The three Republican candidates who want to lead the Wyoming Department of Education all took their children out of public schools at some point.

Jillian Balow, Sheryl Lain and Bill Winney said during a forum in Cody last month that they would support more discussions and research into education vouchers for Wyoming families who choose an alternative option.

A green light unexpectedly turned yellow when a group of county officials decided to reconsider their decision to expand the Powell school district to include Yellowstone National Park.

The county, along with local school officials, had previously given the expansion a green light, and we applauded them for that.

The reality of epilepsy forced Susan Rand to live a secluded life. For years, she rarely went to a public place alone.

“I would never go to the grocery store by myself. I would never wander away from my husband or daughter or son when we’d go somewhere,” Rand said. “Because if something happened, people want to help, but there’s really nothing they can do.”

Steady growth among Powell’s youngest students may soon cause crowded classrooms. If current population trends continue, a fourth elementary school may be needed in Powell within the next five years, according to Powell school officials.

However, it’s possible that elementary enrollment numbers — which commonly fluctuate — could level off.

Eight employees who have worked a collective 209 years at Park County School District No. 1 retired this year.

The Powell school board recognized the retirees at its meeting May 13.

“We have a lot of staff that have been here a long time,” said Rob McCray, the board chairman.

Everyday, we depend on the Powell Volunteer Fire Department to put out fires. On one day each year, we expect them to start some.

On July 4, firefighters faithfully light fireworks that explode in the sky and commemorate Independence Day. It’s a tradition Powell firemen have carried on for decades.

But now it’s time to pass the torch.

Teens from around the Cowboy State are beginning their summer with lessons on American government, citizenship and patriotism during the 72nd session of the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.

Section of old PHS renovated as main structure is demolished  

More walls keep tumbling down at the old Powell High School as demolition of the three-story section progresses.

Demolition will continue for a couple more weeks. Folks can drive by to watch the progress and say goodbye to the 57-year-old building.

Hanlin, Wetzel named co-valedictorians  

In Powell’s early days, when the landscape was mostly barren and homesteaders were just beginning to settle here, Powell High School started in 1914.

Powell had just become an official town five years earlier. Eight students graduated from the first class of Powell High School, then a one-room school.

Park County Boundary Board to consider change  

Kids from Mammoth Hot Springs will likely never sit in Powell classrooms, but they may soon be part of the Powell school district.