From our files: Burglars hit Wyoming National Guard Armory in 1975

10 years ago, March 5, 2015

The Lovell Chronicle

The students at Lovell High School raised $6,411, which they plan to donate to the Wyoming chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The state chapter makes about 30 wishes a year come true for children in Wyoming who have serious, and oftentimes life-threatening, medical conditions. 

The effort was spearheaded by the school’s student council and involved a number of events including a barbecue dinner, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction of gift baskets, a bake sale and numerous student activities, including a wishing well competition, selling stars and other fun contests on campus. According to student advisor Katie Hernandez, the state of Wyoming raises more donations for Make-A-Wish per capita than any other state in the nation.

25 years ago, March 9, 2000

The Lovell Chronicle

The first-year success the Rocky Mountain High School drill team has had far exceeded their wildest expectations. Twenty girls tried out for the fall drill team, and with a few members added for the basketball season, the drill team went on to take the state title in the 1A/2A Dance Division.

Shana Marchant, drill team instructor, said the team worked extremely hard during the year to get to the point that they knew they could compete against teams that have had an established program. And compete they did, earning 175 of a possible 200 points, ahead of defending dance champs, Lovell, with 167 points.

50 years ago, March 6, 1975

The Lovell Chronicle

A team of investigators on the week-old Lovell National Guard Armory burglary are trying to link an unusual piece of handmade jewelry with the incident. Found inside the supply room near where the burglars were attempting to enter the arm’s vault, the necklace is distinctive in that its central piece is a hand carved jade buffalo. 

In a joint statement from Big Horn County undersheriff Norm Doerr and Lovell police chief LaMar Averett, “If you have seen this necklace, know its owner or know anything about the armory burglary, please contact local law enforcement officers.”

Apparently the burglars were after U.S. Army issue M-16 rifles stored in the arm’s vault. To reach the vault a burglar alarm system had been turned off, the supply room door had been opened and a vent in the vault covered by heavy wire mesh had been removed to gain access.

75 years ago, March 9, 1950

The Lovell Chronicle

The second annual state chess tournament sponsored by the Wyoming Chess association will be held in Douglas April 22 and 23, according to Schupler Ferris of Casper, president of the association. Some communities already have held elimination tourneys to determine entries in the individual championship fight.

100 years ago, March 7, 1925

The Cowley Progress

One of the most unique gatherings in the history of the Town of Cowley was at the Mortensen House Tuesday evening, when the popular proprietress, assisted by her daughters, entertained with a banquet the Ward bishopric, the town council and the school board, with the Cowley crack basketball Champions, in whose honor it was held. Also the team’s boosters and the high school band were included. After feasting at the banquet table with the dainties of the land, prepared and served in the hostess’ matchless style, until all were satisfied, we were treated to after dinner speeches, music by the band, songs and readings specially arranged and prepared for the occasion, and at 10 o’clock all departed home, voting the whole affair one of the best ever attended.