1st / 2nd Grade Field Trip

Great times for the 1st and 2nd grade classes from CES. They went on a field trip today and saw the Geyser in Soda Springs, Idaho. Mostly they enjoyed running around on the wooden sidewalks as the water sprayed in the air.

Then the Natural History Museum at Idaho State University in Pocatello was visited. The kids had three different areas they learned about: fossils, dinosaurs and rocks. What they can't wait to tell mom and dad is that it isn't really called a "saber tooth tiger". That is incorrect. The correct term is "saber tooth cat."

The kids ate lunch at a park and for the most part all went well. Then they went to the Pocatello Zoo where they had 30 minutes to see the animals. Peacocks running loose were a favorite as well as a rock chuck that seems to have made its home at the zoo grounds. The eagles, bears, and big horn sheep were big hits, too.

Finally, a stop for a soak in Lava Hot Springs where the kids got to see igneous rock first hand. (They had just learned about it at the museum!)

Fun day. As the kids got off the bus just before 4pm, one student said to a teacher, "I don't want to leave you teacher!" And this with only 2 days left in the school year!

New to Cokeville? Memorial Day

This article is third in an on-going series titled, "New to Cokeville?" of informational articles on public services and recreation opportunities offered in or near the town of Cokeville. (Also odd or quirky or "good to know" things about our small town.) To view other articles in the "New to Cokeville?" series, scroll down to "Labels" and click on "New to Cokeville?". You'll be able to view the entire series.


This article is a quick reference for new people to our community on what to expect on Memorial Day every year. There are some very dedicated, patriotic people in town who keep great programs, like our Memorial Day Program at the cemetery, going. Memorial Day is a very special day, thanks to very special people in town. Every year there is a Memorial Day program held at 10:00 am at the Cokeville Cemetery, presented by the American Legion LaVoy Thornock Unit #40 Auxiliary. Thanks ladies, and your helpers, for a great program.

In 2008, despite being very wet, the program was held as usual by the cemetery flagpole and unmarked graves monument and people stayed until the end. The program concluded with four American Legion members with three shots then "Taps" was played and a moment of silence. Then God added a big boom of thunder and the program was done.

Dorothy Butler Dayton

Condolences to the family of Dorothy Dayton. Her full obituary can be found by clicking here

From the Uinta County Herald, photo available at above link:

COKEVILLE — Dorothy Butler Dayton, 94, passed away peacefully on May 19 ending a long life lived with courage, passion and grace.

Dorothy was the third born child born to Henry and Ada Cortina Butler in East Hampshire, England on Jan. 1, 1914. In March of that year the family migrated to Chatham, Canada, where her father joined the Canadian Army. He was killed in France during World War I in 1918, six weeks before the armistice.

The family relocated to Cokeville in 1924 where Dorothy graduated from Cokeville High School and later married Eldon Dayton in October of 1933. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple. Eldon died in 1980. She later married Glenn Harris and he died in 2007.

In 1961 Dorothy and Eldon built the Valley Hi Motel in Cokeville and she actively operated the business until her retirement. She enjoyed meeting people and formed lasting friendships. She was interested, and she was interesting. Dorothy maintained a curious mind and an adventurous spirit finding delight in many of life’s gifts. She believed deeply in the importance of friendship, family and autonomy. She lived life on her own terms and supported others in doing the same.

Dorothy was preceded in death by both Eldon Dayton, and Glenn Harris, as well as one daughter, Dorothy Lee Suchesk in 1980, her parents, three sisters, and one brother.

She is survived by her son, Rex Dayton (Kathleen) of Evanston. Dorothy is also survived by her grandchildren, which she was always generous and loving to, Michael Rex Dayton (Kate), Cherry Creek Village, Colo.; Gregory Eldon Dayton (Kimberly), Pacifica, Calif.; Daniel Barrett Dayton, Salt Lake City, Utah; Diana Suchesk Bagley (Brian), St. George, Utah; Douglas Suchesk (Amy), Ladera Ranch, Calif.; and Lisa Suchesk Liergo (Ricardo), Long Beach, Calif. Also surviving are her thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Tender Heart Assisted Living facility in Evanston for their loving care in the final months of our dear one’s life. In lieu of flowers donations to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.

