under one of the snow
mounds in the yard. I just wasn’t sure which one!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-74109333407576908262016-04-27T22:19:00.004-06:002016-04-27T22:19:49.287-06:00Sometimes I have to Tune Out<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The wrap up of the presidential primaries can’t come too
soon for me. It is getting indigestibly stupid. The Republican </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 21.4667px;">front-runner</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Mr.
Trump continually hurls insults at his competitors, apparently auditioning his
best impersonation of Don Rickles in case this political thing doesn’t work
out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hillary Clinton leads the elderly socialist, Bernie
Sanders for the Democrat Party nomination. She alternates between screaming
monotone rants and disingenuous attempts at being hip or funny. Both approaches
create the same reaction as fingernails on a chalkboard and remind me of an
ex-wife that I’d rather forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fortunately I have the option of turning off the media
and spending time in the forest. It is an irrefutable fact that the high
country has the ability to calm one’s nerves when they are being rubbed raw by
politicians. I am concerned that as the political silly season continues, more
of this country’s citizens will discover this truth while vacationing in Island
Park this summer. They may decide to not return home and seek sanctuary in the
caldera. The increase in population will shatter September’s calm and screw up
the bow hunt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If residents begin hearing visitors contemplating the move
to Island Park, I suggest that you emphasize the cold winter weather, deep snow
and frozen water pipes. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to remind them that there is
little shopping in the caldera and no movie theaters. I realize that this may
appear selfish but remember that you are doing them a service!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After their first winter, they many will flee back to
the flat and the glut of cabins on the market will drive down real estate
prices. They will have to sell their property at a loss. Make their financial
well-being a priority and discourage tourists from moving to Island Park. It is
your humanitarian duty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-5574039760677052822016-04-20T15:23:00.001-06:002016-04-20T15:23:16.996-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * The Grizzlies are OUT! *<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh491_MrelWLslSAVX16wamIGf7KhzUJRwebznMu59gP_Pbnph-rHBPdTSLmrIJ7M2PysKgnbVV7WtlGjqwpXWLEnnYtug9mkBztil0Av2qYrnMQNAM6AoG_VV-vEjgwFgF12W4u1ipCKQ/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh491_MrelWLslSAVX16wamIGf7KhzUJRwebznMu59gP_Pbnph-rHBPdTSLmrIJ7M2PysKgnbVV7WtlGjqwpXWLEnnYtug9mkBztil0Av2qYrnMQNAM6AoG_VV-vEjgwFgF12W4u1ipCKQ/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
the receding snow comes an increase in activity and range of the grizzly bears.
Be cautious about storing garbage or leaving dog food outside. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-21730342264859644592016-04-20T15:09:00.000-06:002016-04-20T15:21:33.767-06:00Damage Uncovered by the Receding Snow<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As the warm weather chases away the last winter’s snow,
cabin damage is unveiled. It is not unusual to see a piece of shredded metal
roofing protruding from a melting pile of slide-off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX7nSiLXwAYiiimOlYQ8hJdJhiUYw6eMREo2BSXFCYRYoluVP4GXL54dJbtu8UVVAT3gGHQvBzkW0-H7Cc_O1cvg0gDKscVgq-FXMJI2IWUG4sPc7pvkkdZ6kO_ASDt-s_6nTRKFiVbs/s1600/IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX7nSiLXwAYiiimOlYQ8hJdJhiUYw6eMREo2BSXFCYRYoluVP4GXL54dJbtu8UVVAT3gGHQvBzkW0-H7Cc_O1cvg0gDKscVgq-FXMJI2IWUG4sPc7pvkkdZ6kO_ASDt-s_6nTRKFiVbs/s320/IMG_0592.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came
