FREE

73 48

Today’s weaTherhIGh

LocaL and naTIonaL forecasT on paGe 22.

TuesdayJuly 17, 2012

Volume 35 Issue 170

Low

Realtor Pruett ‘critical’A prominent Jackson real estate broker

and planning commissioner is in critical condition after a motorcycle accident late Sunday night.

Michael Pruett, a broker with Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, was flown to the University of Utah Hospital with a “significant” head injury and a neck frac-ture sustained in the wreck, according to police.

Hospital spokeswoman Kathy Wilets described Pruett’s condition as “critical” Monday afternoon, but refused further comment.

Pruett, 45, was unresponsive at the scene of the accident and bleeding from the head, according to police. There is no mention in reports of whether Pruett was

wearing a helmet. Police said the accident occurred when a car failed to yield the right of way and turned in front of Pruett.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Mill-ward Street and Hansen Avenue. Police tested the driver, a 29-year-old Moran resident, for intoxication. They do not believe alcohol was a fac-tor in the crash.

The Teton County prosecutor’s office has the case for review, but

as of press time Monday had not filed any charges.

Pruett’s co-workers waited for news and hoped for the best Monday, Jackson Hole Real Estate spokeswoman Julie Faupel said.

“Michael is a vibrant and well-respected member of our community and, more impor-tantly, a good friend to all of us,” she said. “We are all keeping Michael and his family in our thoughts, and keep this story close to our hearts as we wait for more news.”

Faupel called Pruett an “integral” part of Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and a “very important” member of the val-ley’s professional real estate community.

Pruett is recently married to Dawn Paxton-Pruett, and has several nieces and nephews in his native St. Louis.

Along with his real estate work, Pruett is a six-year veteran of the town of Jackson Planning Commission and a former com-mission chairman. He is also a past member of several nonprofit boards, including the Community Safety Network, and a former small business owner. He ran an unsuccess-ful campaign for town council in 2010.

By Emma BrEyssE

jackson hole daily

PRICE CHAMBERS/JACKSON HOLE DAILY

Marius Hanford as Dionysus is accosted by Mary Ann Castellano in a rehearsal Sunday for the Riot Act, Inc. production of “The Frogs.” The Greek comedy follows Dionysus and his servant, Xanthias, played by Deborah Supowit, left, in search of the world’s greatest playwright. The free play will be performed at sunset from July 18 through early September at the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s outdoor amphitheater.

Pruett

Wyoming Wildfire starts on Wyo. Guard training ground. PAgE 6

PEoPLE Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord dies at age 71. PAgE 18

SPoRTS Smooth sailing for Olympians through Heathrow. PAgE 28

55% of US caught in drought

WALTONVILLE, Ill. (AP) — The nation’s widest drought in decades is spreading, with more than half of the continental United States now in some stage of drought and most of the rest enduring abnormally dry condi- tions.

Only in the 1930s and the 1950s has a drought covered more land, according to federal figures released Monday. So far, there’s little risk of a Dust Bowl-type catastrophe, but crop losses could mount if rain doesn’t come soon.

In its monthly drought report, the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., announced that 55 percent of the country was in a moderate to extreme drought at the end of June. The parched conditions expanded last month in the West, the Great Plains and the Midwest, fueled by the 14th- warmest and 10th-driest June on record, the report said.

Topsoil has turned dry while “crops, pastures and rangeland have deteriorated at a rate rare- ly seen in the last 18 years,” the report said.

The percentage of affected land is the largest since Decem- ber 1956, when 58 percent of the U.S. was covered by drought, and it rivals even some years in the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, though experts point out this year’s weather has been milder than that period, and farming practices have been vastly im- proved since then.

In southern Illinois, Kenny Brummer has lost 800 acres of corn he grows to feed his 400 head of cattle and 30,000 hogs. He’s scrambling to find hun-dreds of thousands of bushels of replacement feed.

“Where am I going to get that from? You have concerns about it every morning when

n National

See DROUGHT page 12

2A - JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Pruett’s official conditionstill ‘critical’ aftermotorcycle accident,hospital says.

