Gillette histories

From the Jan. 11, 1945, News Record:
Train service through Gillette was disrupted Monday when train No. 79, a through freight, rammed into the way car of the local. Train 79 was a double header and one engine and four cars were derailed. The accident occurred at the Clay spur between Upton and Osage. The fourth car in the train was loaded with dynamite and, though the car was thrown over on its side the dynamite took the shock without exploding. It was estimated there were enough explosives in that car to demolish both trains and play havoc with a wide territory, if it had exploded. The dynamite was removed from the scene of the wreck by trucks. There was no one injured. Passenger trains 42 and 43 met at the scene of the wreck and transferred mail, baggage and passengers. The lines were cleared within a few hours with equipment sent from Sheridan.
From the Jan. 6, 1955, News Record:
Adam Helzer, employee of the Burlington railroad, came near having a fatal accident on New Year’s day when he slipped on the ice while butchering a sheep and fell on the butcher knife. The knife cut a vein on his temple. Mrs. Helzer applied first aid until a doctor arrived and Helzer was removed to the hospital where he was given a transfusion and several stitches taken in the wound.
From the Jan. 16, 1964 News Record:
The use of a 65-cent classified ad brought about the return of a new sleeping bag and air mattress lost by a Gillette family. The Gerald Jones family were on their way to Denver for the holiday visit, when they lost a new sleeping bag and air mattress from the top of their car. They believed the loss occurred about 30 miles south of Gillette on the Douglas Highway. A classified ad in The News Record was read by a rancher who had found the items.
From the Jan. 30, 1964, News Record:
A Wyoming statute prevents placement of Communist candidates on ballots for state election, a Communist Party USA official has learned this week. Secretary of State Thyra Thomson said Friday she received a mimeographed letter last week expressing interest in Wyoming’s 1964 election. It was signed by Arnold Johnson, public relations director, under a letterhead which read Communist Party, USA. The Johnson letter said in part: “As part of our 1964 election campaign, we desire to have all the necessary information which will apply to placing Communist candidates on the ballot in your state, or which applies to the right of voters in your state to cast their votes for Communist candidates in the 1964 elections.” Mrs. Thomson said she sent Johnson a copy of the Wyoming election law and referred him to a section which forbids the names of admitted Communists from appearing on any election ballot.