across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney. </span><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney that had torn away from a cabin’s roof. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc51W_aTT0r67CiEPsQ1QKgf-WD9ybjoADSve7XZPw8hEe0IjSWqcvU-gbtURjJpyvLGYSjP6ElBXsMYnZLBeQatq-_-VYbUGKFhuiIfibz8pu8QnpFRYIVlQkXLbeXBa3DJCP7eCCFxw/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc51W_aTT0r67CiEPsQ1QKgf-WD9ybjoADSve7XZPw8hEe0IjSWqcvU-gbtURjJpyvLGYSjP6ElBXsMYnZLBeQatq-_-VYbUGKFhuiIfibz8pu8QnpFRYIVlQkXLbeXBa3DJCP7eCCFxw/s320/IMG_0596.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 21.4667px;">The damage in both instances had </span><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney. </span><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Last week while checking a few unoccupied cabins, I came across a partially collapsed roof over a hot tub and a framed-in chimney that had torn away from a cabin’s roof. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQr7yVlSXy7Rj87PbElDQFFz3vV3-z4pr3qnqdr3IasuDojLOV4CBxSCGAIwW1knve3e0_bwoFk35zUnq4SIE-NuQeWhYdpTFWeHYb5hnqY_ARoSJgc5Wpp04ZCdS99uf1qOIpewbT3Ig/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQr7yVlSXy7Rj87PbElDQFFz3vV3-z4pr3qnqdr3IasuDojLOV4CBxSCGAIwW1knve3e0_bwoFk35zUnq4SIE-NuQeWhYdpTFWeHYb5hnqY_ARoSJgc5Wpp04ZCdS99uf1qOIpewbT3Ig/s320/IMG_0599.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Living in Island Park year-round provides a unique
opportunity to witness the stress that winter inflicts on building in the
caldera. Shopping for properties in Island Park usually occurs in the summer
months. The area presents itself as a forested paradise, with no hint of the
harsh winter months ahead. Cabins are built or purchased without consideration
of snow-load, ice dams, snow removal or other equally important realities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The newly-purchased cabin is enjoyed until Labor Day and
then winterized. The owners return in the late spring to find that the cabin
has been damaged and in need of repairs. It is far less expensive and
emotionally draining to make arrangements with local residents to watch after
the unattended cabin during the off-seasons and report any possible problems.
Quick action can avoid or limit damage to the structures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the summer months, local contractors can also
evaluate a property and suggest any changes that may help the structure winter
safely. Prevention is always the cheapest way to deal with the caldera’s
winters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Island Park has its own set of unique challenges and the
sooner one familiarizes oneself with them, the more enjoyable the stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-73677161744345336282016-04-14T08:17:00.001-06:002016-04-14T08:17:40.227-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Trails are Not Ready *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBGa_MfW21z5QQniFhTEkxMQ4bRkOjypwxLt3XxlpX69mQJatjHNPDmBVi_1Ekxj2hSh8qHpwFUDE9JxEqLqk3SAXtHK2hd9F807-vHU7MSNIMKoL-4lmj4Rhq-YhjgcesGyMw4ObMpI/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBGa_MfW21z5QQniFhTEkxMQ4bRkOjypwxLt3XxlpX69mQJatjHNPDmBVi_1Ekxj2hSh8qHpwFUDE9JxEqLqk3SAXtHK2hd9F807-vHU7MSNIMKoL-4lmj4Rhq-YhjgcesGyMw4ObMpI/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
know that many are jonesing for some ATV action with the disintegration of the
snow pac. The snowmobile trails are mushy and will not accommodate wheeled
vehicles yet. Be patient and save yourself a hike. </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-67085598217854294342016-04-14T08:14:00.000-06:002016-04-14T08:14:09.032-06:00The Circle of Life Continues …..<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last week Sheri’s mother, Linda Knutson passed away.
While not unexpected, her death was not anticipated. Sheri’s relationship with
her mother, like my relationship with my father was distant prior to their
passing. Life begins and ends on its own terms. We are just along for the ride.