By Emma Breysse

Real estate broker Michael Pru-ett’s official condition remained unchanged after a 10-hour surgery Monday night.

A crew flew Pruett to the Salt Lake City hospital with head and neck injuries following a motorcycle accident late Sunday night in Jack-son.

Tuesday night, Pruett’s condi-tion was still “critical,” University of Utah Hospital spokeswoman Ma-rissa Villasenor said.

“There are no updates on his con-dition at this time,” she said. “We would still classify him as being in critical condition.”

Friends monitoring his care, how-ever, said there is reason to hope that could soon change.

Pruett underwent surgery to re-pair his back Monday, friend and Re-altor Barbara Allen said. Surgeons intended to fuse and repair portions of his spine. Late Tuesday morning, the procedure appeared successful.

“It’s been good news, and I believe the phrase ‘about as good as we can ask for’ was used,” Allen said. “The updates have all been positive.”

The wreck left Pruett, who works with Jackson Hole Real Estate Asso-ciates, with a fractured neck, but as of Allen’s last update, his spinal cord

function was normal. Matt Deehan, who drove to Utah

to be with Pruett and his family, re-ported the same.

Deehan posted periodic updates on his friend’s condition on Face-book, all of which were messages of relief and optimism.

“Smiling neurosurgeons, smiling wife, family and friends,” he said following Pruett’s surgery. “All went well.”

Deehan re-mained at Pruett’s bedside Tuesday night.

Pruett is a six-year veteran of the town of Jackson planning commis-sion and ran un-successfully for a Town Council seat.

The wreck oc-curred when a car turned in front of him at the intersection of Millward Street and Hansen Avenue, failing to yield the right of way, according to police.

He was unresponsive and bleed-ing from the head at the scene, but Allen said doctors are not concerned about any head injuries.

As of Tuesday, Teton County pros-ecutors had yet to make a decision on whether to charge the car’s driv-er, a Moran resident.

Police tested the driver for in-toxication and do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

It is still unknown whether Pru-ett was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said.

Friends of Realtor seehope after his surgery

Pruett

Crowded town council race loses one candidate, leaves one incumbent in the fray.

By Benjamin Graham

The crowded race for Jackson Town Council opened slightly Monday night when Greg Miles announced he would not seek re-election.

Miles, who was the top vote-getter when he won his seat in 2008, was one of two incumbents facing off against seven challengers for the two open seats on town council.

After filing to run again in May, Miles pulled out of the race just a month before primary elections take place Aug. 21.

Miles said he withdrew because he wants to spend more time in Los An-geles with his wife, who is producing a television show there.

He also said he is excited to refo-cus on his profession. Miles has spent much of his time in the valley build-ing houses and other developments.

“My development experience got me into town politics,” Miles said. “I’m looking forward to getting back into that game.”

He will complete his term in of-fice, which ends in January, and plans to begin working on several projects around Jackson in the spring.

Despite his shifting life and career goals, Miles did not rule out the pros-pect of re-entering politics later in life.

“You never know,” he said. “I’ll al-ways leave that door open.”

One of the lessons Miles will take

with him from his time in office is the value of compromise.

“We have a very involved com-munity,” Miles said. “Compromise is really how we move forward as a community.”

He said he has enjoyed working with the Town Council, town staff and the public.

“I came into this thing so head-strong,” Miles said of his time serving the public, going all the way back to his six-year stint on the town plan-

ning commission. “But I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve calmed down a lot. You have to learn to work with people.”

T h r o u g h o u t his time in office, Miles supported pathways projects, affordable hous-ing and complete

streets, such as Redmond Street. Several of his initiatives, including

a movement to ban plastic bags from grocery stores in town, never gained traction, but Miles said he is grateful for the chance he has had to serve.

Without Miles, incumbent Mark Obringer, who is seeking his fifth term in office, and Steve Harrington are the only town veterans left in the race. Harrington served on the council from 2002 to 2006 before los-ing his seat in the general election. Candidate Jim Genzer served on the school board.

