[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 42 (Thursday, March 13, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1645-S1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOAN BARRON

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, at a small desk on the third floor of 
the Wyoming State Capitol sits Joan Barron. For 48 years, Joan has 
served as a reporter for the Casper Star Tribune, sharing Wyoming's 
government with Wyoming's people. On March 21, 2014, Joan is retiring.
  Joan started her career in Rock Springs, WY. She was a nurse, but 
answered an ad to freelance for the Casper Star Tribune in 1966. The 
editors were impressed with Joan's work, and asked her to move to 
Cheyenne. Armed with a notebook and a typewriter, she became the 
capitol bureau reporter in 1969--a position she has held to this day.
  Historians will undoubtedly use Joan's work to understand the State 
of Wyoming. She covered seven governors, 50 legislative sessions, three 
boom and bust cycles. She knows the issues, she knows the players, she 
does her homework. Throughout her career, Joan has been a trusted 
source, delivering the news of the day to the people of Wyoming. When 
an article has the byline, Joan Barron, Star-Tribune capitol bureau, a 
reader can be assured of fact-based, comprehensive reporting.
  While Joan says she never wanted to be the story, she has had a 
tremendous impact on how those in Wyoming government conduct business. 
She was integral to the creation of the Wyoming Open Meetings Law in 
1973. Due in part to Joan's observations, questions and perseverance, 
the Wyoming legislature passed ethics legislation. She held people 
accountable--and our State is better for it.
  Just last week, Joan quietly announced her retirement--not wanting 
any fanfare. That is typical of her. She is always the observer, never 
the center of attention.

[[Page S1646]]

  I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Joan Barron for 48 years 
of reporting. She has recorded over one-third of Wyoming's history--and 
her perspective will be missed. Wyoming owes her a great debt of 
gratitude.

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