So you think you can’t dance? Dancers’ Workshop is out to prove you wrong.

All adult classes are free during the week of October 19, giving interested potential dancers the opportunity to partake without paying a penny.

Whether you have two left feet or decades of ballet under your belt, Dancers’ Workshop offers classes for all levels of experience. From fitness-based classes, like Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga, to more traditional dance forms like Ballet and Modern, DW meets the needs of a wide variety of dancers. Also offered are Capoeira, Tae Kwon Do, Hip Hop/ Breakdancing, and Dance Fitness.

In addition to ongoing classes, DW offers a variety of limited duration workshops every season. Workshops are often suitable for total beginners, and a great way to gain confidence – and rhythm!

New this year, Dancers’ Workshop will offer “tasters” throughout the week, half-hour classes created to give potential students the opportunity to try a dance form before committing to a workshop.

Tasters include Modern Jive, Flamenco, Contact Improv, Bellydance, Poi, and Salsa.

For every class attended during demo week, each adult will receive one raffle ticket eligible to win one of three 5-class punch cards. Additionally, 10-punch cards will be available for a discounted price of $90.

For more information on any of Dancers’ Workshop’s classes please call 307.733.6398 or visit www.dwjh.org. There is no pre-registration required for demo week, but students are encouraged to come ten minutes early to sign-in.

Demo week culminates in a dance party of thrilling proportions! The second annual Thriller Halloween Party takes place on October 24 from 8-11pm in DW Studio 1. Learn “The Time Warp,” “Thriller,” and other Michael Jackson routines in honor of the King of Pop. Dress your 80-est for the best costume contest, and buy raffle tickets for snazzy prizes! Come in to DW to get your advance tickets for $5, or pay $7 at the door. This is a 21 and over party, with Snake River Brewery beer for sale for $3 and light food available.

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Friends of Pathways is pleased to bring the Jackson Hole community the first annual Bike-IN Movie.  The first of its kind in Jackson Hole, this event will bring together the classic feel of an outdoor movie without the driving.  Working with our premier sponsors the Center for the Arts, Fitzgerald’s Bicycles and the Snake River Brewery, the Bike-IN will take place on Saturday, August 15 at the Center’s outdoor amphitheater on 265 South Cache Street. The event will feature three independent bike films:  Bikes vs. Boyfriends, Ryan Leach in Prague and Seasons.

The free event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with films beginning at 8:30 p.m. and all members of the community including visitors are encouraged to attend. Dogs are not allowed on the Center for the Arts lawn and will not be permitted to attend. “We’re really excited to start using the amphitheater and lawn at the Center for the Arts for it’s originally intended purposes; community focused, family friendly events.  We hope to see more events like this happen in the future.” stated Doug Henderson, Center for the Arts Facility Director.

Food, beverages and treats will be sold at the event. Pica’s Taqueria, The Bunnery, Betty Rock, Snake River Brewery and the Liquor Store have all generously donated their tasty food and beverages to support pathways and trails.  Local shops and non-profits will be creating a bike festival type atmosphere with contests and games for the entire family. Computers will be available so GoByBike participants will be able to log miles and continue to compete for most miles logged at www.GoByBike.FriendsOfPathways.org.  A great raffle is planned which includes an Electra 7-speed cruiser bike generously donated by Wildernest Sports. “We’re really looking forward to a fun bike festival evening of eating good food, having fun and watching some amazing films” said premier sponsor Scott Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Bicycles.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the trails and pathways in Jackson Hole. Stephanie Thomas, Friends of Pathways Development and Communications Director remarked, “This really was a perfect way to bring together our mission of promoting non-motorized transportation with great entertainment and lots of community fun”.  Friends of Pathways is celebrating its 15th year of promoting a complete pathways system, safer streets and great trails for Jackson Hole.

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You know when a visitor or family member comes to town, and you have make that obligatory trip up to Old Faithful? If you are like most Jackson Hole residents, it’s a trip that seems to happen at least once a summer. And I know that after more than a decade of living here, it’s a trip I’ve come to dread.

But on Tuesday, my boss asked me to take one of Circumerro‘s clients, a German named Markus Schwarz, up to Yellowstone National Park.  Since American tourists get such a bad rap when we travel abroad, I thought it might be interesting, if not entertaining, to see what he thought about us here in America.

