Continued on Page 2 In This Issue: by Kathy Wolfe Tidbits invites readers to celebrate 250 years of freedom this week with facts about the beginning of the road to independence. • Although there had been anger for years about the increasing authority of Britain’s Parliament over the 13 American colonies, the grievance of “no taxation without representation” was increasing, as Britain imposed taxes on tea along with requiring all printed materials be produced on stamped paper from London. In 1773, the Sons of Liberty dressed as Native Americans protested by tossing 340 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. Britain called it treason and responded with more penalties. British troops were sent to control the rebellious actions of the colonists. • In 1775, when the British troops were ordered to seize the Patriots’ military supplies near Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, a battle ensued, and the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired, although it’s unclear which side fired it. The Patriots were warned of the British plans by Paul Revere on his famous “midnight ride,” which was actually two separate rides on the two nights before the skirmish. Revere was assisted by two others, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, who provided the colonists with the information that the British were approaching. • The Battles of Lexington and Concord launched the Revolutionary War, an eight-year conflict. More than 230,000 colonists served in the Continental Army over its course before the colonies broke free from British rule. • Two months after the opening shots, 43-year- old George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Just three days after his confirmation, the Battle • Marketplace – Pgs 2 & 14 • Casper– Pg 3 • Publisher’s Corner - Pg 3 • Automotive – Pg 5 • Home & Garden – Pg 7 • Here's My Card! Pg 9 • Classifieds – Pg 11 • Puzzle Answers – Pg 13 • Wheatland, WY– Pg 14 • Glenrock – Pg 15 • Douglas, WY - Pg 16 TIDBITS® CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM Q: What did the colonists wear to the Boston Tea Party? A: Tea-shirts. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes! See Publisher's corner on page 3! This Week in Publisher's Corner: Issue #1206 ~ July 1 - 7, 2026 Readers Nationwide! HAPPY 250TH AMERICA!HAPPY 250TH AMERICA!
of Bunker Hill occurred, with Colonel William Prescott leading the Americans. It was during this battle that the phrase, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” originated, most likely uttered by Prescott or General Israel Putnam, an instruction to let the British get close before opening fire because of ammunition shortages. Every shot needed to count! Although the British experienced more than twice the number of dead or wounded than the Americans, losing 40% of their army, they were actually the victors in this battle, but it became evident that the Colonists were a formidable force to be reckoned with. • The first major battle that took place after the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on the western end of Long Island seven weeks after the Declaration in 1776. It was also the largest battle of the war, as 10,000 Patriots, mostly volunteers with little training, were up against 20,000 British and Hessian troops. The battle was Britain’s attempt to capture New York City and control the Hudson River Valley, leading to a division of the American forces. It was a tragic loss for the Patriots, with more than 1,900 killed, wounded, or captured. The British, with much better battle tactics and numbers, experienced losses of just 320. The battle, which resulted in the loss of American control of New York City, was an indication that there would be no easy victory. • George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River took place on Christmas night, 1776, as a vicious snowstorm with brutal winds raged. Large, flat-bottomed boats ferried 2,400 Continental soldiers Continued on Page 3 Tidbits of Central WyomingPage 2 July 1 - 7, 2026 Extended Stay Suites 250 YEARS — (continued) List of Specialized Goods & Services Check Cashing Center Propane To Place An Ad, Call 307-247-1587To Place An Ad, Call 307-247-1587 Of Casper 406-465-5713 Dry Cleaning Tree Services Engraved Rocks Monuments Plumbing & Heating Restaurants
