Articles from the November 5, 2014 edition


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  • Rust elected as city's mayor

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    Green River residents overwhelmingly supported Pete Rust's bid for mayor of Green River. According to unofficial election results released from the Sweetwater County Clerk's Office, Rust took 2,597 votes to win the election. Votes for Rust accounted for nearly three-fourths of the vote taken in Green River. His opponent, current Councilman Mark Peterson, received 882 votes, while 22 voters cast write-in suggestions. Rust said candidates who win primary elections typically gain votes in general...

  • Clock tower project nears completion

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    The clock tower project has really taken some big steps toward completion. During the last three weeks, residents driving or walking down Flaming Gorge Way may have noticed a significant change to the clock-tower area. For a long time, the area remained a dirt lot after it was dug up for the changes. The project, which was supposed to be completed in the summer, hit a few minor snags. These have been taken care of and the project is nearing completion. Sod, decorative rocks, running water, benches and shrubs are now in place. “We’re pretty muc...

  • Women are first same-sex couple receiving Co. marriage license

    Jack H. Smith, Staff Writer|Nov 5, 2014

    By JACK H. SMITH Staff Writer It was probably not an uncommon scene as a couple filled out the paperwork for their marriage license at the Sweetwater County Courthouse. As they patiently went though the stacks of paper, the soon-to-be newlyweds joked, laughed, and seemed to not have a care in the world. However this day was a little bit different. As Rosalyn Jennings and Terry Palmer meticulously went through the process, they were about to become the first couple to obtain a same-sex marriage l...

  • Lincoln tract of land sold for housing

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    The 4.6 acre Lincoln Tract A may have some homes developed on in the next couple of years. The land, which is the tract that originally had Lincoln High School built on it, was successfully bid for $207,000 by New Peak Construction. The Green River City Council unanimously supported the deal, which purchased the property for $132,000 more than its appraised value. Councilman Gary Killpack excused himself from the discussion. The land was originally, granted to the city in 1995 through a land transfer with Sweetwater County School District No....

  • Independent wins

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    Randal "Doc" Wendling successfully earned a seat with the Sweetwater County Commissioners last night, securing more than 5,000 votes cast in the election. The independent candidate's victory resulted in Democrat Gary Bailiff being edged out of the board of county commissioners, According to unofficial election results from the Sweetwater County Clerk's Office, Wending and Republican incumbent John Kolb were separated by 49 votes. Kolb earned the most votes with 5,183 while Wendling earned 5,134...

  • New face elected to school board

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    Residents living within Sweetwater County School District No. 2 voted in a new member of the board last night. According to unofficial election results from the Sweetwater County Clerk’s Office, voters elected incumbents John Malone and Ann Rudoff and elected newcomer Robin Steiss to her first term on the board. Two-term board member Christy Magagna lost her re-election bid for a third term. According to the results, Steiss received 1,807 votes, Malone took 1,835 votes, Rudoff had 1,834 votes and Magagna received 1,338. Candidate Christine M...

  • Denise D. Smart

    Nov 5, 2014

    Denise D. Smart, 58, of Green River, passed away Oct. 30 at her home surrounded by her family. A longtime resident of Green River, Denise passed away following a lengthy, two-year illness. Denise was born Feb. 22, 1956 in Carlsbad, N.M. and lived her early life in Carlsbad, where she graduated from Carlsbad High School with the class of 1974. She married Ernest Smart on July 17, 1974 in Carlsbad. They moved to Green River in 1980. Denise enjoyed spending time with her family and considered... Full story

  • Glen Sadler

    Nov 5, 2014

    Glen Sadler, 89, of Green River died Oct. 30, at his home after a sudden illness. He was born March 29, 1925 in Rock Springs, the son of Harry "Red" Sadler and Eva Dorrence Sadler Briggs. He attended schools in Rock Springs and graduated from Rock Springs High School. He was a veteran having served in the US Navy during World War II. He married Patricia Irene Evers on Nov. 29, 1950. He was employed for FMC for about 40 years. His interests were bowling, fishing, camping, traveling and spending t... Full story

  • Sammy Gale Shepard

    Nov 5, 2014

    Sammy Gale Shepard, 58, died Oct. 29 at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Ark. He was born Sept. 3, 1952 to donald and Evelyn Shepard in Green River. He worked at Wal-Mart for more than 30 years Previously he has worked at Phillips Grocery and Food For Less prior to going to Wal-Mart as grocery receiving. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, working on cars, collecting coins, going to the casino, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren. He is...

  • City needs economic developer

    Nov 5, 2014

    We’re happy to see interest in developing the Lincoln High School tracts of land in the northwest side of Green River. The site of the former high school and park has long been eyed as a potential place for housing development. With the sale of the so-called Tract A, we can only hope that means development on Tract B will follow in the coming years. However, while housing developments are always a great addition to Green River, we’re still hoping the city sees more commercial development, especially around downtown Green River. It’s been an oft...

  • The joys of getting older

    Jack H. Smith, Staff Writer|Nov 5, 2014

    It should have been a normal trip to get my haircut, but that was just not the case. In the course of two hours, I came to the conclusion that I’m not only getting old, but I also get all the joys that come with it. It was a Tuesday and I had a long day, but when I decide I need a haircut, I must get it done as soon as possible or I can’t function properly. I used to be much more of a spur of the moment type of person, but with age this has changed. If I commit to something, I like to have it...

