Serving the Platte Valley since 1888
Serving the Platte Valley since 1888
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Dear Editor The Climate Change story written by Ezra Boileau is supported by Wyoming’ Established Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCOR) and the National Science Foundation. Tell us how and whom this grant is administered. I suspect the Democratic Party and left-wing activists are in the link - and the writer says it isn’t political? Human caused Climate change is a major issue of the Green New Deal left. They muddle the argument by boxing recognition that climate does change and blaming humans for it in the same category to confuse...
This being my first editorial I thought I should write something thought provoking, delving deep into the complexities of human nature. A narrative that would motivate as well as energize those who read it. Instead, I decided to talk about dogs. Those of us that have owned dogs, know of their unconditional love, emotional support and constant cuddles. Many of us have cried tears of pain and joy into a furry little neck, or called on our canine companion to walk outside in the dark with us...
The other day I found a Rush CD when I was looking for something to listen to . It had been a gift from my buddy and former boss Keith McLendon. I put it on and had a blast of the past as I remembered him giving me this compilation CD of his favorite group. He had done it because I had told him one day, I didn’t really care for the group. It had been my ex-wife’s favorite band and I guess there was a little bit of bias against the band because of that. Plus honestly, I just never got why eve...
When I lived in Taiwan back in the early 2000s my parents were terrified the thousands of missiles pointed at the island would one day take their only son out. I was never scared because I knew America had a commitment to keep the Chinese from invading. Also the island of Taiwan is like an aircraft carrier sitting out in the Pacific Ocean and would be very difficult to invade without serious losses for an opposing army. I lived in Taiwan as China started to really open up to the world. The...
This is my last column with the Saratoga Sun. Next week, my byline will no longer appear in these pages and my name will no longer be on the list of employees on page four. It’s a bittersweet moment as I think back to the first time I walked through the door of the Saratoga Sun as an employee in January 2018. In some ways, it has felt like the Sun was part of the family considering the years my mother, Liz Wood, put into this publication before she, too, went on to other adventures. When I f...
As expected, my identically titled column from the June 30 paper was met with some criticism and I appreciate the feedback. In this column, I want to discuss Greenhouse Gases and how they impact our atmosphere and thus, our climate. Global Warming Potential There are several classes of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) contributing to climate change on different levels. These classes are Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and Industrial Gases (Hydrofluorocarbons, Perfluorocarbons, Sulfur hexafluoride and Nitrogen trifluoride)....
Editor, Rebuttal to Rebuttal, re: “Says Science Isn’t Settled”. It concerns me that the letter-writer advises people not to “be scared into wasting time worrying about some things humans have no control of”. I am not going to make the argument that much of climate change is caused by human activity—it IS and there is an abundance of information that can be found on websites such as NASA and NOAA that explain. Independent scientists from all over the world have reached this conclusion. We humans DO have a lot of control over what happens to...
Editor, On the outside, Saratoga may appear as just another small town for travelers passing through, but locals and visitors who have experienced what this incredible place can offer know that it is so much more. In fact, within Saratoga lies a true gem, one that brings locals and visitors together by undergoing the natural, healing powers of the Saratoga Hot Springs. Since the beginning, when Native Americans felt the springs held a therapeutic use, Saratoga’s rich history has revolved quite a bit around the same waters we enjoy today. So m...
The times we live in aren’t easy. I guess every generation says something like this and they really believe it. With a major war going on in Europe and China looking like it is clamping down in Asia, it sometimes becomes hard for me to be optimistic about the present state of the world and for the future. There are a lot of bad people out there. Fortunately, the other day, I was reminded there are a lot of good, helpful folk out there too. Sometimes it is hard to remember this. Last week, I w...
Dear Editor, Thank you for “A Note From the Intern” piece on climate change. I agree that the science isn’t settled and offer this rebuttal to the idea that humans are causing major climate change because of industrial activity. The theory blames Greenhouse Gases, CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and water vapor. CO2 has risen to roughly 400 parts per million molecules in atmosphere or 4 in 10,000 molecules. Methane and Nitrous Oxide are nearly undetectable. Contract that with water vapor—ranging from invisible density at low relative humidit...
