Latest news with #Laramie
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Town torn apart over decision to rename historic 'Swastika Lake'
A Wyoming town is at war over the decision to change the name of its historic local beauty spot from 'Swastika Lake.' The body of water has been rechristened Knight Lake, in honor the late Dr. Samuel Howell Knight, who was a beloved professor of geology at the University of Wyoming. County commissioners approved the name change on January 11, 2024, following a fierce debate. But more than a year on locals in Albany County, which encompasses Laramie, are still torn over the decision. According to the Wyoming Board on Geographic Names, the reason for the change was due to the derogatory association with Nazism, with the Swastika the formal sign of the fascist party. The proposal to initially change the lake's name launched a bitter debate among townspeople who wanted to use it as a teachable moment. On the other side of the aisle were those who argued that the lake's name was offensive. Albany County Commission Chairperson Terri Jones dissented on the the vote to approve the name change, telling local outlet Cowboy State Daily that she still stands by her decision. 'I think there should be a sign up there, telling what the word "Swastika" actually means,' she said. Jones argued that before the Swastika became affiliated with the Nazi regime, it was a symbol of peace. She said that the name doesn't condone the atrocities of Nazism, but offers an opportunity for a teachable moment about the history of the Swastika. During a commissioner meeting in 2023, Jones argued, 'Why would we remove the teaching opportunity to explain the history of the swastika, both good and bad?' 'The bad was very bad. However, the good predated the bad by eons. And the good is truly good and represents hope and goodwill,' the Laramie Reporter reported at the time. Jones added that names shouldn't be changed to 'suit sensitive people' and that educated people have the ability to speak to both sides of the issue. 'Limiting knowledge and removing history are the calling cards of communism,' she added. Despite Jones' argument, she was outvoted by two other county commissioners, and the name was officially changed. Jones recently told Cowboy State Daily that another reason for her staunch stance against the change was that it was prompted by 'a woman from California'. Daily Mail reached out to Jones for further comment on her remarks. Others in the county supported the change, citing the horrific association the Swastika has with the Holocaust. Lindsay Sanders, a California resident, submitted the original proposal, arguing the name should be changed to Fortune Lake to reflect the meaning of the Swastika before it became World War II, the Laramie Boomerang reported at the time. The fierce debate even caught the attention of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is Jewish and has consistently spoken out against antisemitism. Kraft wrote a letter to the Board of Commissioners that read in part, 'While we appreciate the history and original meaning of the swastika symbol, it has unfortunately become synonymous with one of the greatest atrocities in human history after being appropriated by the German Nazi Party in 1920.' 'Although the name of Swastika Lake precedes the rise of the Nazi party, today the symbol as well as the word 'swastika' serves as a traumatic and painful reminder of the Holocaust for Jewish people and all communities that were victims of the Holocaust including members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with physical disabilities, and the Roma and Sinti,' he wrote, according to independent Jewish publication Forward. The Albany County Historical Society's proposal to change the name to honor Knight was ultimately approved. However Swastika Lake still appears on digital maps, including Mapcarta, Google Maps, and Apple Maps. Kim Viner, a member of the society, told Cowboy State Daily that he believes the name change was the correct decision, agreeing that the Swastika's association with the Holocaust negated any teachable moments. He added that local businesses that previously used the Swastika as branding changed it after World War II. Knight Lake is located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, but still appears on most maps as 'Swastika Lake.'
TechCrunch
25-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Bill Gates-backed AirLoom begins building its first power plant
Wind power has run into some headwinds, and not the kind that spin its turbines. Recently, President Trump has decided to wage war against the technology, an unwelcome bit of friction that coincides with rising costs in recent years. Onshore wind power went for $61 per megawatt-hour last year, according to Lazard, bucking a decade-long downward trend. 'We have a lot of headwinds,' acknowledges Neal Rickner, CEO of wind startup AirLoom Energy. But he also argues that his company, which takes a different tack, could emerge a winner if it can weather the next five years. 'People are feeling the pain of $60 megawatt-hour pricing already,' he said. 'Our modeling shows we can do that with a first-of-a-kind system. If we can be cost competitive at very low volume with our first system, that's an indicator of where we can go. We think disruptively low — even without subsidy.' Most wind turbines look like space-age pinwheels, their blades sweeping a large circle. AirLoom takes that classic turbine concept and deconstructs it. The startup swaps three long blades for an arbitrary number of much shorter ones, attaching them to a cable that runs along an oval track that can be as long or short as desired. The total height of the system is about 60 feet, far shorter than a typical wind turbine. To prove that it can generate as much power as those tall boys, AirLoom broke ground on its pilot site northwest of Laramie, Wyoming, on Wednesday, the company exclusively told TechCrunch. 'We've got it all in the simulation. Now we gotta go build it,' Rickner said. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW The pilot system will generate around 150 kilowatts of electricity, though its parts will be the same as those in a megawatt-scale installation. The only difference, he said, is that the track will be shorter in the pilot — about the size of a high school running track with 100-meter straights. A future 3-megawatt system will have 500-meter straights. The space between the tracks can be used for solar panels or traditional farming — the blades are designed to allow farm equipment to easily pass beneath them. Rickner said that AirLoom is looking to deploy its first commercial-scale system in 2027 or 2028, a year or two later than he originally predicted in 2023. The first site could be a data center or a military base, he said. AirLoom has always been targeting the military as a possible customer — no surprise given Rickner's background as an F/A-18 pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps — but more recently, the company has been talking with data center developers. Many of them, Rickner said, have been struggling to secure wind turbines before 2030. 'What we're showing is that we can deploy a system in '27, '28. It'll be an early-stage system, but I can get you those early-stage systems sooner. And then I can be on my third iteration of the AirLoom system by 2030,' Rickner said. That, he added, 'got the attention of several of those developers.'
