JACKSON HOLE, WYO – With 2017 in the books, a look back is apropos before we all plunge headlong into 2018. Buckrail recalls here some of the year’s top stories.
It was a year that came in like a lion. After “Deepcember” 2016, who could have expected more white stuff to begin January 2017? And then more. And still more. “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” Winter of 2016-17 finally reached a devastating climax in February with “Snowpocalypse.”
Just six months later, (and about 80 degrees warmer), the valley braced for a storm of a different kind: Total Solar Eclipse 2017. It was touch-and-go with a favorable clear-skies weather forecast, but Jackson Hole got its perfect morning for darkness and no trouble to speak of with the anticipated heavy crowds.
What a difference 365 days makes. 2017 went out like a lamb, with a frosting of white for Christmas but little more as far as snowfall. By New Year’s Eve, many in the valley were still yet to break out the snowblower.
Top 10 stories of 2017
- The mayor’s flair for high drama marked by “Portraitgate” and the corresponding appearance on national television
- Snowpocalypse!
- Total Solar Eclipse 2017
- Spring runoff causing flooding, damage
- Forest Stearns alleged horse abuse
- Both wolf and grizzly are delisted and returned to state management
- ICE roundups hype fears of deportation for many
- Devastating loses: Bob Arndt, Shelley Simonton, and Mike Tepe
- Questionable quiz question involving President Trump
- Bill Resor arrest
January
First baby born in the new year is a baby girl named Brooklyn. She arrived on January 2, 2017 at 9:53am.
Jackson Hole was just beginning to come out of the grips of a “Deepcember” to remember when January was marked by another couple of big dumps.
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce moved out of its offices on the town square.
The Loaf ‘N Jug at 750 S. Highway 89, near U-Haul and Super 8 Motel, closed mysteriously and abruptly. Buckrail broke the news and later the result: Meridian Trust would take over the space.
It was a cold night when mushers took off from the town square in Jackson for the 8-stage Wyoming Stage Stop Sled Dog Race.
Employees of Swift Creek Outfitters, owned by BJ Hill are stunned to learn a packstring horse they had given up trying to find last hunting season was found alive after eight weeks in the deep snows of the backcountry.
February
One word: “Snowpocalypse.” It was a word specifically coined to describe the aftermath of a winter storm that finally broke the back of the valley. The fierceness of a winter culminated in a savage assault on Teton Village Road where downed powerlines caused a power outage that shut down the Village for more than a week.
A harsh winter with relentless snow proved tough on wildlife.
Winter claimed another victim. Buckrail broke the story of heavy snow collapsing the roof of Sears in the Powderhorn Mall. The incident 86’d Sears—presumably for good—and closed neighboring Axis and Hole Bowl for months.
March
Deportation fears began spreading throughout the county as policy changes announced by the new Trump Administration gave ICE new instructions on how the agency would find, detain, or deport undocumented aliens. (https://buckrail.com/fear-of-deportation-grips-many-in-jh-local-law-enforcement-forms-official-policy/)
Area dogs poisoned by cyanide bombs (M-44s) meant for coyotes created an uproar and eventually changed policy. (https://buckrail.com/dogs-poisoned-by-cyanide-bombs-3-dead/)
April
The story that broke the Internet for Buckrail was, admittedly, fake news. Despite the date as a dead giveaway, thousands of readers were duped at least momentarily as the bogus story about the experimental release of kangaroos in Wyoming went viral (https://buckrail.com/first-90-kangaroos-released-in-wyoming/). The post eventually made it to the Drudge Report and beyond and was easily Buckrail’s leading post for the year as far as Google Analytics is concerned.
The possible closing of the downtown post office (83001) made a big splash in April as many readers speculated on how this might go over. (https://buckrail.com/undeliverable-even-the-feds-priced-out-of-jackson/)
The death of the famous white wolf in Yellowstone was news enough in mid-April (https://buckrail.com/queen-of-yellowstone-is-gone-found-by-hikers-dying-famous-female-wolf-was-euthanized/). When it later found to have been shot, illegally, (https://buckrail.com/famous-yellowstone-wolf-was-shot-reward-offered-for-info/) the story took off a second time.
