Wyoming Rural Electric News March 2022 by American MainStreet Publications

MAR 2022

WYOMING

RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

RANCHING W I T H S T O R I E D R O O T S Historic Ranches in Wyomin g

22 HAPPENED UPON A POST-IT NOTE 38 HOMELAND SECURITY

BASIN ELECTRIC

RELIABILITY

POWER YOU C AN A LWAYS D E P E N D O N At Basic Electric, we understand that life doesn’t stop when the going gets tough. No matter the season or storm our members face, reliable and affordable electricity for our members’ homes, schools, and businesses is our mission. We’ll do everything we can to keep fans running, the lights on, and the coffee brewing.

Reliable Energy for Our Way of Life.

2022 M A R C H

ON THE COVER

CENTERPIECE

Ranching with Storied Roots Historic Ranches in Wyoming STORY BY ALISON QUINN

PHOTOS BY LANNA WING

FEATURES 06

CO-OP YOUTH

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

JUST FOR FUN 20 24

KIDS’ CORNER

B U S H Y - TA I L E D W O O D R AT

BOOK GIVEAWAY

W YO M I N G H I S T O RY I N A R T

BY DAVID G. PAULLEY

PUZZLE

N AT U R E ’ S CA L E N DA R

BY KENDRA SPANJER

INDUCTEES MADE RANCHING AN A DV E N T U R E

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

Cover photo: Summer, Saige and Brock Hanson in front of the Ranger Jones Homestead built in 1888.

B R I D G E R VA L L E Y ELECTRIC A S S O C I AT I O N ’ S A N N A J O S H O RT

FROM OUR READERS

ESSAYS & ANECDOTES

STATE NEWS & EVENTS

COUNTRY COOKS

PEN TO PAPER

JUST PICTURE IT

07 10 12 35

FEEDING A CROWD

A SPECIAL BREED

WREA NOTES

CO-O P S K E E P O U R COMMUNITIES M O V I N G F O RWA R D

BY CATHY CASH

BARNS

HOME ON THE RANGE HAPPENED UPON A P O S T- I T N O T E

BY DR. MEGAN BEAVERS

ENLIGHTEN US

HOMELAND SECURITY

BY WALT GASSON

GRASSROOTS NETWORK THE CURRENT COWBOY STATE BUZZ WHAT'S HAPPENING

WREA NOTES

E L E C T R I C C O - O P S H E L P K E E P O U R C O M M U N I T I E S M O V I N G F O R WA R D BY CATHY CASH It’s been a busy month with the legislative session in full swing along with our annual meeting. I’d like to share this column by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association writer Cathy Cash on the importance of engaging with the grassroots efforts in our communities. NRECA CEO Jim Matheson welcomed more than 5,000 attendees to the 2022 PowerXchange with a message lauding electric cooperatives’ reputation and accomplishments as well as their aspiration to move their communities forward. “That’s what I respect most about the work you do,” Matheson said at the March 7 general session. “And it’s my motivation to keep improving—to keep searching for ways we can be better.” Matheson noted that electric co-ops are viewed as a trusted source by Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill about where their communities stand, and he discussed how NRECA has worked to fortify that reputation. NRECA is using more effective ways to reach elected officials, including digital and social media tools, modernizing its grassroots outreach, and creating stronger connections between members of Congress and the electric co-op communities they were elected to represent, Matheson said. “We’ve actually tested the results and measured our progress. We know these efforts are paying dividends for NRECA and for you,” he said. “Today, our reputation in Washington is more durable than ever. “When policymakers look at every other organization in the energy industry, they see a partisan set of special interests. They see a friend or a foe, based on their politics. But when they look at America’s electric cooperatives, they see communities. They see people. They see you. As a result, in Washington D.C., we stand out,” he said.

Matheson outlined four co-op values he highlights when meeting with policymakers: ◆ Co-ops strengthen communities through innovation and member support. ◆ Co-ops provide essential services such as broadband where no one else will. ◆ Co-ops provide reliable service from a resilient system. ◆ Co-ops accelerate the advancement of technology in rural America. “This is our job at NRECA,” Matheson added, “to help create the foundation so you can do your best work to serve your members. To be a voice for the good you represent and the possibilities you create in your community. “We always say the electric co-op is about serving the member at the end of the line,” he said. “But when you challenge yourself … and aspire to a larger purpose and a greater good, the thing about the end of the line becomes the fact that you never really get there. There’s always something more we can do to keep our communities moving forward.”

