Thumbs down to HB 232, a really bad idea that is getting a look during the current legislative session in Cheyenne.

The proposed law would allow public bodies to act in secret. Currently, city councils, school boards and other public entities are allowed to hold closed-door executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, lawsuits and other issues. We’re not a fan of conducting the public’s business in such a manner, but also understand that in some cases, it’s for the best.

Currently, the boards can only discuss in private, they cannot decide. HB 232 would allow them to hold votes and make final decisions in these closed sessions.

To take votes in secret, away from the public, is to steal government from the people who put their representatives in office — the public they are sworn to serve. This is abhorrent and displays a complete disdain for the voting public and the American process of government.

This bill should be swiftly discarded in the most public of ways.

Thumbs up to the efforts of the Powell Planning and Zoning Commission and city staffers who teamed for a revision and update of city zoning.

Nine proposed ordinances that would outline the changes were brought before the Powell City Council Monday night. This effort is designed to encourage well-planned development, ensure the city is in compliance with state laws and plan for future growth and development.

Planning Commission Chairman John Sides and longtime Commissioner John Campbell brought the proposed ordinances to the council. They did a lot of the heavy lifting and thinking over the past two years, and we applaud them for their efforts.

A second thumbs up to Mayor Don Hillman and the six councilmen who decided to take their time approving these ordinances. They want to study them and make sure that any changes are truly in the best interest of the city and will not cause any unforeseen issues.

It’s taken two years to write these. Taking a few more weeks before the three rounds of voting by the council that will lead to their enactment seems an excellent idea.

Thumbs up to the spirit of community and cooperation on display in the tiny community of Ten Sleep.

The Washakie County town is dealing with a nightmare after its fire station and five fire engines were destroyed in a fire Saturday night. Snow on the roof fell and damaged a propane line, causing a leak that filled the building with gas, leading to the explosion.

Thankfully, no one was injured, but the firefighters had to stand and watch as their station, engines and equipment were consigned to the flames. All they could do was turn to their neighbors for help.

So far, fire departments in Worland, Lovell, Thermopolis, Meeteetse, Dubois and Powell, along with others, have offered vehicles, equipment and support. Powell Fire Chief Damian Dicks said a fundraiser will be held locally to help out.

Out of the ashes of the Ten Sleep station, fire protection for the community will rise again.

Thumbs down to the painful reminder of the wild weather that plagued our farmers in 2014.

It was a year to regret and forget.

Of course, farmers face the ritual of starting over again every spring. They have to raise their spirits and the money to get into the fields again. They do it with amazing resolve. We wish them a better year with weather that cooperates.