Wyoming

A landslide in Wyoming deepens the disparities between the ultra-wealthy and local workers

Published

1 year ago

June 14, 2024

A landslide in Wyoming deepens the disparities between the ultra-wealthy and local workers

The collapse of a vital road connecting workers in Idaho to jobs in Wyoming is bringing new attention to a longstanding schism between the ultra-wealthy and the people who cater to them.

Billionaires and investors have been pushing home prices in Jackson, Wyoming, into the stratosphere for years, forcing workers to live further and further away from their jobs.

Already burdened by long commutes, people who work at hospitals, outfitters and landscaping companies now face an indefinite road closure that is upending their lives yet is unlikely to impact their wealthy clients.

What started as a crack in the Teton Pass last week turned into a massive landslide that closed a 10-mile stretch of road, which serves as a main gateway between Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming.

Transportation officials said the “catastrophic failure” would take several months to repair. Meantime, a two-lane detour should be completed within weeks, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

The rush comes as the tourist high season gets underway in the Rocky Mountains, where some 15,000 people are expected to descend on nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks each day.

Closing the Teton Pass for even a few weeks means cutting off a vital artery for people who live in Idaho but work in Jackson, a mountain and ski haven that has become a playground for Hollywood celebrities, tech tycoons and billionaires looking to get away from city life.

“The landslide really shines a ton of light on how unsustainable our community is,” said Jacob Gore, a Wyoming native who lives in Idaho because of rising costs. “I just accepted that I will never own a home in Jackson unless I win the lottery.”

A damaged section of Teton Pass near Jackson, Wyo. (Wyoming Highway Patrol via AP)

At St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, about 20% of health care workers commute from the Teton Valley on the other side of the pass. This includes 115 essential workers who need to be on site every day, according to hospital spokesperson Karen Connelly.

Many of those workers face 12-hour shifts and cannot accommodate an additional four to six hours a day of driving time, Connelly told Teton County commissioners this week during a hearing.

On average, more than 2,500 people commute daily from Idaho to Jackson, which is located in the wealthiest county in the United States, with a median income of more than $108,000, compared to Teton County, Idaho, where the median income is $89,000, according to U.S. Census data.

Home prices between the neighboring counties vary exponentially. On the Wyoming side, the median home price is more than $3 million compared to about $800,000 in Idaho.

The allure of snow-capped mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes has long attracted both homesteaders and business leaders. Moguls like Ted Turner, Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett each own hundreds of thousands of acres of land in the West, and the federal government controls about 50% of land from Kansas to the Pacific Ocean.

Competition to build, own and rent is fierce in the most desirable areas, including gateway communities to national parks. Demand only increased during the pandemic, as remote workers sought to relocate.

“We’re working our butts off so the billionaires can have nice gardens to look at in their vacation homes that they spend a few weeks in a year,” said Rory Nelson, who lives in Victor, Idaho, and owns a small gardening company in Jackson.

“It’s heartbreaking because this is my home,” he said, adding that he is now driving up to six hours a day because of the road closure.

Many people who live in communities like Victor and Driggs in the Teton Valley say they are now forced to choose between spending a full day in the car or finding temporary housing closer to work.

Idaho resident Gore runs a wildlife tour company and said he woke up to several missed calls from frantic clients and employees when news spread about the landslide. One tour guide, who lives in Driggs, opted to sleep in his car the night before an early morning outing rather than wake up at 3 a.m. to pick up his clients in Jackson at 6 a.m.

“If just one of these billionaires wanted to step in and help out, our community would change for the better,” he said. “But our workers aren’t thought of until their favorite restaurant closes.”

Since the road closure, John Thomas Smaellie, a construction superintendent from Driggs, has been snaking his way south on Highway 33 into a neighboring valley and around a lake before turning north toward Jackson.

While he describes the two- to three-hour commute as “absolutely gorgeous,” Smaellie is missing crucial time away from his family. His 7-year-old daughter is the youngest rodeo princess in their town and requires hours of rehearsal and preparation before competitions, he said.

On Wednesday night, rather than help her get ready for an upcoming pageant, Smaellie was stuck on the road.

A sign on Highway 33 tells motorists the Teton Pass is closed on June 9, 2024 in Victor, Idaho. (Natalie Behring / Getty Images)

“Is my job really worth missing these things?” he asked. “I know they’re going to have a temporary road, but is it going to last? Emotionally, it’s very taxing to be at work knowing that if I left right now I could be home in time.”

Smaellie, a fifth-generation Driggs resident, has watched prices in his hometown skyrocket as “billionaires drive out the millionaires” from Jackson, a popular refrain among locals.

When he was young, Smaellie’s parents bought a home and other investment properties on their public school salaries, he said. Smaellie, however, is forced to rent even as gated communities are built around him.