SH AWN TAY LO R

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

26 MEET THIS MONTH’S FEATURED HALL-OF-FAMERS PHOTO COURTESY OF WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME

THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 68, number 2, March 2022 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per year by Linden Press, Inc., Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 40,437 for 11 months ending September 2020. WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the entire state of Wyoming and the nation. Acceptance of advertising by WREN Magazine does not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.

WREN STAFF Publisher: Linden Press, Inc. — Editorial Team — Maggie York Alison Quinn — Design Team — Dixie Lira David Merkley Shawna Phillips

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Michael Lerwick, President Big Horn REC, Basin – John Joyce, Vice President Wheatland REA, Wheatland – Sandra Hranchak, Secretary/Treasurer Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees Carbon Power, Saratoga – Kenny Curry Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith High Plains Power, Riverton – Brett Gardner Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog Niobrara Electric, Lusk – J.D. Wasserburg Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Wyrulec Company, Torrington – Dewey Hageman Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Julie Kilty

SUBSCRIPTION RATES $12 per year, Single copies $1.50 each

ADVERTISING To purchase, contact Dhara Rose: [307] 996-6552 • dhara@golinden.com

OFFICE OF WREN OWNER 2312 Carey Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRESPONDENCE TO PUBLISHER AT WREN Magazine • 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 286-8140 wren@wyomingrea.org

POSTMASTER — Send address changes to —

Claudia (right) steer wrestling at the 1959 Evanston Cowboy Days with Hall of Fame Clowns Chuck Hensen (left) and Wilbur Plaugher (middle).

The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 223 S. Howes St., Fort Collins, CO 80521, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code.

PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK

CO-OP YOUTH

WREN: Tell us a little about your experiences on Youth Tour: AS: I had an amazing experience at the Michael F. Peterson Youth Leadership Challenge. I was surrounded by incredible young people, and I felt that everyone there was happy and truly enjoying themselves. All of the activities were a blast, and I can confidently say that I learned a lot. I liked the motivational speakers the most, and I feel like that was a key part of my learning experience at the camp. I’m also excited to be coming back as an elected leader for the upcoming challenge, and the preparation so far has been a lot of fun. WREN: How have your hometown, family and/or friends influenced you: AS: I live in a very small town, and this has definitely influenced me. My tight-knit community has shown me the importance of coming together and creating a support system in good and bad times. My friends have shown me the importance of enjoying life to its fullest, and my family has always let me know that I can do anything I put my mind to.



Bridger Valley Electric Association nominated Anna Jo Short, who attended the Michael F. Peterson Youth Leadership Challenge in June of 2021. She also received a $1,000 scholarship from Bridger Valley’s Youth Director.

PHOTO BY SHANOA GARDINER

WREN: What are your plans for the future? AS: While I am writing this I have yet to commit to a college, but I have applied to six. I have received multiple scholarships from the four that I have so far been accepted to. I plan to obtain an undergraduate degree in chemistry and then attend medical school. Afterward, I hope to go to residency in either dermatology or neurology!

ANNA JO SHORT HOMETOWN: Fort Bridger HIGH SCHOOL: Mountain View High School YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2022 COLLEGE(S) TBD: University of Utah | University of Wyoming University of Minnesota | Montana State University Seattle Pacific University | University of Portland MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: Chemistry

Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are proud to support our youth, giving college scholarships and lineman scholarships. Youth Tour and youth camps were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your rural electric cooperative may be taking applications for next year. See the insert in the center of the magazine for contact information.

GRASSROOTS NETWORK

The Power of Wyoming Co-ops WYOMING’S RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES AREN’T JUST RESPONSIBLE FOR POWER IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

National Lineman Appreciation Day YOUR RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES LINEWORKERS WORK DAY AND NIGHT, IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER, TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.

That’s why we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day the second Monday in April. The Wyoming Rural Electric Association would like to thank all of our lineworkers for their service and commitment.

We strive to empower our members, our families and our communities, whether we are working or volunteering right alongside our neighbors. There’s a rural electric cooperative in every county in Wyoming, and there’s a community in every cooperative. Our organizations work to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable and safe energy, and they are vital to our communities. On both the federal and state levels, the WREA is active in promoting the interests of Wyoming’s electric cooperatives and the member-customers they serve. The WREA works closely with legislators to ensure new policies and regulations do not hinder the state’s cooperatives from providing the same high level of service that consumers have always enjoyed.

