As a wild year of political vitriol, anxiety and division wimpers to a highly anticipated end, there has been one thing that’s pushed me to continue forward, strengthened my bond with family and kept me in contact with friends on all corners of the county — football.

Last week the Big Horn Basin received the news that the Big Horn Cooperative Marketing Association would be closing many of its retail stores including Worland’s farm store. The tire shop had closed in September without any official notification.

The news was somewhat of a gut punch, similar to when we heard that Shopko would be closing.

Dear Editor, 

Our homes are ablaze with Christmas lights as we celebrate Christmas. But, the question needs to be asked. What are we celebrating? Is it Christ’s birthday or a pagan celebration of selfish acquisition, hatred and tribal exclusion. Do his values permeate Christmas? 

The Platte Valley and Carbon County have been uniquely blessed with its fair share of do-ers, people who roll up their sleeves and make something happen rather than waiting for something to happen.

This weekend gave a prime example of what do-ers can do.

There is a popular and strongly held belief running through American society these days that we are a nation divided, a people torn asunder.

To a certain degree it’s certainly true. I have lamented that condition in this very space numerous times that we are a nation of grievance and retaliation. And when you look at national politics, that notion certainly rings true, especially during a presidential election year.

I’m not much of a religious person, which is probably not surprising considering my generation. Only about 49% of millennials, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 2020 and 2021, identify as Christian.