The ride includes joy, sadness, accomplishments and regrets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The relationships we cultivate can be the source of our
greatest fulfillment. Unfortunately all relationships do not enjoy equal
success. Like seeds, they sprout and bloom. Without maintenance and care, they
can wither and die. Some of those we love follow paths that lead them away from
us. Expressing a bond to loved ones who have isolated themselves, while hoping
for reunification feels like standing on uneven ground. The more invested you are in a relationship;
the more pain must be endured when things are stretched thin. I have
experienced both joy of a successful reunification and the disappointment of
complete detachment from a loved one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Island Park has given Sheri and me a beautiful setting
to cultivate the relationships that we hold so dear. The caldera also provides
a little bait to hook the grandkids into a little non-electronic bonding time. Floating down Box Canyon or Big Springs,
hiking along the Henry’s Fork or sitting around the campfire burning
marshmallows give us the opportunity to express our interest in those we love. Island
Park has also given us opportunities to develop wonderful relationships with
many residents of the high country. For those opportunities we are truly
grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all live with the regret of relationships not
salvaged. I choose to look back on those relationships and relive the good
times that we shared. Focusing on the negative is neither healthy nor
productive. I am grateful for the time that someone has shared with me, no
matter how fleeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-34699910812524206902016-04-06T15:32:00.000-06:002016-04-06T15:32:09.938-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Mud Season Cooking *<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9xzvzMFzwBvUvTmvHH06Qn0X7pznDkoYqIUt-5I_FmdZLn26a0mM5BCqgZ4WnM1nleoqh-5gtXHfo-fTageJn0aq1AbPuG3ejNScuQ1UarudzlysUiN2GrnFVPicYeeFtOHFuA7RKas/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9xzvzMFzwBvUvTmvHH06Qn0X7pznDkoYqIUt-5I_FmdZLn26a0mM5BCqgZ4WnM1nleoqh-5gtXHfo-fTageJn0aq1AbPuG3ejNScuQ1UarudzlysUiN2GrnFVPicYeeFtOHFuA7RKas/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
the arrival of mud season comes the limited opportunities to eat out. It is a
great time to explore a few new recipes that you have yet to try.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-19341147271649738492016-04-06T15:29:00.000-06:002016-04-06T15:29:30.693-06:00I Almost Forgot What Dirt Looked Like<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The spring and mud season has kicked into high gear
after a few early fits and starts. Daytime temperatures are forecast to exceed
fifty degrees on a regular basis mixed with occasional rain showers signals the
demise of the white blanket that has covered the caldera for the past six
months. With the demise of the snow on the horizon comes the list of jobs to be
accomplished before next fall’s snow arrives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first items on the list revolve around cleaning up from
winter’s embrace. Shoveling snow from items long buried whose usefulness has
grown with the appearance of dirt and channeling the runoff away from buildings.
Rounding up broken pine boughs and cleaning up after dogs after six months of
snow hiding the chore not done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hope to recover tools dropped in the snow over the
winter increases as the snow level drops. Perhaps most of all, the projects that
were either unfinished or not yet begun begin to move to the “To DO” list.