Residential & Commercial Lots Available in Greybull!

As an electric cooperative memberowner and a part of the greater cooperative community, your voice matters. Please join our efforts to urge local and federal policymakers to work with electric cooperatives in their mission to provide energy that is affordable, reliable and clean.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS PARK

35 LOTS • Great re-development site for companies looking for growth • Southwest of Greybull

35 LOTS

1.53 & 2.25 ACRES

FRONTIER HOUSING SUBDIVISION • located 2 miles east of Greybull on Basin Gardens Road • Each with a beautiful view of Big Horn Mountains

Get involved and find you legislators at W Y O M I N G R E A-A C T I O N .O R G

FOR MORE INFORMATION

townofgreybull.com | 307-765-9431 24 South 5th Street, Greybull, WY MAR 2022

ELECTRIFY AND SAVE

UPGRADE TO ELECTRICITY AND SAVE IN YOUR HOME Make the switch to electricity and keep money in your pocket with more efficient household appliances and systems. From heat pumps to electric vehicles, these proven technologies have the potential to run your home and life more simply, efficiently and cost-effectively. LEARN MORE AT WWW.TRISTATE.COOP/BE Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Empowering the West for 70 years Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and our member co-ops and public power districts have proudly connected communities for 70 years. Whether it’s your home or business, together we’ve kept the lights on since 1952 and we’re not slowing down now. Our family of electric cooperatives is dedicated to serving more than one million consumers with reliable, affordable and responsible power. Because whatever the future holds, we’ll power it.

WWW.TRISTATE.COOP

THE CURRENT

PHOTO BY MAGGIE YORK

WREA 81st Annual Meeting THE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION HELD ITS 81ST ANNUAL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 28 AND MARCH 1 IN CHEYENNE, WHICH INCLUDED TWO DAYS OF MEETINGS AND DINNERS, ALONG WITH A RECEPTION FOR STATE LEGISLATORS.

The WREA hosted several thought-provoking speakers during the meeting. Western Wyoming Community College President Dr. Kim Dale came to speak about the new Powerline Technology program being offered at the college. Attendees also heard Holly Krutka, Executive Director of the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming, who provided an update on the state’s carbon capture, use and storage projects that are in the works. Cybersecurity was also a central topic at the meeting as individual cooperatives were eager to learn more about how they can better protect their co-ops and members from cyberattacks. Ryan Newlon, Principal of Cybersecurity Solutions at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), came to discuss NRECA’s new cybersecurity program and their ask for individual states to select a cyber champion to help lead this program forward.

MAR 2022

Wyrulec Company’s Dewey Hageman (left) with Reuben Ritthaler (right).

With the 2021 meeting being held virtually, two WREA members were recognized at this year’s event with the Craig Thomas Cooperative Service Award. Reuben Ritthaler was recognized for 2021 and the 2022 recipient was Hearley Dockham, who passed away in May of 2021. Dockham’s family attended the event to accept the award on his behalf.

7 carats of genuine turquoise

3,000-Year-Old Beauty Secret Revealed

ONLY $79

Turquoise — the original fashion icon — comes full circle for an amazing price.

he’s been around for thousands of years, but she’s never gone out of fashion. We’re talking turquoise, one of the world’s most ancient gems. Egyptian queens adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry more than 3,000 years ago. And the blue beauty is even more coveted now than she was a millennia ago. Do you know someone who’s even more beautiful now than when you first met? Then the Timeless Turquoise Pendant is for them –– a stylish circle formed from seven total carats of natural turquoise and exquisite sterling silver metalwork. And the price? Let’s just say we made sure timeless was attainable for less than you’d think. Time is running out for timeless turquoise. Just because turquoise is timeless, doesn’t mean supplies of it will last forever. Turquoise is only found a few places on Earth. Typically unearthed in arid climates like the American Southwest and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, turquoise requires a delicate balance of minerals and water to achieve its gorgeous range of blues. But even when conditions are optimal for turquoise to form, finding stones of gem-worthy quality is a challenge. There are very few turquoise mines left, and then, less than 5% of turquoise mined worldwide is of jewelry condition, making it rarer to come by than even diamonds. There are turquoise and sterling silver pendants out there for over $1,200. And while genuine turquoise can garner a pretty penny, there’s no reason to be paying a designer price when we can bring you designer pieces for a remarkable price. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Try the Timeless Turquoise Pendant for 30 days. If it fails to delight, just send it back for a refund of the item price. Limited Availability. These are handcrafted artisan pieces, and we only have so many. Call today.