Graveside services will be held at the Cokeville Cemetery on May 24 at 11 a.m., under the direction of Matthews Mortuary, Montpelier, Idaho.

Save Your Gas, Celebrate the 4th at Home

With gas prices rising daily, travel is becoming more expensive, and we all need to plan carefully. This year, why not save that gas money and celebrate the 4th of July at home? A community event is being planned for the 4th of July! Charlotte Freeman has coordinated the Activities Committees from both LDS wards along with representatives from the three other religious groups in Cokeville to plan a pot luck dinner and games at the park. Everyone in our community and their visitors are invited!

Tenatively, the schedule will include dinner at 6:00pm followed by games from 7:00 to 9:00. We will then have some time to clean up and head to the elementry for the fireworks put on by our police department. Dinner will be a 'Bring your own meat' event (Grills will be provided), with potluck salads, chips and desserts. Water will be provided or you may bring your own drink. Just remember, it is a family event, so no alcoholic beverages please. Games will be for everyone and will possibly include sack races, three legged races, arm wrestling, tug-o-war, watermelon eating contests and much more. There may even be volleyball and softball games going on. Please contact Debbie Cook (279-3110) if you would be willing to help with the games. Watch for flyers with more information and sign up sheets for the dinner.

Also, don't forget to support our fire department at the annual 4th of July Breakfast.

Kliss Sparks - Poppy Lady

For years Kliss Sparks has been our "Poppy Lady". She has faithfully come to our home with handmade red paper poppies to raise money for Wyoming Veterans. There are two hospitals, one in Cheyenne and one in Sheridan.

For a long time, I would donate a dollar a poppy. I figured that was generous, considering the cost to make a paper poppy. From three kids to four, our donation increased...by a dollar. Then one day I was thinking about when my husband Brian's father died. It was sudden. It was sad. He was always very active in the American Legion. Brian's mother, and sister, were also very active in the American Legion Auxiliary. (And still are). A doctor donated some money to the American Legion in honor of Brian's dad, John, and it made me realize we could do the same, every year, at poppy time.

It's amazing how my appreciation for Poppy Week, as declared on an annual basis by the Cokeville Town Council as requested by the American Legion Auxiliary, has grown as we have come to understand the program and make donations towards the disabled vets who hand-make the poppies.

This morning, in the rain, Kliss knocked at our door, poppies in hand. I think back to when I donated a dollar per poppy, not because that was what we could afford but because I didn't understand the spirit behind the poppy sales. A dollar in the right spirit is awesome. The right understanding of Poppy Week is priceless.

Thanks to Kliss and all the other American Legion Auxiliary volunteers for their service and silent example in our community.

Alex Dayton rides for Cokeville Miracle

Alex Dayton made an announcement last weekend. He was going to ride a bike, coast to coast, promoting what he refers to as, "The Cokeville Miracle". This is in reference to the 1986 Cokeville hostage and bombing of the Cokeville Elementary School, where no hostages were killed and children reported being directed by angels.

Alex made it to Provo, Utah on Wednesday and then rode his bike to Evanston, Wyoming, arriving Friday afternoon. His parents met him in Evanston. Alex's plan were to leave Evanston around 5am and head to Rock Springs, Wyoming.

He hasn't received any publicity so far but he has found a place to sleep each night.

Alex bought a bike off of "Craig's List" when he arrived in California, the first bike he believes he's ever owned, and started off on his journey.

We wish Alex success in his endeavors!

The picture of Alex and his parents Sharon and Janel Dayton was taken in Kemmerer, Wyoming on Thursday May 22 after DottyJo Pope's production of, "The 10 Virgins" was presented to the Kemmerer Wyoming Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (His parents picked him up in Evanston, took him to Kemmerer, and then they returned to Evanston that night)

Ten Virgins Presentation in Kemmerer, Wyoming

Last night I was finally able to see the "Ten Virgins" production produced by Sister DottyJo Pope of the Cokeville 1st Ward with much help from her husband Evan and many, many others. What a wonderful experience it was.

The two hours of the production was full of thought-provoking experiences and inspirational messages that left the mind and heart wanting to do better and try a little harder. Each virgin represented different ideals and virtues as well as desires and downfalls that all humans are tempted with.

I was deeply touched by the experience and also by the dedication of the ladies who portrayed the virgins from the biblical parable.