across the River to engage the Hessian army stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. It wasn’t just soldiers being transported – horses, cannons, and other artillery were also moved across the icy river. Once across, the troops began a nine-mile march to Trenton, some with bare feet, in the midst of cold and blinding snow, with at least two dying from exposure along the way. The Battle of Trenton was a resounding victory for the Continentals, with two-thirds of the Hessians surrendering, and minimal losses to the Americans. • The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was a sound victory for the Patriots, a turning point in the war, which provided enough confidence to France to prompt its military support to the Americans. It was actually two battles, fought during September and October, with 15,000 Americans against about 8,000 British troops. The British army, led by General John Burgoyne, was eventually surrounded, leading to surrender. At the conclusion, 90 Americans had been killed, compared to 440 British deaths. • The final major battle on land of the war took place at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. After the Continentals had marched 450 miles from New York, they joined the French military troops for a total of nearly 20,000 men to defeat the British Army, 9,000 soldiers commanded by General Charles Cornwallis. American deaths were 88 and British deaths numbered around 300, but the remaining British troops surrendered, leading the British government to enter into peace negotiations, even though they still held several major port cities. • The key French military officer during the Revolutionary War was Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, more familiarly known as the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette was just 19 years old when he arrived in America to join Washington’s Continental Army in 1777. Born into a wealthy French family, he had been commissioned as a French officer at 13. • The British forces consisted of more than just those from Britain. They were joined by 30,000 German (Hessian) auxiliary troops and an estimated 50,000 colonists loyal to the British crown. The Americans were supported by French troops and financial support from Spain and the Netherlands. • When the Revolution began, the population of the 13 colonies was about 2.5 million people. Virginia had the largest population with 447,000. Philadelphia was the largest city, population 43,000, followed by New York City with 25,000. Some say don't criticize people until you walk a mile in their shoes. The following are examples of why we should not judge or criticize. A 24-year-old son looking out through a train's window shouted, "Dad, look, the trees are going behind; they are moving very fast!" Look, the clouds are running with us." The couple seated across from the father said, "Why don't you take your son to a good doctor, maybe a psychiatrist?" The father smiled and said, "We are just coming from the hospital. My son was blind from birth, and he just received his sight today; his behavior is more than a miracle to me. The young couple was at a loss for words with a mixture of tears and shame in their eyes. Amy stopped by the nursing home to visit with her mother. They asked where her son was; bewildered, she asked why? They told her that her son would always stop by on his way home from school to say hi to his grandmother. Amy thought of all the times she thought her son was just slow and dawdling home from school and he actually had a good reason. It's not a mistake that God gave us two eyes, two ears, and one mouth. Let's be quick to listen, observe, and offer assistance. But slow to criticize. Dear Lord, So far I've done all right. I haven't gossiped or lost my temper or been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm really glad about that. But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed. And from then on, I'm going to need a lot more help. Take care and we'll talk to ya next week. Here are some locations you can get your free copy of Tidbits in Wyoming. 1. Chamber of Commerce, Sheridan 2. Maverik, Buffalo 3. Surf 'n Suds, Gillette 4. Lube Express Inc, Casper 5. Motel 6, Douglas 6. Motel 6, Wheatland From Roger Davis, Owner Publisher Tidbits of Northern and Central Wyoming CASPER, WYOMING Page 3 Tidbits of Central Wyoming Publisher’s Corner Continued on Page 4 July 1 - 7, 2026 250 YEARS — (continued)
