100 Years Ago
Sept. 6, 1917
Goshen County Journal

Old Fort Laramie to undergo improvements
Old Fort Laramie, where the soldiers were stationed in the old Indian day of the long ago, is to become the Mecca for tourists. Mr. Joe Wilde has disposed of a half interest in the old fort to Mr. Carlson, a contractor, who put in the big tunnel on the government ditch and the improvements on the buildings and grounds. They will put in a store and hotel and will be equipped to take care of the trade in good shape.
As tourist travel increases in the state, the old fort has become a Mecca for tourists and Mr. Wilde has been bothered considerable in trying to provide accommodations to the visitors. A few of the contemplated improvements include an auto road through the grounds, general merchandise store, gas station, new foundation and cement floor on the old cavalry barracks porch and many other minor improvements made.
The ruins of the old fort are well advertised all over the united States from its historic importance and will become a popular place for eastern tourists.

Red Cloud Presbyterian Church dedicated
The dedication of the Red Cloud United Presbyterian Church was held Sunday, Aug. 19, 1917. Five ministers, the Jubilee Singers and about 200 neighbors and friends took part in the celebration. The day was fine and everything went on nicely.
At 10:30 a.m. the services began with a song service in which the Jubilee Singers of Empire and the people participated, followed by rading of the Scripture by Rev. Ellis, pastor of VanTassell, prayer by J.F. Broder of Prairie Center, solo by Miss N.D. Gillespie, and sermon by Rev. Taylor of Empire.
Rev. M.F. Newport, state superintendent of missions of the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, delivered the dedicatory sermon followed by the act of the dedication led by him. Rev. Jacobs then gave a short sketch of the history of the church.

75 Years Ago
Sept. 9, 1942

Civilian Defense school starts Sunday
A two-day school to be held in Torrington will prepare residents of Goshen County for any emergency that may arise in the event of a blackout or air raid.
These classes are held in compliance of a request by the Seventh Corps Services Command. They are in the hands of Goshen County council of defense working under the supervision of the Wyoming state council of defense.
Cards were mailed out this week by the defense school enlisting the attendance of more Goshen County residents as it is believed there is still a shortage of the number required to take the course.

Teacher shortage condition met
After one of the most hectic times ever faced in Goshen County in filling teacher positions due to high wages in other fields of endeavor, competent instructors have filled all schools in the county except two in the rural community, it was announced
this week.
In Torrington schools, the shortage condition has been met by community women. Although the state has a lower qualification for certificates during the present emergency, Torrington is fortunate in having secured the services of reliable and competent instructors who have taught recently and can qualify to a high degree.
Applications are still being accepted to fill teaching positions in two rural schools, involving five children in all.

50 Years Ago
Sept. 7, 1967

EWC fall registration set
Registration for the fall semester at Eastern Wyoming College will be held on Sept. 11 – 12. Sophomores will register on Sept. 11 and freshmen on Sept. 12. An enrollment of approximately 200 full-time students is anticipated.
College officials would very much like to see more of the adult population of the community take advantage of the opportunities, which are available because of the presence of the college. Adults are most welcome to enroll in the regular daytime programs as well as in the night classes. It is not necessary to enroll as a full-time student.

Former resident promoted to asst. state adjutant
Adjutant General John R. Carson has announce that Col. Oliver Wendell Bassford, Cheyenne, a veteran of 39 years with the Wyoming National Guard, has been named Assistant Adjutant General, Army, for Wyoming with a simultaneous promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
His command includes about 1,500 men scattered in units around the state.
Born in Canton, Okla, Gen. Bassford was educated principally in Torrington. He enlisted in the Wyoming Guard on Dec. 1, 1924, and served until 1927. Following a three-year break, he re-enlisted in May 1931 and has remained a Guardsman since, with ohly federal service during World War II interrupting his career.
He served with the colorful 115th Mounted Cavalry in Troop E, Torrington, when it was mobilized for World War II. His career embraced service in the armored cavalry, ordnance and artillery branches. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Action during the penetration of the famed Siegfried Line in Germany and France.

25 Years Ago

Sept. 9, 1992

GCUSD plan draws criticism
A proposal to charge admission for school activities drew criticism from those in attendance at Tuesday evening’s Goshen County Unified School District board meeting.
The gate receipts and admissions policy change, which would allow charges for school functions, was approved on first reading during the Tuesday meeting. If approved after a second reading, the school district could begin to charge gate admissions for school functions.
Yoder resident Nancy Otto addressed her concerns with the policy change.
“One of my main concerns is it (the policy) is totally open ended,” she said.
Torrington High School teacher Chris Garcia, set technical director for the high school musical production, said the musical already charges for admission.
“We charge $2 a ticket for the musicals and we feel it is a fair price,” Garcia said. “”It allows us to stay just in the black.”
The money generated by ticket sales to the musicals is used for royalties and operating costs for the productions, he said. Garcia was concerned that, if the money were placed in the general district fund and distributed, the musicals could “end up being the loser.
“We generate the money and we would like to decide where it should go,” Garcia said. “Here’s a program funding itself and I would sure hate to see that hurt.”

Proposed lodging tax hike raises ire
A proposed 2 percent increase in the Goshen County lodging tax is quickly becoming a point of contention in the county.
The Lodging Tax Joint Powers Board has authorized the proposal to be on the Nov. 3 ballot, said Goshen County Clerk Wendell Grapes. The tax, which is on all hotel and motel stays, is currently 1 percent, Grapes said. The tax would increase to 3 percent if passed in November.
King’s Inn general manager Lynette Delcamp believes motel rates are high enough without an extra tax.
“We have people complaining about the 5 percent (sales tax plus lodging tax) they pay,” she said. “I disagree with the hike, it would be at 7 percent.”
Most complaints come from local residents who have visiting relatives who require motel rooms, Delcamp said.
On the other side, Goshen County Chamber of Commerce treasurer Roger Huckfeldt said the proposed increase is “excellent.
“It’s a tax we don’t have to pay,” Huckfeldt said. “People traveling to the area pay it. It’s used to promote what we have available here.
“If you take off and travel to Casper overnight, you will pay a lodging tax there,” he said. “When I travel to their community I help support their community. When they travel into our community I’d like them to help support and promote our community.”