A. Pendant enlarged to show luxurious color

Jewelry Specifications: • Natural turquoise in .925 sterling silver settings Timeless Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (7 ctw) $299† B. 18" 3-Strand Sterling Silver Cable Chain Pendant & Chain $378† C. Earrings (14 ctw) $399† Pendant, Chain & Earrings $777

$79 +s&p Save $220 $79 +s&p $99 +s&p Save $279 $129 +s&p Save $270 only $199 +s&p Best Value!

“...turquoise is becoming rarer and more valuable because less of it is being discovered... the very best turquoise is more valuable than diamonds.” –– The Jewellery Editor, 2021

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on

Stauer.com without your offer code. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

1-800-333-2045

Rating of A+

Offer Code TTC225-01 You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TTC225-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

St au e r… Affor d t he E xt r aor dinar y.®

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

Wyoming Humanities Awards More than Half a Million Dollars Across Wyoming THROUGH ITS VISION TO PROMOTE ENGAGED COMMUNITIES, IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ENHANCE THE STATE’S ECONOMY, WYOMING HUMANITIES RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THE LATEST ROUND OF GRANTS AWARDS PROVIDED ACROSS THE STATE.

These funds were made possible through an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities, “Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan,” or SHARP. Key requirements for grant recipients included these considerations: • • • • •

Is the project humanities centered? Is the program built around a public event? Is this a nonprofit group? Will the program be matched in funds? Does the program have a humanities scholar?

In this cycle, Wyoming Humanities awarded $408,940. Since the organization started granting these funds last fall, more than half a million dollars has been provided to Wyoming organizations ($373,940 in general operating, $68,343 in programming, $64,228 in recovery). Since October 2021, grants have been awarded in almost every county in Wyoming, with many grants reaching beyond county borders and impacting the entire state.

373,940 $ 68,343 $ 64,228

GENERAL OPERATING PROGRAMMING RECOVERY

Grants were awarded in three categories: • General Operating - for operational and salary support • Programming - to support humanities-based programs or projects • Recovery - for specific efforts related to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic Wyoming Humanities also provided grants to statewide organizations, including Access the World with World Languages & Culture, Circular Wyo, Wyoming State Historical Society and Wyoming State Museum.

To learn more about Wyoming Humanities and these grants,

VISIT THINKWY.ORG. 12

MAR 2022

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip BONUS! Call today and through your fingers. Call today! you’ll also receive this

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives



“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN



“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK733-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK733-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the shown listed original Stauer.com price. actual size.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12" overall length; 6 1/2" stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Brock with his truck, cattle and the red Wall.

CENTERPIECE CENTERPIECE

RANCHING WITH STORIED ROOTS

MAR 2022

PHOTOS BY LANNA WING

H I S T O R I C RA N C H E S I N W YO M I N G

Brock breaking ice for cattle on Red Fork Creek/Powder River.

BY ALISON QUINN

Ranching in Wyoming is as much about family as it is about making a living, and as much about preserving the past as it is about leaving something for the future. Maybe that’s because a rancher’s roots run so deep. There are fourth- and fifth-generation families of ranchers utilizing some of the same methods their forefathers did, and actively passing these techniques and ideas on to their kids. Recently, for instance, seven Green River Valley Centennial Ranches were honored with the Centennial Ranch award for the same family operating on the land for 100 years. “We make a high priority of the little things,” says Leif Hanson, who is a fifth-generation rancher in Kaycee. “There are so many little things that we do that have been passed down.” It’s important to get these little things right, to make them a priority, so the big things can fall into place. They are passing on stories, too – family stories; stories that are wrapped up in Wyoming history; stories about perseverance and problem solving; and the occasional run-in with the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. Brock Hanson is Leif’s father. Brock’s grandfather, who was born in 1882, liked to say he helped his father move the family to Wyoming in 1884. They settled near Kelly Creek just before the Johnson County War. After six years, the family moved to where part of the Brock Livestock Company is now and, homesteading in the area with different members of the family, were able build a sizable ranch. Brock’s great-grandfather’s sister married Johnnie Jones, who had a ranch with his brother, Ranger. This is the ranch the Hanson family is on now. If you recognize Johnnie’s and Ranger’s names, then you know your Johnson County War history, and the story of Ranger being deemed a rustler and becoming a target of the cattle barons. “My uncle would tell stories and I would remember them verbatim,” Brock said. “And then I’d read books and learn some more, and this story connected to that story. And pretty soon, you could see what really happened and how it all was.”

