Gillette histories

From the Aug. 15, 1940 News Record
The Hole-in-the-Wall gangs that terrorized northern Wyoming and Montana and South Dakota residents for a period of almost 30 years were among the most desperate of the western outlaws. The men that composed the gangs were the worst elements from such lawless towns and Deadwood, S.D., and Lendusky, Mont. They received their title Hole-in-the-Wall gang from the region which is north of Casper and about 30 miles from Kaycee. This part of the state is, in reality, a beautiful sloping valley enclosed by a red wall of sandstone that runs east and west and a series of low ridges that protect the valley on the other sides. The “Hole” as it is often referred to, is made by Buffalo Creek as it cuts through the solid red sandstone wall in the north and forms a small opening. When the terrible winter of 1886-87 came, most of the ranchers lost heavily. Many of the small ranch owners turned to rustling to make a living. Finally the rustlers became so numerous that they were in complete control of Johnson, Natrona and Converse counties. The rustlers made their headquarters in the Hole-in-the-Wall.
From the Aug. 12, 1954 News Record
Twenty-one youngsters were named this week to receive Red Cross cards denoting their completion of certain swimming requirements in the different classes which were carried on during the swimming instructional program this summer, George Dorrington recreation director said. The announcement also was made that the city pool will be closed tomorrow for the rest of the year. About 150 youngsters were enrolled in the beginners, intermediates and junior life saving classes, he said, and received instruction at one time or another during the open season.
From the Aug. 16, 1973 News Record
Marijuana valued at over $3,000 was picked in a corn patch south of Gillette last Thursday morning after a local citizen asked the sheriff’s office to identify some “strange plants,” sheriff D.B. Hladky said this week. The sheriff said the individual contacted the Gillette Police for the information and since the plants were out of city limits, the sheriff’s office made the investigation. Samples of the plant were picked on Wednesday and tests made that day proved the plants to be marijuana. The person making the report said the marijuana was growing in a corn patch. When the plants became taller than the corn, it was noticed and the investigation requested. About 30 to 40 pounds of plants were picked, which Sheriff Hladky said would be worth from $100 to $125 per pound on the street. Value of the haul was at least $3,000.
The sheriff expressed appreciation for citizen cooperation in the matter and invited any person wanting questionable plants checked to contact his office.