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Founded in 1911, Campbell County is rich in minerals and in community commitment. Considered the energy capital of the West, coal and gas industries dominate the landscape here, creating jobs for citizens and tax revenues to build state-of-the-art schools, public safety facilities and more. Gillette’s Cam-Plex, situated on 1,100 acres, is Wyoming’s largest events complex. A National Hockey League-sized ice rink and other recreational facilities keep young people active. Meanwhile, Gillette is just a day’s drive from the famed Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore national monuments.
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HOME, SWEET HOME
THE GOLDEN TICKET
Seniors get good care, live a great life here
Cool!Campbell County’s
Recreation Options are hot
SpONSOrED by THE CaMpbELL COuNTy CHaMbEr Of COMMErCE
2012 | LIvabILITy.COM/GILLETTE/Wy
GILLETTE-CaMpbELL COuNTy, WyOMING
®
C ollege Park Townhomes is Gillette’s newest
and only luxury townhome complex. Our
spacious two- and three-bedroom units feature
two-and-a-half baths, laminate hardwood
flooring, black appliances, Hunter Douglas
wood blinds, and furnished washer and dryers.
High ceilings and large windows create a
bright and open place for you to call home.
Our unique townhomes are two stories and
have a single car attached garage with direct
access into the home.
Featuring lush landscaping and low density,
College Park offers privacy as well as all the
amenities of apartment living. A half-acre
fenced dog park, gazebo with picnic tables
and BBQ grills, playground, and business center
contribute to the relaxing and maintenance-
free lifestyle enjoyed by our residents.
Luxury Living at its Best!Attached Garage
Washer/Dryer
Business Center
Playground
Community Grill Area
Pet Friendly
Maintenance Free
Flexible Lease Terms
and Corporate
Pricing Available
224 College Park Cir. • Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 685-8344 • (307) 685-9202 Fax
Email: [email protected] www.collegeparktownhomes.com
T O W n H O M E s
Stop by and view one of our exceptional townhomes today.
Campbell County Chamber of CommerCe314 S. Gillette Ave. Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 682-3673 [email protected] www.gillettechamber.com
Campbell County eConomiC Development Corporation2001 W. Lakeway Rd., Suite C Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 686-2603 www.ccedc.net
City of Gillette, WyominG201 E. 5th St. Gillette, WY 82717 (307) 686-5200 www.gillettewy.gov
Campbell County Convention & visitors bureau1810 S. Douglas Hwy. Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 686-0040 [email protected]
toWn of WriGht, WyominG201 Wright Blvd. Wright, WY 82732 (307) 464-1666 www.wrightwyoming.com
for the CommunityWorKinG toGether
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 3
all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
ON THE COvEr Campbell County Ice Arena Photo by Brian McCord
dePartments
8 almanac
30 biz briefs
32 Chamber report
33 Economic profile
34 photo Essay
41 Health & Wellness
42 Local flavor
46 arts & Culture
50 retail
52 Education
55 Community profile
56 Through the Lens
2012 EDITION | vOLuME 11
GILLETTE-CaMpbELL COuNTy, WyOMING
®
contents
Features
12 OuTSIDE INTErESTSMany scenic park settings grace Campbell County
16 THE GOLDEN TICKETSeniors get good care, live a great life here
20 HOME, SWEET HOMEGillette enjoys an active housing market and supportive community
24 HappILy EvEr afTErResidents enjoy quality of life, giving back
48 COOL!Campbell County’s Recreation Options are hot
12
16
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 5
GILLETTE, WyOMING
®
EDITOrIaL prOjECT MaNaGEr MItCh KlIne
CONTENT DIrECTOr lISA BAttleS
prOOfrEaDING MaNaGEr RAven Petty
CONTENT COOrDINaTOr JeSSICA WAlKeR
STaff WrITEr KevIn lItWIn
COpy EDITOr JIll WyAtt
CONTrIbuTING WrITErS BARBARA BIehleR,
JOe MORRIS, JeSSICA MOzO, ChRIS RuSSell
SENIOr GrapHIC DESIGNErS lAuRA GAllAGheR,
JAnIne MARylAnd, KRIS SextOn, vIKKI WIllIAMS
GrapHIC DESIGNErS RAChAel GeRRInGeR, tAylOR nunley
SENIOr pHOTOGrapHErS Jeff AdKInS, BRIAn McCORd
STaff pHOTOGrapHErS tOdd Bennett, AntOny BOShIeR
COLOr IMaGING TECHNICIaN AlISOn hunteR
aD prODuCTION MaNaGEr KAtIe MIddendORf
aD TraffIC aSSISTaNTS KRyStIn leMMOn, PAtRICIA MOISAn
CHaIrMaN GReG thuRMAn
prESIDENT/pubLISHEr BOB SChWARtzMAn
ExECuTIvE vICE prESIDENT RAy lAnGen
SENIOr v.p./SaLES tOdd POtteR
SENIOr v.p./OpEraTIONS CASey heSteR
SENIOr v.p./CLIENT DEvELOpMENT Jeff heefneR
SENIOr v.p./buSINESS DEvELOpMENT SCOtt teMPletOn
SENIOr v.p./aGrIbuSINESS pubLISHING KIM hOlMBeRG
v.p./buSINESS DEvELOpMENT ClAy PeRRy
v.p./ExTErNaL COMMuNICaTIONS teRee CARutheRS
v.p./vISuaL CONTENT MARK fOReSteR
v.p./CONTENT OpEraTIONS nAtAShA lORenS
v.p./TravEL pubLISHING SuSAn ChAPPell
v.p./SaLES RhOndA GRAhAM, heRB hARPeR,
JAReK SWeKOSKy
CONTrOLLEr ChRIS dudley
SENIOr aCCOuNTaNT lISA OWenS
aCCOuNTS payabLE COOrDINaTOr MARIA McfARlAnd
aCCOuNTS rECEIvabLE COOrDINaTOr dIAnA GuzMAn
SaLES SuppOrT COOrDINaTOr Alex MARKS
SaLES SuppOrT prOjECT MaNaGEr SARA quInt
SySTEM aDMINISTraTOr dAnIel CAntRell
DaTabaSE MaNaGEr/IT SuppOrT ChAndRA BRAdShAW
WEb CrEaTIvE DIrECTOr AllISOn dAvIS
WEb CONTENT MaNaGEr JOhn hOOd
WEb prOjECT MaNaGEr nOy fOnGnAly
WEb DESIGNEr II RIChARd StevenS
WEb DEvELOpMENT LEaD yAMel hAll
WEb DEvELOpEr I nelS nOSeWORthy
pHOTOGrapHy DIrECTOr JeffRey S. OttO
CrEaTIvE SErvICES DIrECTOr ChRIStInA CARden
CrEaTIvE TECHNOLOGy aNaLyST BeCCA ARy
auDIENCE DEvELOpMENT DIrECTOr deAnnA nelSOn
DISTrIbuTION DIrECTOr GARy SMIth
ExECuTIvE SECrETary KRISty dunCAn
HuMaN rESOurCES MaNaGEr PeGGy BlAKe
rECEpTIONIST lIndA BIShOP
Images Gillette-Campbell County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed
through the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.
for advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact
Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected].
fOr MOrE INfOrMaTION, CONTaCT:Campbell County Chamber of Commerce
314 S. Gillette Ave. • Gillette, Wy 82716Phone: (307) 682-3673 • fax: (307) 682-0538
gillettechamber.com
vISIT Images gIllette-Campbell County ONLINE aT LIvabILITy.COM/GILLETTE/Wy
©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, franklin, tn 37067,
(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced
in whole or in part without written consent.
