First hunt under way, state should maintain management

Wyoming’s most controversial predator is now the prey of local hunters. Monday marked opening day of Wyoming’s first regulated gray wolf hunt.

Congress leaves D.C., Farm Bill set to expire Sept. 30

Lawmakers failed to harvest a successful farm bill before leaving Washington, D.C. over the weekend.

The outcome is frustrating for many farmers and ranchers across rural America, who hoped Republicans and Democrats could come together to pass this important legislation.

But an unproductive Congress has left us disappointed.

Residents must take responsibility for separating waste, recycling

If you’re not in the habit of separating your trash, now’s the time to start.

Why now? The Powell and Clark landfills close to household waste today (Tuesday), bringing the end to landfill operations as we’ve known them for decades.

That means it’s time to rethink trash.

Each search for new presidents to replace outgoing leaders

Next school year, new leaders will take over the helms at Northwest College and the University of Wyoming.

UW President Tom Buchanan announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of summer 2013. Similarly, NWC President Paul Prestwich will finish his tenure in June 2013.

Boards at both institutions now face the major task of finding new presidents.

Economic development in Deaver encouraging

Many of Wyoming’s communities are blessed to have new, state-of-the-art school facilities that provide better opportunities for local students. But those blessings can leave behind a trail of empty buildings and grumblings of “waste.”

Mayor, council to discuss liner company’s payment, no money spent yet

After a closure lasting longer than a month, the leisure pool at the Powell Aquatic Center reopened to swimmers Monday morning.

“So far, the liner appears to be performing as it should,” said Gary Butts, city public services manger, in an email Tuesday. “Obviously, we will continue to monitor it, but water has been in the pool for almost a week now and seems to be doing good.”

Council split 4-3 on decision

The Powell Golf Club will continue to manage the municipal golf course under a three-year extension approved in a 4-3 split vote by the Powell City Council last week.

Amid conversations about lowering rates, the course’s ongoing debt, a better marketing plan and the city’s level of funding, the council voted 5-2 last month to extend the agreement for only three months rather than a full year. Some councilmen alluded to new management for the city-owned course.

Legislators consider fuel tax, drivers in Wyoming may pay more at the pump

We know that Wyoming’s roads can’t be paved with good intentions. For years, there’s been talk of the need for highway maintenance, but little action to adequately fund it.

Leading the pack by 20 percent, Dave Blevins defeated three Republican challengers Tuesday in the race for House District 25, which covers the Powell area.

Golf is on the agenda again Monday night for the Powell City Council.

Last month, councilmen voted 5-2 to extend the Powell Golf Club’s operating agreement for three months rather than a full year. That uncertainty has made it difficult for the golf club to sell memberships for next year or to raise more matching funds — two things the council does want the golf club to do.