We took off at about 7 a.m. and headed up to Yellowstone, thinking we might be able to beat the majority of the crowds and get back in time for Happy Hour, I mean, the end of the work day. What we found was a lot of traffic caused by - you guessed it - gapers, as well as road construction.

While Yellowstone is always beautiful, I’m hoping it’s the last trip I have to make this summer.

Markus, however, seemed to enjoy himself and, we hope, took back some fun memories of Wyoming to Hamburg.

He’s promised to return the favor if we make it to his city.

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Jackson Hole High School graduated 154 students in the Class of 2009 on Saturday, June 6, in a ceremony held in the school’s gym.

A flurry of camera flashes and air horns greeted the students as they shook hands with Principal Gary Elliott, Teton County School District #1 Board Chairman Christopher Johnston and Superintendent of Schools Pamela Shea.

A photo slide show gathered laughs showing pictures of students from their childhood and as graduating seniors. The show was set to popular songs including MGMT’s “Kids.”

Seniors each graduating with a 4.0 - Shaena Berlin, Tobin Brown, Ian Johnston, Sydney Leichlieter and Cummings Rork - addressed the class and offered their own take on what it meant to them to be graduating and what they expected for their own futures. The graduating Choir Students performed Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”

Last year’s educator of the year, Garick Hart, also spoke offering financial, social, and romantic advice. Hart encouraged students to spend time discovering the economic and health benefits of a college diet reliant on Ramen noodles. Hart was introduced as the culprit responsible for water-baloon bombing the senior camp-out late last week with his wife and children.

The 2009 Educator of the Year was presented to Alan Brumsted, a chemistry teacher at the high school. The award included a $5,000 check.

Students also took time to honor retiring principal Dr. Gary Elliot with a video montage of students recalling their favorite memories of the administrator. Students and teachers alike most fondly referenced Elliot’s outlandish costumes on his birthday and various holidays of each year.

Stayner said, “This was the best class ever. They really were all wonderful, kind, generous of spirit, and fun students. It was the nicest and best graduation I have seen in 7 years.”

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If all the rain has kept you nervously watching the levels of Flat and Fall Creeks, county officials say there’s no need to worry.

While it’s been raining every day for what seems like an eternity now in Jackson Hole, it hasn’t been pouring down enough to cause serious flooding in Teton County. In fact, the smaller creeks’ levels have actually been going down, according to Jason Bierman, the coordinator at the Teton County Emergency Management office.

The town of Jackson has received 2.33 inches of rain so far this month, according to statistics from the National . Last year, the county saw less rain, but because of an unusual amount of snowpack, the creek and river levels were watched carefully.

This year, the agencies concerned with potential flooding - the county engineers, including the Road and Levee department, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the county Emergency Management department - have continued a 24-hour monitoring system. Only one section of the county, the Meadows subdivision north of town, has seen damage as water levels rose considerably and caused minor flooding.

Bierman said the rest of the county’s river and creek levels were stabilized.

“When the weather clears, we are hoping to take the civilian plane out to see what or if there is any other damage out there, because you can only tell so much standing on the bridges,” Bierman said.

The flight might have to wait: Jackson Hole weather is forecasted to be raining and overcast with only a chance of sunshine on Tuesday and Thursday.

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Get ready for a fun weekend

If art and galleries are your thing, this Friday should be right up your alley.

Several local galleries are holding First Friday events, when they open their doors to drop-ins to peek at their collections and socialize with the locals.

Among the six galleries holding events tonight are Lyndsay McCandless Contemporary, Full Circle Frameworks, Art Association’s Artspace Loft, Teton Artlab and the CIAO Gallery. Most of the events start at 5 p.m. and last until the last person, or 9 p.m. Best of all, most of them serve some sort of refreshment as well.

A carefully planned First Friday art walk could allow the visitor not only drinks and snacks, but a diverse look at contemporary pieces and local artists’ talent.

Sadly for those who have enjoyed this first-Friday-of-the-month tradition, the founding mother of the Jackson Hole monthly art event is facing probable closing of her gallery. McCandless, who started the trend here in Jackson, has said the current economic downturn means large art pieces aren’t selling, making it hard to keep her contemporary art gallery open.

