Wyoming
Dave Simpson: Don't Be A Weak-Sauce Republican
Guy running for the Wyoming Senate showed up at our place Saturday afternoon.
I was busy out back, mowing, but he left a slick campaign flier on our doorknob. It said all the stuff you expect to hear. Low taxes, small government, jobs, promoting “Wyoming values.”
Protecting “unborn life,” banning critical race theory, DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion), and “gender/sexuality indoctrination.” He likes vocational education, guns, cops, and doesn’t want illegal immigrants voting.
There was a picture of the candidate in a cowboy hat, with a horse. Gotta have that horse.
It’s easy to be cynical about candidates and the promises they make. I believe the expression is “Yadda, Yadda, Yadda.”
I was reminded, however, of an email I got the other day. Here’s what a recent transplant from Oregon had to say:
“As my wife and I approached the thought of, gasp, retirement, we pondered the idea of living elsewhere other than our home state of Oregon, which had been continuously invaded by liberals fleeing California, beings all the great ideas they voted for now had screwed up their beloved former state and now they were taking those same voting skills (or lack thereof), to their new home state, Oregon.
“We looked at Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming and ruled out each one other than Wyoming, based on WHY we were leaving Oregon and the chances in our lifetime of it happening to our new home state. Wyoming won that, plus as added bonus, less people, less taxes and a deep Red state.
“ Right?
“What we have noticed since moving here is a very large swath of lawmakers who ‘claim’ to be a Republican, wave the flag, pro 2A, etc. Their voting habits, or irregularities, show otherwise. What we have seen at a … county Republican forum, were all the lawmakers from the county there and all were on the same sheet of music voting-wise.” (He lists two exceptions.)
“When one gets onto the state’s site and starts seeing who votes for what and where they stand (or claim to) it gets rather disappointing, worse, how they traditionally vote along Democratic party lines almost always. Wyorino really drove this fact home for me. Then one starts seeing the ‘cliques’ in local politicians and who runs with who, then the light gets much brighter.
“It’s my opinion that unless things change and in quick fashion, Wyoming has all the potential of turning into another Oregon… Wyoming Republicans have no idea what they are up against and perhaps take things for granted that things will ‘Just work out.’
“Well, they won’t, and there is a whole lot at stake, in my opinion.”
“Many do not get these dynamics,” he wrote in a followup email, “and to them I say, ‘Move to Oregon for a couple years and let me know how that works out.’”
Some will dismiss his thoughts as unsolicited observations from a newcomer, someone from somewhere else offering advice. But it’s a warning not to make mistakes made elsewhere.
Radio pundit Dan Bongino makes the observation that in Washington, “There are Republicans who are really Democrats, but there are no Democrats who are really Republicans.”
Same here. We hear plenty from the Wyoming Caucus that is critical of the Freedom Caucus.
I notice, however, that Freedom Caucus folks tend to stand up for issues I care about, like spending less, limited government, parents raising kids instead of schools raising kids, keeping X-rated stuff out of school libraries, and (for the love of Pete), not letting children make life-altering decisions on gender.
I side with the much-criticized Freedom Caucus, and look at the many folks in the Wyoming Caucus – who have been running things for many years – as the Weak Sauce Republicans.
Freedom Caucus folks have made strides in recent elections, and could find themselves in the majority if they win some key legislative races in November. Could go either way.
Keep that in mind when someone with a flier shows up at your door. If it’s an incumbent, check him or her out on the numerous voting record sites on the Web.
Find out if you’re looking at a Hatfield or a McCoy.
This is important. We don’t want to be like Oregon.
Living the outdoor lifestyle is one of the major attractions of Wyoming for residents. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife, and sightseeing bring millions of people to visit each year. Conservation plays a significant role in keeping those options available for everyone, and it takes many people working together to make that happen.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department relies on those who are passionate about conserving the Wyoming way of life, and there are always those who go above and beyond. That’s why WGFD is now taking nominations for the 2026 class of the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant and lasting lifetime contributions to the conservation of Wyoming’s outdoor heritage. Since 2004, it has recognized individuals who have worked consistently over many years to conserve Wyoming’s natural resources through volunteer service, environmental restoration, educational activities, audio/visual and written media, the arts and political and individual leadership.
Historic names like President Theodore Roosevelt, Curt Gowdy, James H. “Jim” Bridger, and Buffalo Bill Cody are among the names who have been etched into Wyoming history by being inducted into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame.