Wyoming won back control of its wolves after the animal was removed from Endangered Species protection. (https://buckrail.com/wyoming-wins-back-its-wolves-management-returned-to-state/)
Sen. Mike Enzi caught flak from the LGBTQ community after making a careless remark about a man named Sissy. The result was the great “Tutu” scandal. (https://buckrail.com/sen-enzi-drawing-fire-for-reported-comments-about-the-lgbtq-community/)
May
Three persons were drown in the Palisades Reservoir after their boat capsized in frigid waters. (https://buckrail.com/boating-accident-claims-three-on-palisades/)
High runoff was making the Snake, Hoback, and Gros Ventre rivers virtually un-navigable for kayakers. (https://buckrail.com/high-runoff-creates-challenging-conditions-for-kayakers-and-motorists/)
The feel-good story of the month was Flat Creek Towing stepping up to take care of cleaning up a winter potato truck crash on the pass. (https://buckrail.com/jackson-towing-company-steps-up-to-clean-up-pass-potatoes/)
The Hoback Fire Station announced it would be moving to the old Horse Creek Station site. (https://buckrail.com/hoback-fire-3-on-the-move-eyeing-old-horse-creek-station-site/)
A Coroner’s Inquest called for the death of Anthony Birkholz, 32, pitted two longtime local doctors against one another in high court drama, and had local reporters scrambling to figure out what a Coroner’s Inquest was. (https://buckrail.com/coroners-inquest-focuses-on-designer-drug/)
The 21-year-old sow 399 was spotted for the first time in 2017 with another pair of cubs by her side. (https://buckrail.com/griz-399-still-going-strong-2-more-cubs-at-her-hip/)
The loss of well-known and loved community member Shelley Simonton was tough to take. Cancer took her at the age of 49 and she went out blazing. (https://buckrail.com/goodbye-shelley-lived-and-made-a-difference/)
June
June was full of high-water episodes. With spring runoff in full effect, the Gros Ventre Road became a casualty (https://buckrail.com/breaking-gros-ventre-river-boiling-with-runoff-road-to-kelly-eroding/), then Cattleman’s Bridge on Spring Gulch Road (https://buckrail.com/spring-gulch-road-closed-at-bridge/). Meanwhile the Forest Service and Park were dealing with a growing list of damage to roads and infrastructure by the big snow winter (https://buckrail.com/bridger-teton-dealing-with-laundry-list-of-forest-wreckage/).
JHHS athlete Anna Gibson was too fast for everyone in track and field. She set state records and was noticed by colleges across America. (https://buckrail.com/snapped-2016-17-athlete-of-the-year/)
Mayor Pete Muldoon removes President Trump’s portrait from Town Hall creating a nationwide firestorm (https://buckrail.com/and-the-mailbag-bursts-fallout-from-portraitgate/).
Guide Timothy Hayden Ryan Conant, 23, from Salt Lake City died in the frigid waters of Yellowstone Lake trying to assist a client. (https://buckrail.com/kayaker-dies-in-yellowstone-trying-to-save-client/)
A box of grenades was found and detonated near the gun range south of Jackson. (https://buckrail.com/box-of-old-grenades-blown-up-last-night/)
Reality TV hunter Bill Busbice is nailed by Game & Fish for poaching elk on his ranch in Lincoln County. (https://buckrail.com/reality-tv-host-nailed-for-poaching/)
Buck Milligan, 12, wins Food Network’s Chopped Junior grand championship as a master chef in the making. (https://buckrail.com/buck-up-junior-chef-cooks-up-a-tasty-grand-victory/)
On the last day of the month, beloved community member Bob Arndt, 53, was hit and killed on Highway 22 (https://buckrail.com/crash-on-highway-22-results-in-fatality-arrest/). The man who struck Arndt is still being held in county jail today awaiting trial for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide and Driving Under the Influence.
