Powell High School offers Chinese

POWELL - New classes have been added to the schedule at Powell High School this year, giving students more opportunities for study.

One of the new courses offers the opportunity to learn Chinese. Seven students signed up to take the class, which uses a language instructional program, "Rosetta Stone," and help from Powell resident Lu Yi.

Why Chinese?

According to PHS principal Bill Schwan, one reason is the recognition by American industry and education that China is increasing in importance.

"They're saying Chinese is the language of the future," Schwan said. "I'm also testing the waters, trying to find ways to give students more options."

The class also enables students to meet a requirement recently added to graduation requirements at PHS, that each student take at least one class online.

Schwan said involving individuals such as Lu from the community can bring benefits for PHS students. He said there are other Chinese speakers who can be of benefit as well.

Jackson restricts winter parking

JACKSON - The Jackson Town Council voted unanimously to continue into the winter a summer restriction limiting all parking in downtown to a three-hour maximum.

In the past, on-street parking was limited in summer only when the demand for spaces is at its peak. In the winter, the restrictions were only against overnight parking.

"This is one tool for us to use to manage parking in our downtown," Mayor Mark Barron said in a statement. "By limiting it to three hours year-round we are ensuring that visitors can find a spot more readily and have time to enjoy our fine shops and restaurants in Jackson."

Barron acknowledged that the extension of parking restrictions has the potential to irk downtown employees, who may see it as aimed at opening up spots for tourists at the expense of working locals.

But he noted that a municipal parking garage with 288 parking spaces is being constructed that downtown workers can use.

'Project Runway' designer to return

CODY - As a competitor on the third season of the "Project Runway" reality TV show, fashion designer Kayne Gillaspie had to face such challenges as creating an outfit from materials from a recycling center or stitching up matching togs for dogs and their owners.

But on his first trip to Cody as an invited exhibitor in the Cody High Style Fashion Show, Gillaspie faced a different kind of challenge.

"I had my first Rocky Mountain oysters at the Proud Cut," Gillaspie said, referring to the euphemistically named dish of breaded, fried bull testicles served at the popular Sheridan Avenue saloon and eatery.

Gillaspie was a fan favorite last year on the cable reality show that pits rising young fashion designers against each other in innovative challenges.

He now owns a store specializing in evening gowns and pageant wear.

Gillaspie said he wasn't sure his gowns would work in a fashion show featuring Western designs when he was approached by Jeannie Price, a director of the Cody High Style Fashion Show who lives in Gillaspie's hometown of Norman, Okla.

"But sometimes it can be something as simple as a color scheme or a turquoise belt that really gives it that Western feel. It's all about being a chameleon in the fashion world," he said.

Gillaspie said the show was great exposure for his work, and he was thrilled with the reception he received from locals and attendees.

"I'll definitely be back next year," he said.