Could your name be next to those? Absolutely, if you meet the criteria.
The following represents standards for induction into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame. The Selection Committee shall use these standards as a written guide in making inductee selections. but shall not be limited to only these standards:
- Whether the nominee’s contribution was of such a nature as to have statewide, inter-state or national significance;
- Whether the nominee’s contribution affected a wide range of natural resources and their
use; - Whether the nominee’s contributions were made in a manner that will enable them to be
measured in the context of past inductee or nominee contributions, and in the historical
setting of the time in which he or she lived, or lives; - The nominee must have influenced conservation in Wyoming through a sustained and
outstanding contribution during the course of their employment, or through volunteer efforts, in at least one – and preferably several – of the following areas:- Environmental law enforcement
- Applied resource management
- Conservation education
- Conservation policy formation, legislation, and public leadership
- Conservation-oriented research
- Conservation literature, art, or journalism
- Volunteer or paid efforts in the interest of conservation
- If the nominee is a living person, to be considered, they shall be at a stage in their career where their contributions to conservation are undeniable and unlikely to be impugned by any present or future endeavors.
On top of the Hall of Fame nominations, WGFD is looking for nominations for the Wyoming Youth Conservationist of the Year award. This award honors residents 18 and under for their leadership and achievements in conservation.
The nomination process is simple and will be open until March 31.
To nominate someone for the Hall of Fame: HERE is a step-by-step guide.
To nominate someone 18 and younger for the Youth Conservationist of the Year award: HERE is a step-by-step guide.
PHOTOS: Wyoming Outdoor Weekend
Top 25 Wild Mammals That Call Wyoming Home
Wyoming is home to well over 100 mammal species.
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
Week 7 of Wyoming prep girls’ basketball is here. The push towards the postseason begins in the last week of January. Teams continue to focus on conference games, as there are no tournaments for the second straight week. At least one game is on all six days of the competition week. There are a lot of league games, but also several cross-quad and interclass matchups.
WYOPREPS WEEK 7 GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 2026
Some schools that are near the border will face an opponent from outside Wyoming. The number of games also varies, as some teams play once, and a few play as many as three times this week. Here is the Week 7 schedule of varsity games WyoPreps has. If you see a game missing, please email david@wyopreps.com. All schedules are subject to change.
Non-Varsity Opponent
Final Score: Burns C 41 1A Guernsey-Sunrise 22
Interclass
Final Score: 3A Lyman 50 2A Kemmerer 17
Final Score: 1A #1 Burlington 65 2A Greybull 29
Out-of-State Opponent
Final Score: Morrill, NE 60 1A Lingle-Ft. Laramie 50
Final Score: Teton (Driggs, ID) 51 4A Jackson 35
Final Score: 1A Saratoga 51 North Park (Walden, CO) 17
Final Score: Harding County, SD, 68 1A #5 Upton 19
Non-Varsity Opponent
Final Score: 1A Arvada-Clearmont 56 Buffalo Freshmen 38
New basketball rankings are available from WyoPreps on Wednesdays.
Class 4A
Final Score: #1 Cheyenne East 56 Cheyenne South 8 (conference game)
Final Score: Cheyenne Central 55 #3 Laramie 47 (conference game)
Class 4A
Riverton at Evanston, 4:30 p.m. (conference game)
#4 Thunder Basin at Campbell County, 6 p.m. (conference game)
Class 3A
#4 Wheatland at Burns, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Powell at #5 Lovell, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Class 2A
#3 Wyoming Indian at Wind River, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Class 1A
#3 Southeast at Lingle-Ft. Laramie, 5 p.m. (conference game) [at EWC in Torrington]
St. Stephens at Meeteetse, 5 p.m. (conference game)
Interclass
2A Kemmerer at 3A Mountain View, 5:30 p.m.
Out-of-State Opponent
2A #2 Sundance at Harding County, SD, 5:15 p.m.
2A Big Piney at Rich, UT, 5:30 p.m.
