Serving the Platte Valley since 1888
Serving the Platte Valley since 1888
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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...
Last week, my son finished the 2nd grade. We counted down the days with him until school was finished. On Wednesday morning, I hugged my son a little tighter while we were waiting for the bus. Last week, 21 lives in Uvalde, Texas were snuffed out with just two days left in their school year. Nineteen young children—all of them in 4th grade—and two teachers were murdered. All of them were in the same classroom. Seventeen others were injured before the shooter, an 18-year-old high school stu...
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald This weekend, the seniors of Carbon County School District No. 2 will walk into their respective schools for the final time as students and walk out as graduates. Among this year’s graduates, we have future teachers, linemen, nurses and mechanics. If there is one thing I would impart to the Class of 2022—or any graduating class for that matter—it would be this; do not be afraid to fail. This may seem a generic bit of ad... Full story
Holy cow, where do I start? I have been writing these “advice to graduate” columns for almost four decades and each year some of the main points remain constant. For example, go find some mentors. Also, if you fail, move on. You are young – that can be your advantage. And so on. But this year? It has taken me a few weeks to put this message together. We are living in the strangest times. At my current age, I could never have imagined living through a worldwide pandemic that killed 1 million Americans. Or watch as Russia pounds a perfectly innoc...
With school finishing up and the weather getting warm summer is preparing to make an appearance in The Valley. I wouldn’t say the busiest time of year, yet there’s certainly a lot of fun to be had. The nice weather can make just about anyone want to get outside. Lemonade stands are popping up all over the valley and late spring sports are in full swing. Exciting activities are some of the best parts of summer. Outdoor recipes are also one fun way to spend summer. Who doesn’t love the smell...
I came across the two pack DVD movie special recently that was so cheap I couldn’t really pass it up. One movie I had not seen and the other had been many years ago. The combo pack was the two versions of Red Dawn. The first movie came out in 1984 and had a lot of young stars that hit it big later. The 2012 version had a lot of good young stars in it too. If you don’t know the premise of the movie, a foreign country attacks the United States. Not the entire country is taken over, but some par...
Editor, I recently read an article from your paper regarding the explosions at Number 1 mine in Hanna in 1903 and 1908. I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry at the mention of donkeys pulling the loaded mine carts out of the mine. Perhaps you should educate Messrs Armstrong and Leathers about the different between donkeys and mules. Please do not use the term quadruped since that may add even more confusion. As a founding member of the Hanna Historical Society and a person who lost family members in the 1908 explosion I have to ask why the...