Loyal followers of her First Friday events, of which there are literally hundreds, are anxiously awaiting her announcement of what will become of the space they have come to know and associate with the hip and growing Jackson art scene.

Good luck to the class of 2009

On Saturday, a more traditional Jackson Hole event will take place when the the high school graduates take the stage and accept their diplomas. Jackson Hole High School Graduation will be held this year on June 6 in the school gymnasium at 11 a.m. Yes, a whole new crop of graduates is going out there into the wide world. Wish them luck.

We will have correspondents at both of these events. Stay tuned for more information as the weekend unfolds.

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This could be Bill Gates' home on the range.

A Jackson Hole-based real estate agency reportedly broker the sale of a 492-acre ranch at the edge of Yellowstone to Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.

In a story originally posted on The Valleywag, a branch of Gawker.com, the ranch, Irma Lake, was listed by Live Water Properties. The local real estate firm declined to say who the actual buyer was, but confirmed that they were the listing agency. The property was originally listed at $8.9 million and sold last week, the agency told us, but declined to say what the final price tag was.

According to the property’s listing brochure, Buffalo Bill settled the ranch outside of Cody and named it for his daughter, Irma. The ranch is adjacent to some 3 million acres of forest and wilderness, including the Shoshone National Forest and Washakie Wilderness.

The brochure says the ranch is perfect for “hosting family or corporate retreats,” which could come in handy for the retiring software magnet.

A $9-million room with a view

While the photos make the main lodge, guest house, dairy cabin and caretaker’s quarters look pretty posh, Buffalo Bill’s  3-room hunting cabin remains on the property in its original state.

We’d be fine living in just that rustic retreat while they held their corporate getaways in the main lodge.

Wonder if they are looking for a caretaker…

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If you are into volunteerism, this is your group

Jackson Hole’s Habitat For Humanity’s volunteer group DIGS, or Dedicated Individuals Giving and Serving, is hosting a evening construction work and BBQ tonight at their construction sites in Wilson.

The group is calling for volunteers to help lay floor in a three-bedroom house being built for Kimberly Taggart and her two kids. Habitat is constructing the home in the new subdivision of affordable housing units in Wilson.

Anyone can join the group regardless of skill level.

The new volunteer group formed late last month as a way to coordinate active volunteerism among young professionals, said Lauren Conrad, the volunteer coordinator at Habitat. DIGS had about 30 people show up to the first meeting, and expects about 15 to 20 tonight.

After the hard work, DIGS will host a barbecue and keg of beer donated from the Snake River Brewery in Owen Bircher Park.

If it pours rain, the barbecue will be moved to the Stagecoach Bar. The hard work will be conducted, rain or shine, however.

“If it hails, we’ll postpone, but we’re planning to work even if it rains,” she added.

For more informationm, contact Habitat at 307-734-0828 or email them at digs@tetonhabitat.org.

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A survey says Wyoming cops are less "exploitive" than other states.

Wyoming drivers have it easy when it comes to getting stopped and ticketed by police, according to a recent survey by the National Motorists Association.

The Cowboy state is the “least exploited” state when it comes to traffic laws, court systems and enforcement, an article in The Wyoming Tribune Eagle said.

The survey was based on criteria that included speed traps per capita, use of roadblocks, speed limits, red-light camera use, speed cameras and toll roads. The association also looked at enforcement laws, such as motorcycle helmets, seat belts and cell phone use, the article said.

“Based on their criteria that they list, I guess it’s not too surprising,” Doug McGee, the spokesman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, told the Tribune Eagle. Mainly because Wyoming has no toll roads and does not use road blocks. Wyoming police cannot pull drivers over for not using their seat belts, but can ticket them for it if they are pulled over for other reasons.

Idaho and Montana also did well in the survey, coming in second and third respectfully. New Jersey - not so great. The Garden State came in last place as the most “exploitive.”

The NMA defines itself as a “grassroots organization” that works to protect the interests of North American drivers.

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The Town Council Monday proposed changes to the 2010 Recommended Budget that would keep some social service organizations at last year’s funding level, a move that a few community members said was proof of the town’s commitment to the agencies’ work.

“As we face budget cuts from the state, we really count on the town and county for their support,” said Debra Sprague, the executive director of the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center. “It’s extremely important to maintain our level of service now. I still believe that the town and county really step up where many other cities and counties don’t.”