There are the spring projects like removing trees and stumps while the soil is
moist. Late spring brings with it the beginning of construction work; the
mid-summer schedule includes roof repair and logging firewood. In five months,
hunting season begins and the year’s projects must be completed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But for now there is a lull while the ground is not
ready for the real work to commence, giving us a little calm before the storm. That
is one of my favorite aspects of mud season. The other part of spring that I relish
is witnessing the slow unveiling of the forest floor. It is a friend that I
have missed for half a year and I have looked forward to our reunion. The loss
of each foot of snow increases my anticipation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Witnessing the renewal of forest is an experience not
enjoyed by many. I consider myself lucky to be able to share this experience with
my wife and friends. We are blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-8102011945091601072016-03-30T13:14:00.002-06:002016-03-30T13:14:59.814-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * we still have snow *<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5v8aYholc7wz5ZMDTgQvjrmIrurwEZKebWWmfoqsGJalWBjMoFrF1CZYObn49DdhLt7ED75kKf4xAXQ7kpPXhMGlaHjkLJLwvgiyyb0Xwu6f9UTeV626CbRBJaRndIMhZDBc79ZpqgA/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5v8aYholc7wz5ZMDTgQvjrmIrurwEZKebWWmfoqsGJalWBjMoFrF1CZYObn49DdhLt7ED75kKf4xAXQ7kpPXhMGlaHjkLJLwvgiyyb0Xwu6f9UTeV626CbRBJaRndIMhZDBc79ZpqgA/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While
the daytime temperatures are predicted to climb into the 50’s, it’s is
premature to start calling about campground openings. We still have four feet
of snow and it will take a while to melt! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-43849501457934842842016-03-30T13:12:00.000-06:002016-03-30T13:12:02.193-06:00Spring Ushers in the Political Silly Season<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The arrival of spring brings with it the increasingly
intense political drama associated with the presidential primaries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let us review the current state of affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Donald Trump became furious when a third-rate new super
pac in Utah published an ad on-line containing a tasteful nude photo of Trump’s
wife. The photo was taken by a fashion magazine for international distribution
during Mrs. Trump’s modeling career. The Donald focused his anger at the photo’s
publication into an attack on the looks and mental health of Ted Cruz’s wife. Ted
Cruz responded by denying any association with the super pac and calling Trump
a coward for attacking Ted’s wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Donald Trump’s campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was
charged in Jupiter, Florida with misdemeanor battery after an altercation with
a young female reporter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Halfway through the primary, Governor John Kasich has
won only a single state (Ohio, his home state) and has deluded himself into
thinking that he can win the contest. His rationale is that since he is the son
of a lowly postal carrier and his story is too important to be overlooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the Democrat side of the isle, Bernie Sanders, a
self-proclaimed socialist has actually been finding a large constituency within
the party. Despite a nineteen trillion
dollar national debt, his proposals of free college and other social spending
are attractive to many who find their opportunities limited. A small bird
landed on his podium a week ago and many took it as a sign that he was anointed
to accede to the presidency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hillary Clinton has amassed enough “super delegates” to
assure her nomination despite being regularly beaten by Bernie. While campaigning,
she is under investigation by over 150 FBI agents for maintaining classified
information on a private server in her New York residence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While this drama was going on, the president was
attending a baseball game in Cuba with the Castros and dancing the tango in
Argentina. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a writer submitted these events as an outline for a
soap opera, the concept would be rejected as too unbelievable to green-light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-59709920749544982502016-03-24T02:43:00.000-06:002016-03-24T02:43:42.858-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * I wish the weather would decide *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUASXeqNXtMDJ3LbFPvvAfqzpKDtOyuk1KWPgDPH-5MOTgQXUNUSitutX4LVq3Yedhv194Wc68vG__g1NdekxTM5jkz-NtWkyv8YrtgiU7MEhPOE6YrFy7joNOna_QBeL1eHwZ6xNmM0/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUASXeqNXtMDJ3LbFPvvAfqzpKDtOyuk1KWPgDPH-5MOTgQXUNUSitutX4LVq3Yedhv194Wc68vG__g1NdekxTM5jkz-NtWkyv8YrtgiU7MEhPOE6YrFy7joNOna_QBeL1eHwZ6xNmM0/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
wish that the weather would decide what it is doing! The roads are too dry to
