Around the 307
News, commentary, and other items of interest from the greater Wyoming landscape.
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It was a week with lots of Independence Day news—good and bad—across the Cowboy State! Here are a few of those items from the week of June 30th, 2024:
Thursday, July 4th, saw the 100th anniversary and rededication of the placement of “The Scout”, a sculpture commissioned in honor of Cody Wyoming's founding father William Frederick “Buffalo” Bill Cody. The bronze, depicts Buffalo Bill on horseback, larger-than life thrusting his rifle into the air and gazing down at the spectators below. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, today The Scout is a Cody landmark and one of the most photographed attractions in northwest Wyoming. Read the Cowboy State Daily article for all the details on this monumental event. [And, if you’re a Facebook user, click the photo below for a fabulous short video of the Cody fireworks display with The Scout in the foreground.]
Also on Thursday, July 4th there was a law enforcement related shooting in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Read the YNP press release, which is rather tight-lipped, announcing the incident which occurred at Canyon Village. I haven’t seen much local news published about this event yet, however, my understanding is a ranger was injured and the suspected gunman was killed. Here’s a link to a KTVQ News Montana with a few more details on this sad situation.
Another tragic incident that also occurred on July 4th. A pilot was killed when his plane crashed into Palisades Reservoir on Independence Day afternoon. The pilot, from California, had been performing aerial tricks when he apparently lost control and his plane plummeted into the water. Boaters on the lake were the first to come to his aid, however, the pilot succumbed to his injuries. Here’s a link to a story on Buckrail with a bit more information about the accident.
Lastly—to finish on a more uplifting note, I hope you were all able to take in a bounty of Independence Day activities and perhaps even attend a local parade such as the 130th Pageant of the Old West held in Lander. For more photos of the Lander parade, check out this link at County 10. Wherever or however you may have spent your Independence Day, I hope it was grand!
That’s all for today ladies and gents! Thanks for reading and have a great week!
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