This was the 35 production and perhaps the final as Sister Pope said at the conclusion of the program that "Janel Dayton has been involved with every one of the programs since the beginning and it can't be done without her." Sister Dayton and her husband have received a mission call and will be leaving soon. DottyJo presented Janel with flowers.

Musical Spring Bash

It was a fun night at the Cokeville High School, whatever it was called. Food, fun, music. The Pep Club was selling out items at clearance prices. The Musical Spring Bash, or whatever, at the high school was a great success. It was held on Tuesday, May 20 and had a great turnout regardless that the American Idol finale was happening at the same time!

The jr. high band performed as did the jr. high choir. Several students performed on musical instruments or with vocals alone and in groups. The high school also performed. It was a great night and a great capstone to Mr. Krause's time here in Cokeville as band director. Good luck with your new pursuits, Mr. Krause, and thanks.

Cokeville Historical Society

Cokeville Historical Society has a website! It can be found by clicking here or typing in www.cokevillehistory.blogspot.com


New officers were elected on May 22 when the society met at noon at the Senior Citizens Center. Thanks Lowell Clark for being the 1st President of the new group from 2007-2008. Thanks also to the outgoing vice president: Dale Weston, Carol Reed, Charlotte Freeman and Charles Datyon.

Incoming Officers are:
Charlotte Freeman, President
Carol Reed, Membership
Eva Clark, Secretary/Treasurer
Karla Toomer, Public Relations/Newsletter
John Teichert, Recruitment

New Members are always welcome! Minimal membership fee includes membership in state society, state magazine and local newsletter!

Town of Cokeville needs Bishops' input?

I was surprised to read the following in the town minutes from May 13, 2008
"Karla Toomer has requested that the park be reserved on July 18-19 for the Rendezvous. They have scheduled activities and sales around the 24th celebration. Does a meeting need to be called with the Bishop's to have their input?"

Since I did not request a meeting with the Bishops, it must be the town that needs the input. What the town will do with the input, if they are successful in their request for a meeting, is yet to be seen.

I will continue forward with the task put to me by the Chamber of Commerce to help coordinate a fun two day event, to compliment not compete with Pioneer Day Activities, because people come and they enjoy it.

PS for LDS food committee - Mayor Thompson and Clerk NaDene Dana informed me that food sales were down at the luncheon last year and it was the Chamber of Commerce's Arts, Crafts, and Business Fair (a.k.a. Rendezvous '07) that hurt the sales. The Craft Fair's advertised hours last year BEGAN at 1pm on Saturday. The lack of sales/extra food was not related to the craft fair. Something to keep in mind when estimating this year's numbers.

Cokeville For Sale

Added to slide show June 10, 2008
Click here to viw more land/house for sale east of Cokeville

Way to go Cokeville Track Team!

The Kallstrom family is pretty excited about their two-time state champion daughter, Kebra! They decorated her truck as a surprise! A great article on Kebra is in the Saturday, May 17 Casper Star Tribune Paper.

The Cokeville Track team captured 2nd place for both the girls' and boys' teams!
Congratulations Track Kids!

Beautiful Cokeville Evenings

These warm, mosquito free evenings in the "spring" are some of the best times in Cokeville!

New Flag at Town Hall

Thank you town of Cokeville for replacing the flag at the town hall. The new one looks very nice.

Meal or No Meal?

Are you trying to cook dinner, the kids are hungry and driving you crazy, and you need 10 more minutes to finish? Here is a totally mindless games, Meal or No Meal, you can have your kids play while you finish dinner. Click here.

If you are really needing a meal, not just a few minutes to finish cooking one, this site (the same one Meal or No Meal is on) also offers some good recipes. One piece of Cokeville advice, see if you can get your hands on one of the old Cokeville Pantherettes cookbooks, very good recipes in there. (Pep Club had a whole box not too long ago. Yes, it's taken something like 20 years to sell the 1000 they bought, but once they're gone, they're gone...)

Chad Teichert named ISU's New Head Volleyball Coach

Congratulations Chad Teichert for being selected as ISU's new head women's volleyball coach. Read a great article by clicking here titled,
"Bengals Name Chad Teichert as Head Volleyball Coach". The subtitle reads:
"One of the nation's foremost clinicians tabbed as ISU's ninth volleyball coach in program's history"


We know you will do great things at ISU! You did great things in Cokeville and you have continued to do great things, congratulations again!