July
Rafter Oliver Woodward, 21, was lost to high waters on the Snake River. The search lasted for days. (https://buckrail.com/search-for-rafter-missing-in-snake-will-pick-up-again-at-first-light/) He would not be the last victim on broiling waters during the spring and early summer (https://buckrail.com/man-pulled-from-snake-river-dead/).
Triple-murder suspect Gerald Michael Bullinger, 60, was last seen camped in Pacific Creek in the Bridger-Teton NF after allegedly murdering his wife, his mistress and her daughter in Idaho. He still has not been located. (https://buckrail.com/triple-murder-suspect-on-the-lam-likely-camped-in-jackson-hole/)
The dog vs beaver conflicts begin at Crater Lake (https://buckrail.com/dogs-vs-beaver-at-crater-lake/). Repeated issues eventually led to the beaver’s death at the hands of a private trapper. (https://buckrail.com/why-did-the-crater-lake-beaver-have-to-die/)
Budweiser Clydesdales clomped into the Teton County Fair. (https://buckrail.com/budweiser-clydesdale-will-clomp-around-the-village-friday/)
August
One of the state’s few wildfires gets its legs in early August ((https://buckrail.com/fire-in-the-southern-portion-of-b-t-growing/). Buckrail broke the news that the Pole Creek Fire was discovered to be human caused as a controlled burn that had gotten out of hand. (https://buckrail.com/pole-creek-fire-a-controlled-burn-that-got-away/)
Buckrail first to report Forest Stearns’ alleged mistreatment of one of his packhorses that eventually died (https://buckrail.com/local-outfitter-caught-on-video-abusing-horse-investigation-underway/). Stearns has a trial date set for January 2018.
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS named its new chief Brady Hansen. (https://buckrail.com/new-fire-chief-named-finally/)
Teton County Board of Commissioners appointed Melissa Shinkle as the new county assessor (https://buckrail.com/shinkle-chosen-as-new-county-assessor/)
The much-anticipated eclipse finally arrives to little of the doom predicted. Great preparation or was everyone scared off from visiting Jackson Hole? (https://buckrail.com/snapped-two-more-from-tse-2017/)
September
September begins with the start of an earthquake swarms near Soda Springs, Idaho. The phenomena would continue for weeks with hundreds of tremors registering in excess of 2.5 on the Richter Scale. (https://buckrail.com/earthquake-swarm-around-soda-springs-felt-in-star-valley/)
ESPN radio show host arrested in Jackson Hole for Criminal Entry after passing out drunk in a condo he did not rent. He later apologized on his show. (https://buckrail.com/espn-radio-show-host-apologizes-for-jackson-hole-arrest/)
In a wildfire season that didn’t particular trouble western Wyoming, a small fire broke out just south of town reminding everyone the season wasn’t over yet. (https://buckrail.com/wildfire-breaks-out-in-jackson-hole/)
The valley loses an icon. Leona “Twig” Michelle passed on September 8. She lived to be 99. (https://buckrail.com/loss-of-a-local-legend/)
Another Buckrail break, Wyomatoes Organic Farm is busted for growing marijuana in addition to their juicy tomatoes. (https://buckrail.com/rotten-tomatoes-organic-farm-busted-for-pot-growing-operation/)
Town flap over snocross race at the base of Snow King. Originally denied, the event was later approved. (https://buckrail.com/polarizing-decision-over-sled-race-will-likely-result-in-a-reconsideration-of-snow-king-snocross-event-tonight-after-uproar/)
Trey Davis decides to close Sweetwater after 18 years as owner/operator. (https://buckrail.com/sweetwater-restaurant-closes-its-doors-after-four-decades/)
Construction at the Y tries the patience of motorists. (https://buckrail.com/yes-they-know-the-y-is-fubar/)
October
Natural Trap Cave in the Big Horn Mountains was a story that resonated with many readers. One of Buckrail’s most read stories of the year. (https://buckrail.com/ancient-cave-in-wyoming-holds-ice-age-secrets-including-animals-long-extinct/)
Firefighter Captain Mike Tepe lost his battle with cancer on October 3. (https://buckrail.com/beloved-firefighter-fought-valiantly-gone-too-soon/)
The questionable quiz question given to an English class at Jackson Hole High School causes an uproar. (https://buckrail.com/questionable-quiz-question-calls-into-question-so-much-more/)
Cat shot dead in Star Valley pits animal lovers versus [something other than animal lovers]. (https://buckrail.com/cat-killing-in-star-valley-sets-off-debate-on-morality/)
Town Square Tavern loses liquor license and then business. (https://buckrail.com/mattheis-brothers-lose-everything-tavern-and-liquor-license/)
After a car plunges into the Snake River, off-duty deputy Lloyd Funk swims into freezing waters to save woman whose husband drown. (https://buckrail.com/car-plunges-into-snake-river-one-dead/)
News that fees for Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks could more than double broke by Buckrail late in the month. (https://buckrail.com/targeted-fees-entrance-to-yellowstone-grand-teton-could-more-than-double/)
November
Fred S. Crane, Jr., 66, died on November 8 after a long battle with cancer.