Political newcomers Phillip Camer-on, Emy diGrappa, Kelly Egan, Hai-ley Morton and Jim Stanford also are challenging for seats.

Town race down to eightas Miles pulls his name

Miles

chad budge, Owner, Associate Broker 307.413.1364dianne budge, Owner, Associate Broker 307.413.1362

rebekkah kelley, Sales Associate 307. 413.5294

Horse Enthusiast’s Dream2.5 acres in South Park Ranches, all fenced, separate irrigated pastures, round pen, 3 stall barn with tack room and hay storage. A beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath home with 3 car garage + large finished shop and Teton views is the ultimate property. MLS #12-947. $1,375,000.

Lake Front PropertyCan you imagine having your own private beach, fishing and boating right from your property? Yes – this is an extremely rare opportunity to own 20.48 acres at Half Moon Lake, located 10 miles from Pinedale WY. This pristine 921 acre high mountain lake with its beach lined shores is surrounded by willows and pine trees. Brown and rainbow trout make this a fisherman’s paradise. MLS #10-2756. $2,500,000.

Renovated Berry Patch CondoBerry Patch condo in prime short-term rental territory. This condo has been completely renovated with high-end finishes and furnishings. One bedroom on the 1st floor & the 2nd floor loft has been extended to create a large 2nd sleeping area. Upper level unit overlooking ranch land. MLS# 12-529. $399,000.

Affordability in East JacksonGreat east Jackson location at the end of a quiet street and just steps from Cache Creek trailheads. Nearly a 1/2 acre lot with large mature trees and lush fenced yard. Older home with over 2,000 sq.ft. and 4 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms. MLS #12-1037. $449,000.

238545

307-413-1364chadbudge@jhrea.com

455 (B) West Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001 www.budgerealestate.com

Open Daily 170 North Cache Jackson 733-3595240019

Women’s & Men’s...in a variety of styles!

sandals

Summertime IS CHACOTIME!Summertime IS CHACOTIME!

18A - JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Act in the past.“We have been concerned about

our fifth-grade scores for a number of years,” she said.

The scores from this past school year show that roughly 85 percent of fifth-grade students were proficient or advanced in math, with roughly 87 per-cent meeting the mark in reading. Last year, those percentages were in the 70s.

“They’re really pushing toward that 90 percent” in reading, she said. “Fifth grade is a notable score for us this year.”

Emphasis on literacyTeton County elementary school stu-

dents spend 90 minutes a day on litera-cy, Shea said. The emphasis has been in place for the last few years.

Colter elementary scores increased for reading in all grade levels. Ninety percent of fourth-grade students tested proficient or advanced. Roughly 87 per-cent of fifth-graders also met marks. At Kelly Elementary School, 100 percent of students were proficient in all subject areas tested for the second year in a row.

While the number of sixth-grade stu-dents proficient in reading decreased about 4 percent this year, seventh- and eighth-grade students improved in reading with percentages of students meeting the mark in the mid-80s.

The district also monitors the num-ber of students that score “below ba-sic” on the assessments, meaning stu-dents who do not meet fundamental benchmarks. In eighth-grade reading, no students tested below basic, Shea said. The other grade levels and content areas tested with 2 percent to about 5 percent below basic.

“We would love to have them all at 0 or 1 to 2 percent, if that,” Shea said.

English language learnersThe district saw its English lan-

guage learner, or ELL, population make strides from the third- to fourth-grade level in reading.

Thirty-five percent of third-grade English learners met marks in reading. But in fourth grade, 68 percent of stu-dents tested as proficient or advanced.

It takes English learners several years to get comfortable with learning in a second language, Shea said.

“We’re closing the achievement gap slowly,” she said, knowing that it takes five to seven years to really learn a sec-ond language. “We’re beginning to see those improvement at fourth grade.”

PAWS is a “lag indicator” that helps the district determine what it will con-tinue to do and what it will build on in the next year, Shea said.

“It gives us confirmation of what we’ve done in the past,” she said. “We’re seeing improvement on our students reading throughout the year.”