PRESERVING THE PAST AND LEAVING SOMETHING FOR THE FUTURE

Broad view of the old homestead.

TELLING THE STORIES OF WYOMING’S PAST

The Hanson family helps tell the stories of Wyoming’s past and the history of the area by helping on tours that benefit the Hoofprints of the Past Museum. The tours are an all-day, four-wheel-drive excursion that visits sites made famous by “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Brock tells the history, his wife Paula cooks food and visitors are taken to the site where the Deputy Sheriff was killed, for instance, and to where Nate Champion was attacked. They eat lunch at the Hole-in-the-Wall cabin site on Buffalo Creek, then journey to the fight site. Brock’s favorite spot on the tour is the cabin site, and the fight site if it’s not too windy of a day.

Butch Cassidy’s great-grandnephew has participated in the tours, as have historians, authors and other great-descendants of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. The Hansons have their own connections to the gang, too. Brock’s great-great Aunt Gene was 12 when she first stayed with the outlaws (she was accompanying a family member who was dating Bob Smith, a member of the the gang; another female had to be there for the sake of appearances). They built her a swing in a tree at the Holein-the-Wall site and let her ride their pet getaway horses. It seems the gang taught Aunt Gene to riffle cards as well, a skill she would show off later in life to the surprise of her fellow residents at the nursing home.

Johnnie Jones’ pistol that’s on display at the Hoofprints of the Past Museum.

Summer and Brock breaking ice.

The family’s favorite outlaw was Flat Nose George Currie. He used to bring Aunt Jean ribbons for her hair (not candy, because he thought that would be bad for her teeth). Currie also helped Brock’s grandfather bring in the first five-point buck he’d ever shot. “Grandad was too small to get it on his horse. Flat Nose George showed up, and of course he stayed for lunch and supper and all night.” Currie helped out around the ranch, too. “He was good on the end of a rope,” Brock said. When he was killed, the family “shed a tear over him.” Lief said there are a lot of little things the family does on the ranch to keep its history alive, like naming the pastures for the people who homesteaded the area. They’ve also kept up the cabin where Ranger Jones was bringing lumber when he was shot; they rent this out to hunters and fishermen.

“Of course, any time we fence or go riding [with the kids], there’s a story over every hill that we tell them, and now they’re getting to where I can ask them about certain stories and they can tell me the story now. And that’s neat to see,” said Leif.

Saige and Shadow the Ranch Cat.

MAR 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD HOWE

The Howe family later moved to the Smalley Ranch, which sat on the high plains on Laramie River. “Right next to us, and certainly on our property, we were just loaded with fossils. Some of the largest dinosaur digs in the world at the time and back in the 40s were in the area between the ranch and Medicine Bow.”

Three-year-old Todd Howe at the Two Bar Ranch.

Todd Howe was fortunate to grow up on not one, but three different ranches with his parents Elbert and Verna and four older brothers. The first ranch, where Todd was born, was Two Bar Ranch on Sybille Creek between Wheatland and Laramie. Many recognize this ranch as where notorious cowboy Tom Horn was employed off and on with the Swan Land and Cattle Company. “His initials were even carved on one of our barns at the ranch,” Todd said.

PHOTO BY EMILY R PHOTOGRAPHY

From left to right: Emily Blevins (Daughter) Mason Blevens (Son-in-law) Elizabeth Howe (Daughter-in-law) Isaac Howe (Son) Erin Merkley (Daughter) James Merkley (Son-in-law) Kristina Howe (Wife) Todd Howe

Todd’s most vivid memories are at the Buffalo Creek Ranch, which is northwest of Casper. Prior to its sale, Buffalo Creek Ranch was one of the largest ranches in the state, spanning approximately 120 sections. It also bordered the Hole-inthe-Wall, frequented by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The main house dated back to the 1800s and once served as a U.S. Cavalry outpost. “We had a lot of [Native American] writings on the ranch that are still there today,” Todd said, also remembering teepee rings that were “just all over the ranch.” Some of Todd’s earliest memories of his dad are the nontraditional ways he sourced water on Buffalo Creek Ranch.