An estimated 15% - 20% of the colonial population were Loyalists. • About 25,500 Americans lost their lives in the eight-year War, but just 27% of those died in battle. Both sides suffered thousands of casualties from diseases – typhus, malaria, typhoid fever, dysentery, and influenza – that spread through camps. North America was also experiencing a smallpox epidemic throughout the war, with an estimated 100,000 people perishing from the illness. Many Patriots died aboard the British ships that were used to confine POWs. The number of American war casualties may not look large, but compared to the population at the time, it amounted to 1% of the total. In today’s terms, that would be the equivalent of a loss of 3.5 million. • Peace negotiations began in April, 1782, and continued for several months. The Treaty of Paris, the city where it was negotiated and signed, declared the United States as “free, sovereign, and independent,” with Britain relinquishing all claims. It was signed on September 3, 1783. Kathleen_wlf@yahoo. com TOYS & GAMES: FIREWORKS Independence Day is the time for fireworks, and Tidbits presents these facts on the history of pyrotechnics. • The invention of fireworks is credited to the Chinese who, as early as 200 B.C., were heating green bamboo stalks over coals to dry. As the wood expanded, it would burst with a loud bang, which the Chinese used to frighten their enemies as well as scare off evil spirits. Around 600 B.C., as they searched for a concoction for immortality, they mixed s a l t p e t e r , sulfur, and charcoal, with the accidental result of g u n p o w d e r. They stuffed the bamboo stalks with the c o m p o u n d , and used them in warfare, attaching them to arrows aimed at their enemies. • While the Chinese invented fireworks, the Italians hold the acclaim for the invention of the aerial shell. In the 1830s, Italian pyrotechnicians created a cone-shaped shell with fuel in the bottom, and a layer of tiny balls of chemicals, along with a charge. They’re also the ones who deduced that different metallic powders produced specific colors. • The principle of fireworks is simple. 250 YEARS — (continued) Page 4 July 1 - 7, 2026Tidbits of Central Wyoming CASPER, WYOMING Continued on Page 5 HOCUS-FOCUS
It needs an oxidizer, a fuel, and a chemical mixture to create color. When exposed to fire, the oxidizer breaks the fuel’s chemical bonds, releasing their energy. Because different chemicals burn at different wavelengths of light, a variety of colors is produced. Titanium and magnesium produce silver or white, calcium burns orange, and sodium creates yellow. Compounds of strontium and lithium generate deep reds, while barium burns green. Blue is the most difficult to create, and although copper burns blue, it is frequently mixed with barium and chlorine to generate neon green and turquoise. • The whistling sound of fireworks is created by layering sodium salicylate and potassium perchlorate. As the layers burns, a gas is released, generating the whistle. Aluminum or iron flakes produce hissing or sizzling sounds, while titanium powder is responsible for loud blasts. • The first known fireworks display for a specific event was in 1486 at the wedding of Henry VII. His son, Henry VIII also included fireworks in his wedding celebration when he wed Anne Boleyn. (He later had her beheaded.) Another wedding fireworks show didn’t end well, when, in 1770, King Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette. The display caused a fire in the scaffolding, which created a panic and stampede, injuring hundreds. Although 132 were confirmed dead, some estimates go as high as 800 fatalities, including people who were pushed into the Seine River where they drowned. • Americans have been shooting off fireworks on Independence Day since 1777, when Philadelphia arranged a day of festivities including a 13-cannon display, a parade, music, musket salutes, and fireworks. However, an old legend says that Captain John Smith ignited fireworks in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608 to either impress or scare the Native Americans. • About $2 billion is spent on fireworks every July 4th in the U.S., about 175 million pounds worth. Fireworks certainly aren’t without risk. In 2024, there were 11 deaths and more than 14,700 injuries, of which 20% required hospitalization. Sparklers, which can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees F (1,093 C), are responsible for a large portion. The illegal M-80 fireworks have contributed to lost fingers and hands. In addition, fireworks spark tens of thousands of wildfires every year. The particulate matter in firework smoke can cause lung problems and trigger asthma attacks, while the explosions can disrupt heart rhythm and even contribute to heart attacks. