Lovell Chamber announces first ever Fall Fest

The Lovell Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting Monday at the Mustang Cafe, where updates from local organizations highlighted community progress, challenges and upcoming events.

Chamber President Cameron Miller opened with a report from Hyart Theatre manager Linda Mangus on their summer movie program, which drew strong support from families across the area. 

“I think it was something that the community really needed just to get the kids doing something and having a different type of an activity place that they could go to during the summer months,” Linda noted. “We did an additional 10 movies, plus a Thursday afternoon show, and received sponsorship from 13 local businesses.”

Volunteers continue to be the lifeblood of the Hyart’s operations.

“We still run exclusively with volunteers from the community to help with our tickets and concessions, and that is one of the things that’s probably kept our theater running for years,” she said.

Plans are underway to expand offerings beyond movies, with the Arts Council set to host a December performance and other groups scheduling concerts and programs at the venue.

Superintendent Matt Davidson of Big Horn County School District No. 1 reported that enrollment is steady, with brick-and-mortar numbers down by only three students with about 37 additional students in the district’s online program. He also noted a standout academic achievement, as Burlington High School seniors earned a record ACT class average of 26, the highest in the school’s history.

Recruiting teachers remains a challenge.

“We started advertising for a new science teacher in March and never had a qualified applicant apply,” Davidson said. To help, the district has invested in housing for new hires and continues to seek solutions to staffing shortages.

Superintendent William Hiser of District No. 2 also highlighted successes, pointing to the CDL program at Lovell High School and work experience opportunities for students. He emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and said, “We’re trying to be creative in how we can honor a student’s unique request when it comes to work experience.”

Both superintendents spoke about several common themes: teacher shortages, a desperate need for qualified bus drivers and concerns about enrollment and funding with the new models expected this fall. They expressed hope that the new funding models will include monies for elementary counselors, school resource officers, one-to-one computer funding and rising health care costs.

Lovell-Kane Museum President Karen Spragg was excited to share details of the day-long bus tour the museum hosted to the Hillsboro ghost town and the Caroline Lockhart Ranch.

“We just let people take their time, ask questions and enjoy the experience,” she said. “We had storytellers on the bus and guides throughout the day, so there were stories being shared everywhere we went.”

She added that the museum has an upcoming catered fundraiser on October 11 at the Lovell Community Center, catered by Wyoming 310 Restaurant in Deaver, featuring the Dan Miller Band.

North Big Horn Hospital Foundation, Marketing and Grants Manager Payton Gambill introduced one of the hospital’s new physician assistants, Kaitlyn Davidson, an Iowa State University graduate. Davidson, who was recently married, has settled in Burlington.

Chamber manager Linda Morrison closed the meeting with news of the first-ever Chamber Fall Fest, set for October 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. downtown.

“If we can generate some enthusiasm about downtown now, maybe they’ll be able to spend a little more money in town instead of going straight to Amazon on Black Friday in your pajamas,” she said with a smile.