Actor Harrison Ford thrilled a group of about 200 children July 9 when he and 20 other pilots took the young aviators up for short flights during Young Eagles Day.

Ford, who has a home in Jackson, is chairman of the Young Eagles. The annual event, held at Teton Aviation Center in Driggs, Idaho, provides children all over the country with a chance to fly and develop a love of aviation.

"For a lot of kids, this is the first time they've flown," Ford told the Jackson Hole News and Guide. "It's really exciting for them."

Ford was flying a yellow and green DeHavilland Beaver. The 63-year-old actor is best known for his title role in the "Indiana Jones" films, as U.S. president in "Air Force One," and as smuggler Han Solo in the "Star Wars" movies.

Aerosmith's Tyler dines at Cody cafe

When you see celebrities flocking to our beautiful state this summer, remember to get a grip and try not to stare.

This was a bit difficult for Cody residents when Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, 57, and friend Paul Teutul Sr. of the TV show "American Chopper" visited Cassie's cafe in Cody July 7. The pair was showered with attention and affection, according to the Cody Enterprise.

"I walked up to take their order and I was like, 'Oh, my God,'" said waitress Autumn Carden. Cassie's cook Jacob Singer said he was "not worthy" to bring buffalo wings and shrimp cocktails to such icons.

Customers applauded as the two left. After signing the wall of celebrities and giving out a few autographs, Tyler and Teutul continued on their motorcycles to Cooke City, Mont., and Yellowstone National Park.

Sheridan hot dog lovers welcome Wienermobile

Fans of the famous processed-meat pushing Oscar Mayer Wienermobile were treated to fun and songs July 20 outside the Sheridan Wal-Mart, reports the Sheridan Press.

Each of the company's six Wienermobiles are 11 feet high, 8 feet wide and 27 feet long, weighing 10,000 pounds. The Northwest region's Wienermobile that visited Sheridan is piloted by Hotdoggers Jennifer Thayer and Laura Chia.

"People love the Wienermobile!" said Wal-Mart employee Tom Hutchinson.

Wal-Mart donated the Oscar Mayer food, and all the money earned by the event was given to the Children's Miracle Network.

Good Samaritan returns missing diamond

What's worse: Hitting a deer with your motorcycle and being thrown off the bike with your spouse, or realizing that during the crash you lost a large diamond from your wedding ring set?

Robert A. Mauriello, 67, and his wife Janet, 64, of Indian Rock Beach, Fla., hit a deer about nine miles north of Thermopolis on U.S. Highway 20 and were thrown off their 2005 Harley Davidson Ultraclass motorcycle July 14, writes the Thermopolis Independent Record.

While Janet was flopping along the blacktop and sliding to a painful halt, the large diamond popped out. Shortly after, an unidentified bystander located the missing diamond lodged in a crack in the pavement and returned it to her.

The couple was transported by ambulance to Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, where they were held overnight for road rash and other injuries. They were both wearing their helmets.

Police blotter

Not illegal, but thanks for calling: A Lander woman called police the evening of July 17 to report that her neighbors were lighting off fireworks, tells the Lander Journal. When she was informed that fireworks are legal in the county, she said that if they started a fire, she would sue the Fremont County Sheriff's Department.

Did you want broken glass on that?: A 22-year-old employee of a Gillette pizza parlor lost his temper after learning his next job assignment and smashed the glass door of the Second Street restaurant, reports the Gillette News-Record. Damage to the window is estimated at $233.

Thirsty kid: A suspicious youngster was reported to Glenrock police for going door to door to residences and asking for a drink of water, writes the Glenrock Independent. When confronted, the boy said he was trying to contact 500 people.

Assistant State Editor John Morgan can be reached at (307) 266-0614 or john.morgan@casperstartribune.net.