Read More Girls Basketball News from WyoPreps
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Standings 1-26-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 6 Scores 2026
Nominate A Basketball Player for the WyoPreps Athlete of the Week Honor
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 1-21-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 5 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 1-14-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 4 Scores 2025-26
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Rankings 1-7-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 3 Scores 2025-26
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Rankings 12-24-25
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 2 Scores 2025-26
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Rankings 12-17-25
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 1 Scores 2025-26
Class 4A
#2 Green River at Rock Springs, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Campbell County at #5 Sheridan, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Kelly Walsh at Natrona County, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
#1 Cheyenne East at #3 Laramie, 6 p.m. (conference game)
Cheyenne Central at Cheyenne South, 6 p.m. (conference game) [at Storey Gym]
Star Valley at Jackson, 6 p.m. (conference game)
Class 3A
#1 Cody at Worland, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
#3 Lander at #2 Pinedale, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Newcastle at #4 Wheatland, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Buffalo at Powell, 5:30 p.m.
Douglas at Glenrock, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Lyman at Mountain View, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Torrington at Rawlins, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Class 2A
Moorcroft at #4 Tongue River, 2 p.m.
#1 Big Horn at Wright, 5:30 p.m.
Greybull at Shoshoni, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Thermopolis at Rocky Mountain, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Class 1A
#5 Upton at Midwest, 2 p.m. (conference game)
#2 Cokeville at Farson-Eden, 3 p.m. (conference game)
Fort Washakie at Saratoga, 4 p.m. (conference game)
Kaycee at Hulett, 5 p.m. (conference game)
#1 Burlington at Riverside, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
#4 Little Snake River at Encampment, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Casper Christian at Arvada-Clearmont, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)
Interclass
1A #3 Southeast at 2A #5 Pine Bluffs, 5:30 p.m.
Class 4A
#5 Sheridan at #4 Thunder Basin, 3:30 p.m. (conference game)
Class 3A
Rawlins at Newcastle, 2:30 p.m. (conference game)
Worland at Buffalo, 3 p.m.
Douglas at Burns, 3:30 p.m. (conference game)
Glenrock at Torrington, 4:30 p.m. (conference game)
Class 2A
#1 Big Horn at Rocky Mountain, 1:30 p.m.
#4 Tongue River at Greybull, 2:30 p.m.
Wright at Moorcroft, 2:30 p.m.
Class 1A
Fort Washakie at Encampment, noon (conference game)
H.E.M. at Casper Christian, noon
Meeteetse at Dubois, 1 p.m. (conference game)
Rock River at Midwest, 1 p.m.
Riverside at St. Stephens, 1:30 p.m. (conference game)
Kaycee at #5 Upton, 3 p.m. (conference game)
Interclass
2A Wind River at 1A Saratoga, 1:30 p.m.
1A Lingle-Ft. Laramie at 2A #5 Pine Bluffs, 2:30 p.m.
2A Thermopolis at 3A #5 Lovell, 4 p.m.
Out-of-State Opponent
Grace, ID at 1A #2 Cokeville, 2:30 p.m.
Lusk versus Rock River high school basketball 2026
Game action between the Tigers and Longhorns
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Lisa Shaw
Hypothermia risks increase in Mississippi and Tennessee with next wave of frigid temperatures
‘Heated Rivalry’ hits the party scene in North Texas
Oklahoma State visits Utah after Dawes’ 23-point outing
Vermont officer, deputy cleared in August 2025 officer-involved shooting
Five Virginia localities awarded opioid settlement funds for new programs
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
AOC voices support for anti-ICE shutdown, declines to participate
Zelenskyy seeks 50,000 Russian ‘losses’ a month to win the Ukraine war
Trump sues IRS and Treasury for $10 billion over leaked tax information
Map: 4.2-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Montana
Virginia Democrats seek dozens of new tax hikes, including on dog walking and dry cleaning
-
Illinois1 week agoIllinois school closings tomorrow: How to check if your school is closed due to extreme cold
-
Pennsylvania4 days agoRare ‘avalanche’ blocks Pennsylvania road during major snowstorm
-
Science1 week agoContributor: New food pyramid is a recipe for health disasters
-
Technology1 week agoRing claims it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras
-
Science1 week agoFed up with perimenopause or menopause? The We Do Not Care Club is here for you
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie Review: In ‘Mercy,’ Chris Pratt is on trial with an artificial intelligence judge
-
Politics1 week agoSupreme Court appears ready to keep Lisa Cook on Federal Reserve board despite Trump efforts to fire her
-
News1 week agoVideo: Jack Smith Defends His Trump Indictments During House Hearing