Member the Association of Magazine Media
Member Custom Content Council
Member Campbell County Chamber of Commerce
Digital Edition
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interestsoutside
MaNy SCENIC parK SETTINGS GraCE CaMpbELL COuNTy
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Bright Future A+head
Administrative Offices 1000 W. Eighth St. Gillette, WY (307) 682-5171 www.ccsd.k12.wy.us
Learning SuccessfullyTeaching Effectively –
CAMPBELL COUNTY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 7
What’s online livability.com/gillette/wy
HOME, SWEET HOME
THE GOLDENTICKET
Seniors get good care, live a great life here
Cool!Campbell County’s
Recreation Options are hot
SpONSOrED by THE CaMpbELL COuNTy CHaMbEr Of COMMErCE
2012 | LIvabILITy.COM/GILLETTE/Wy
GILLETTE-CaMpbELL COuNTy, WyOMING
®
See more great photos of Gillette in our online photo and video galleries
Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.
PhOtOS & VideOS
diGitaL MaGazine
factS Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more
LiVinG hereLearn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health care providers
Welcome to Campbell Countyan intROduCtiOn tO the aRea’S peOple, plaCeS and eventS
Serving and ProtectingWell-trained firefighters work to keep Campbell County
a safe place and are equipped to handle emergencies.Operating 10 fire stations and a training center, the Campbell
County fire department covers almost 5,000 square miles of territory. the department, led by Chief don huber, provides fire, rescue and hazardous-materials services for northeastern Wyoming.
Its staff and volunteer firefighters are heavily engaged in community safety programs, from business emergency preparedness to fire safety for schoolchildren.
for more information, visit www.ccfire.us.
energy drives the economy Gillette is the energy Capitol of the nation.
It’s not just a slogan. here are the facts:• nearly one in six Wyoming workers is directly
or indirectly employed in coal development.• Wyoming ranked seventh in production of crude oil and
second in natural gas production during 2010, with Campbell County being its leading crude oil producer.
• the county mines more than one-fourth of all American coal from the Powder River Basin.
• Coal produces 50 percent of the nation’s electricity, and more than 40 percent of that coal is from Wyoming.
• An average of 85 trains move coal out of the Powder River Basin daily.
• In 2009, Campbell County produced more than $3 billion of surface coal, $340 million of natural gas and more than $293 million of crude oil.
Stare Into Spacelocated at Sage valley Junior
high School, the Campbell County
School district Planetarium has
been a fixture in the community
since 1981.
the planetarium features a new
Goto Chronos II hybrid System
that projects the stars, planets,
sun and moon. the facility also
includes video projectors that
display constellation outlines,
photographs, video clips and more.
When school is in session,
students from across Campbell
County and from southern
Montana visit the planetarium.
Shows are available and open
to the public, free of charge.
to learn more, contact the
Campbell County School district
Planetarium at (307) 682-4307.
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Pronghorn Pride
Gillette College, home of
the Pronghorns, offers stiff
competition when it comes to
athletics. Both men and women
compete in basketball, cross
country, rodeo, and track
and field.
In 2011, the men’s basketball
guard Ryan Aaron was the
first team member to earn
All-American status; Katie
Strandholm and nikki tresch
of the women’s basketball
team were named Academic
All-Americans by the national
Junior College Athletic
Association. Both women
were also selected for the
Academic All-Region team,
along with teammate deshara
Washington. to learn more,
visit www.gcpronghorns.com.
Fast Factsn the cattle ranchers who settled in the town in the 1800s originally referred to gillette as donkey town.
n Oil exploration began in gillette in the 1940s, and the first commercial oil field discovery was made in 1968.
n wright was originally known as Reno Junction, but got re-named after the owner of the long branch bar, dale wright, agreed to sell land to atlantic Richfield Corp. which built the town to accomodate the workforce for the mines.
Almanac
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Devils TowerNational Monument
90
141
1416
1414
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50
59
387
59
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255
Gillette
CAMPBELL
SheridanSh
Wright
Savageton
Moorcroftoft
Ucross
Buffalo
Spotted Horse
Weston
Recluse
Wyodak
Rozet
pOpuLaTION (2010 CENSuS)Campbell County: 46,133
Gillette: 29,087
Wright: 1,807
LOCaTIONCampbell County is in northeastern
Wyoming, between the Big horn Mountains
and the Black hills.
bEGINNINGSCampbell County was established in 1911.
It is home to the cities of Gillette and
Wright, along with the unincorporated
communities of Recluse and Rozet.
the county seat of Gillette is named for
1890s railroad surveyor edward Gillette.
fOr MOrE INfOrMaTIONCampbell County Chamber of Commerce
314 S. Gillette Ave.
Gillette, Wy 82716
Phone: (307) 682-3673
fax: (307) 682-0538 www.gillettechamber.com [email protected]
campbell county at a glance
What’s online Check out photo galleries and videos of Gillette at livability.com/gillette/wy.
Gillette
8 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 9
Almanac
Located in the southern half of Campbell County, on the Thunder Basin National Grasslands and in the heart of the coal rich Powder River Basin, is the town of Wright. Home to approximately 2,000 people, Wright was created in the late 1970s after the coal industry expanded and families began to settle in the area.
Wright’s economy is spurred by agriculture, oil, gas and coal. The town is close to Black Thunder Coal Mine, the largest mine in the basin and most productive mine in the United States, and the North Antelope Rochelle Mine. Wright features a host of small businesses, five churches, a library, a fire department, and more. Home of the Panthers, Wright includes two schools, Cottonwood Elementary and Wright Junior/Senior High.
The town keeps active with
numerous community events,
parks, the Haycreek Golf Course,
and a recreation center. The
Wright Days celebration, an annual
four-day event held each June,
includes a demolition derby, movie
in the park, mud volleyball and
other activities. Panther Pond,
which is well stocked with trout,
crappie, catfish and bass, has a
The Wright Place for Rural Living
walking path around its perimeter
where antelope, deer, and Canadian
geese can be seen. The recreation
center provides a range of youth
programs and is equipped
with a four-lane swimming
pool, fitness areas, racquetball
courts, picnic areas, playgrounds
and more.
Located just a few miles north
of Wright is the nearly 110-year-old
Durham Ranch, which stretches
across 55,000 acres. The ranch
is home to one of the largest
bison operations in North America.
It’s not uncommon for drivers to
see herds of buffalo wandering
much like they did a century ago.
For more information, visit
www.wrightwyoming.com.
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Mud racing is part of the fun during the annual Wright Days celebration.
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MaNy SCENIC parK SETTINGS GraCE CaMpbELL COuNTy
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Dan Barks says trees aren’t abundant in northeast Wyoming, but that isn’t the case
at CAM-PLEX Park.Barks, the general manager at
CAM-PLEX, points out that the park sits on 140 scenic acres within the 1,100-acre CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities site, and 20 of the park’s 140 acres have been specifically developed into a heavily treed area. That area also has pavilions with picnic tables and a large playground for residents to enjoy.
“CAM-PLEX Park was purposely planted in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s with a variety of trees that would grow well in northeast Wyoming,” Barks says. “Today, people can visit and see what trees are doing well, in case they want to plant a particular kind of tree in their own backyard. The trees actually are not native to our state, having been planted decades ago by the University of Wyoming’s agricultural extension operation. But the trees thrived and grow well in our climate and soil, so additional trees were planted
in the mid-1980s to continue enlarging the CAM-PLEX site.”