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE “When in the Course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another…” begins the Declaration of Independence, the document that pronounced that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject to British rule. This week, Tidbits celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary of this document. • While Thomas Jefferson is generally credited as the author of the Declaration, there was a committee of five that met together to help shape it – John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Jefferson. Their meeting place was a popular Philadelphia pub, the Indian Queen Tavern. Because of his articulate writing style, Jefferson was chosen as the principal author, with his first draft completed in just 17 days in his Philadelphia boarding house. • Congress spent two-and-a-half days editing Jefferson’s draft, making 86 changes, shortening the Declaration by about 25%. • There were 27 specific grievances against King George III, including taxation without representation, obstructing the growth of population, and refusal to allow the colonies to elect their own judges. A copy was sent across the Atlantic to the King, arriving there in late August, 1776. • The original title of the document was “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America in General Congress Assembled,” and later changed to “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” When the Declaration was adopted in 1776, the Colonies and Great Britain had already been at war for over a year. • The document was written on animal skin parchment, 29.75 inches by 24.5 inches in size. Jefferson’s words were put into the familiar elegant handwritten version by Timothy Matlack, a clerk to the Continental Congress, who was renowned for his extraordinary penmanship. Matlack took two weeks to complete the work, which was then sent to a Philadelphia printer named John Dunlap, who worked all night on July 4th to produce 200 copies of the document. Contrary to what we might have learned in school, the Declaration was not signed on July 4th. That date signifies the adoption of the document by Congress. The actual signing took place over the next several weeks, with all delegates signing by August 2, 1776 in the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall. 250 YEARS — (continued) Tidbits of Central WyomingPage 5 July 1 - 7, 2026 Continued on Page 6
• Matlack’s original handwritten copy is kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Just 26 of Matlack’s copies survive today. American institutions own 21, British institutions have two, and three are in private collections. Perhaps the most famous find was a copy spotted at a Pennsylvania flea market in 1989, hidden behind a painting with a price of $4. TV producer Norman Lear o b t a i n e d it from the individual for $8.1 million. • As Congress president, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration in his large elaborate style, which gave way to his name being used as a popular way to request someone’s signature. Four of the 56 signers were physicians, two later became U.S. Presidents. The 70-year-old Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration, while a South Carolina delegate, Edward Rutledge, was the youngest at 26. All those who signed put themselves at risk of committing treason against Britain, punishable by death. In fact, five signers were captured as traitors by the British during the Revolutionary War, and tortured before their death. 250 YEARS — (continued) Page 6 July 1 - 7, 2026Tidbits of Central Wyoming Metabolism-Boosting Coffee Recipe This metabolism-boosting coffee blends rich coffee with thermogenic spices and fat- absorbing ingredients to increase metabolic rate and reduce inflammation. Whisk together 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, and a pinch of black pepper in a mug. Then stir in 8 oz of coffee or hot tea. 1 tsp of coconut oil may be added for extra energy and appetite suppression. Sweeten your coffee to taste, but excess sugar can counteract the fat- burning properties. Nature's Remedies KING CROSSWORD SPONSORED BY BATTERIES PLUSWALK-INS WELCOME 307-359-1421https://alpinegold.com/pages/contact-us111 West 2 St, Suite 103,nd Casper, Wyoming, 82601 Mike Eathorne Your Wealth, Backed by GoldReturn-Bearing Leasing Precious Metals IRAs Sell Your Gold & Silver U.S. Minted Gold and Silver Coins Diversify Your Portfolio Gold Standard is Back!
