Alyssa Shilling, Staff Writer

Rick and Susan Staldine

“Well, I remember that on our first date, in June 1976, my husband cooked me spaghetti, with garlic bread and salad,” said FCA teacher Susan Staldine.  But what does her husband remember?

History teacher Rick Staldine said, “I made her spaghetti on our first date.  I had always made a good first impression.” How well do couples know each other? As for the Staldines, they know each other very well.

“Thirty three and a half years we have been together,” he said. But on the more precise side, she said, “We have been together for thirty one years, six months, and twenty three days, but we dated two years prior to marriage, so technically, we have been together for 33 ½ years now.”

“His friends told me to go out with him because he had a cool Italian car. The poor thing was held together by duct tape!”

Kelby Clements, Staff Writer

On January 12th, an enormous earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 devastated Haiti. The quake knocked down buildings and power lines. The number of deaths suffered is still uncertain, but estimated over 100,000. Most of the southern end of Haiti has been destroyed.

Many benefits and fundraisers have been organized since the catastrophe, such as Hope for Haiti. Cell phone companies allow texting the number 90999, where ten dollars will be added to your phone bil, and the donations will go to The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Countless rescue groups have gone to Haiti to join in the effort of getting the Haitians the help they need.

On Wednesday, February 10^th, Campbell County High School Journalism sponsored Hats for Haiti. A mere $1 donation  helped a group of Wyoming doctors charter a plane to Haiti. Students were able to wear a hat throughout the whole school day and help those in desperate need of relief.  At the end of the day, a total of $241 was given to Susan Barnes of the Red Cross.

Thanks to CCHS students who donated.

Kinzi Zetner, Staff Writer

Everybody remembers their first kiss, whether it was 20 years ago, two years ago, or two weeks ago.  Students at Campbell County High School are no different.

            “It was with a girl named Ashley in Deadwood. We went underwater in a pool and kissed,” said junior Wade Hack. “I was 13 years old.”

            “I was in fifth grade,” said junior Stephanie Johnson. “It was my best friend in Nevada and we are still really tight.”

            “The one thing I remember about my first kiss, is how nervous I was,” said senior Tyler Trenholm. “I was 13 and it was with a girl named Shelby in Buffalo.”

            “It was in sixth grade on the playground, but we weren’t dating,” said junior Cassie Taylor. “I was happy after it happened and we still talk today!”

            “All I remember is that it was with a boy named Chris,” said sophomore Bailey Wilson. 

            According to Askville.com, the average age for a real first kiss is 15 or 16 years old, but not everyone can remember their first kiss. “I don’t remember it.  It probably happened somewhere around 13, I believe,” said History teacher Becky Buell. “I think I was in seventh grade, but I don’t remember his name.  At least I remember my first kiss with my husband.  That’s a good sign, right?”

“I haven’t even had a first kiss yet,” said junior Keelie Garvin. Don’t worry, it’ll happen. And when it does you’ll never forget.

Kate Young, Staff Writer

“I think there’s a limit,” said senior Kaitlin Gillette about dating someone of a different age. Many people agree that there is an age limit, but not with the boys as the older one. If the girl is older, that seems to raise a few eyebrows.  

“If a girl dates younger, it’s kind of freaky,” said senior Libby Hungerford.

“If the boy’s younger, then it’s a little odd,” agreed junior Kylee Loutas.

However awkward it may seem in high school, there are several marriages that have lasted the years with the woman as the older one, such as Mr. and Mrs. Myers.

“We’ll have been married for 17 years this summer; our age difference has never been a problem, and as long as the parents are aware of who their children are dating then it’s not a big deal,” said Cindy Myers, geometry teacher at Sage Valley Junior High, who is happily married to her younger husband.

According to most students, the age difference isn’t an issue as long as the couple is comfortable with it. Senior Chris Allen summed it up with, “It’s between the couple themselves.”

Even though the thought of an older girl dating a younger guy may cause others to talk, most couples aren’t affected. As to whether or not the opinions of others affect him or his older girlfriend, sophomore Austin Verlarde replied, “I just don’t really care.”