Equestrian parkWhile CAM-PLEX attracts many
out-of-town vistiors a favorite local activity at this massive complex is horseback riding. The Powder Basin English Riding Club leases 80 of site’s 1,100 acres.
Barks says the riding club property is rough ground filled with hills and valleys, a good setting to ride horseback and jump over barriers at variable distances.
“Powder River is open to anyone who wants to join their organization, and the club hosts several competitions each year,” he says. “That organization accounts for quite a good amount of economic impact for the community. The club is one of the many fun recreational activities available to residents here in Campbell County.”
bMx and beautificationParks are a quality-of-life
amenity in Campbell County, and have many shapes, sizes and
StORy By KEvIN LITWIN
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Left: youth basketball at Campbell County Recreation Center
functions. Razor City BMX in Gillette accommodates enthusiasts of BMX, a street-bicycle motocross sport whose competitors race on an enclosed hilly, winding track.
Gillette is also home to a number of traditional parks. A seven-member Parks and Beautification Board oversees the city’s open spaces. It sets policies for 1 percent tax spending on park improvement projects, and updates policies and ordinances related to community landscaping, forestry and beautification.
Disc Golf and fishingThe Campbell County Parks
and Recreation Department is in charge of 21 neighborhood and community parks throughout the region. Some of those parks offer opportunities to enjoy disc golf, model airplane flying, equestrian activities or fishing.
The department also maintains the green-space grounds of several county offices, including the Campbell County Children’s Center and the Campbell County Public Health building.
“We also take care of facilities in Wright, including Wright Recreation Center, the baseball fields and places like the fire department, public safety building and the Wright branch of Campbell County Public Library,” says Mike McNutt, Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department superintendent. “Overall, the people of Campbell County appreciate their outdoor parks and activities. For example, we have a youth soccer program that has 700 participating children, and an adult softball program with 600 participants.”
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PhOtOS By JeffRey S. OttO
Razor City bmX
For more informationRazoR City BMXPumphouse Lane Gillette, WY 82716 www.razorcitybmx.com
tRaCk pRiCing$7.00 on Mondays, $7.00 on Thursdays, $5.00 for second class or riders that are members of the same family.$20.00 for Double Point Races, $30.00 for Triple Point Races. One day trial – free!
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in Gillette, the wealth of living opportunities for seniors can help make their golden years truly golden. Several communities place an emphasis not only on quality health care, but living life as well.
primrose retirement CommunityPrimrose Retirement Community puts a premium
on giving their senior residents an unforgettable experience, building around a simple, three-word motto: This is living! And if you take one look around, you’ll see why that saying fits it so well.
The Gillette facility features quality independent and assisted-living arrangements. Seniors living on their own enjoy one- or two-bedroom apartment homes with full kitchens, free laundry facilities, home-cooked meals provided daily and more.
“We have 80 apartments, with 40 of them being independent living. We have a huge facility, indoor parking, a movie theater, pub – it’s an awesome building,” says Executive Director John Chick.
He adds that many residents lead active lifestyles that they can more fully enjoy at Primrose.
“We have people here who decided they didn’t want to shovel snow at home. They have their own apartments here and do their own cooking. We have people here who go golfing. It makes it less stressful for family members and residents to not have to go straight from home to assisted living,” he says.
For those who do need assisted-living arrangements, services include 24-hour nursing,
GILLETTE SENIOrS rECEIvE GOOD CarE aND LIvE a GrEaT LIfEyears
StORy By CHrIS ruSSELL
at Campbell County Senior Center, seniors participate in activities such as painting (right) and cards (left).
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three home-cooked meals a day, free transportation services, wellness programs, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, and hospice care.
bee Hive Homes of GilletteBee Hive Homes of Gillette takes a
unique approach to assisted living. The facilities house 15 or 16 beds, important because, as owner/administrator Bruce Fenton says, the smaller buildings allow close, personal relationships to develop between residents as well as the staff.
“It’s such a home setting that you become personally attached to them. You become someone’s friend. They want somebody who cares about their individual needs. Nobody out there can compete in the quality of care that we offer. Our seniors get perfect care,” Fenton says.
Assisted-living services include private rooms, 24-hour staffing, dietician-approved home-cooked meals, individual and group activities, housekeeping services and more.
pioneer ManorThose who come to Pioneer Manor
long-term care facility will be happy to find themselves in caring and capable hands.
Residents of Pioneer Manor enjoy a private or semi-private room and have access to an abundance of services including a staff of physicians, a dietary department that provides nutritious home-cooked meals, rehabilitative therapies, social, recreational and educational activities, and more. An abider program is also available.
Campbell County Senior CenterCampbell County Senior Center’s
slogan – the age of celebration – is spot on.Health and wellness programs range from
yoga classes to chair exercises and healthy cooking demonstrations every quarter. Even bowling and tennis are available by way of the center’s Nintendo Wii. Crafting time is available for painting, ceramics and quilting with qualified instructors. Other monthly activities are available.
Meals are served Monday through Friday, usually at noon. Guests under age 60 are welcome to join seniors for meals at a cost of $7.
Cottonwood TerraceThe Cottonwood Terrace apartments
provide quality housing for low-income seniors.
Top right: Residents at pioneer manor Senior Center play a game of volleyball. bottom right: playing pool at Campbell County Senior Center
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 19 18 gillette
For more informationBee Hive Homes of Gillette2300 W. Boxelder Rd.Gillette, Wyoming 82718(307) 682-3406 www.beehivehomes.com/gillette
Campbell County Senior Center701 Stocktrail Ave.Gillette, WY 82716(307) 686-0804 www.campbellcounty seniorcenter.com
Pioneer Manor900 W. Eighth St. Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 688-7000
Primrose Retirement Communities921 Mountain Meadow Ln.Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 682-8800 www.primrose retirement.com
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One of the first things newcomers notice about the Gillette and Campbell County area is its warm sense of community.
“I have loved Gillette since I moved here,” says Sherry McGrath, broker for ERA Boardwalk Real Estate. “Initially I felt we wouldn’t stay long, but after just a few weeks, I fell in love with the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and how everyone tries to help take care of each other. Then I got very involved in the community and loved how people in Gillette not only welcome your opinion, but encourage it.”
Another asset that draws new families to Gillette is its wide range of housing options, from existing and newly built single-family homes to upscale apartments, townhomes and luxurious dream homes.
booming Gillette NeighborhoodsNew subdivisions, such as RC Ranch, Moon Meadows,
Sawgrass Estates and Western Sky, are popular with buyers, as are Remington Estates, Pronghorn Ranch,
Copper Ridge Estates and Iron Horse. “People have been loving the new construction
in the price range of $179,000 to $320,000,” McGrath says. “RC Ranch has been very popular because it is so close to the new Campbell County Recreation Center. Remington Estates was probably the second most quickly built on because of its location.”
McGrath is grateful for the opportunity to sell homes in Gillette.
“I love telling people all the wonderful reasons they will want to move to Gillette, including how in Campbell County kids are No. 1 to the community,” she says.
