PAGE 6
www.thermopir.com July 4, 2019
Buffalo Bash
Runners of all ages enjoyed the second annual Buffalo Bash 5K Saturday in Hot
Springs State Park. Proceeds went to The Shop Gym for equipment and maintenance.
Wyoming 49th for kids health
Wyoming 49th for kids health
An estimated 10 percent
(14,000 total) of Wyoming’s
kids, double the national aver-
age, do not have health insur-
ance according to the 2019 KIDS
COUNT® Data Book released
by the Annie E. Casey Founda-
tion. The Data Book assesses
child wellbeing using 16 mea-
sures that represent the domains
of health, education, economic
well-being and family well-being
and community. The 2019 Data
Book report found that Wyo-
ming’s child health system was
weak when compared with the
rest of the nation, ranking 49th
out of 50 states.
While these findings were dis-
appointing, the Data Book also
found that Wyoming ranks ninth
in the nation in the family and
community domain, with only
10 percent of children living in
households where the head of the
household lacked a high school
diploma (second best in the na-
tion) and 663 children living in
high-poverty areas (best in the
nation). The Data Book also
notes that teen births in Wyo-
ming have declined by 55 per-
cent since 1990, when the first
Data Book was published.
The 2019 KIDS COUNT Data
Book is the 30th edition of an an-
nual data study, which presents
an interesting look at where Wy-
oming and the nation are today
versus three decades ago. The
Data Book is also a critical ex-
ample of why an accurate census
count in our state is so important.
“These data offer us visible
evidence of the impact of policy
decisions in our state over the
past three decades,” said Samin
Dadelahi, Chief Operating Offi-
cer for the Wyoming Community
Foundation.
The annual KIDS COUNT
Data Book provides data on 16
indicators, drawing from the
census and other sources, and
reports on it consistently for all
RENTAL
CANYON VILLAGE
SENIOR APARTMENTS,
62+ and/or disabled
HOT SPRINGS SENIOR
APARTMENTS,
62+ and/or disabled
Section 8 subsidy available.
Small pets allowed; utilities paid.
Laundry facility available;
mail delivery on-site.
“EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY”
CALL 307-864-2968
or Wy. Relay 711.
Hot Springs County
Republican
Party
Meeting
Monday, July 15
6:30 p.m.
Washakie Shelter
HS State Park
All Hot Springs County
Registered Republican
Voters invited.
50 states, the District of Colum-
bia and Puerto Rico.
Aside from the health do-
main, Dadelahi points out that
when looking at how things have
changed in Wyoming over the
last three decades, Wyoming
children and families are doing
better in almost every area.
“When dealing with big so-
cial issues it can sometimes feel
like the needle is not moving,”
Dadelahi said. “But looking at
things through the lens of time
proves otherwise. In the 2019
Data Book, we can really see
that Wyoming has made some
impressive gains.”
For example, in 1990, 81 per-
cent of eighth graders scored be-
low proficient in math. By 2017
that figure had moved to 62 per-
cent, proving that incremental
gains over time add up. “As we
prepare for the legislative bud-
get session in 2020, this is ex-
actly the kind of information
Wyoming policymakers need to
consider,” Dadelahi said.
Overall, Wyoming ranked
21st in the nation for child well-
being. Across the four specific do-
mains, Wyoming ranked:
•14th in economic well-being.
Wyoming has seen the number
of children living in poverty in-
crease from 15,000 in 2016 to
18,000 in 2017, the most recent
year of data available. Wyoming
also saw a rise in the number of
children in households spending
more than 30 percent of their in-
come on housing, dropping three
places in this year’s national
rankings on this indicator.
•14th in education. Wyoming
saw its ranking improve from
25th in 2018, to 14th this year.
From 2016 to 2017, the percent-
age of students not graduating
on time dropped from 20 per-
cent to 14 percent. While seeing
improvements in some areas of
education, Wyoming has shown
no improvement in rate of pre-
Hot Springs County
Senior Center
• LunCH Menu •
July 8 - 12
MondAy
Baked Fish, German Coleslaw,
Cheddar Mashed Potatoes,
Banana Bread, Fruit Cocktail
Brussels Sprouts
TueSdAy
Beef Stroganoff with Egg
Noodles, Broccoli, Cinnamon
Raisin Roll, Creamy Cole Slaw,
Fruity Cherry Gelatin
WedneSdAy
Salad Plate with Chicken Salad,
Crescent Roll, Pasta Salad, Mixed
Green Salad with Carrots, Straw-
berries and Bananas
ThurSdAy
Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf,
Asparagus, Bread, Banana Splits
FrIdAy
Chuck Wagon Steak, Baked
Potatoes, Spinach, Apple Slaw,
Corn Bread, Pineapple
Menu subject to change without notice.
864-2151
206 Senior Avenue
This menu sponsored by
WYOMING GAS
Serving the communities of Greybull,
Basin, Burlington, Byron, Manderson,
Thermopolis & Worland
photo by Lara Love
school enrollment since 2010,
with 9,000 three- and four-year-
olds not attending preschool in
2017 (38th in the nation).
•Ninth in the family and
community domain. Wyoming
dropped two spots in the rank-
ings from last year (seventh) to
this year (ninth). Just five per-
cent of children lived in families
where the household head lacked
a high school diploma, which
was below the national average
of 13 percent, and 28 percent of
children lived in single-parent
families.