For his workers, who earn between $60,000 and $70,000 a year, even renting is unaffordable. Six members of his crew share a two-bedroom apartment, he said.

Still, the idea of relocating his family outside the region is unfathomable.

“I would like my kids to see their father’s grave when I pass away,” he said. “I can go see my great-great-great grandfather’s grave in Tetonia. That is where my bitterness comes from.”

Like other regions that cater to luxury resorts, housing affordability in Jackson has been a problem for decades.

In 2020, the county set the goal of housing 65% of workers within its limits. Currently the county is at roughly 60%, according to housing director April Norton.

“There is a recognition that without permanently protecting homes for local workers, we might run out of them,” she said.

Chase Putnam, who owns a fishing outfitter in Jackson, is opening his eight-person camper to anyone in need of temporary accommodations. He bristled when asked about the affordability crisis and accused county commissioners of not acting quickly enough to secure housing for workers.

“I can barely rub two dimes together and I’m the one stepping in?” he said.

When asked for comment, the Board of County Commissioners referred questions to the housing authority.

“If there is political will, then certainly there are things to look at it,” Norton said of building more workforce housing. “But it comes down to politicians, so we’ll see what happens.”

On Wednesday, the commissioners approved an ordinance that will temporarily allow camping units and mobile homes in all zones until the road reopens. But because 97% of surrounding land is owned by the federal government, it will largely be up to private landowners to welcome people in need.

While any permanent housing solution is years away, local residents are stepping in to offer immediate help. Melissa Thomasma, who lives in Victor, Idaho, created a mutual aid Facebook group after the landslide.

The nearly 2,000-member account is filled with posts from people offering campers, carpools and even audiobook credits for the long commute.

“That’s such a core value of our community,” she said. “You lend a hand when you can.”

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Wyoming

Alfred (Fred) Guadelupe Hernandez

Published

12 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Press Room

Alfred (Fred) Guadelupe Hernandez, 73 passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2025. Fred was born October 6, 1952 in Worland, Wyoming, the third child born to Guadelupe and Margaret Cecilia (Rodriguez) Hernandez. He grew up in Worland Wyoming, graduating in 1971. A lifelong resident of the community, he was known for his warm heart, steady presence and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

Due to bone disorders on his back and numerous surgeries, wrestling was the only sport Fred could participate in. He excelled, becoming the 1971 Wyoming State Champion for 123 weight class. During wrestling, the family hosted a wrestler from Japan, Kenji Lu. Kenji wanted a buzz cut and loved the tacos their family made, who didn’t?

Fred became the proud owner of Fred’s Pool Hall in the late 1970’s to 1980’s, a local gathering spot that reflected his love for a good game. It was located at the end of the Ram’s Horn Cafe where Firenze is today. Fred moved to Washington in the 1990’s for several years owning Fred’s Specialty Distributing and working in sales. He then came back to Worland.

Fred was an avid Denver Bronco’s fan and enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Gonzalez; brother, Ernie Hernandez; niece, Roxanne Martinez; nephew, Matthew Salazar and many other loved ones.

Survivors include his siblings, Sandy Graham of Phoenix, Arizona, Natalie Hernandez of Maricopa, Arizona, Greg (Mary) Hernandez of Casper, Wyoming, Leonard (Bobbi) Hernandez of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Kenny (Michelle) Hernandez of Worland, Wyoming. Fred is also survived by long-time friend, Marianne Moore, as well as, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many loved ones.

Cremation has taken place, and funeral services will be held at a later date this upcoming spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your local Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

Fred will be deeply missed for his quiet nature and big heart.

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Wyoming

Know Wyoming’s Foe: Fresno State Bulldogs

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2025

Press Room

Know Wyoming’s Foe: Fresno State Bulldogs

LARAMIE — Is there a more bipolar team of late in the Mountain West Conference?

Fresno State, led by first-year head coach Matt Entz, won five straight games after an opening-day blowout loss at Kansas. Fueled by a dominant ground game and a seemingly always stingy defense, the Bulldogs grinded out back-to-back wins over Hawaii and Nevada.

Then, the bottom fell out.

Facing a one-win Colorado State team in Fort Collins, EJ Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, tossed three interceptions and lost a fumble in a stunning 49-21 setback. Uncharacteristically, the visitors allowed the Rams to roll up nearly 200 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

CSU quarterback Jackson Brousseau, making just his second-career start, also completed 12-of-18 throws for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bulldogs made the switch under center the following week at home against San Diego State, inserting Carson Conklin into the lineup. The former Freshman All-American at Sacramento State was picked off twice in a 23-0 blanking at the hands of the Aztecs.

Was the ship sinking?

Not quite.

MORE UW FOOTBALL NEWS VIA 7220SPORTS:

* PODCAST: Wyoming’s Offense Going Under the Microscope

* Will Sawvel Remove Interim Tag From Offensive Coordinator?