Glass Shades The invention of the electric light bulb didn't just introduce an improved, more convenient, safer light source. It gave designers new inspiration. As the use of electric lights spread during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, lamps with colorful opaque glass shades became popular. They made beautiful decorations, whether on or off, and the intense electric light shining through the glass often gave the design a whole new look. Tiffany, Handel, and Pairpoint made the most famous lamps of the time. They have stunning, high-quality shades made with complex techniques, and the bases are usually bronze and often have intricate designs or figural shapes. Unsurprisingly, they can sell for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars today -- a windfall if you've inherited one but a bit of an extravagant purchase for most collectors. Similar lamps made by the many other companies active at the time may not quite reach those heights, but especially striking and well-made examples can still sell for impressive prices, even without a known maker. Even though its maker was not identified, this lamp sold for $3,000 at Woody Auction. Its light blue, orange, and caramel-colored glass panels make an eye-catching combination, especially with the ornate scrolls, wreaths, and flowers on its metal frame. A lighted base adds to its appeal. * * * Q: Our handpainted Nippon chocolate set, including a pitcher and five cups and saucers, has been in our family for over 60 years. It is decorated with roses and gold and has a blue mark on the base with a leaf. We are wondering what it is worth so that we can list it correctly in our estate. A: The leaf mark was used by the Morimura Bros., who opened their trading company in 1876. In 1904, they founded the company that was later known as Noritake, one of the most famous names in 20th-century Japanese ceramics. Morimura and Noritake used the maple leaf mark with the words "Nippon" and "Hand Painted" starting in 1891. The mark could be blue, green, or magenta. Nippon chocolate sets the size of yours, with the blue leaf mark and similar decorations, have sold for about $150 to $300 at recent auctions. For a more precise estimate, you may want to contact a collector's club, like the International Nippon Collector's Club (nipponcollectorsclub. com), or an auction house or dealer that sells similar ceramics. To list the value of your estate, you may need to get a professional appraisal; however, they tend to be very expensive and may not be necessary if the value of the item is under a certain amount. * * * TIP: When changing an antique, like rewiring a lamp or reupholstering a chair seat, keep the old pieces and parts you remove. When you sell your antique, the new owner will pay more if the old parts are part of the history. * * * CURRENT PRICES Game, mahjong, bone tiles, wood case, foldout front, brass mounts, two top handles, label, Mah-Jongg Sales Co. of America, San Francisco, 7 x 8 x 8 inches, $100. Carousel, horse, jumper, walnut, front hooves raised, painted, multicolor saddle and blanket, carved mane and tail, rectangular base, 47 x 55 1/2 inches, $290. Dental, tool cabinet, quartersawn oak, hinged lid, pullout front, three folding shelves over 10 drawers, marked, H. Gerstner & Sons, 15 1/2 x 16 x 9 inches, $420. For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Tidbits of Central WyomingPage 7 July 1 - 7, 2026 Colorful opaque glass was a popular choice for decorative lampshades in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
Page 8 July 1 - 7, 2026Tidbits of Central Wyoming • Time slows down so dramatically near a black hole that if you stood close enough to it, years could pass for the universe while just minutes passed for you. • After trading $3 billion worth of Pepsi- Cola to the U.S.S.R. in exchange for vodka, submarines and other military hardware, the Pepsi company briefly had the sixth largest military in the world. • Iceland's parliament, the Icelandic Althingi, first formed in 930 A.D., is the oldest in the world. • The tradition of carrying the bride across the threshold started in medieval Europe when many people believed that a bride was especially vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. To guard her from such attacks, the chivalric groom would carry her into their new home. • Los Angeles has the world's largest Korean population outside of Korea. • In J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," dragon blood is revealed to be an effective oven cleaner. • The Pyramids of Giza are the only Great Wonder of the ancient world still standing. • During WWII, the Polish army adopted a brown bear named Wojtek into their ranks. The animal was fond of cigarettes and beer, and even received a promotion from private to corporal. • A sloth can take up to two weeks to digest a single meal. • Actress Roseanne Barr once attempted to run for president and got as far as filing with the Federal Election Commission, under the "Green Tea Party Ticket." • Lightning isn't limited to thunderstorms, but can also occur in volcanic eruptions, wildfires and snowstorms. • During certain periods in feudal Japan, executions of condemned criminals were used by some samurais to test their new swords. *** Thought for the Day: "It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference." -- Tom Brokaw (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 9 July 1 - 7, 2026Tidbits of Central WyomingMike.eathorne@alpingoldexchange.com307-359-1421111 West 2nd St. Suite 103, Casper, WYwww.alpinegold.comPrecious Metals ExpertsLiquidityPrecious MetalsInvestment Mike EathorneWyoming Branch Manager July 1 - 7, 2026