•49th in health. Wyoming’s
low health ranking continues to
be due primarily to two indica-
tors: one of the lowest rates of
child health insurance enroll-
ment in the country and high
rates of drug and alcohol use by
children. The number of Wyo-
ming children without health
insurance (14,000) is staggering
when compared to other states
that have expanded Medicaid,
and Wyoming is one of the only
states with declining enrollment
in Medicaid and the Children’s
Health Insurance Program. Un-
til Wyoming changes course, the
numbers of uninsured children
will remain high. However, the
state did see an improvement
in the percentage of teens who
abused alcohol or drugs in the
past year – five percent (2017)
versus six percent (2016).
Accurate data collection is the
foundation of the research and
analysis behind creating good
policies that lead to improved
child well-being.
“The national Data Book uses
data derived from the census to
create state rankings, and those
rankings get people talking,”
Dadelahi said. “Wyoming is un-
derstandably worried to be 49th
in health, and we hope all of us
take a hard look at what needs
to happen to better support all
of our children.
8 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Sat.,
Shooters do well at nationals
by Mark Dykes place, Will scored 71 for 37th There were 117 total shotgun
June 23-28, Jeff Clark, Will and Romero scored 66 for 58th. shooters and over 600 kids com-
Clark and Remington Ferree, The team placed sixth again peting in all disciplines. Kari
along with Dillon Romero of during the skeet shooting. noted this is the first time in
Cody, took aim at the 4-H Shoot- Romero scored 95 for eighth several years that Wyoming has
ing Sports National Cham- place following a four-way shoot sent a team to nationals.
pionships in Grand Island, off, Remington scored 91 for The boys said they liked
Neb. Participants being able to
can only compete shoot with ev-
once in their career eryone, and
in a particular dis- outside the
cipline, Kari Ferree shooting they
said, and the boys attended so-
competed in shot- cial events
gun, with her hus- and partook
band Charlie coach- of everything
ing. there was.
They were select- The division
ed by the state 4-H, of the sport-
Ferree said, and ing clays com-
they had to fill out petition pro-
applications includ- vided them
ing whether they the opportu-
shot at the state courtesy photo by Kari Ferree nity to shoot
shoot and how they Competing shooters, from left, Will Clark, Dillon Rome- and visit with
did, and essays as ro, Remington Ferree and Jeff Clark.
to why they would
people from
all over the
like to go and how they feel the 17th place, Jeff scored 88 for country.
experience would benefit them. 33rd and Will scored 85 for 54th. Kari expressed appreciation
“Our shotgun kids did very Kari noted in trap shooting to the organizations that helped
well,” Kari said. “They shot they didn’t place in the top 20 provide funding for the boys
sporting clays the first day, and or as a team, but scores were: to go and supplies to build the
as a team they got sixth.” Out Romero — 93; Remington — 90; shooting program, as well as fa-
of 100 points, Remington scored Jeff — 89; and Will — 76. cilities for them to practice, as
85 and took ninth place after a Overall, Kari noted, the team it provided them with the skill
shoot off. Jeff scored 75 for 26th placed sixth out of 30 teams. level to compete at nationals.
Youth group looking to help out
Everyone could use a little help members of the community the youth will come, at no charge
help from time to time and the during their stay in Thermopo- to you, to get it done. All you have
Thermopolis Church of Christ lis, July 13-17. to do is supply the materials.
may have just what you’re look- If you have a project, wheth- If you need some help, please
ing for. er its yard work, clean up, small call Pete Coggi at 307-431-5094
The church will be hosting a painting projects, general repair or Mike Baker at 864-3030 for
youth group that is looking to or something along those lines, more information.
Freedom Run set for this weekend
A great way to help our de- The first draw for the run will torcycle to take part in the event,
ployed troops is to take part in be in Thermopolis, followed by as all forms of transportation are
the 6th Annual Freedom Run Worland, Ten Sleep Greybull welcome.
with the Big Horn Basin Riders. and then back to Meeteetse. Proceeds go toward sending
A meet and greet will be held Bingo cards will be $2 each care packages to Wyoming troops
on Friday, July 5 at 7 p.m. at or three for $5 and there will be who are deployed in every branch
the Oasis Motel and RV Park prizes at every stop along the of the military.
in Meeteetse, with kickstands way. Blackout cards are $10 For more information, please
going up on Saturday, July 6 each with a grand prize of $500. contact Troy Dorman at 921-
at 9 a.m. You don’t have to ride a mo- 2704.
Main street group plans tour of downtown
Main Street Thermopolis held Tudor. There are some vacan- Downtown District on July 9.
their annual meeting last week cies available on the board and The flowers are blooming in
and elected a new slate of board folks are encouraged to attend the beds build by the group ad-
directors. their next meeting on Thursday, jacent to the flag pole, which
Suzanne Samelson remains July 25 to see what Main Street enhances the look of downtown
president of the group with help is all about. as well as providing some seat-
from vice president Johnny Dor- Patrice Frey, President and ing for parades coming up this
man. Meri Ann Rush is treasur- Chief Executive Officer of Na- summer.
er and Tracy Linko is the Main tional Main Street, will be in Main Street applied for a
Street secretary. Thermopolis in early July as part grant recently and were awarded
Others on the Board of Di- of her extended family’s vacation the monies to upgrade and en-
rectors include Howie Samel- in our region. The group will hance a dozen of the trash cans
son, John Dorman, Sr., and Deb be touring around our Historic downtown.
Please read & recycle the
Independent Record
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Happy 4th of July
from everyone at
Properties West!
In observance of 4th of July our office
will be closed on the 4th and 5th.
Look for your Steth Daniels - Responsible Broker, Cell 921-9302
sale circular in Christine Johnston - Associate Broker, Cell 921-0776
the mail and Ben Anson - Farm Ranch Specialist, Cell 921-2926
Noon-4 p.m. Sun. save thru Sun., Sherman Skelton - Sales Associate, Cell 899-3887
July 7
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