Wales Online
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Cursed' ghost town theme park in the hills lies abandoned with chilling explanation
'Cursed' ghost town theme park in the hills lies abandoned with chilling explanation The once-bustling amusement park is now an eerie bastion of faded splendour It drew visitors from far and wide with its unique attractions A chillingly abandoned "ghost town in the sky", which captivated crowds in its heyday, now lies deserted amid the hills of North Carolina, having succumbed to financial woes over ten years ago. Left to decay under the mercy of the weather, the Old West-inspired amusement park, previously a magnet for movie stars and stunt performers, now languishes as a haunting reminder of former grandeur. Yet, there might be a glimmer of hope for its revival. One particularly daunting rollercoaster rises above desolate saloons at Buck Mountain's summit, at an impressive elevation of 4,650 feet. Local travel outlet Blue Ridge Mountain Life noted that some have dubbed Ghost Town Village as a "cursed amusement park." The concept of the attraction originally came about when the land was purchased from a townsman known as Uncle Dan Carpenter back in 1960. The narrative has it that R.B. Coburn stumbled upon the tale of Carpenter's sheep being lost in a vast cave on Buck Mountain, as reported by The Sun, reports the Mirror US. This Western-themed park quickly became a beloved destination (Image: Youtube ) Coburn, intrigued, sought out Carpenter who then revealed the location where his sheep had gone missing, sparking the vision for the park. Inspired by his experiences in the ghost towns of the Midwest, Coburn envisaged transforming this site into a time capsule for visitors. Article continues below The construction of the park was a Herculean task that saw the concerted effort of more than two hundred locals come together to erect about 40 constructions at the pinnacle of the mountain to comprise the ethereal township. Approximately 120,000 square feet of construction emerged, utilising 91,000 metres of lumber, 60,000 metres of plywood, and a staggering 9,000 kg of nails. The park threw open its gates in 1961, rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination in Western North Carolina and becoming a hub for TV western stars from series like Laramie and Wagon Train to shoot their scenes. Audiences were particularly captivated by the staged gunfights that took place hourly on the main street, with the unique selling point being the rides darting in and out of the mountain's flanks. One rollercoaster was called the Red Devil (Image: Youtube ) However, over time, the attraction began to deteriorate, leading to a decline in visitor numbers, akin to falling off a cliff. The park was further beset by infrastructural woes, including issues with water, power and sewage systems. Workers also started airing their concerns regarding unpaid wages, culminating in the park ceasing operations after the 2009 season. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Despite being dubbed the "cursed amusement park" by Blue Ridge Mountain Life, owing to numerous failed attempts at revival, salvation may be at hand. On May 9, a post on NAPHA's Facebook page disclosed that an interested party from Florida is considering the purchase of the now-defunct theme park. That very post also indicated that the proprietor, Jill McClure, is keen to sell it for use as an entertainment venue rather than to interests with different intentions. Article continues below However, the site has reportedly been earmarked for a housing development instead. The new owner reportedly intends to revamp the area into "a venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals, aiming to keep the park family-friendly."
