The Park County GOP’s Freedom Celebration once again highlights the freedoms that were won during the Revolutionary War that, to this day, is the reason that Americans have freedom.

The Event took place at 1:00 p.m located on the grounds of the State War Memorial Park.

The opening was surreal and patriotic chills ran down the crowd as some in the crowd were seen with tears in their eyes and, occasionaly, a tear would roll down their faces as Lisa Rollins sang the National Anthem.

The strong voice of Lisa Rollins and the sound of her professional voice projected American pride in the crowd.

The event, mainly organized by Carol Armstrong, was instrumental over the years in bringing this important event to Cody for multiple years.

Many important local-state VIPs attended. They are as listed; Mayor of Cody Wyoming, Matt Hall, State Auditor Racino, US Senator, John Barrasso and US Senator, Cynthia Lummis.

2021 Freedom Celebration At War Memorial Park Draw Many VIP Officials

Wyoming Gov. Gordon, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow, Secretary of State Ed Buchanan and special speaker Brian Schroeder, who is from the Veritas Academy.

A huge American flag flew over the event and could be seen fluttering and waving in the air, as if it was saying if flags could speak: “Stand up, America, God, Country,Guns and family and freedom, in that order.”

A flyover took place and was in part to honor former pilot Wally Zook, who passed away in 2020. Zook and his fellow pilot Bo Ewald conducted flyovers in the past. This year, the baton was passed to Bo Ewald and Drew Daniel.

At a specified time, two T-34’s suddenly appeared and flew over the crowd, with smoke trails flowing behind the Vietnam war fighter planes. The roar of the engines and the speed was exhilarating to watch. Less than 10,000 were manufactured during the war and it is estimated that only 58 still work and exist today. The celebration was not complete without bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace.”

Finally, the Park County commissioners decided to delay any fire restrictions until after the Fourth of July 2021.

In a very contested meeting, County Commissioner Loyd Thiel was adamant that a firework restriction be implemented before the fourth of July. Support for that was just not in the majority, so Loyd Theil voted with the other County Commissioners to enable a fire restriction to go into effect on July 5, 2021.

A vote unanimously passed that allowed fire and fireworks restrictions to take effect only on July 5, 2021.

Commissioner Lloyd Theil tried to get a motion passed to enact a fire and firework restriction in effect by Thursday, July 1, 2021, of which failed because the remaining County Commissioners refused to issue a second on Theil’s motion.

The small communities of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse have issued a city-wide ban that restricts fireworks within their city limits.

In the Commissioner meeting, Commissioner Joe Tilden stated, “This is the driest I have ever remembered.”

One commissioner was not present at the meeting, and that was Dossie Overfield.

Many residents, regardless of any ban, intend to celebrate the 4th of July as normal, but be very cautious of where and how they do that so as to not have fire emergencies.

Booking photo of Natosha Martin Courtesy of Detention Center

Federal charges have been filed on 43-year-old Phillip Dobbins and 37-year-old Natosha Martin who intentionally trafficked and distributed on multiple occasions Meth.

According to Court charging documents, 12.5 ounces of Meth were found in a Ziploc baggie which was located inside a vehicle that Dobbins was driving.

Phillip Dobbins had been trafficking Meth for some time and had enlisted Natosha Martin to sell his drugs. According to sources, the supplier of the Meth came from Colorado area and had connections to a Mexican cartel.

Booking photo of Phillip Dobbins Courtesy of Detention Center

Dobbins has a history with drug abuse. When Dobbins was caught he was discovered to be in possession of a 5 ounces of Meth. Dobbins even at one point sold about 3.9 grams of the Meth to an undercover officer.

According to legal sources, Natosha Martin has agreed to testify against Dobbins and is currently seeking some sort of reduction in her charges if she flips on Dobbins and helps the Federal prosecutors.