College park TownhomesOne of Gillette’s newest neighborhoods is
College Park, a community of townhomes for lease that opened in June 2011. The complex features 72 two- and three-bedroom townhomes with stylish plank wood flooring, master suites, walk-in closets, garden tubs and kitchens with
StORy By jESSICa MOzO | PhOtOGRAPhy By jEffrEy S. OTTO
GILLETTE ENjOyS aN aCTIvE HOuSING MarKET aND SuppOrTIvE COMMuNITy
Home, Sweet
Home
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gillette offers an array of existing and newly built single-family homes.
pendant lighting and breakfast bars.“College Park residents enjoy our property because
it offers all the features of a single-family home plus the amenities of a complex,” says Renee Robidart, property manager at College Park. “There is no lawn mowing or snow shoveling here – our residents live a maintenance-free life.”
College Park even hosts monthly social activities for residents, ranging from barbecues to food drives, to help them get to know one another.
“Your home is one of the most important aspects of your life, so the staff at College Park works hard to create a community where our residents are comfortable in their homes and proud of their community,” Robidart says. “Building relationships with our residents is the most enjoyable and rewarding part of working at College Park.”
Gillette apartmentsThose who prefer apartment living also have
options in Gillette, including Elm Court Apartments, Windridge Apartments, Antelope Ridge Apartments and South Fork Apartments.
“South Fork is a place to call home,” says Amy Hayden, general manager of South Fork Apartments. “We are Gillette’s premier luxury apartments. Our residents rave about our outstanding customer service and our quick and efficient maintenance. We always strive to go above and beyond their expectations.”
South Fork offers completely furnished corporate apartments available for lease from 30 days to a year.
“Our corporate apartments are fully furnished with everything from linens and wireless Internet to a 42-inch TV,” Hayden says. “They also have weekly maid service. Literally all you need to move in is your suitcase.”
Clockwise from top: South Fork luxury apartments; new subdivisions, such as RC Ranch, moon meadows, Sawgrass estates, western Sky, Remington estates and more, are popular with buyers; antelope Ridge apartments
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Leta Tanner has seen Gillette and Campbell County grow a lot in her 80 years.
“I’ve always been involved in this community and notice that many people today are also volunteering and helping with charities to make our quality of life even better,” Tanner says. “During my life, I’ve worked on the city council, the chamber, in the county courthouse, with the Cattleman’s group and helped to secure scholarships for students attending Gillette College. I’ve always stayed busy.”
Tanner has received numerous awards from organizations that recognized her philanthropic efforts throughout the years.
“I have tried to give back and stay involved,” she says.
$517,000 raisedSuch is the case throughout
Campbell County, where people work together, help each other and give this area a true hometown feel. Stasi Shippy points out that local residents are hard-working individuals who give to charities and volunteer, and she should know. Shippy is executive director of United Way of Campbell County, and says the organization raised $517,000 in 2010 – with no individual donor giving more than $4,000.
“In many big cities and wealthy communities, there are often dozens of individuals who can afford to contribute $10,000 or more to United Way, so it’s amazing that people in Campbell County gave what they could for us to reach the impressive total of $517,000,”
StORy By KEvIN LITWIN | PhOtOGRAPhy By brIaN McCOrD
rESIDENTS ENjOy quaLITy Of LIfE, GIvING baCK
happilyever after
24 gillette
Left: long-time gillette resident leta tanner right: amir Sancher, founder of the boys & girls Club, is surrounded by children from Campbell County
happilyafter
24 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 25
she says. “Many people here wear steel-toed boots and hard hats, and often go to work before it gets light. They work really hard for their money, but generously give back.”
Shippy says volunteerism is also alive in the area, and offers the United Way agency CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as an example. The agency helps abused and neglected children.
“A CASA volunteer goes through the court system with a child to make sure the judge knows the child’s needs – the volunteer is the eyes, ears and voice of the child,” she says. “It’s a huge commitment, with a volunteer perhaps being involved with that same child for several years. There are 30 CASA volunteers in Campbell County, while many other volunteers serve the 13 other charitable agencies that our local United Way oversees.”
Another agency that works with children is The Boys & Girls Club of Campbell County. The club has touched the lives of more than 4,500 children since it began offering summer programming in 2001 and after school care in 2002. Volunteers actively seek ways to enrich the lives of local children whom other agencies have had difficulty in reaching. This includes children who live with family conflict, lack of supervision or parents who have been involved with criminal activity. Trained, caring and professional staff and volunteers help these young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures and reach their goals. For more than 10 years, The Boys & Girls Club has been dedicated to ensuring that Campbell County’s disadvantaged youngsters have better access to quality programs and services that will help shape their futures.
people Wave to youIn Wright, John Flocchini and
his family have owned Durham Buffalo Ranch since the 1960s. He is also serving on the board of the Powder River Energy Foundation, which distributes money to several area charities.
“Also, our Durham Ranch hosts an annual 5K/10K walk-run that benefits a different charity each year, and I donate a lot of buffalo meat for an annual Hunter/Rancher Chili Feed,” he says. “Community involvement is actually part of the mission statement of our ranch.”
Flocchini says he has always enjoyed living in Campbell County.
“Here, things are low-key and friendly, with people waving to you as you drive down the highway,” he says. “It’s the way life is meant to be.”
26 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 27
durham buffalo Ranch hosts an annual 5K/10K walk-run that benefits a different charity each year.
scorecardbuSINESS aT
a GLaNCE
$693 millionannual retail Sales
$27,436retail Sales
per Capita
$83 millionannual Hotel
and food Sales
3,273Total number
of firms
source: u.s. Census QuickFacts
Business
Biz BriefsbuSineSSeS – bOth laRge and Small – that help deFine
gillette’S eCOnOmiC Climate
ENTrEprENEur Of THE yEar aWarD
Kati Sipe, bROtheRS COFFee CO.Biz: Coffee shop and restaurantBuzz: Located in downtown Gillette, Brothers Coffee Co. is locally owned and operated by the city’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Kati Sipe. This eatery and coffee shop offers a variety of beverages to keep customers caffeinated, and food items such as breakfast burritos, bagels, sandwiches, soups, desserts and more. On the first and third Fridays of the month the shop hosts open mic nights featuring local talent.(307) 682-4199
CHaMbEr aWarD Of ExCELLENCE
pOwdeR RiveR dental aSSOCiateSBiz: Dental-care facilityBuzz: Powder River Dental Associates provide quality dental care, and work to prevent and treat dental disease. Patients receive comprehensive exams that include an oral cancer screening, a periodontal exam to detect gum disease, a visual and X-ray exam for decay and deterioration, and a cosmetic smile evaluation. www.powderriverdental.com
Ph
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frIEND Of THE CHaMbEr aWarD (TIE)
weS JOhnSOn and JOhn daviS, FOuR SeaSOnS eventSBiz: Event planning companyBuzz: Owned and operated by Wes Johnson and John Davis, Four Seasons Events provides event planning services, including decorating assistance and rental materials. The company, specializing in wedding and reception decorating, strives to make each event enjoyable and stress-free. Four Seasons Events also offers clients assistance with coordinating cake decorators, photographers, videographers, bands, DJs, tent rentals, limousine services and more.www.gilletteevents.com
frIEND Of THE CHaMbEr aWarD (TIE)
KaRl deCOCK, Cta aRChiteCtS engineeRSBiz: Architecture and engineering firmBuzz: Established in 1938, CTA Architects Engineers’ services include architecture, engineering, interior design, graphics and multimedia, historic preservation, and more. The firm is equipped to take on projects in any industry, and to date CTA has designed financial, government, health care, industrial, educational and fitness facilities and institutions, as well as residential and commercial structures.www.ctagroup.com
NEW CHaMbEr MEMbEr Of THE yEar aWarD
Sign bOSS llCBiz: Custom sign companyBuzz: Sign Boss LLC helps businesses and organizations promote their services by designing, manufacturing and installing signs and logos, and also creates vehicle wraps, trade show displays, stickers, graphics and more. Customers can also request that their signs be made using environmentally conscious techniques in order to reduce the amount of waste typically generated when creating signs.www.signbossonline.com
30 gillette
Business
chamber reportChambeR upgRadeS webSite, RelOCatiOn guide
Have you been to
www.gillettechamber.com?