Mary Lou Birch Announces Retirement

Last night was a piano recital for the student's of Mary Lou Birch and also Mary Teichert. At the end of the recital, Mrs. Birch announced she was retiring from teaching lessons. She has taught piano lessons in Cokeville for many years and to many students. There were tears all around. Thank you Mrs. Birch, you will be missed! I will post pictures of the recital here soon.

Town Hall Needs New Flag

We need a new flag at the town hall. I took this picture before an Economic Development Steering Committee meeting on May 6th. Councilman Charles Dayton joked, "I hope you're not sending that picture to your Mom." (She visited a town council meeting last year, upset about the way the town treats its flags). Nope, Mr. Dayton. Not sending it to my mom. Just posting it on the internet.

Pine Creek Ranch & House East of Cokeville

What's for sale in or near Cokeville? This is a topic of much conversation lately. I don't know. I'm not in the real estate business. However, I can take pictures of "for sale" signs. My newest project will be taking pictures of all the "for sale" items in town.

I started with some land to the East of Cokeville, at the base of the road leading up to the Pine Creek Ski Resort called "Pine Creek Ranch". Pine Creek Ranch has a website. It is www.pinecreekranch.us or you can click here to go right to the site.

Closer to Cokeville is the home in the last picture. Contact information is on the sign.

HERE IS A NEWER POST WITH HOUSES IN TOWN FOR SALE AND ALSO LAND WEST OF TOWN FOR SALE

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo was today. As usual, a fun celebration in town was found in the Cokeville 2nd grade classroom of Mrs. J. Taylor.

Cokeville Summer Jobs 2008

Need a summer job? The town of Cokeville is hiring a summer worker. The Cokeville Chamber of Commerce is hiring for the visitor's center. See sign for details.

Cokeville Hunter's Safety Class Ends

My 10 year old finished Hunter's Safety Class after a week of classes from 3pm-6pm. He wanted to thank his teacher Mr. Warner. He also said Mr. Moore, Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Hymas helped a lot. He also thanks Mrs. Sherie Gae for all the treats she provided the whole week to the class. He wouldn't have made it from his pre-noon lunch at Cokeville Elementary School until 6pm when class ended, without the snacks to keep him going!

Cokeville Branch Library recovering from flood

The Cokeville Branch Library, which opened again Tuesday April 29th, is slowly recovering from the water damage caused by a broken pipe on the main floor. Librarian Gayle Chadwick said that the water was discovered on April 17 when Doris Moore went into work. Water filled the copy room, and then flooded the floors clear back into Gayle's office. Damage included the carpet on the entrance and back of the main floor and some items in storage in the basement, including rolls of colored paper.

Regular hours will start Monday 5th but there will not be story hour. You can check the regular hours by clicking here.

Check the Cokeville branch library doors for closures when the hardwood floors get put in to replace where the water damaged the carpets, probably the week of the 12th.

CVFD Responds to Wildland fire

CVFD responded to a wildland fire north of town just before noon today. EMT's were also on the scene.

New to Cokeville? Cokeville Branch Library Hours

This article is second in an on-going series titled, "New to Cokeville?" of informational articles on public services and recreation opportunities offered in or near the town of Cokeville.

This article is a quick reference for new people to our community on services offered at the public library. It is also a place for the rest of us to check if we forget the libraries hours of operation.


Cokeville has a wonderful library which is part of the Lincoln County Library System.

Regular hours are:

Monday 11am -8pm
Tuesday thru Thursday 10am -6pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 10am-2pm


The library offers story hour for children during the school year and during part of the summer. Check with the library for dates and times.

Free Services:
Book Check out, inter-library loan, computer use by appointment with internet access*

(*Children must be accompanied by an adult to use internet)

Other services available for a fee through the library:
Copy Machine
Fax Services
Laminating Machine
Printing of color copies from computer
Printing of multiple black and white copies from computer
Book sale, ongoing in basement of library

Sunshine Generation & Sound Station Spring 08

Sunshine Generation and Sound Station, singing and performing groups in Cokeville, held their Spring 2008 show tonight at the Cokeville High School Auditorium.