ride my sled up to the trails and there is too much snow to start any of my
spring projects.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-38266693838563855872016-03-24T02:41:00.002-06:002016-03-24T09:53:32.204-06:00Heavy Traffic on a Lonely River<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently a friend who owns a cabin on the bank of the
Henry’s Fork, told me about a critter that had been living in his cabin’s
attic. The unwelcome guest was leaving a pungent odor that permeated the entire
structure, much to the displeasure of summer guests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My friend, Ron “Beaver” Hay and I took up the challenge
to rid the cabin of this annoyance. Our first mission was to scout out the
scene, determine the identity of the offender and form a plan of attack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ascending the cabin’s attic stairs, we recognized the
musky scent of a member of the weasel family. The droppings clustered in the
corners confirmed our suspicions. All evidence pointed to a mink or pine marten
using the space between the interior walls to gain access to his penthouse. Checking
the exterior of the cabin, we found an active burrow under the front porch that
provided the animal access under the cabin and allowing him a path up the
interior wall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beaver and I began our attack. First, we set a trail
camera that would monitor the burrow entrance under the porch. Second, we set a
live trap in the attic baited with part of a frozen squirrel. Luckily I keep a
squirrel in our freezer for such situations, but then … doesn’t everyone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The first week the trap was empty but we did pick up a
couple photos of a mink and a squirrel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There were a lot of moose and marten tracks around the
cabin as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Later we got photos of an otter, a fox and more squirrels.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4nh-pxiD0PmNVYIz27ESXDeY1yJanJRaJjzDX_LrTgUVzVJ0kdlcSA13yySyr5JPPgjcqRKJGdCRUcPwUNliUzRwaWkIalJoX5kFdt9oirxiwj9q1CI5FWWlfFA1-qx7AuprRTDKiIY/s1600/MFDC2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4nh-pxiD0PmNVYIz27ESXDeY1yJanJRaJjzDX_LrTgUVzVJ0kdlcSA13yySyr5JPPgjcqRKJGdCRUcPwUNliUzRwaWkIalJoX5kFdt9oirxiwj9q1CI5FWWlfFA1-qx7AuprRTDKiIY/s320/MFDC2686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last week I checked the trap and found that a large mink had sought to dine on a meal of squirrel in the cabin’s attic. The
uninvited guest was removed from the premise without incident.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was amazed while conducting this task at the variety
of wildlife active in the immediate vicinity of the cabin. Some animals looking
for shelter in or under the cabin. Other critters were looking to feed on the
sheltering animals. Despite the apparent loneliness of the Henry’s Fork in
winter, there is a bustling world of animal activity to see if you take the
time to look.</span></div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-5560217705993985742016-03-16T14:11:00.000-06:002016-03-16T14:11:07.212-06:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Fremont County Awards EMT and Deputy for Heroism *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTCZtN0-XBx_W6yqHPjSejgbwWJvWslQhhuCrNmlfiL8FiKPEPL3nTQmMS_J-agk_mhbhTZg5FY2uH6bMayIG3zs4tXIJtoCuNDdAhzqJFLBfRan-3x5cgo6KabdCJUJSwMiwDyg-fB4/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTCZtN0-XBx_W6yqHPjSejgbwWJvWslQhhuCrNmlfiL8FiKPEPL3nTQmMS_J-agk_mhbhTZg5FY2uH6bMayIG3zs4tXIJtoCuNDdAhzqJFLBfRan-3x5cgo6KabdCJUJSwMiwDyg-fB4/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fremont
County EMT Greg Walker and Fremont County Deputy Tom Smith received
commendations from the Fremont County Commissioners for their heroic efforts in
rescuing the children buried under a roof slide-off at Mack’s Inn on February
26<sup>th</sup>. Two seven-year-old
girls were revived and saved. Two year old Halle Merrill succumbed to her
injuries despite everyone’s best efforts.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-68952636805154671682016-03-16T14:07:00.000-06:002016-03-16T14:07:58.731-06:00EMS Services Receive Gift from Fugowee Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5bd0jbZ53tu8nKU_Q6VVJzDTtT3ygguEfQjiwi565APDFEk1mxCu4Qu25Wd6TrbE9I7Mb8TzcE87Y2Ux8iqnDd3GikzU6knIXMQPs5-P1j4oiZ3nM-tBfKjx1gp2p3c-3LKyT8SO2JY/s1600/DSC05115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5bd0jbZ53tu8nKU_Q6VVJzDTtT3ygguEfQjiwi565APDFEk1mxCu4Qu25Wd6TrbE9I7Mb8TzcE87Y2Ux8iqnDd3GikzU6knIXMQPs5-P1j4oiZ3nM-tBfKjx1gp2p3c-3LKyT8SO2JY/s640/DSC05115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last week the Fugowee Snowmobile Club presented the
Fremont County EMS personnel with a new covered ATV trailer and a heater for
the covered extraction sled. The nine thousand dollar donation was the result
of coordinated efforts of the Fugowee Club and the Friends of the Library. Great