Mayor Mark Barron and the council on Monday adopted changes to the recommended budget that, if they pass, would increase the level of funding from the city’s coffers for social service agencies. The recommended budget proposed cuts between 12 percent and 15 percent. As proposed Monday by the council, the counseling center would receive $103,000, which would be $8,000 more than the recommended $95,000.

The counseling center along with Mountain House provides mental health services to community members of all income levels on a sliding-fee scale. In the 2009 and 2008 budgets, the counseling center received $111,910 and $125,160 in 2007. The agency also received funding from the state, Teton County and grants.

Like other social service agencies in Jackson Hole, the counseling center is facing lower funding from local and state governments due to estimated revenue shortfalls. Town Manager Bob McLaurin, who with his staff develops the town’s recommended budget for the council’s approval, met with department and agency heads earlier this year to warn that requests for funds should be lower than in previous years. The town expects to have a 9.2 percent less in total General Fund revenue for the fiscal year 2010, which starts on July 1, 2009, because of less income from sales tax revenue.

Barron also proposed funding Community Entry Services, the Latino Resource Center, the Hirschfield Center for Children, Curran Seeley, to name a few, at 2009 funding levels.

The council will conduct one more public workshop meeting on the 2010 budget on June 8, with a final vote scheduled for June 15.

While the council was adding to recommended General Fund appropriations for social services, Barron recommended that $150,000 be shaved off the Jackson Police Department’s General Fund budget of $1.9 million. Barron said he wanted to see where the department could cut back.

Chief Dan Zivkovich said it would be difficult for the department to continue providing services at the same level at that level of funding.

“What we are going to see is that we aren’t going to be able to police special events such as Music in the Hole or the Fourth of July,” Zivkovich said at the meeting. Officers who work special events for traffic and and other public safety operations usually work this as overtime, which would have to be eliminated with the proposed $150,000 budget cut. “This level of cuts will affect services in a very obvious way.”

McLaurin agreed but said he and the chief would again look at the department’s budget and try and figure out other ways to accommodate the loss in general fund revenue for the police.

Barron pointed out that the police department would be receiving an additional $45,000 from the Teton County School District for an officer at the middle school. In addition, Barron proposed to strike the recommendation of a mandatory four-day furlough for all town employees from the budget, which would have saved the department $75,000 in employee wages, etc. If the budget passes with Barron’s suggestion, that $75,000 would return to the police operational budget.

“It’s going to be hard, nonetheless,” McLaurin said.

The Fourth of July fireworks display could also see less of a bang this year. The Jaycees, who put on the annual event at the base of Snow King, had requested $7,500. The council proposed lowering that to $6,500, the same amount alloted to the group since 2007. Still, that’s an increase of $800-worth of fireworks from the recommended total of $5,700.

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The folks over at the Gaper Guide office on the corner of Gill Ave. and Glenwood St. are hosting their annual BBQ today. The event turns into a Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce mixer at 5:30.
Food, drink and beer will be available until 7:30, or until it runs out. In addition, the tunes of Steam Powered Airplane will be entertaining the crowd in the background.

Last year the event drew about 100 people, and Will Ferguson of the Gaper Guide told us they hoping to double that amount this year.

The event has become one of those social venues in Jackson that gets talked about for days, or at least until the hangovers wear off. Ferguson told us the purpose of the event was to get local acquainted with what Gaper Guides offer. The electronic devices are designed to appeal to tourists curious about the history and features of our local national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. But locals will find it interesting as well, Ferguson told us.

The devices work by GPS, so it knows where your car is located. It then provides, via the voice of various characters, tid bits about the natural history of the spot you are in.

You can check out the Gaper Guide while drinking a cold beer tonight. Right now, actually.

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Wyoming’s first case of the H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed by the Wyoming Department of Health. Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist, said Wednesday a male from Laramie County has contracted the virus.

“With so many widespread locations of swine flu cases reported in other states and around the world, it was expected that we would also find the virus here in Wyoming,” Murphy said in a statement.

Teton County officials said Wednesday that the county remained free of the flu strain.

The Laramie County case comes months after a nationwide scare in which travelers were warned not to visit Mexico, where the outbreak is expected to have started.