PAWS scores for progressThe state will release adequate year-

ly progress results next week, which will determine if districts met federal improvement benchmarks.

Technical problems with the on-line portion of the 2009-10 tests made the Wyoming Department of Education seek a federal waiver to not use those results to determine adequate yearly progress.

Math and reading tests are required under 2001’s No Child Left Behind Act and are used to determine whether schools and districts make “adequate yearly progress.” Under the federal mandate, students must be 100 percent proficient in math and language arts by 2014. This year, the Wyoming Depart-ment of Education asked for a waiver that would dismiss the state from new federal standards to work on its educa-tion accountability system.

Shea is still unsure about the sta-tus of the state’s waiver and if that will impact this year’s progress determina-tions, she said.

Certain subgroups of students at Colter and Davey Jackson elemen-tary schools and Jackson Hole Middle School did not meet federal require-ments last year.

PAWSContinued from 16A

Realtor expects to begin rehabilitation soon following motorcycle wreck in town.

By Emma Breysse

A Jackson real estate broker is out of acute care and in rehabilitation after doctors rebuilt his spine follow-ing a motorcycle crash.

Michael Pruett, 45, had recovered enough in the week since his surgery that he was able to report his con-dition by phone Tuesday afternoon. His voice was faint and scratchy, but coherent.

“I am doing very well, and I am recuperating very well,” Pruett said. “God has literally created a miracle.”

He said his doctors at the Uni-versity of Utah Hospital planned to move him into rehabilitation that af-ternoon, and he might return to Jack-son as soon as the end of next week.

“I cannot emphasize enough that the level of support from the commu-nity has been amazing and has re-ally played a huge role in my recov-ery,” he said. “I just want to thank the community for their support.”

Emergency responders flew Pru-ett to the Utah hospital following his crash July 15. He was unresponsive at the scene, and police reported he had “significant” injuries to his head and neck.

He almost immediately under-went a 10-hour surgery to repair his back, fusing his spine and repairing

damaged vertebrae. Just days later, he was able to

walk with help from hospital staff, according to Facebook updates from close friend Matt Deehan.

“I don’t really have words for it,” Deehan said Tuesday. “It’s been a re-ally moving experience for everyone. Miracle Man Michael Pruett.”

The wreck occurred when a car turned in front of Pruett at the inter-

section of Milward Street and Hansen Avenue, failing to yield the right of way, according to Jackson police.

Pruett was not wearing a helmet, police said.

Police sent a wit-ness report to the Teton County Pros-ecutor’s office for

review but later withdrew it, County Attorney Steve Weichman said.

Along with his work at Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, Pruett is a member of the town of Jackson Planning Commission. He attends River Crossing Church in Jackson.

The church has set up a fund to help Pruett and his wife, Dawn Pax-ton-Pruett, with medical expenses and the ongoing costs of his reha-bilitation.

Community members interested in donating can send money to River Crossing at 3205 Big Trails Drive or drop it off in person, church staff said. Donations should be marked for the Michael Pruett Fund.

Recovery after crasha ‘miracle,’ man says

Pruett

240423

240570

10A - JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 8, 2012

On its 100th birthday, National Elk Refuge looks back at history and forward to future.

By Mike Koshmrl

As the National Elk Refuge turns 100, officials continue to prepare for a court-ordered gradual phase out of supplemental feeding and, ultimate-ly, a smaller elk herd.

In its rich history, the current changes in management could be the most monumental. A more “balanced” refuge could be the end result, elk refuge manager Steve Kallin said.

“Certainly, we’re looking at try-ing to have a closer balance between what the refuge can naturally sup-port and the elk that winter here,” Kallin said. “That process begins with reducing reliance on supple-mental feeding.”

The plan that mandates the changes, a 2007 environmental im-pact statement, gave the refuge 15 years to bring its wintering elk herd down to about 5,000. At its highest levels, in the winters of 1918, 1941, 1956, 1996 and 1997, the refuge has supported more than 10,000 elk. About 7,000 rely on supplementary feed each winter today, though that number can vary year to year.