job to all those involved and “Thank You” to the dedicated EMS personnel. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbgYOi8-vkNUS5MY-NhmSfzd6kI57xRXNLpzZqVUgK-WTib7IZyBivQ1pRtmZ9KzZVZCAQFoSUEW8nRGTaLoIdgdVJ2G-H0DTEwPiFoim8vAXmyFvXEmABgu8OsMOJDItFFSUG8Bk7hI/s1600/DSC05117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbgYOi8-vkNUS5MY-NhmSfzd6kI57xRXNLpzZqVUgK-WTib7IZyBivQ1pRtmZ9KzZVZCAQFoSUEW8nRGTaLoIdgdVJ2G-H0DTEwPiFoim8vAXmyFvXEmABgu8OsMOJDItFFSUG8Bk7hI/s640/DSC05117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-77954659823608968432016-03-16T13:54:00.000-06:002016-03-16T13:54:42.973-06:00Slush is Clean Mud<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As daytime temperatures in the caldera consistently
hover above freezing, the snow begins to melt. Slush is simply the transition
from snow to mud. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Unlike the snow in the
valleys, the snow does not disappear like the truth during a political
campaign. The snow softens and condenses into a heavy slush that freezes at
night and thaws by day. Adding to the slush are weekly additions of wet snow
which actually increases the depth of the slog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Driving through mountain slush is just as difficult as
driving through mud. Your vehicle sinks in it, traction is impossible and if
you hit a deep spot, your vehicle comes to an abrupt halt. Walking in it is
just as difficult. After sinking down to your knees, your efforts to extricate
your foot from each step results in your boot getting almost sucked off of your
foot. The only advantage to slush over mud is your feet are cleaner when you extricate
them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no way to navigate around slush. It is too
heavy to remove with a snow blower. You can’t dig a path through it because the
semi-liquid immediately fills in any hole as it’s made. One accepts that the slush
wade is inevitable for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With the arrival of mud season is the certainty that the
appearance of the ground is not far behind. With the change comes the
anticipation that projects postponed for six months can begin. Objects that
were dropped in the snow many moons ago suddenly reappear. Snow machines replace
the ATVs at the rear of the garage as their owners anticipate the opening of
the trails. After seven months of white, it will be nice to see green again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-5399124659804614432016-03-08T11:39:00.001-07:002016-03-08T11:39:22.904-07:00Fremont County Unveils Proposal to Reorganize Island Park Landfill<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The February 25, 2016, the Island Park City Council
meeting hosted a presentation by Brandon Harris, Public Works Director for
Fremont County. Mr. Harris offered an alternative model of operation for the
local landfill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He proposed the following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Landfill
assessments for property owners would be reduced below the rates in place
before this year’s 150% increase </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Scales
would be installed and fees assessed by weight. Residents’ regular household
garbage (approx. 3-5 bags) would be accepted for a modest per trip fee of one
to two dollars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Recycle
materials would be dropped off prior to any loads being weighed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> A
transfer station for household garbage would be installed and utilized from
fall through spring. Brandon advised that during times of low utilization, the
soil used to cover the household waste daily fills the garbage pit faster that
the trash. This adjustment will extend the use of the landfill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This
plan will require a modest expansion of the current landfill. Talks are
currently underway with the Forest Service regarding this proposal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Harris also announced that 13.2 miles of
Yale-Kilgore Road from Elk Creek to Key Springs is slated for improvement in
2018. This includes a complete resurface of the roadway and the construction of
an ATV/snowmobile trail along the entire roadway, with the exception of McCrea
Bridge. The trail will be wide enough for a groomer to maintain in winter. This
project has been made possible by a six million dollar grant that was secured
by Fremont County. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The efforts by Fremont County to address the needs of
the Island Park community and its visitors are welcome and constructive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-6227177976157375232016-03-08T11:34:00.001-07:002016-03-08T11:34:19.660-07:00Cries of Grief Echo across the Caldera<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Two tragedies rocked Island Park last week. Thursday
evening Ronald “RJ” Cardwell was killed when the Jeep he was driving south on
Highway 20 near Riverside Campground crossed the center line and was struck by
an oncoming semi-truck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">RJ was the owner of Pond’s Lodge. He purchased the
iconic property and undertook the enormous project of updating the business.