In december 2011, the Campbell
County Chamber of Commerce
refreshed and relaunched its
website for a number of reasons.
One was to allow the chamber’s
600 members to better showcase
themselves and interact with one
another on the website, and
another was to make things more
user-friendly for the community
and visitors to the site.
“If a resident or visitor is
looking for specific businesses
or organizations, they’ll have an
easier time of it now,” says Julie
Simon, Campbell County Chamber
of Commerce president and CeO.
“It also allows our members to
post coupons, register for
chamber events and get current
chamber news updates all in
a more streamlined fashion.”
Linked to Chamber linkBesides a new website, the
chamber has a facebook page with about 800 likes, and posts social media content on linkedIn, youtube, flickr and twitter.
“We also email a weekly newsletter called Chamber Link that focuses on members’ events,” Simon says. “the newsletter has only a little verbiage, but mostly has links to member events and related activities. Our members really seem to like the newsletter.”
the chamber has also been busy helping compile a new Gillette and Campbell County Relocation Guide, a packet of printed information given to new residents moving into the community.
“there are five pieces that make up the guide, and the chamber is responsible for three of those pieces,” Simon says. “We provide our Images Gillette-Campbell County magazine as well as a detailed map of the area, plus a quick reference sheet with important phone numbers.”
Working Closely With ManySimon adds that the chamber
enjoys doing business in such a close-knit community.
“the chamber is all about building relationships and being a strong community partner, so we work closely with the City of Gillette, Campbell County Government, the town of Wright, the Campbell County Convention & visitors Bureau and the Campbell County economic development Corporation,” she says. “And remember, people can always come into the chamber office or call us for any information they might need.”
– Kevin Litwin
32 gillette
ECONOMIC OvErvIEWlocated in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, Campbell
County is the powerhouse for the state. Rich in natural resources,
the mineral industry and supporting manufacturers dominate
the economy.
ECONOMIC prOfILE
Marshall Jewelry
1103 E. Boxelder • Ste. C • Gillette, WY 82718(307) 686-6666 • www.marshalljewelry.com
Where she’ll love it, Guaranteed
MajOr EMpLOyErS
Peabody energy
Arch Coal
Campbell County
School district
Cloud Peak energy
Campbell County
Memorial hospital
Alpha Coal West
Campbell County
Wal-Mart
Buckskin Mining
City of Gillette
TaxES
6%Campbell Co. and State Sales tax
TraNSpOrTaTION
Capitol City Cab (877)632-8294
Coach america
1700 e. hwy. 14-16
Gillette, Wy 82716
(307) 682-0960
gillette-Campbell Co. airport
2000 Airport Rd., Ste. 108
Gillette, Wy 82716
(307) 686-1042
iflygillette.com
ECONOMIC rESOurCES
Campbell County
Chamber of Commerce
314 S. Gillette Ave.
Gillette, Wy 82716
(307) 682-3673
www.gillettechamber.com
Campbell County economic
development Corporation
2001 W. lakeway Rd., Suite. C
Gillette, Wy 82718
(307) 686-2603
www.ccedc.net
gillette workforce Center
551 Running W. drive
Suite 100
Gillette, Wy 82718
(307) 682-9313
wyoming business Council
214 W. 15th St.
Cheyenne, Wy 82002
(307) 777-6580
www.wyomingbusiness.org
wyoming entrepreneur Small
business development Center
2001 W. lakeway Rd., Suite d
Gillette, Wy 82718
(307) 682-5232
www.wyomingentrepreneur.biz
wyoming technology
business Center
1938 harney St.
laramie, Wy 82070
(307) 766-6283
www.uwyo.edu/wtbc
WOrKfOrCE
72%white-Collar Jobs
28%blue-Collar Jobs
Sources: Campbell County
Chamber of Commerce,
Onboard Informatics
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 33
artavenues
of
34 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 35
PhOtOGRAPhy By jEffrEy S. OTTO
Photo essay
MayOr’S arT COuNCIL’S prOGraM ENHaNCES GILLETTE’S bEauTy
Raptoround: Standing Proud by Chuck weaver at 4-J Road and walnut Street
The Mayor’s Art Council was created in 2003 by the City of Gillette to create a more visually pleasing community. During the first year, the council implemented the Avenues of Art program, which gives artists an opportunity to showcase their
work on Gillette’s high-visibility streets. Artists exhibit their sculptures for one year, and then the artwork is available for sale to the public. Sculptures selected for Avenues of Art are unveiled during the popular Donkey Creek Festival, a three-day art and music event held at Gillette College. Maps that identify the location and provide information about each sculpture along the Avenues of Art can be picked up at the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce office at 314 S. Gillette Ave.
For more information about the Avenues of Art program, including images of sculptures from 2011, the Mayor’s Art Council, the Donkey Creek Festival and more, visit the City of Gillette’s website at www.ci.gillette.wy.us.
34 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 35
Sacred Smoke by Don Coy
36 gillette
Silent Sultan by fred boyer
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 37
Chief’s Daughter by bobbie K Carlyle
38 gillette
Indomitable Spirit by jerry McKeller
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 39
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 41
The health-care industry is getting better all the
time in Gillette-Campbell County, with many
medical facilities available to residents.
camPbell county memorial hosPital
CCMh has 90 acute-care beds and 150 long-term
beds, and also features two primary-care clinics,
an urgent-care clinic, ent clinic OB/Gyn clinic and
an orthopedic clinic. Other services include dialysis,
home health and hospice, medical and radiation
oncology, 24-hour employee daycare and more.
the hospital is in the midst of a three-year,
$68 million expansion that will include a new
surgery floor and extensive interior remodeling
and a 294 parking spaces.
Premier bone & Joint centersPremier Bone & Joint Centers’ 10 doctors
help patients in the areas of surgery, rehabilitation,
physical therapy and pain management. the staff
also includes physical therapists, nurses, technicians
and support personnel. the practice boasts the
most advanced medical techniques in the field.
gillette oPtometric clinicGillette Optometric Clinic delivers modern and
professional eye care that residents have trusted
for the past 47 years. the clinic offers exams
for all ages, contact lens fittings, vision therapy,
emergency eye problems as well as pre and post
cataract and lasik surgery. the office also offers
an array of corrective eyewear.
here’s to your healthReSidentS have aCCeSS tO many tOp mediCal FaCilitieS
health & Wellness
Providing Comprehensive Vision Care with the Latest Technology Offering Honest, Caring, Personalized Service
(307) 682-2020 • 609 4-J Court
• Eye Exams for All Ages• Vision Therapy• Contact Lens Fittings• Emergency Eye Problems• Pre & Post Care for Cataract
and LASIK Surgery
• Safety Glasses• Gift Certificates• Infant Care• Large Stock of Contacts• One of the Largest Frame
Selections in Wyoming
GILLETTE OPTOMETRIC CLINIC P.C.Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
www.visionsource-gilletteopto.com
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, VSP and BCBS.