Because the plan imposed no strict limits on feeding or hard-set dates, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has leeway in making changes and will do so based on climate, preda-tion, forage and other conditions.

“It’s a 15-year plan, however. Be-cause of some of the risks associated with the supplemental feeding pro-gram, we are trying to move forward

as quickly as we can,” Kallin said. A century ago, a series of extreme-

ly severe winters that caused mass elk die-offs prompted the refuge’s for-mation, Kallin said. Today, in part, it’s fear of chronic wasting disease, scabies, foot rot and bovine brucello-sis — all diseases that have potential to cause mass die-offs — that’s again prompting change.

“One of the big benefits with less crowding is reduced potential for disease transmission within the elk herd,” the refuge manager said.

The phaseout plan also aligns much better with the National Wild-life Refuge System’s mission state-ment, which is much broader than managing for elk alone.

Greener pasturesReducing browsing pressure on

the refuge’s shrubs and trees, which

provide important wildlife habitat, is another benefit of the reduction tar-gets, Kallin said.

Fewer elk could improve habitat “for a whole array of birds” and give the refuge “opportunity to support wildlife that really aren’t supported at this time,” he said.

Photos from the book “Imperfect Pasture: A Century of Change on the National Elk Refuge,” show dramatic differences in the makeup of vegeta-tion over the years.

Authors Bruce Smith and Eric Cole — Smith, a former, and Cole, a current, refuge biologist — cite a 2002 field-mapping study that found the refuge’s nine species of willows had been devastated by overgrazing.

“Willow plants were so reduced in height that they simply were no longer a dominant species across 95 percent of their present distribution

on the south half of the refuge,” the biologists wrote.

On the whole, averaged out across four refuge areas, the biologists found an astounding 78 percent re-duction in woody plants.

Feed reductions not newEfforts to minimize feeding,

though only recently required by court order, have existed internally for years.

In 1952, biologist John Craighead concluded the size of the Jackson Hole elk herd, then about 17,000, was twice the level that could be safely maintained by winter range in the valley, according to “Imperfect Pasture.” Craighead recommended a “commensurate reduction” in the winter-feeding program and in-creased hunting in order to reduce the level to 8,000 to 9,000 elk.

Don Redfern, who was the elk refuge manager from 1966 to 1977, knows the history well.

“My efforts the whole time I was there was to create a situation where you could minimize the feeding,” Redfern, now an Arizona resident, said. “One winter we did get through without putting out any feed.”

Records show that nine times, most recently in 1977 and 1981, the refuge managed not to put out feed. Historically, that was more workable because there were simply fewer elk.

“Olaus Murie came up with an estimate that about 5,000 elk could probably be accommodated without feeding,” Redfern said. “Then things got out of hand. I don’t know how to characterize it. The numbers kept mushrooming until it was more like 7,500. Sometimes more. The range just wasn’t capable of accommodating

Moving toward a more natural elk refuge

NEWS&GUIDE FILE PHOTO

National Elk Refuge officials count elk in 2007. Wintering elk numbers on the refuge fluctuate, but managers are now working to reduce the herd to 5,000.

See ELK REFUGE on 11A

professional • experience • results

307

455 (B) BroadwayJackson, WY 83001michaelpruett@jhrea.com

240222

THANK YOU JACKSON HOLEI am humbled by the support I have received from this town & community.   I have witnessed and participated many times on behalf of a neighbor or friend in need but have never been the recipient personally of such an abundant outpouring of love, prayer and support.  I am truly grateful and blessed by the outpouring of support that my family and I have received from this community.  On behalf of my wife, our daughters and our families, thank you!!  Thank you all for your commitment, love and support!!! 

Most importantly, I want to thank God. I do not know all of the reasons why this has happened, and I may never know, but there is no doubt in my mind that God has been actively involved.   I do KNOW that God has worked a miracle in my life.  I don’t know why, why me or what all his reasons behind this miracle are, but it is clear to me that He has acted through His Grace, Love and Mercy on my behalf.

413.2700michaelpruett.com