Before we jump into addressing climate change misconceptions, I want to make known that I am not trying to attack anyone’s personal beliefs or opinions about climate change. The misconceptions addressed in this column are some of the most common I have heard, though there are many others that exist. The statements I will be addressing will be written in bold font, with the explanation written below. Is it global warming or climate change? The answer is both. These terms are commonly used interchangeably—which can cause quite a bit of con...
As we draw ever closer to Wyoming’s primary elections, the term “crossover voting” is on the tongues of Republicans and Democrats alike. For those who are unaware, crossover voting is when someone casts a ballot who is not a member of their political party. In states such as Wyoming, where we have closed primaries, it involves an additional step in which a person must fill out paperwork—often at the election polls on the day of the election—to switch parties. Anecdotally, it has often been Demo...
Dear Editor, Before social media, the best way to for organizations to promote local events was through posters hung in the windows of businesses. Fred Williams volunteered to deliver these posters on his daily round about town. One day, Freddie and I were visiting, and he said, “Thanks for the donuts.” I was left wondering what he meant. A few days later, it dawned on me. Years ago, I asked Freddy to deliver some posters for Soroptimist. I was so grateful, I bought Freddie a gift certificate to the donut shop so he could get a donut with his...
To the Editor of the Saratoga Sun, We recently visited your lovely valley and were so pleased to find two museums of such depth. We are both history fiends and visit every museum and historical site we can. Both the Saratoga Museum and the GEM were quite impressive especially considering how small the population is. We are full time RVers and visit many small towns across the country. It never ceases to amaze us at the enthusiasm and energy of the seniors in these little villages. Maybe it’s the small town attitude, the air or in the water, b...
The first time in Australia convinced me. I needed to spend more time in the land down under. My plan was to work a summer in Wyoming, which the Hotel Wolf granted, and then head back to land of kangaroos. That summer in Wyoming had me so happy, I bought a townhouse in Saratoga just before the summer ended. I was still determined to complete my goal of living in Australia again, and rented out the Togie home knowing I would be back in a year or so. I had been content in Brisbane my first go...
My name is Ezra Boileau, and I am a summer intern with the Saratoga Sun. While the newness of this position makes me nothing short of green, I am excited for the opportunity to meet people and gain journalism experience under the guidance of Josh Wood. I hail from the rolling green hills of central Kentucky, just south of Lexington. Growing up there was a unique thing, as it was an odd mixture of urban, suburban and rural horse pasture, all within a twenty minute drive of my front door. I had never felt like a Kentuckian, even though it’s w...
Last week, Saratoga lost yet another person who was a long-time fixture of the area. In my experience, there were very few people who didn’t know Fred “Freddie” Williams. It was never difficult to spot him as he made his way around town, with a cup of coffee in one hand. He was, in a way, the one-man welcoming committee of Saratoga. I think you could truly feel you were welcomed to town if you crossed paths with him. My first experience with Freddie was way back in 1999. My parents had just...
Recently I have been watching the Australian TV show “Roar” that was filmed during 1997-99 in Queensland. I was a bit surprised when I found the DVD series because I didn’t know the show had any viewers in the States. In a way it makes sense. It was Heath Ledger’s first starring role and I think he was 21 then. I was living in Australia when the show was on Australian prime time TV. I barely remember watching it. However, watching the show now and seeing Queensland scenery has blasted me back...
A lovely time of year in Wyoming is when the lilac bushes are in full bloom. The smell is intoxicating and the Valley becomes vibrant in colorful flowers. The common lilac can grow in multiple growing zones, making it a hardy shrub. They need very little care to survive and can withstand temperatures of even -40 degrees fahrenheit in winter months. This makes it a perfect shub for the harsh Wyoming growing seasons. Though not a native North American plant they are often found near abandoned...