News

Historic Pitchfork Ranch up for sale

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:23pm

CODY — The Pitchfork Ranch, established in the 1880’s by Otto Frank Von Lichtenstein, has recently gone up for sale with a price tag of $67 million as current owners, Dr. Lenox and Dr. Fran Baker, plan to retire and enjoy more time with family.
This is only the third time it has gone up for sale throughout the ranch’s entire history.
The ranch was passed from Otto Frank, through six generations of the Phelps/Belden family, and finally to the Bakers – not just surviving, but building upon itself over the past century.

Pages of the Past

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:22pm

100 years ago
January 4, 1924
Ben Wigton is a hustler. On Dec. 12 his grocery store was put out of business by hire, water, and smoke. Along with Mr. Stipe of the Basin Bakery, Ben got quick action on the part of the adjuster and immediately the old stock was placed on sale. Even while the sale was proceeding, work men were cleaning the room and getting it ready for the new stock: the entire place was washed, scrubbed, and repainted. On Tuesday, he was open for business with a clean stock of fine groceries.

County taxpayers received nearly $90,000 in property tax refunds last year

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:15pm

At a time of soaring property values, a key question facing Big Horn County residents and their elected leaders as 2024 begins is what, if anything, can be done to provide relief to those who struggle to meet their property tax payment obligation.
Property tax relief was a hot topic at last year's legislative session, and then again last month when county officials, including Niki Vigil, the country treasurer, and Anderson, met with state legislators.

New phone number for free mental health sessions

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:14pm

The phone number for Big Horn County residents wanting free mental health sessions has changed. County prevention specialist Travis Sylvester updated the commissioners at their Dec. 19 meeting.

Fair board expands to 7 members

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:13pm

At their Dec. 19 meeting, the Big Horn County commissioners voted to expand the fair board to seven members.
The commissioner filled the three open seats at the December meeting, choosing Kelli Mercer, who had been serving on the fair board, and new members Tim Allen and Tucker McKim.
Ads seeks applicants for the additional two positions will be placed in local newspapers.
The pros and cons of having a larger board were discussed.  

Frosty Walk

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:12pm

Fencing for subdivisions discussed at length during commissioner meeting

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:09pm

Paul Thur was rehired as the county’s fulltime Airport and Land Planning Manager after an executive session at the Dec. 19 meeting of the Big Horn County Commission.
In airport news, Thur noted that in a recent meeting regarding the airports it was recommended that a commissioner sit on the steering committee for the airport’s master plans. Commission Chairman Bruce Jolley will fill that seat.

Basin Police Report

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:08pm

December 25 — Information was given at the Basin Apartments.
December 26 — Information was given at the Basin Apartments.
A threat was received.
A VIN inspection was done at the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office (BHCSO).
A business check was don’t at the Overland.
December 27 — An officer assisted a person needing a report.
A person inquired about no trespassing some individuals.
A VIN inspection was done at the BHCSO.
An item was found on Big Horn Ave.
A business check was done at the Overland.

Sheriff’s Report

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:06pm

Dec. 25 — 12:55 p.m.: Deputies responded to a stray dog on Lane 42 in Basin.
1:05 p.m.: Deputies on Road 10 in Burlington handled an accidental 911 call.
Dec. 26 — 5:44 p.m.: Cows were out on Highway 20 South in Manderson.
10:22 p.m.: On Basin Garden Road in Basin, deputies responded to a vehicle that slid off the road. Crystal Rae Howell was arrested in Basin and charged with BAC over .08, open container-alcoholic beverage and littering.

Police Report

Published by admin on Thu, 01/04/2024 - 2:05pm

Dec. 26 — 5:31 a.m.: Officers responded to threats between family members on South 10th Street.
5:35 a.m.: Officers on South 10th Street assisted another agency.
5:02 p.m.: On North Sixth Street, officers initiated a traffic stop at Big Horn Federal Savings Bank. Joseph David Schultz was arrested and charged with UMD/other controlled substance, possible drug paraphernalia, compulsory auto insurance and a stop sign violation.
10:00 p.m.: Officers investigated suspicious circumstances on South Fifth Street. Information was given.