During a time when many of the aging log commercial buildings have been
abandoned and left to rot, RJ threw himself into making the Pond’s Lodge into a
modern and attractive business. The enormous Pine Tree adorned with Christmas
lights that stands in front of Pond’s is a reminder of the gift that RJ left to
the caldera. He will be missed but his mark on the community will endure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Less than 24 hours later the roof of a cabin located on
the north side of the Henry’s Fork at Mack’s Inn slid, trapping three young
girls. The two 7 year old children and a two year old were buried under seven feet of
snow. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and assisted family members in
digging out the children. All three were unconscious when uncovered, stabilized
and flown to local hospitals. The two-year-old Halle Merrill succumbed to her
injuries despite the efforts of all involved. Halle’s sister and cousin were
hospitalized at EIRMC’s pediatric unit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The weight of this tragedy was born by residents
throughout Island Park. The joy of a snowy vacation at grandpa’s cabin suddenly
turning into the horrific loss of one’s baby in the blink of an eye is
everyone’s worst nightmare. As the Merrill family copes with their reality, it
breaks our collective heart. A FUNDLY page has been set up to help the parents,
Chris and Cindy Merrill with the costs of this tragedy. It can be accessed at: </span><a href="https://fundly.com/halle-merrill"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://fundly.com/halle-merrill#</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is the hope of Sheri and me those who are grieving
may find comfort in some small way by the love and prayers of those who reside
in Island Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-67336994076766867152016-03-08T11:28:00.001-07:002016-03-08T11:28:07.386-07:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Mountain Hazards * <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ceruBSqYzfH7y8VtSZjEcUatURKZSwGOvtyec_6vwdbg5VvtPkkSEjw_KnLpx8tiz25eUz_AqmlnxZ7WHXWjHI1uAJ-M9GnZMGp3-zn7SciQu9FXGh9gS-Nq1gyXNZ0DVmepZLgSuMo/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ceruBSqYzfH7y8VtSZjEcUatURKZSwGOvtyec_6vwdbg5VvtPkkSEjw_KnLpx8tiz25eUz_AqmlnxZ7WHXWjHI1uAJ-M9GnZMGp3-zn7SciQu9FXGh9gS-Nq1gyXNZ0DVmepZLgSuMo/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The serenity of the mountains masks the dangers that it
harbors. Please be cautious and feel free to as residents about the inherent
hazards of the caldera. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907862060060777988.post-67254390310219716032016-03-08T11:22:00.001-07:002016-03-08T11:22:32.713-07:00Yellowstone Country Safety * Icy Parking Lots *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ceruBSqYzfH7y8VtSZjEcUatURKZSwGOvtyec_6vwdbg5VvtPkkSEjw_KnLpx8tiz25eUz_AqmlnxZ7WHXWjHI1uAJ-M9GnZMGp3-zn7SciQu9FXGh9gS-Nq1gyXNZ0DVmepZLgSuMo/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ceruBSqYzfH7y8VtSZjEcUatURKZSwGOvtyec_6vwdbg5VvtPkkSEjw_KnLpx8tiz25eUz_AqmlnxZ7WHXWjHI1uAJ-M9GnZMGp3-zn7SciQu9FXGh9gS-Nq1gyXNZ0DVmepZLgSuMo/s1600/P1020875+%25284%2529+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The snow is melting during the day and freezing at night.
The parking lots and driveways are very icy as a result. Wear shoes with heavy
treads and be cautious. Performing a face-plant on the ice is painful! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940986095094047717noreply@blogger.com0