The billionaire owner of the Chicago Cubs is on a mission to rename a small Wyoming town where he plans to build a 56-acre high-end resort to the criticism and ire of the locals.
Joe Ricketts, the TD Ameritrade founder and patriarch of his family that purchased the MLB team in 2009, hopes to change Bondurant, Wyoming to Little Jackson Hole.
Ricketts, 82, has been on a recent push to build a 56-acre high-end resort on his 1,300-acre Jackson Fork Ranch property, according to the Cowboy State Daily.
Homestead Resort, the proposed name for Ricketts’ retreat, was described as a “premium resort experience with a mission-driven focus on protecting, preserving and enjoying the natural beauty of the Hoback region,” the newspaper reported.
During a dinner several years ago, the former stockbroker chairman pitched his idea to rename the small town Little Jackson Hole as an homage to Davey Jackson, an American pioneer and explorer with several locations in the valley named after him.
The seven-course meal where Ricketts first floated the idea included “swag bags” for all guests.
The billionaire released a study where he wanted to examine the location name “JacksonLittle Hole” along with other variants including Little Jackson Hole.
“It also was to provide authoritative documentation of the usage of ‘Jackson’s Little Hole’ within the geographical area known today as Bondurant, Wyoming,” the study said.
Bondurant had a population of 152, according to a 2022 census.
The research found Jackson had two favorite hunting spots in the valley – Jackson’s (Big) Hole and Jackson’s Little Hole.
Jackson Hole is known for its upscale ski resorts, campgrounds and picturesque views — bordered by the jagged peaks of the Tetons.
Ricketts believes the name change would make the area more marketable, based on name recognition for those who already travel to the area.
The suggestion irked some citizens of the small town, which sits in Sublette County, 40 miles southeast of Grand Teton National Park, who are angered by Rickett’s proposal for a tourist destination in the community.
“About 75% of the people all got up and left the dinner right then,” Pat Burroughs said. “They left the gift bags on the table and just walked out.”
“We are Bondurant,” she said firmly. “This is the Upper Hoback.”
Burroughs added that the change from Bondurant could bring confusion for delivery services.
“One gentleman even had trouble getting his medication,” the furious resident said. “He kept telling them he lives in Bondurant, but they were looking for someone in Little Jackson Hole.”
“It’s totally infuriating,” Burroughs said.
Richard Pearson, who claims to be the oldest lifelong resident of the Hoback Basin Valley, said the privacy of the community will vanish.
“I hate to see the change that this is going to bring to the private people who live in this valley,” Pearson told the newspaper. “You know, it’s going to be a completely different world in a few years once this, once everything gets going.”
Pearson complained that Ricketts had been buying several lands to add to his power to get the name change.
“He’s bought several places around here,” Pearson said. “It’s just like a cancer. He’s just sucking everything up. Anything that becomes available, he’s buying it.”
Apart from his Jackson Fork Ranch property, Ricketts recently purchased the White Pine Ski and Summer Resort, a 363-acre resort near Pinedale, 54 miles from Bondurant.
Last month he finalized a deal to buy the High Country Suites in Pinedale, according to the Cowboy State Daily.
Ricketts had said he wanted to ensure White Pine remains a “strong part of the community, and continues the tradition of serving local residents.” the newspaper reported.
CASPER, Wyo. — “On Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 I kayaked into Fremont Canyon at Alcova,” writes photographer Dino Wenino. “The air was still, the sun was shining, the water was like glass and the reflections were beautiful. I didn’t hit ice until 1.7 miles in.”
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Starting Friday evening, rain and snow will start to move into northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. Winds will begin to pick up out of the NW and gust up to 40-50 MPH. Even if snow accumulations don’t match projections, you only need 1″-2″ of snow to cause major disruptions, given the higher winds.
Anywhere from Sheridan, Wyoming through Sturgis along I-90 will likely be difficult for travel through at least Sunday afternoon due to blowing snow and icy roads. Anywhere east of Sturgis along I-90 including Rapid City and areas east of Rapid City should see diminished impacts with only an inch or two of snow over the same 48 hour period.