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eerie 'ghost town in the sky' theme park lies abandoned amid 'curse'
Ghost Town Village in the hills of North Carolina once thrived with thousands of visitors but is now a shadow of its former self with empty saloons, rotting wooden buildings, and rusting rides A chillingly deserted "ghost town in the sky" stands eerily still in the hills of North Carolina, in the US, a decade after its once-thriving amusement park went under. The towering rides have been abandoned to the elements, with the Wild-West-themed park, once a hotspot for movie stars and stunt men, now a haunting symbol of faded grandeur. Yet, there may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. A terrifying 1,500 metre rollercoaster looms over vacant saloons on top of Buck Mountain, standing at 4,650 ft. The regional travel guide, Blue Ridge Mountain Life, has noted that some refer to Ghost Town Village as a "cursed amusement park." The concept for the park was conceived when the land was purchased from a local land owner named Uncle Dan Carpenter back in 1960. According to The Sun, R.B. Coburn had heard a tale about Uncle Dan Carpenter losing his sheep in a large cavern on top of Buck Mountain, reports t he Mirror US. Coburn sought out Carpenter who showed him where he had lost his sheep, sparking the dream for the park. Coburn believed the location held immense potential to transport tourists back to the old ghost towns of the Midwest that he had once visited himself. The task of building the park was colossal. Over two hundred locals joined forces to construct around 40 buildings, creating the ghost town at the peak of the mountain. Approximately 120,000 square feet of structures were built, utilising 91,000 metres of timber, 60,000 metres of plywood, and 9,000 kg of nails. The park's opening in 1961 drew huge crowds, making it a top destination in Western North Carolina and a popular filming location for TV Western stars from shows such as Laramie and Wagon Train. The hourly staged gunfights on the main street were a significant attraction, and the ride's unique selling point was its steep plunges in and out of the mountain. However, the park gradually fell into disrepair, leading to a decline in visitor numbers. The owners struggled with infrastructure issues, including water, power, and sewage problems. Employees began to express concerns about unpaid wages, and the park ultimately closed after the 2009 season. Despite being dubbed the "cursed amusement park" by Blue Ridge Mountain Life due to numerous failed attempts to reopen, the National Amusement Park Historical Association remains optimistic. According to a Facebook post by NAPHA on May 9, a potential buyer from Florida has expressed interest in purchasing the abandoned amusement park. The post also mentioned that the current owner, Jill McClure, intends to sell the property for entertainment purposes, rather than to a buyer who would repurpose it. The land is now earmarked for a housing development, but the buyer intends to turn the area into "a venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals, aiming to keep the park family-friendly."
Auto Blog
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Ram 1500 Pricing Will Put A Smile On Buyers' Faces
Price increases are minor for the new model year, and the base model gets none, but it still can't beat Ford's sub-$40,000 price tag. 2026 Ram 1500 Still Starts Around $40k With geopolitical tensions at a high and trade policies constantly in flux, it's difficult for automakers to prepare for higher costs without passing them on to customers. But at Stellantis, the 2026 Ram 1500 will have its MSRP largely unaffected by the new tariffs that go into effect on July 1. According to order guide data obtained by CarsDirect, the increases will be minimal and only affect a single trim, with the base Tradesman model still starting at $40,275, excluding destination. One Trim Costs $595 More For 2026 Source: Ram After the Tradesman, the next most expensive Ram 1500 variant is the Tradesman HFE, and it won't be getting a price hike either, retaining its $41,060 base cost. One step higher is the Big Horn trim, which carries the Lone Star name in Texas, and this goes up by $595 to $45,530 – an increase of 1.3% compared to last year. Thereafter, the Laramie still starts at $60,030, the Rebel maintains a base MSRP of $64,195, and the off-road-biased RHO starts at $69,995. If you want more luxury, the Limited starts at $75,155 and the Tungsten costs $87,075. Ram 1500 Trim 2026 Pricing Difference vs. 2025 Tradesman $40,275 – Tradesman HFE $41,060 – Big Horn/Lone Star $45,530 +$595 Laramie $60,030 – Rebel $64,195 – RHO $69,995 – Limited $75,155 – Tungsten $87,075 – Note: Pricing excludes Ram's destination charge of $2,095. Ram Offers More Value For 2026 It remains to be seen if Ram will continue to offer incentives to bring the price down a little (the RHO pictured above currently has a $1,000 incentive available in California, for example), but even if Stellantis decides that the pricing we see here is the final figure, buying a new Ram truck now comes with more peace of mind, thanks to a newly launched 10-year warranty that is valid for up to 100,000 miles. Besides that, a V8 model is making its return, setting up a potential fight with Ford's new F-150 Lobo street truck, and the outrageous TRX is also set to stage a comeback. Unfortunately, the electric 1500 REV pickup is still nowhere to be seen, and the Ramcharger PHEV is delayed until early next year, but with Ram returning to NASCAR with a HEMI truck, internal combustion is clearly still a critical part of its identity. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
