As the Park County Fair begins this week featuring the annual traditions its known for — pig mud wrestling, the junior livestock sale, carnival rides, exhibits, performances and the demolition derby — some important elements are missing this year.

Father, daughter ride from Pennsylvania to Wyoming

Just consider this bicycle trip by the numbers:

A six-week journey covering more than 2,400 miles, bicycling a minimum of 14 hours a day, averaging 65 miles each day, encountering heat above 100 degrees, facing wind gusts of more than 40 mph — at age 80.

Father, daughter ride from Pennsylvania to Wyoming

Just consider this bicycle trip by the numbers:

A six-week journey covering more than 2,400 miles, bicycling a minimum of 14 hours a day, averaging 65 miles each day, encountering heat above 100 degrees, facing wind gusts of more than 40 mph — at age 80.

Park County residents haven’t approved a 1-cent sales tax proposal since 2006, but they’ve heard plenty of pitches in recent years.

Last year, local leaders talked about a temporary 1-cent capital facilities sales tax to pay for landfill transitions, such as a Powell transfer station, but the idea never made it to the ballot. Last August, voters did consider a $14.2 million tax proposal for West Park Hospital’s renovations, but they overwhelmingly defeated the measure with 67.7 percent of county voters opposed to the tax and only 32.3 percent in favor.

Council rejects social hosting ordinance

Should local residents face criminal penalties if they knowingly host a party where young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 consume alcohol or drugs?

The Powell City Council is split 2-5 on its answer to that question.

Delisting may be in sight for wolves in Wyoming

In the near future, management of Wyoming’s wolves should be exactly where it belongs — in the hands of the state.

During discussions last week, state and U.S. officials said they expect to publish a ruling by September detailing how to end federal protections for wolves in Wyoming and allow state management.

Wagner seizure-free since brain surgery

Just days after undergoing brain surgery to remove a benign tumor, Zach Wagner did what no one expected so soon: He came home.

Prior to the June 17 surgery in Arizona, doctors told Zach that, under the best case scenario, he would go home after two to four weeks. Instead, Zach was en route to Powell just four days after surgery.

Not all that long ago, a pencil and notebook were standard classroom necessities and, in the context of school, an “apple” simply illustrated the letter “A.” No more.

Pencils and paper will be used less, and Apples will take on a new meaning this fall as Powell students use Apple iPads to read, write and learn in new ways.

Other special requests funded

Following a public hearing devoid of any comments from the public, the Powell City Council on Monday unanimously approved a $16.69 million budget encompassing all the city’s anticipated expenses and revenue for the new fiscal year beginning July 1.

Following a wet spring that dampened golf course revenues, Powell Golf Club board members on Monday asked the Powell City Council for an additional $5,000 from the current fiscal year’s budget, which ends June 30. The new fiscal year budget, which will provide $60,000 for the golf course, takes effect July 1. (See related budget story.)