Outside of Lawrence County and perhaps Belle Fourche in South Dakota, most of the state should see manageable conditions, with blowing snow from time to time. However, be ready for snow squalls to quickly change driving conditions even if no winter weather bulletins are active for your area.
5″-9″ seems reasonable for the northern hills, with localized areas of southwest Lawrence County in the conversation for a foot or more of snow. There will be a sharp cutoff of snow accumulations as you push further east, particularly around Sturgis/Tilford area.
Stay tuned for updates, as our winter storm watches will likely be replaced by winter storm advisories and winter storm warnings in the next 24 hours.
Our weather department occasionally publishes stories under a byline of “Weather staff.” Most frequently, the “Weather staff” byline is used for straightforward forecasts. At times, this byline is used when a weather story is a collaboration by members of the weather department.
LARAMIE — Both Wyoming basketball teams faced heartbreak against New Mexico, with the Cowboys falling 61-53 in Laramie and the Cowgirls narrowly losing 73-67 in Albuquerque. Despite stellar efforts, the Lobos prevailed in both contests.
The Wyoming Cowboys held one of the nation’s top offenses to a mere 18 points in the first half, their fourth-lowest opponent total in a half in program history. However, a late rally from New Mexico in the second half sealed the Lobos’ victory at the Arena-Auditorium.
“We were close, and close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades,” Wyoming head coach Sundance Wicks said. “This game stung a bit. I’m proud of the guys; they executed the game plan and are believing in what we’re doing. The process is showing, but the results aren’t there.”
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The Pokes’ defensive effort limited the Lobos to 33.3 percent shooting for the game, including 23.8 percent from beyond the arc. Offensively, Wyoming struggled, shooting just 32.2 percent overall and 26.3 percent from three-point range.
Dontaie Allen led Wyoming with 12 points, his third double-digit performance of the season. Cole Henry and Abou Magassa added 10 points each, with Magassa’s career-high also including five rebounds. Jordan Nesbitt contributed eight rebounds and a season-high five assists, while Kobe Newton chipped in nine points on three three-pointers.
Wyoming led 32-18 at halftime, dominating defensively and holding New Mexico scoreless for stretches exceeding four minutes. However, a 12-0 Lobo run early in the second half tightened the game. The Cowboys briefly regained control with an 8-0 run, highlighted by a transition dunk from Nesbitt, but New Mexico surged late. Donovan Dent’s 22 points and Nelly Junior Joseph’s double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds) propelled the Lobos to victory.
The Wyoming Cowgirls battled valiantly at The Pit, shooting an impressive 52.1 percent from the field and assisting on 21 of 25 made baskets. However, New Mexico’s strong fourth-quarter performance proved decisive in the Lobos’ 73-67 win.
“We did an excellent job sharing the ball, but turnovers and missed opportunities hurt us,” said Wyoming head coach Heather Ezell.
Allyson Fertig led the Cowgirls with 17 points, followed by Tess Barnes (15) and Malene Pedersen (14), who combined for five three-pointers. Off the bench, McKinley Dickerson added 10 points. Pedersen also tallied a career-high seven assists, while Ola Ustowska contributed a season-best six.
Wyoming’s unselfish play led to their second 20-plus assist game this season. However, 15 turnovers led to 14 points for New Mexico, and the Lobos held an 8-0 edge in second-chance points.
Despite trailing 37-33 at halftime, the Cowgirls trimmed the deficit to two by the third quarter’s end. A pair of Fertig free throws tied the game at 53-53 early in the fourth, but New Mexico answered with a decisive 7-0 run. Fertig’s three late layups kept Wyoming close, but the Lobos held firm, aided by Hulda Joaquim’s timely three-pointer and a solid team effort.
The Cowboys will enjoy a bye weekend before traveling to Boise State for their second matchup in as many weeks. Meanwhile, the Cowgirls return home for back-to-back games, starting with a contest against San Diego State on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Arena-Auditorium.
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