Page 10 July 1 - 7, 2026Tidbits of Central Wyoming CHCCW accepts most insurance plans • Wyoming Medicaid • Medicare • Multiple different insurances Supporting Healthy Aging Close to Home 5000 Blackmore Road, Casper, WY 82609 www.chccw.org | (307) 233-6000
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Avoid foreclosure on a VA home loan The VA Partial Claim Program begins now. The purpose? To help veterans avoid foreclosure on their homes. The program was started last summer when the VA Home Loan Reform Act was signed into law. In this partial claim program, the VA can pay up to 25% of the unpaid principal. Veterans in danger of losing their home to foreclosure should call the mortgage servicer to find out about eligibility to participate in the partial claim program. To be eligible, you must have a VA loan, not FHA or conventional. The home has to be your primary residence; no vacations homes or investment properties can qualify. You have to be at risk of default on the loan. And, the biggie here, you have to prove you can make your payments. It's not a handout, but it can be a hand up. One of the first steps is that the VA will advance funds to bring the mortgage current and then the veteran needs to prove he or she can stay current by making payments on a trial basis for three months. If a trial repayment doesn't work, it's possible that a loan modification might (although those can be risky if the interest rate goes up on the new loan). There are a number of ways for veterans to keep their homes (it helped 173,000 veterans last year alone). Some of those include making modifications to traditional loans, disaster modifications, and 30- and 40-year loan modifications. If you're having trouble dealing with your mortgage servicer, call the VA at 877-827- 3702 and press 6 to get help. Mortgage servicers have until November this year to get the program into their system. For information on avoiding foreclosure, see www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/ trouble-making-payments. Scroll down to see the seven ways to avoid foreclosure. As always, beware the possibility of scams. If you suddenly receive calls about foreclosure help, don't give any information. Instead, call the VA or mortgage servicer yourself to be sure who you're talking to. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Page 12 Tidbits of Northern Wyoming July 1 - 7, 2026 1. MOVIES: Who was the only actress to appear in the 1961 and 2021 film versions of "West Side Story"? 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which month of the year has the most letters in its name? 3. SCIENCE: What protects the Earth from solar winds? 4. TELEVISION: What is the name of the bar in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"? 5. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the first Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop? 6. LITERATURE: What are the names of the two brothers in the "Hardy Boys" novel series? 7. LANGUAGE: What is a polyglot? 8. FOOD & DRINK: Which herb is most often used in traditional pesto? 9. ANATOMY: Membranes called pleurae cover the surface of which human organs? 10. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of South Korea? (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. 1. Rita Moreno. 2. September. 3. The magnetosphere, an invisible magnetic bubble generated inside the Earth. 4. Paddy's Pub. 5. Vermont. 6. Frank and Joe. 7. A person who speaks several languages. 8. Basil. 9. The lungs. 10. Seoul.
Tidbits of Northern WyomingPage 13 July 1 - 7, 2026 Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast 2 1/2 cups white cornmeal, divided 3 to 4 cups lukewarm water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg, lightly beaten Melted butter for drizzling and serving Honey or maple syrup for serving Family members and visitors alike testified that hoecakes were among George Washington’s favorite foods. He invariably ate them at breakfast, covered with butter and honey, along with hot tea—a “temperate repast” enjoyed each morning. George Washington's Hoecakes Instructions: 1. Mix the yeast and 1 1/4 cups of the cornmeal in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of the lukewarm water, stirring to combine thoroughly. Mix in 1/2 cup more of the water, if needed, to give the mixture the consistency of pancake batter. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. 2. When ready to finish the hoecakes, begin by adding 1/2 to 1 cup of the remaining water to the batter. Stir in the salt and the egg, blending thoroughly. 3. Gradually add the remaining 1 1/4 cups of cornmeal, alternating with enough additional lukewarm water to make a mixture that is the consistency of waffle batter. Cover with a towel, and set aside at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. 4. Heat a griddle on medium-high heat, and lightly grease it with lard or vegetable shortening. Preparing 1 hoecake at a time, drop a scant 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle and cook on one side for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. With a spatula, turn the hoecake over and continue cooking another 4 to 5 minutes, until browned. 5. Place the hoecake on a platter, and set it in the oven to keep warm while making the rest of the batch. Drizzle each batch with melted butter. 6. Serve the hoecakes warm, drizzled with melted butter and honey or maple syrup.
