Climate activists protest at Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium
Several dozen climate activists gathered Thursday outside of the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, where the Federal Reserve held its annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium through Saturday. The event is one of the most important conferences for economists and central banking officials from around the world, and it was even more closely watched this year as record inflation continues to hurt the U.S. economy.
Read KHOL’s full coverage here.
Renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty brings ‘stickwork’ to Jackson
A sculpture that looks like a giant nest now adorns the western edge of the lawn of the Center for the Arts in downtown Jackson.
Constructed with woven willow branches, the 17-foot structure was created by the world-renowned artist Patrick Dougherty and his son, Sam, with the help of hundreds of local community members.
Read KHOL’s full coverage here.
Local families face higher prices for school supplies this year
Families in Teton County are facing higher prices for school supplies this year as kids return to class next week. Compared to 2021, school supply costs are up nearly 15% nationwide because of inflation, according to the data analytics firm DataWeave. That means a recent local school supply drive was even more important this year.
Sharel Lund is executive director of One22 Resource Center, a local nonprofit that runs the Jackson Cupboard and rent assistance programs.
“People are struggling, and they continue to struggle. And it doesn’t appear that there’s an end in sight,” Lund said. “So, at One22, we’re just kind of doubling down on the resources we’re able to provide and doing everything we can to shore those up for the long haul. It looks like things are going to get worse before they get better.”
One22 wrapped up collecting donations of school supplies on Aug. 19 and is now distributing the supplies to families, according to Lund. She also said demand was up 40% this year, with supplies requested for almost 140 children in the county.
Extra supplies are still available for families in need. More information is available by calling One22 at (307) 739-4500.
Retiring Jackson wildlife biologist reflects on long career with Game and Fish
After spending 35 years managing wildlife populations and guiding land use decisions, wildlife biologist Doug McWhirter is retiring from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. McWhirter worked for the department in Cody and Pinedale for much of that time, but he’s been the wildlife management coordinator in Jackson for the last five years.
Read KHOL’s full coverage here.
Wyoming’s second confirmed case of monkeypox found in Teton County
A Teton County resident has become the second Wyomingite to have a confirmed case of monkeypox. The Wyoming Department of Health announced the finding Monday while also emphasizing that the local community does not face any higher risk of contracting the virus since the discovery.
Monkeypox spreads through close, intimate contact and is rarely fatal, though it can cause serious illness in some people. More information about who qualifies for a monkeypox vaccine based on the current outbreak is available on the Teton County Department of Health’s website.
Bear activity increasing on Moose-Wilson Road
Bear activity is increasing on Moose-Wilson Road as the animals are stocking up on seasonal foods like hawthorn and chokecherry shrubs. Grand Teton National Park officials said the berry crop is significant along the road this year, and as such, the public needs to be ready to give the bears some space.
The park is asking folks to drive slowly along the road, follow all staff directions and stay in cars while viewing the bears. A construction-related closure of the southern portion of the road will also start after Labor Day.