Wyoming health officials have urged doctors since April 24 to be more vigilant when testing and diagnosing flu cases. So far, more than 250 flu cases have been tested for the H1N1, or swine, flu strain at the state’s public health laboratory. The case in Laramie County is the first to test positive.

“Wyoming residents should take common-sense steps to protect themselves and their families from spreading this illness,” Dr. Brent Sherard, Wyoming Department of Health director and state health officer, said in a statement.

The state health department gave this definition for the H1N1 flu:

“Swine flu (novel H1N1 flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. While swine flu viruses do not normally infect people, the strain of swine flu virus that is currently in the news has been confirmed to spread from human to human. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products. ”

Health officials said Wyoming residents should continue following basic, “common-sense steps” to preventing the spread of the flu strain, including:

• frequently washing hands
• staying home from work if you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms
  
• avoiding people who are already ill
• covering noses and mouth when sneezing or coughing
  

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The annual Jackson Hole Rotary Club Winefest has come and gone, but not without a few of us suffering from a hangover the next day.

The event is the rotary club’s biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds go to a scholarship fund for high school students. Last year, the event raised some $60,000, and event organizers said they are hoping to raise close to that again in 2009 despite the poor economy.

We caught up with Rotary Club President Joni Upsur and event co-chair Jeff Ward during the event to talk about what it all means.

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Poster for Jackson Hole to the Max

A few weeks ago, we reported that a local film crew was shooting scenes on the Town Square for an upcoming flick starting Reba McEntire.

Well, now that film, Jackson Hole to the Max, can been seen this weekend at the Pink Garter Theatre. On Friday, the producers of the show will premiere the 45-minute film to a select audience every hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Drinks and hors d’oeures will be served to those who come with an invite.

For the rest of us, the movie will begin public showings on Saturday, May 23 at 12 p.m. and continue every day, every hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors.

The idea behind the film came from John Hoggan, the owner of downtown’s Jackson Hole Wildlife Company, and director Peter Israelson, who has made a name for himself in the IMAX-film making world. Together, the two men came up with an idea for a film/PR move that would both entertain and educate visitors about Jackson Hole and its history. Wink, Inc., a Jackson-Based adventure film production company, produced the film.

While the film is aimed at the tourist audience that we love because they fuel our economy - wink wink - but it should be pretty entertaining for the locals as it involves some stock footage from classic films shot here in Jackson Hole, like Shane, as well as some action shots involving local actors.

Check out this preview of the film on YouTube.

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David Yoder, left, talks about the achievments of this year's Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year, Jim Moses, right

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Thursday honored the Jackson Whole Grocer for its commitment to environmentally conscious business practices by awarding the owners with the annual Green –to-Green award.

Whole Grocer owners Bob Arndt and Melanie Harrice accepted the award at the chamber’s annual awards banquet, which was held this year at the Mangy Moose.

Several other community members were also honored at the chamber’s annual event, which included a banquet meal and a 70s-themed dance party. Jim Moses, the Jackson branch president of First Interstate Bank, was given the chamber’s first ever Citizen of the Year award. Franz Camenzind, the executive director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, received the Power of Place award, which is awarded only when the chamber feels it has found a candidate who has “demonstrated respect for the power of place we call Jackson Hole through dedicated, effective, and exceptional action to ensure the vitality of our economy, community, and environment, our triple bottom line.”

Carrie Pennington of the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club received the Rising Star award, which honors community members younger than 40 for their service to the community.

The Jackson Hole Snow Devils were awarded a Western Hospitality Award. The Snow Devils organize the Snow King Hill Climb, a nationally ranked snowmobiling race that draws thousands of spectators to Jackson Hole.

After accepting his Citizen of the Year award, Moses said he felt lucky to be part of such a “giving and caring community.”

“I’m so glad the good things come at the end and not at the beginning” of life, he said. Moses said he was honored that almost a decade ago, First Interstate “took a chance on a guy like me to start a branch here, and eight years later, I can say that this has been the best eight years of my life.”

Moses serves as a board member on several Jackson Hole nonprofits, including the Community Resource Center.

“I think if people around the world knew about the rewards of giving, everyone would be giving all the time,” he said.

Camenzind, who will retire from the Conservation Alliance this year, said he was greatful for the chamber’s recognition for his work, adding that it was a tribute to his staff and their commitment. He praised the chamber’s work in the valley and said it was one of the best such organizations in the country.