Parking is studied in Jackson as talk turns toward paid street parking. (https://buckrail.com/chamber-asks-local-businesses-think-parking/)
Mark Byerly, 57, is convicted and sentenced to one year in the county jail for Domestic Battery. (https://buckrail.com/byerly-receives-jail-time-avoids-state-pen/)
Bill Resor charged with four counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children—two for possession and two for distribution through digital or electronic means. (https://buckrail.com/breaking-local-man-faces-four-felony-counts-sexual-exploitation/)
Grand opening of TJ Maxx is a huge success. (https://buckrail.com/maxx-super-sunday-new-retailers-grand-opening/)
Valley pioneer Betty Jane Feuz, 97, passed away surrounded by family. (https://buckrail.com/valley-icon-passes-service-tomorrow/)
Community pulls together and makes one step toward saving wildlife from vehicles on Broadway as speed is lowered to 30 mph for a dangerous stretch. (https://buckrail.com/time-whoa-broadway-speed-limit-30/)
Jerry Blann stepped down after 22 years as president of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). (https://buckrail.com/blann-announces-departure-from-jhmr/)
December
Gary Trauner announces bid to challenge John Barrasso for Senate seat. (https://buckrail.com/gary-trauner-announces-hell-challenge-barrasso-senate-seat/)
ISOC Snocross features return of hometown hero Tucker Hibbert who dominated the event. (https://buckrail.com/race-hometown-hero-returns-face-home-team/)
Mayor Pete Muldoon appears in a short segment for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert touching off another round of Jackson, Wyoming in the national spotlight. (https://buckrail.com/watch-now-mayor-muldoon-late-show-stephen-colbert/)
Secretary of State Ed Murray is accused of sexual misconduct—an allegation he quickly denied—stemming from an incident more than 30 years ago. (https://buckrail.com/secretary-state-ed-murray-accused-sexual-misconduct/)
Restaurateur Joe Rice confirms closure of Pizza Artisan and sale of the first floor of 690 Building. (https://buckrail.com/joe-rice-sells-pizza-artisan-690/)
JH Shriners announce they will cancel the cutter races for good. (https://buckrail.com/cutters-cancelled-beat-goes/)
Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen plays his final game with the Pokes, leading his team to a bowl win over Central Michigan State. The star QQ declared pro eligibility as a junior and is expected to be drafted early in the first round. (https://buckrail.com/pokes-plaster-chippewas-tater-bowl-behind-pro-prospect-qb/)
Buckrail sells to new local owners at TMBR. The newstream was launched by and had been a part of Riverton-based Pitchengine since 2014. (https://buckrail.com/buckrail-now-locally-owned-operated/)
Stories from 2017 you probably missed
https://buckrail.com/no-obituary-no-tombstone-all-she-left-was-a-legacy/
https://buckrail.com/wyoming-wont-hand-over-voter-data-to-feds/