* Fresno State Notebook: Bye-Week Focus on Offensive Miscues

* GALLERY: Wyoming Football Uniforms Through the Years

* Let’s Take a Look at Wyoming Football’s 2026 Recruiting Class

* Drube’s Highly-Anticipated Wyoming Debut on Deck?

* Bye Week Notebook: Aztec Dominance Sparks Off-Season Wish List

* Turnovers Continue to Plague Sophomore Signal Caller

* Turning Point, Unsung Hero and What’s Next For UW Football

* Wyoming’s Offense Falls Flat in 24-7 Loss to Aztecs

* Rants and Raves: SDSU Edition

* LIVE FILE: SDSU 24, Wyoming 7

Conklin, despite only connecting on 10 of his 21 passes for just 35 yards, helped lead Fresno State to an improbable 30-7 victory over Mountain West heavyweight Boise State, inside Albertsons Stadium, no less. The defense took center stage on The Blue, holding the high-powered Broncos to just 193 yards of total offense. They also took advantage of three turnovers and injured starting signal caller Maddux Madsen.

“I haven’t really even broached that topic with our team,” Entz said when asked if it gives his team hope they can still win a league title with all the upsets within the conference this fall. “All that matters is we got to take care of business this week. We’ve got to have a great week of prep, find ways to win each day and find ways to be competitive on Saturday.”

What does Wyoming’s staff make of this Bulldog team it will see Saturday night inside Valley Children’s Stadium?

“They’re still a team that is still competing for a conference championship,” cornerbacks coach Benny Boyd said, adding whether it’s Conklin or Warner at the helm, Fresno State has had plenty of success stretching the field horizontally. “So, regardless of what it may look like on the outside, they’re finding ways to win games.”

Boyd and Co. are focused on the ‘Dogs loaded backfield, which features Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson, but no one is sleeping on No. 17.

“He’s got some savvy to him,” Boyd added, referring to Conklin. “He has experienced some success. So our job is to make sure we can make him as uncomfortable as possible, to eliminate throwing windows, and again, when we have opportunities to capitalize, we need to make plays.”

Wyoming ranks 26th in the nation on pass defense, allowing just 184.9 yards an outing. The secondary has combined for five of the team’s nine interceptions, too.

Jay Sawvel said to become a truly dominant unit, the Cowboys need to put a halt to the run game completely. That hasn’t happened thus far this season. If that happens in California’s Central Valley, the underdogs could become one step closer to postseason eligibility.

There’s another category, though, the head coach has his sights set on.

“Minus-3.”

That’s where Wyoming sits in the turnover department. An unacceptable number, Sawvel said, when you consider his defense has forced 13 takeaways through nine weeks.

“That has been a problem,” Sawvel said. “We have 12 of them in Mountain West games. So, I think, if you single out one thing right away to start this game is the fact that we’ve got to win turnover margin. We’ve got to be able to do that. We’ve got to take care of the ball. We’ve got to make great decisions with the ball. That’s going to be important for us to get started.”

Fresno State, in its three conference victories, is a plus-9. In the two losses to Colorado State and San Diego State, that number plummets to minus-4.

Kickoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time and the game will be televised on FS1.

Meet the Bulldogs:

* Head coach: Matt Entz (1st year)

* Offensive coordinator: josh Davis (1st year); Defensive coordinator: Nick Benedetto (1st year)

* Record in 2024: 6-7 overall, 4-3 in Mountain West Conference

* Offense in 2025: Average 26.1 ppg, 347.9 ypg (154 rush, 193.9 pass)

* Defense in 2025: Allow 21.8 ppg, 300.9 ypg (127.7 rush, 173.2 pass)

* Key Returners/ Newcomers – Offense in 2025: EJ Warner (QB – 139-202, 1,486 yds, 10 TD, 9 INT; 31 rush, 69 yds, TD), Carson Conklin (QB – 35-69, 259 yds, 2 INT, 11 rush, -3 yds), Rayshon Luke (RB – 80 rush, 495 yds, 5 TD; 25 catch, 167 yd, 2 TD), Bryson Donelson (RB – 103 rush, 473 yds, 4 TD, 16 catch, 107 yds), Josiah Freeman (WR – 31 catch, 353 yds, 4 TD), Richie Anderson III (TE – 24 catch, 233 yds, 2 TD), Ezekiel Avit (WR – 19 catch, 197 yds)

* Key Returners – Defense in 2025: Jadon Pearson (LB – 78 tackles, PBU), Simeon Harris (CB – 38 tackles, sack, 3 PBU, 3 INT, FF), Finn Claypool (DL – 33 tackles, 5.5 sacks, PBU, FF), K’Vion Thunderbird (LB – 32 tackles, 3 PBU, 2 INT, TD), Camryn Bracha (DB – 32 tackles, 2 INT, FF), Jayden Davis (DB – 28 tackles, sack), Al’zillion Hamilton (DB – 27 tackles, 2 PBU, 2 INT), Martin Owusu (DL – 25 tackles, PBU)

University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players

The rules are simple: What was the player’s impact while in Laramie? That means NFL stats, draft status or any other accolade earned outside of UW is irrelevant when it comes to this list.