R.L. Jordan, O.D., F.A.A.O. A.E. Mills-Fischer, O.D. J.L. Fischer, O.D. J.C. Maycock, O.D.R.L. Mills, O.D.
medicaP PharmacyMedicap Pharmacy’s approach to pharmaceutical
care is convenience, savings and a heightened level of patient care. the national chain began in 1973 and has more than 800 locations, with service in Gillette for the past 12 years. the pharmacy offers online refills, drive-through prescription window, patient counseling services, and more.
big horn dental clinicBig horn dental Clinic is dedicated to bringing
superior family and cosmetic dentistry at competitive prices to the community. the new location features laser dentistry, 3d imaging and patient education software as well as a children’s play area with video games. Other services include one-hour whitening, six-month smiles, invisalign and more.
other medical FacilitiesA couple other top medical facilities in Campbell
County include Big horn Pediatrics, and health Services, which specializes in women’s health and treatment. – Joe Morris and Kevin Litwin
Je
ff
Ad
KIn
S
Campbell County Memorial Hospital
local flavor
42 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 43 42 gillette
There is no need to travel to
find great dining options.
the Campbell County area
offers a variety of restaurants,
with something to please
everyone’s palate.
hearty steaks and Fresh local ingredients
If you’re hungry for a great steak
or a meal prepared with fresh,
local ingredients, the Campbell
County area offers a number of
excellent restaurants to choose
from. Open Range Steakhouse,
located in Wright, serves a variety
of beef, chicken and seafood
dishes, including a 32-ounce
ribeye and a 20-ounce sirloin
steak for two. the restaurant
also features entrees made from
buffalo “purchased directly from
the durham Buffalo Ranch that
lies to our immediate north,”
says general manager Alan Waner.
“the veranda of the restaurant
also offers guests a breathtaking
view of this time-honored ranch.”
located near the South dakota
border in Beulah, Buffalo Jump
Saloon & Steak house serves top-
quality beef and a wide variety of
other seafood, chicken and pasta
dishes in a casual, Old West-style
atmosphere with rustic wooden
floors and an old-time bar.
Stop at the Skyline Grille in
Gillette for a selection of house
specialties made from locally
raised beef, buffalo or lamb.
homegrown goodnesstheRe’S FlavORFul FOOd tO be FOund in Campbell COunty
Left: breakfast items at mountain mudd espresso right: a juicy steak at Open Range Steakhouse in wright P
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livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 45
Gillettemade the list.Top 10 Winter CitiesSee more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.
ANCHORAGE AK
LEBANON PA
SPOKANE WA
BANGER ME
GiLLEttE WY
SARAtOGA SPRiNGS NY
St CLOUD MN
LOGAN Ut
BOZEMAN Mt
FARGO ND
top 10 Winter Cities
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website
“We are unique in our effort to
use as many local and Wyoming-
raised products as possible,” says
owner Mark larson. “Our food is
made from scratch, even our
vegetables are hand-cut. We also
have a large selection of wines.”
coFFee, sandWiches and much more
Mountain Mudd espresso in
Gillette offers an extensive menu
of coffee, tea and frozen drinks.
Owners Chipper and evert hill
also tout the addition of other
tasty menu options for breakfast
and lunch, such as their oversized
breakfast burritos, muffins,
selection of sandwiches and
homemade chili.
expresso lube, also located
in Gillette, features coffee, tea,
smoothies and an eclectic mix of
flavorful daily lunch specials. try
the tomato-basil ravioli soup, beef
stew in a bread bowl or, on the
third friday of every month, the
Cajun-inspired crawfish etouffee.
international Food In the mood for Mexican food?
las Margaritas in Gillette serves
a wide variety of south-of-the-
border favorites. have the nachos
ranchos or jalapeno poppers for
an appetizer, then order chiles
rellenos, chicken flautas or one of
eight combination dishes for your
entree. las Margaritas also offers
seven specialty margaritas to
have along with your meal.
If Chinese food is more to
your liking, stop by the Great
Wall Restaurant, located just off
Interstate 90 in Gillette. here, you
can choose from a diverse selection
of traditional menu items, such as
egg drop soup, moo goo gai pan,
beef with broccoli or jumbo
shrimp with snow peas.
– Barbara Biehler
What’s online Read more about Gillette’s food scene at livability.com/gillette/wy. Click “Things To Do,” then “Food.”
las margaritas mexican Restaurant is a favorite lunch spot for locals.
livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 45
local flavortop 10 Winter Cities
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The AvA Community Art
Center turns 10 years old
in 2012, and executive director
Sandi Aberle says the facility
is more popular than ever with
Campbell County residents.
“the AvA is solely for art,
with three galleries and several
activities related to art classes,”
Aberle says. “We host classes
for handicapped children, 4-h
students, Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts, adults and senior citizens.
It’s all about visual arts with us.”
AvA stands for – Advocacy for
visual Arts. there are even art
classes for children as young
as 18 months.
“those little kids paint with
Matchbox cars that they roll
through paint and then onto paper,
and eventually learn about colors,
shading and hues,” she says.
“We also host classes for home-
schooled kids, plus sessions called
uncorked on two fridays a month
for adults over age 21. the reason
it’s called uncorked is because
students can bring a bottle of
wine. that class is popular.”
shoW timethe art center is one of
many recreational and cultural attractions in Campbell County, running the entertainment gamut from movie theaters to a bowling center to community theater. Moviegoers can choose Sky hi theatres and foothills twin theatres, while Big Screen entertainment presents movies on a large inflatable screen in CAM-Plex Park during the summer.
fans of live theater can enjoy
plays presented by the Gillette
crowd PleasingReSidentS Can aCCeSS many CultuRal, ReCReatiOnal aCtivitieS
46 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 47
Arts & Culture
Community theatre. And a
place everyone knows about in
Campbell County is CAM-Plex,
a multievent facility consisting of
seven separate indoor buildings
totaling 400,000 square feet.“this complex can
accommodate every kind of occasion,” says dan Barks, CAM-Plex general manager.
boWling and Video games
Camelanes Bowling Center
offers bowling enthusiasts
a variety of leagues and
fun events. this 20-lane center
hosts uSBC sanctioned leagues
and tournaments. Open play
is available most days from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the center
is great for parties and events.
Camelanes features a lounge,
pro shop and snack bar.
video game lovers can enjoy
outings at Go West Games.
the store sells new and
vintage games and also
offers remote controlled
vehicles and accessories.
rockPile museumthe Campbell County Rockpile
Museum is filled with artifacts from the Old and new West and is fittingly located next to a sizable natural rockpile formation. the western history museum is on West 2nd Street near the railhead of the old Burlington and Missouri line. Besides the sheep wagon‚ artifacts on site include firearms‚ pioneer and American Indian clothing and a restored rural schoolhouse.
– Kevin Litwin
BR
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What’s online Read more about Gillette’s, arts and culture scene at livability.com/gillette/wy.