• Use a carabiner clip to hold the handles of grocery bags together. They will roll about less in the trunk and are easier to carry into the house when you get home. • "Many people keep some pet food outdoors. If you have problems with ants in your pet's food if feeding outside, you will like this trick: Place the bowl of food into a larger pan filled with water. The ants can't cross it, and it has the added bonus of being another source of water for the animals. Be sure to change it frequently, and put out plenty of fresh water sources for outdoor pets". -- P.Y. in Alabama • "We unexpectedly had our friends visit with their granddaughter. Since it was unplanned, and we aren't used to little kids, we were unprepared. My quick-thinking husband split open a garbage bag to use as a protective liner on the bed in case of an accident." -- D.D. in Oregon • Witch hazel is an old remedy for bruises and bumps. You can find it in the first aid aisle by the peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Simply moisten a folded paper towel, and park it right on the bump (never near the eyes or mouth). It prevents bruising and can lessen swelling in some cases. • Need to cross out a note so nobody can read it? Take this tip to the scratch pad: Instead of scribbling over something to be crossed out, write random letters over your words until the whole thing is illegible. • "File this under you CAN teach an old dog new tricks: While watching videos on a cellphone with my daughter, I found out that a pair of folded sunglasses really works as a fantastic stand." -- C.E. in Maine Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, 1800 Pembrook Dr., Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32810. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Page 14 July 1 - 7, 2026Tidbits of Eastern Wyoming WHEATLAND, WYOMING I-25 Exit 78 & 80 Farmer's Markets 1. Is the book of Jude (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. From Acts 17, in what city were Paul and his companions accused of turning the world upside down? Antioch, Smyrna, Thessalonica, Galatia 3. How many days did it take Nehemiah to get the wall around Jerusalem completed? 6, 52, 100, 1,000 4. From Genesis 3:15, the snake is supposed to strike at what part of man? Throat, Hand, Heel, Eyes 5. In Christianity, what's the title given to the head of a diocese? Arch, Cardinal, Bishop, Reverend 6. From Revelation 12, what angel fights against Satan? Gabriel, Angel of the Lord, Cherubim, Michael ANSWERS: 1) New, 2) Thessalonica, 3) 52, 4) Heel, 5) Bishop, 6) Michael More than 1,200 brand-new trivia questions in Wilson Casey's latest book "Quest for Bible Knowledge" available in bookstores and online. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Restaurants List of Specialized Goods & ServicesTo Place An Ad, Call 307-247-1587To Place An Ad, Call 307-247-1587 Of Eastern Wyoming Pages from the Past Restaurants
Fireworks and pets do not mix DEAR PAW'S CORNER: I am so frustrated by the incredible amount of fireworks set off by neighbors on July Fourth. My two dogs, "Skip" and "Marbles," cower in the farthest corner of the house and are emotionally wrecked for days afterward. People need to be considerate of pets and not set off unregulated fireworks in neighborhoods. They should go and watch the professional fireworks displays instead; it'll be a better experience for everyone. -- Jill S. in Orlando, Florida DEAR JILL: You're absolutely right, and thank you for telling them. There is no reason to set off loud fireworks in the driveway or backyard; it's a dangerous activity (14,700 injuries and 11 deaths occurred in 2024, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). Loud fireworks stress out pets to the point that many need medical attention. Some dogs and cats react aggressively to the sudden loud noise, turning and snapping at anyone in reach. You get the picture. Fireworks are not fun for pets, and they can injure themselves or others in a frenzy of fear. Great, some of you are saying; how does that help my pet? I know that completely stopping neighborhood fireworks is difficult, perhaps impossible. As a pet owner, you can take proactive steps to keep your pet comfortable. Talk to the veterinarian and create a strategy. For example, take your pet for a long walk or play session in the afternoon of the Fourth of July to tire them out. Before sunset, give your dog or cat anti- anxiety medication and set up a cozy nook -- or even their carrier crate -- with their favorite blankets, water and snacks. This can help them stay calmer during the hours after sunset as random fireworks go off. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@ pawscorner.com. