Lusk Herald
By Cory Griffith, Editor

On a swing across Eastern Wyoming to boost her husband’s re-election attempt as Governor of Wyoming, Nancy Freudenthal stopped to tour the Niobrara Health and Life Center last Wednesday. Her daughter, Katie, accompanied Mrs. Freudenthal as they made stops in Torrington, Lusk, Newcastle and Upton. The tour was promoting her initiative to reduce childhood drinking. Not so long ago teen drinking was the issue but research shows that children as young as nine years old have began to experiment with alcohol. “Studies have proven the impact alcohol has on young brains is dangerous, kids are getting a different effect from alcohol than adults”, said Freudenthal.

One of the items Freudenthal mentioned is the positive news that having the U.S. Surgeon General on board with this agenda. Although this hasn’t happened yet, it is expected by springtime. “This will be great in conjunction with local health officials and the community leaders”, said Freudenthal. “We’ve made great strides in the fight against drinking and driving but we have to empower the parents to influence their kids.”

Bob Shinmori, Solutions for Life coordinator, was also present at the tour and expressed an interest in getting local students involved. Rural areas are much more suspect to underage drinking and there needs to be options other than alcohol. Freudenthal urged community leaders to get involved with kids activities and use the time to be positive role models.

The First Lady of Wyoming seemed impressed with the facility and the progress NHLC has made recently.