46 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 47
48 gillette
This part of Wyoming is
rightfully known as a sports
lover’s paradise. hunters flock
here to go after mule deer,
antelope and even trophy
American bison. Multiple hunt
ranches and guide services
ensure hunters do well and
natural preserves remain pristine.
camPbell county Parks & recreation dePartment
Indoor and outdoor fun mix thanks to the Campbell County Parks & Recreation department, which operates 21 neighborhood and community parks. local favorite lasting legacy contains the Gillette Skatepark, a tricked-out rollerblade and skateboard park, on its northern side.
camPbell county recreation center
then there’s the Campbell County Recreation Center and its basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, indoor running track, weight rooms, cardio area, racquetball and squash courts, six-lane swimming pool, 200-meter track, tennis courts, lap pool, waterslides, 42-foot climbing tower, elevated walking track and much more.
Chillier fun is on tap at the Campbell County Ice Arena and the Spirit hall Ice Arena at the Wyoming Center, offering nhl-size rinks with recreational and league skating.
club energizeAnother popular gym is Club
energize, which features a free
weight room with Paramount
Selectorized and Keiser
Pneumatic equipment, two
racquetball courts, climbing wall,
cardio room, a ufC training room
and tanning beds. you can choose
from more than 40 group classes
ranging from body pump to
yoga each week with certified
instructors, or opt to participate
in a personal training program
with certified trainers.
bell nob, hay creek, gillette golF club
those who prefer their footwear with cleats rather than blades can enjoy fine golfing at the Bell nob Golf Course, an 18-hole course operated by the Parks & Recreation department, which also offers a nine-hole executive
staying active is easyOutdOORS and indOORS, theRe’S a lOt tO dO in Campbell COunty
from left: the gillette Swim team has won 15 consecutive state championships; Campbell County ice arena
48 gillette
Sports & Recreation
course; the Gillette Golf Club, a nine-hole course in Gillette; and the hay Creek Golf Course, a nine-hole facility in Wright.
serious sWimmingunparalleled facilities,
a dedicated coaching staff
and talented swimmers have
helped lead the Gillette Swim
team to 15 consecutive state
championships. the club program
has approximately 200 registered
participants, with a staff of seven
to eight assistant coaches.
Swimmers are able to train and
practice year round, thanks to the
well-equipped Campbell County
School district Aquatic Center.
the center features the state’s
only 50-meter pool, a first-class
weight room and an outdoor
portable pool that is erected
during the summer months.
– Joe Morris BR
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shopping optionsgillette’S Retail SCene KeepS ReSidentS well-StOCKed
Gillette and Campbell County residents have
plenty of options to choose from when it
comes to shopping. With designer duds, sports
apparel, electronics, pet supplies and more readily
available, the area offers everything on your wish
list – and then some.
blue butterFly boutiquelocated in downtown Gillette, Blue Butterfly
Boutique offers women’s apparel and accessories.
the locally owned and operated shop, which has
been open since September 2010, provides clothing
appropriate for both day and night, as well as shoes,
boots, handbags, perfume and more.
the store is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday
through friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
for more information, call (307) 682-8500.
damori’s electronics PlusAs a RadioShack dealer, damori’s electronics Plus
provides a wide selection of electronic devises,
including batteries, wireless phones, home theater
televisions, MP3 players, navigation systems and
sound equipment. Brands such as Apple, Garmin,
hewlett Packard, Samsung and Sony are available.
to learn more about damori’s electronics Plus,
call (307) 682-9311.
Ph
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50 gillette
Retail
gillette cheese houseOwned by Geri and Mike Jambretz, the Gillette
Cheese house is a speciality grocery store offering
Wisconsin cheese, sausages, bologna, ribeye steak,
jams and jellies, and more. Gift baskets are also
available, and elk, bison and venison can be
purchased during the holiday season.
“We only get products from people we know,”
Geri says. “We want good products, and we are
very picky. We stand behind our products.”
for more information about the Gillette Cheese
house, contact Geri or Mike at (307) 685-6449.
Joe’s Pet dePotJoe’s Pet depot is home to a wide variety of pet
foods and supplies, including Avoderm, Science
diet, natural Balance Pet foods, nutro Max and
natural Choice Pet food, Sportmix and more.
Customers can also pick up items such as toys,
beds and grooming supplies. Grooming services
are offered, and pets are available for adoption.
learn more by calling (307) 686-8449.
rocky mountain discount sPortsOne of four locations in Wyoming, Gillette’s
Rocky Mountain discount Sports is an outdoor
sports store offering hunting, fishing, camping and
archery equipment. A broad selection of brands are
available, including Savage, Remington, Browning,
Winchester and nikon.
the retailer’s Gillette location has been open since
2004, and is a locally owned facility. the store is
open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until
9 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact
Rocky Mountain discount Sports at (307) 686-0221
for additional information.
teacher’s corner/kid’s martProviding merchandise for both students
and teachers, teacher’s Corner/Kid’s Mart offers
speciality toys, such as puzzles, art kits and
right: Joe’s pet depot offers a wide variety of pet food, accessories, supplies, expert pet grooming and adoptions. Left photos: blue butterfly boutique offers women’s apparel and accessories.
building blocks as well as classroom supplies.
the store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through friday, and from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on Saturday. for more, contact
teacher’s Corner/Kid’s Mart at (307) 686-9231.
uniVersal athleticSpecializing in uniforms and equipment, universal
Athletic provides custom and standard gear for all
kinds of teams, such as schools, leagues, clubs and
businesses. each year, the company is ranked as
one of the top five team dealers in the united States
by national sports goods trade magazines.
the store is open Monday through friday from
9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. learn more by calling the store at
(307) 686-6605. – Jessica Walker
50 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 51
Students in Gillette and Campbell County can receive
a quality education at each of the institutions available in the area – and there are certainly quite a few. As a result, residents are lifelong learners.
camPbell county school district no. 1
Around here, parents know their children are off to a great start thanks to Campbell County School district no. 1, which covers the entire 5,000 square miles of the county. With around 8,300 students in 22 schools, the district is the state’s third largest,
but it still keeps a 19:1 student- to-teacher ratio.
the district’s achievements are many, including a state Ruby Award for excellence in planning‚ use of funds‚ achievement, and relationships with students and parents. It also scores well in both the classroom and on the athletic fields, routinely taking top honors in state competitions of all kinds.
ccsd science center/adVenturarium
School officials also have worked hard to create unique learning opportunities and environments for students,
including a planetarium, aquatic center and the CCSd Science Center/Adventurarium. the adventurarium, which attracts around 8,000 visitors a year from throughout the region, doubles as the school system’s science lab. Its focus is hands-on learning, from experiments to interaction with animals, minerals and sometimes even vegetables.
the science center contains
more than 7,000 exhibits
60 interactive exhibits, 3,000
animals and animal displays, with
a portion devoted to animal care.
It also provides science kits to
teachers for use in the classroom,
students, opportunity is knockingReSidentS have plenty OF OptiOnS when it COmeS tO eduCatiOn
gillette College offers two-year degrees, certificate programs and workforce development at a beautiful campus.
52 gillette
education
and also offers parent education
classes for those with very young
children so that a love of science
and nature can get started early.
gillette collegeGillette College ensures that
all those well-trained young
people don’t have to leave the
county to continue their studies
after high school. the college
offers two-year associate
degrees and certificate programs,
as well as workforce development
and retraining facilities for local
businesses and industries. It
also provides distance-learning
programs for those who wish to
pursue four-year and advanced
degrees at other institutions of
higher learning.
the college is so popular
that it has added dormitories
for on-campus living, as well as
a technical education Center
with a culinary training center,
computer labs, tech classes,
energy and engineering classes
and classrooms. the kitchen
space will not only serve college
students, but also offer college
prep classes for high school
students looking to get into
the culinary arts.
more higher education oPPortunities
Another option for students who want to continue their education after high school is the university of Wyoming’s northeast Regional Center, which has a location in Gillette. Students can participate in distance learning programs through various forms of technology while still enjoying a classroom experience with peers.
those interested in pursuing a
career in the beauty industry may
choose to attend Gillette’s College
of Cosmetology. Owned by
laura Wierzbicki, a member
of the national Cosmetologists
Association, the school prepares
students to find employment by
offering training in cosmetology,
hairstyling, manicuring
and esthetics.