This isn’t a one-man job. This task called for a panel of experts. Joining 7220’s Cody Tucker are Robert Gagliardi, Jared Newland, Ryan Thorburn, and Kevin McKinney.

We all compiled our own list of 50 and let computer averages do the work. Think BCS — only we hope this catalog is fairer.

Don’t agree with a selection? Feel free to sound off on our Twitter: @7220sports – #Top50UWFB

Gallery Credit: 7220Sports.com

– University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players

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Wyoming

Bill Sniffin: If You Live In Wyoming, You MUST Love Seasons

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

If you love Wyoming, you better love different seasons. Sometimes you can enjoy all four seasons in one day. Especially during this time of year.

By the way, was that not just about the nicest September-October fall in Wyoming’s history? Wow.

Here in mid-November, it is still usual to wake up to chilly weather, suddenly feel the sun come out or a Chinook-type wind warm up the place, then a big cloudbank appears, and by nightfall, a wet snow is falling.

This is common in all corners of Wyoming from Newcastle to Evanston and from Cheyenne to Powell. And everywhere in-between — including Worland, Greybull, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Kemmerer, and Riverton.

This is the kind of fall when you might run your furnace and your air conditioner on the same day.

Veteran Wyomingites wear layers – you start out in jeans and sweaters and by mid-afternoon, you are down to a short-sleeved shirt . . . sometimes even shorts.

I know two guys, my son-in-law Jerry Johnson, a PE teacher, and Methodist Preacher Mark Calhoun, who try to wear shorts year-around. And they almost always pull it off.

Convertible Weather?

Guys like me who love our old convertibles just keep trying to get one more day of top-down weather before giving up. My late friend Dave Kellogg drove his VW top down while wearing a parka and big hat for years as he tried to stretch out the sunny season. And it worked.

My wife Nancy gets frustrated when we run errands because I insist on putting the top down on our ancient 2002 convertible. She thinks it’s cold and it messes her hair. My excuse: “This might be my last chance to drive with the top down. Sit back and enjoy!”

The above story reminds me of when I was attending a Greater Yellowstone Coalition event in Cody and managed to get loose from the activities early. I had always wanted to drive through Yellowstone Park in a convertible with the top down. So off I went.

I wrote about this trip in a recent column. I liked the ending: “It appeared that I had experienced all of Wyoming’s seasons during this trip. It was sunny when I left Cody. It was cold and windy throughout the park with rain spitting. As I left the National Park area and headed over Togwotee Pass, it even snowed a bit.

Must Love Seasons

Back in the mid-1980s, Wyoming suffered a terrible bust and Lander was hit the hardest of any town in the state. We lost 2,500 good-paying iron and uranium mining jobs. It was awful.

As president of the local economic development group, The Leader Corporation, I dreamt up the idea of recruiting retirees to our town.

We had 600 homes in foreclosure, a wonderful climate (least windy place in the Rockies), and wonderful medical care.

In our nation-wide promotion, I wrote up a brochure selling the benefits of Lander. But I said we were looking for “vigorous” retirees. This was not for the Sun City crowd. The ads also said “Must Love Seasons.”

By the end of the first year, we had 99 of those homes sold and we were on our way.

IBM and the military were both laying off large numbers of workers and we focused on these folks plus anyone else we could attract. The idea was that it was impossible for us to lure a $6 million business to town, but if we could recruit 200 people, each with an annual retirement of $30,000, it would mean the same.

An added bonus was that most of these folks had the time, talent, and inclination to get involved in the community. They contributed greatly.

Weather Will Get Colder

Despite this wonderful fall weather, we all know that it is going to end soon. Thanksgiving can often be brutal, especially for folks trying to home for the holidays.

It is good news that the national government just reopened, which will make flying more practical to a lot of people.

My tips for people this time of year consists of three things:

1. Wear layers and throw in a stocking cap. Wear dry shoes or boots.

2. Always carry an emergency kit in your car – a big blanket, some bottled water, some trail mix or cookies or other snacks. Make sure you have a good scraper and a functioning flashlight.

3. When you take a trip, always leave early. If possible, watch the weather and try to travel in nice weather and despite the short days, drive as little as possible at night. And watch for our poor deer on the road.

Bill Sniffin can be reached at: Bill@CowboyStateDaily.com

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