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Stay aware of recalls Sometimes the list of recalls mentioned on the evening news makes us wonder what else we're not hearing about. Here are a few current ones: There is a recall on 25-milligram blood pressure medication chlorthalidone tablets due to what the FDA says is "failed dissolution specifications." Over 11,000 bottles across the country are affected. And we have the 125,000 vehicles that are being recalled again because the repairs weren't completed correctly the first time the vehicles were recalled. While there are a few issues in those recalls, the problem with the clutch might be the most important -- it can leak fluid and cause a fire. In some cases we really have to wonder how mistakes were allowed to get out the door. We have dark chocolate raisins that have undeclared peanuts in them. We have saline nasal spray with mold in it, ricotta cheese with listeria and vitamins with salmonella. And the pancake mix we use for Sunday morning breakfasts? Undeclared soy and milk. How about the cheese bread and garlic croutons? Salmonella. How about the fruit ice pops we give to the grandkids? Milk, pecans, pistachios and both yellow and red dye. Our pets aren't left out of the mistakes. One freeze-dried brand of cat and dog food has levels of vitamin B-1 that are too low. Sometimes recalls don't immediately make it to the evening news, and it's up to us to stay on top of these things. Start a weekly habit of checking the various government recall websites. Go to www.foodsafety.gov and click on "Recalls." Or see the food safety website (www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls). Go online to www.recalls.gov and you have a choice of consumer products, vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics and environmental product recalls to review. You can click on recent recalls or do a search through the recalls. Stay aware -- and stay safe. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. GLENROCK, WYOMING I-25, Exit 160 & 165 Paw’s Corner by Sam Mazzotta Tidbits of Eastern WyomingPage 15 July 1 - 7, 2026
• On July 13, 2013, Patrisse Cullors, a Los Angeles community organizer, read a friend's Facebook post expressing distress over the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who'd killed Trayvon Martin the year before, and replied to the post with the first instance of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag. • On July 14, 1918, Quentin Roosevelt, a 20-year-old pilot in the United States Air Service and the fourth son of former President Theodore Roosevelt, was shot down and killed by a German Fokker plane over the Marne River in France. • On July 15, 1953, John Christie, one of England's most notorious killers, was executed. Four months earlier, police and a tenant in West London had discovered the remains of four women, one of whom was Christie's wife, at a house where he'd lived, and he was apprehended and confessed a week later. Detectives soon found additional bodies buried in the yard behind the house as well. • On July 16, 1862, Ida B. Wells, a future educator, investigative journalist and civil rights activist, was born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Motivated in part by racism within the women's suffrage movement, she would eventually found and co-found the NAACP, the National Association of Colored Women, and the Alpha Suffrage Club. • On July 17, 1996, a TWA Boeing 747 jetliner headed for Paris exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 230 passengers and crew aboard and creating a fireball seen along most of the Long Island coastline. A highly criticized investigation ended two years later with the conclusion that the tragedy had been caused by mechanical failure rather than a suspected bomb or missile. • On July 18 1995, "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance," a memoir by a law professor by the name of Barack Obama, was published prior to its author's entry into the political realm. Thirteen years later, that largely unknown professor would be elected America's 44th president. • On July 19, 1952, air traffic controllers in Washington, D.C., sighted UFOs flying over the White House and U.S. Capitol. More would appear a week later, but all were dismissed as simply a weather phenomenon. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Page 16 Tidbits of Eastern Wyoming I-25 Exit 135 & 140DOUGLAS, WYOMING July 1 - 7, 2026 Can You Name This Hymn From One Stanza? Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightnings of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on. Answer: Battle Hymn of the Republic.