Cosmetology courses take place
tuesday through Saturday, and to
earn a license, students must
complete 2,000 hours of training.
A license in nail technology
requires 400 hours of coursework,
while an esthetics license requires
600 hours. Students obtaining
a hairstyling license complete
1,250 hours of training.
– Joe Morris
Ph
Ot
OS
By
BR
IAn
McC
OR
d
What’s online Read more articles about Gillette’s diverse learning environments by going online to livability.com/gillette/wy.
52 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 53
visit ouradvertisersAdecco Office & Industrialwww.adeccousa.com
American National Bankwww.anbbank.com
Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilitieswww.cam-plex.com
Campbell County Chamber of Commercewww.gillettechamber.com
Campbell County Memorial Hospitalwww.ccmh.net
Campbell County School Districtwww.ccsd.k12.wy.us
Cloud Peak Energywww.cloudpeakenergy.com
College Parkwww.collegeparktownhomes.com
Collins Communications Inc.www.collinscom.net
Contractors Supply Inc.www.gillettecsi.com
ERA Boardwalk Real Estate Inc.www.sherrymcgrath.com
Gillette Collegewww.gillettecollege.org
Gillette Optometric Clinicwww.visionsource-gilletteopto.com
L&H Industrialwww.lnh.net
Major Metal Servicewww.majormetalservice.com
Marshall Jewelrywww.marshalljewelry.com
P&H Mine Pro Serviceswww.minepro.com/gillette/index.html
Powder River Dental Associateswww.powderriverdental.com
Record Supply Inc.www.recordsupply.com
Source Gaswww.sourcegas.com
South Fork Apartmentswww.southforkapts.com
Tom’s Hot Shot Service Inc.www.tomshotshotservice.com
Town of Wrightwww.wrightwyoming.com
Located in the Heart of the “Energy Capital of the Nation” – Gillette, Wyoming
WHO WE ARE:•Thelargesthotshot serviceinthebasin•Reputablewith qualityperformance•Committedto ourcustomers•TSA-certifieddrivers• Familyowned andoperated
WHAT WE DO:•Hotshotand freightloads•Dailycourierruns•Deliveroneounce to46,000pounds•Consistent qualityservice• Efficientpickup anddelivery• Fairpricing
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:• Leavewithin15minutes ofyourcall•Getwhatyouneedto whereyouneedit•DeliverfrompointAto pointBwithnowaiting•Provideteamdrivers•Accommodatemost shippingneeds
24-Hour Live Dispatch • (307) 686-1005www.tomshotshotservice.com
WE SERVICE ALL LOWER 48 STATES & CANADA
Locally owned and operated – Gillette, WY
More than 40 years combined experience in the steel industry
A leader in flame cut parts and steel service centers
1110 Robertson Cir. • Gillette, WY 82718 307.685.3301 tel • toll-free 888.685.3301
www.majormetalservice.com
• CNC flame and plasma cut parts
• Steel plate fabrication – rolling and bending
• Bucket and truck liner packages
• Heavy wall carbon and alloy steel tubing
• Grip Strut® and bar grating
• Forgings
• Aluminum
• 4140/4142 alloy bar
• Fiberglass and plastic products
• Exotic metal sourcing
• Chocky blocks and wear products
54 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 55
COMMuNITy OvErvIEWCampbell County was established in 1911. It is home to the cities
of Gillette and Wright‚ along with the unincorporated communities
of Recluse and Rozet. the county seat of Gillette is named for
1890s railroad surveyor edward Gillette.
COMMuNITy prOfILE
TIME zONE
mountain
CLIMaTE
85°
July average high
9°
January average low
16”annual Rain Fall (vs. national average annual Rain Fall of 37”)
COST Of LIvING
$72,697median household income
$204,800median home price
$695median Rent for a two-bedroom apartment
HOuSEHOLD INfOrMaTION
aGE:
33median Resident age
28% age 19 and under
52.7% age 20-54
16.5% age 55 and Over
MarITaL STaTuS:
64.77% married
35.23% Single
TOp INDuSTrIES
1. Mining
2. Construction
3. Government
4. Retail trade
5. Accommodations & food Service
TraNSpOrTaTION
17 minutesmedian travel time to work
uNEMpLOyMENT raTE
4.4% as of aug. 2011
NuMbErS TO KNOW
Campbell County government 500 S. Gillette Ave., Suite 1100 Gillette, Wy 82716 (307)682-7283 www.ccgov.net
Clerk - Suite 1600 (307) 682-7260
fire department (307) 682-5319
Sheriff’s Office (307) 687-6160
treasurer - Suite 1700 (307) 682-7268
City of gillette201 e. fifth St. Gillette, Wy 82717 (307) 686-5203 www.gillettewy.gov
City West/ utilities dept. 611 n. exchanged Building Gillette, Wy 82716 (307)686-5262
Police department (307) 682-5155
Recycling/Sustainability (307) 686-5228
town of wright201 Wright Blvd. Wright, Wy 82732 (307) 464-1666 www.wrightwyoming.com
wyoming department of transportation: driver license 3540 e. Warlow dr. Gillette, Wy 82716 (307) 682-2671 www.dot.state.wy.us
Sources: Wyoming Dept. of Workforce Services, Onboard Informatics
54 gillette livabilit y.COm/gillette/w y 55
through the lens
this week I was in Gillette,
Wyoming and spent hours driving
around looking for interesting
landscapes to photograph.
I drove down highway 50 where
the rolling hills were covered in
untouched snow. I almost got
my rental car stuck a few times
when I would see these amazing
scenics I couldn’t pass up, hitting
my brakes and sliding to the
shoulder of the road or parking
in random driveways. I’d like to
thank the nice people of Gillette
for allowing me to roam around
their property snapping away
in my own world. I’m sure they
understand this kind of beauty
is hard for a photographer
to pass up.
From our Photo blog: gillette
POSted By BRIAn McCORd
more online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
now that you’ve experienced Gillette through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
get the story behind the Photo
56 gillette
Ad Index 32 Adeccooffice &industriAl
22 AmericAn nAtionAlBAnk
10 cAm-Plexmulti eventfAcilities
1 cAmPBellcounty chAmBerofcommerce
40 cAmPBellcounty memoriAlhosPitAl
6 cAmPBellcounty schooldistrict
28 cloudPeAkenergy
c2 collegePArk
49 collins communicAtionsinc.
22 contrActors suPPlyinc.
c4 erABoArdwAlk reAlestAteinc.
7 gillettecollege
41 gillette oPtometricclinic
c3 l&hindustriAl
54 mAjormetAlservice
33 mArshAlljewelry
2 P&hmineProservices
4 Powderriver dentAlAssociAtes
33 recordsuPPlyinc.
26 sourcegAs
31 southforkAPArtments
54 tom’shotshot serviceinc.
10 townofwright