Julionna Skinner, Staff Writer

“I think kids should work,” said English teacher Liisaan Cooper. “It teaches good work ethic and responsibility while preparing kids for the real world.” After roughly thirty-five hours of school every week, do students at Campbell County High School have the time to hold down jobs?

 “I don’t work because I spend my time playing sports instead,” said sophomore Allie Buechler.

Senior Callie Wilson added, “I used to work at Hallmark, but now I’m focusing on my senior year.”

Some students do manage to balance their school work and responsibilities as an employee.

“I’m a cashier at Golden Corral four days a week to pay for car insurance and gas,” said junior Megan Gray.  “I’ve worked there for three years and I really like the people I work with.”

Junior Gretta MacDonald said, “I lifeguard at the Rec Center everyday in the summer and twice a week during the school year. It’s so easy and I saved a little girl one time!”

“I’ve been a bagger at Smith’s Food and Drug for over a year now and I love meeting new people everyday,” said senior Brandon Skinner. “I work mostly to save money for college.”

Whether or not working does prepare teenagers for the real world, someday a career will be in their hands.

Malaree Holland, Editor

“It saves lives and it’s the least we can do,” said computer technician Glenn Iliff about the recent blood drive held at Campbell County High School. The blood drive, held during the final week of January,brought out the generosity in the students and staff.

“I’m O negative, which is the universal blood type, so I can give to anyone,” said senior Sierra Gentry. “It doesn’t hurt and it feels good to give to other people. It’s only blood.”

Senior Hayden Flower said, “It’s a really good thing to do and helps others in need; it’s important to do what you can.”

“Most of the blood is used within three days of it being given,” said United Blood Services worker Erin Hundak. “It is sent to a processing center in Arizona, tested and then sent back to one of the 27 hospitals in the area, Campbell County Memorial Hospital being one of them.”

Campbell County High School had donated 209 units of blood, 15 more than our rivals in Sheridan, who clocked in at 194 units.

“It was worth it because I saved someone’s life,” said junior Megan Robbins. “I will definitely be doing it again; it helps people and it wasn’t as scary as I thought.”

Next time there is a blood drive, everyone should seriously consider donating. The blood that is given is used to help people who have cancer or leukemia by breaking the blood down into components and using the plasma for their treatments. Patients with anemia, clotting disorders, and hemophilia use other parts of the blood. Plus, people who need transfusions in emergency situations need to have blood on hand. Let’s keep bleeding purple to lend a hand and save a life.

Kelby Clements, Staff Writer

Rewind to August of 2002. Campbell County High School experienced an infestation of mice throughout the summer months. What better way to control a growing mouse population than a cat? So with the permission of Principal Larry Steiger, the maintenance faculty was allowed to adopt. It just so happened that a student at the time had a cat who needed a new home.
A white coat with peculiar markings on the hind end and rear legs led to the name, “Fancypants.” At first, the very timid cat kept to herself and avoided feet as much as possible. Down at ground level, she was more likely to approach people.
As time passed, she began to come out of her shell. “Fancypants grabbed the heart of many students at CCHS, along with much of the staff,” said head custodian Rieta Dennis, who was considered Fancypants’ mom.
“Fancypants was a good kitty. I remember feeding her in Cubes. She loved nacho cheese,” said senior Eric Schipman.

Carol Kramer,  school psychologist, made Fancypants a special quilt to cover the cat’s favorite chair. There also was a lamp in Kramer’s office where Fancypants could be found laying, enjoying the warmth.

“I feel as though a part of the school is missing without Fancypants,” said senior Aaron McGee.
Fancypants helped the maintenance faculty do their “rounds” and security checks on weekends, nights, and over holiday breaks. She was also the first to greet people in the morning when the school doors were opened. “I’m heart broken,” said senior Marcus Murschel.  “I wish it would have happened to some other cat”

Fancypants made history when she was in a article in The Gillette News Record. At the end of summer 2009, Fancypants sadly passed away.  “Fancy is surely missed, but she gave us so many good memories,” added Dennis.

Fancypants