  • Taking my voting seriously

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    During an election year, I do my homework. You won’t see me at the voting booth with a “I’m not sure” look on my face. No way. I study the candidates like I am getting ready to take the ACTs. To me, an influential person is an informed person. Yes. I read all of the articles on the candidate forums in the Green River Star, but I don’t stop there. I Google them and read about the candidates as much as I can. When they are national or state candidates I tune into Wyoming PBS to see what they have...

  • Echoes from the Bluffs: City depot is a symbol of prosperity

    Brie Blasi, Sweetwater County Historical Museum|Nov 5, 2014

    One hundred and 10 years ago, in 1904, there began a call to action by the citizens of Green River for a bigger, better passenger station (depot) building-one that would accurately represent the size and success of Green River. "It has been the misfortune of Green River to have a few 'knockers' who could see no future for the town; and who have prophesied the final abandonment of the place," the Wyoming Star reported in January of 1904. It was not a lack of industry that was killing Green River,...

  • Don't have time to read? Try an audio book

    Lindsey Travis, Sweetwater County Library System|Nov 5, 2014

    So many books, so little time, that’s what I think about when I glance at my “To Be Read” list. I read a lot, but the problem -- or advantage -- of working at the library is that I always find more books that I want to read. Like many others, I work full time and have a family, so free time sometimes feels like a luxury. So the question is, how to do I find more time to read when I’m already so busy? The answer: audiobooks. I didn’t really listen to audiobooks prior to working at the library. After starting here in January, however, I started...

  • Voters oust county sheriff, Majhanovich re-elected

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    There’s a new sheriff in town come Jan. 1. Sweetwater County voters decided to elect Democrat Mike Lowell to head the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, ending Republican Sheriff Rich Haskell’s two-term stint in the office. According to unofficial results from the Sweetwater County Clerk’s Office, Lowell won the election with 4,781 votes, beating Haskell’s 4,227 votes and independent candidate Dave Johnson’s 2,312 votes. On Lowell’s Facebook campaign page, Lowell thanked his campaign supporters and said he is both humbled and honored to be...

  • Rep. Freeman wins 3rd term

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    At the end of a tough race to represent House District 60, Democrat John Freeman earned his third term in the Wyoming House of Representatives last night. Freeman faced stiff competition from Republican challenger Bill Hooley and won the race with 1,518 votes to Hooley's 1,229 votes, according to unofficial results from the Sweetwater County Clerk's Office. Freeman noted his victory with a little humor on his Facebook campaign page, talking about some of the impacts the election has had on him....

  • Local man charged with aggravated assault

    Jack H. Smith, Staff Writer|Nov 5, 2014

    A Green River man has been charged with aggravated assault and battery following an alleged incident Nov. 2. Brian Setzer, 32, was arrested after the Green River Police Department was called to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County to investigate a third-party report of domestic violence. According to court documents, upon her arrival, Green River Police Officer Shantell Erickson was advised by an emergency room nurse that Ashley Rillamas had been brought into by her fiancée Setzer after the two had been in an altercation. The nurse stated...

  • Trick or treaters storm downtown

    David Martin, Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    Ghouls, ghosts, and a number of Elsas from "Frozen" marched along Flaming Gorge Way Friday afternoon in search of sweet treats. Children from all over Green River converged downtown, stopping by local businesses as well as the Sweetwater County Museum, the county courthouse and City Hall. Children, ranging from infants to teenagers all joined in on the fun. At the county courthouse, many of the employees joined in on the fun, with different offices following different themes. The Sweetwater...

  • Speech team preps for 1st tourney

    Stephanie Thompson, People Editor|Nov 5, 2014

    The Green River Speech and Debate team members may not have had as much time to prepare as they would have liked, but they are still setting their sights on a first-place finish. The team’s first tournament will take place close to home at the Rock Springs High School. Eleven teams from Wyoming and Idaho are scheduled to compete in this weekend’s tourney. “The great thing about starting the season in Rock Springs is that it is so close that parents are able to attend and see what exactly it is that we do,” head coach Carina Stulken said. “It is...

  • What to pick.....

    Nov 5, 2014

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  • Lady Wolves headed to state

    Jack H. Smith, Staff Writer|Nov 5, 2014

    Prior to last week's 4A West Regional Tournament in Green River, Lady Wolves head volleyball coach Rikki Shantz said she not only wanted her seniors to experience the state tournament for the first time, she also wanted the younger members of the team to soak in the atmosphere. After a thrilling weekend of volleyball that ended with a fourth-place finish at the regional tournament, the team earned a birth in this week's 4A state tournament at the Casper Events Center. "I'm still on cloud nine...

  • Back-to-back victories highlight regional tourney

    Jack H. Smith, Staff Writer|Nov 5, 2014

    Following a tough four set loss against Evanston to open last week’s 4A West Regional Tournament, Green River High School coach Rikki Shantz told her team to stay strong. The message appeared to get to the squad as they battled back with two consecutive victories and qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 2009. They were also able to accomplish the feat in their home gym. “I still felt like we we’re peaking at the right time and I’ve been saying that the past two weeks,” Shantz said. “I told them not to lose determinati...

  • Wolves football: Young team gains valuable experience

    Jack H. Smith, Staff Writer|Nov 5, 2014

    While it may not have always shown in the record books, there were plenty of positives for the Green River High School football during the 2014 season. Almost two weeks after their 42-20 win against Worland in their season finale, head coach Don Maggi said the biggest positive he took from the season was that the kids came to practice everyday with a positive attitude and they had a lot of good work ethic. “Attitude and effort were the things I have been talking about the four years I’ve been here,” Maggi said. “Those are the only things...