“You are one of the most progressive and enlightened chamber of commerces I’ve ever come across,” he said. “You get it and give it back.”

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Ah, Memorial Day weekend. Time to relax and enjoy the three-day holiday. Only problem is, this weekend is action packed in Jackson Hole.

Friday night kicks off with the Jackson Hole Rotary Club’s Wine Fest. The three-hour event is one of the club’s bigger fundraisers and proceeds benefit a local student scholarship fund. Last year, the event raised about $60,000.

Let the good times begin! Wine Fest starts at 5 p.m. at the Snow King Center.

The evening includes a silent auction with many local treats and specials waiting for the highest bidder. But the main attraction year after year is the wine tasting.

The party, I mean, benefit, will be held at the Snow King Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Tickets are $30 in advance (available at local liquor stores) or at the door for $35. You get to keep the wine glass.

After waking up with a nice headache on Saturday morning, it’s time to hit the Old West Days festivities. Even though the event seems like a tourist attraction, locals love the event, particularly the annual parade.

Here’s a run down on some of the highlights of the Old West Days schedule:

28th Annual Old West Days Parade
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. on the Town Square
Lost of horses! A real old western tradition right here in modern Jackson Hole, including  vintage vehicles, covered wagons and  gunslingers.

Mountain Man Rendezvous and Trader’s Row - this takes place Friday to Monday
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Teton County Fairgrounds
Pre-1840 Mountain Men Celebration complete with a Traders Row, Candy Cannon, Bow & Arrow Competition, Hawk & Knife Competition, and Atlatal Competition. It’s sure to be a kid pleaser.

And here’s one we like, especially if you didn’t get enough the night before at the Wine Fest:

Mmmm...I'd like to try that one...

Old West Brew Fest
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in the Town Square
Try a sampling of a variety of beers from regional breweries. Yes!

Cowboy Church
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Town Square
To pray for all the sins you may have committed over the weekend.

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The new multi-use pathway in Grand Teton National Park is scheduled to make its debut this Saturday, May 23. Bikers, rollerbladers and other nonmotorized recreationalists will be able to check out the eight-mile stretch meandering through the park.

The mulitmillion-dollar pathways project is partially funded by federal money secured by the late Sen. Craig Thomas, a Repulican from Wyoming. The section that opens on Saturday is the first in what designers plan as a continuous loop connecting downtown Jackson with the national park.

The paved pathway did not come without its fair share of controversy. Some locals and nonresidents criticized the project as adding more asphalt to a scenic and wild national park. Advocates for the project say it will increase the opportunity for more people to enjoy the Teton Range.

We met up with Jackie Skaggs to talk about the project. (We even jumped on the start of the trail, but don’t tell anyone.) Check out our conversation in this video.

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These cars could be retired for a hybrid.

The Jackson Police Department is looking to replace its fleet of Chevrolet Tahoes into fuel-efficient hybrid cars.

The department has asked the Town Council to consider a $32,000 request to purchase one hybrid car in the 2010 recommended budget. The council began discussion the town’s budget this week. The council will continue public hearings on the budget during the next several weeks before approving the final version. The fiscal year begins on July 1, 2009.

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THe Hidden Ranches tunnel on the bike path. The Town Council is considering a budget proposal to replace it.

Budget discussions are usually not that excited, and the Town Council’s meeting today was no exception. But if you want to know how the national recession is affecting small towns like Jackson Hole, the council’s budget meeting is a fine example.

As the five-person council met Monday for its first discussion of the recommended 2010 budget, it seemed every member was trying to find ways to cut back on expenses in the $13.5 million budget.

Read the rest of this article »

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Freedom, Wyo. in Star Valley

Freedom, Wyo., is a little town in Star Valley that most of us have either never heard of or never paid much attention to as we drove through it on the way to Soda Springs, Idaho.

As it turns out, the little ghost town has quite a history. Settled in the late 1800s by Mormons, Freedom is divided by the state line between Idaho and Wyoming. It was once the largest commercial center in the Salt River valley. Lower Valley Power & Light, now Lower Valley Energy, the power supplier of Jackson Hole and much of northwest Wyoming, opened its first office in Freedom. It is now the home of not only Freedom Arms, Inc, but Silver Star Communications.

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