Elbert Howe had purchased the land at a value since water was limited for livestock; but he had a solution to the water problem: water witching. This was the method is father used to locate underground water by using a forked copper rod. Water witching has been a subject of discussion and controversy for hundreds – if not thousands – of years. “For some people, it’s a legend or a mystery, and they kind of roll their eyes,” Todd explained. “Had I not seen my dad do it again and again with success I would have been a skeptic.” Elbert found a lot of water with his method. Even before he bought Buffalo Creek Ranch, Elbert was known in New Mexico as the guy from Texas to call any time you needed to drill a well. “He had a copper rod … he would hold one end in his hand, one end in his mouth for better conductivity and it had a pointer on it, and he would walk around with that thing. You would admit

STORYTELLING KEEPS OUR PAST ALIVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD HOWE

ranch and move on. But it proved difficult to find a buyer for such a large property, so they subdivided Buffalo Creek Ranch into four sections and sold it this way. Shortly after, film actor, director and producer Robert Redford did a cover spread in the November 1976 issue of National Geographic called “Riding the Outlaw Trail,” which was about the Hole-in-theWall Gang and the historical parts of the ranchland and neighboring ranches. “The feature in National Geographic really brought back a lot of memories,” Todd said.

Todd Howe with his kids in the middle of some teepee rings on the Buffalo Creek Ranch.

him to the psych ward if you ever saw him out there in a field,” Todd joked. Elbert hired a drilling rig and bull dozer crew that followed him throughout the ranch. He marked 42 locations over the first year and water was found on 38. Todd said this was because of his dad’s determination and confidence; because you should “never say can’t,” a mantra Elbert Howe lived by and taught to his sons.

“That’s really what a ranch is,” Todd said. “Overcoming obstacles through determination and creativity ... never giving up!” Todd’s dad had a tragic ranching accident when Todd was 12, and the year after was the winter of ’73, which had one of the hardest snows on record. After the loss their dad, the family decided to sell the

Brock Hanson has spent over ten years duplicating and preserving the files his mother used to write a book containing the Hanson family stories. There are photos – some of which she’d handcolored – and reams of paper written on by Brock’s father and grandfather. While storytelling may seem like a small thing, it’s an important tradition that keeps our history and the lessons of our past alive. The Hansons and Howes are just a couple examples of the storied ranches across the state. And in Wyoming, you never know where the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang just might show up in your family’s memoire. W Alison Quinn is a Colorado writer with great love and appreciation for Wyoming’s wild spaces.

2022 GREEN RIVER CENTENNIAL RANCH AWARD RECIPIENTS There have been 43 families in the Green River Valley recognized with the Centennial Ranch Award, honoring families operating on the land for one hundred years.

BAIN

RANCH

CHRISMAN

LAND

HITTLE

LAND

OLSON

RANCH

ROBERTS

Bain family since 1918 COMPANY

AND -

CATTLE

LIVESTOCK

Chrisman family since 19 08 -

Hittle family since 1919

Olson family since 1914 COMPANY

STEELE

RANCH

L/S

STEELE

RANCH

Roberts family since 1921

Steele family since 1920

Steele family since 1922

KIDS’ CORNER

ILLUSTRATION BY INNA ANTONOVA

LITTLE WYOMING

MEET THE

BUSHY-TAILED WOODRAT

ADAPTA-BARN

Cows, goats, horses and sheep are all animals we associate with barns. But what happens when those animals move out, and barns are abandoned? Wildlife moves in! Abandoned barns make great homes for a variety of wild animals like owls, snakes and rodents, because they provide protection from weather and predators. They also provide wildlife with food and nesting materials. One especially interesting animal that might take advantage of an abandoned barn is the bushy-tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea).

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

PROBLEM-SOLVING

ARCHITECTS

HISTORY

KEEPERS

Bushy-tailed woodrats get their name from their long, bushy tail, which they can wrap around themselves to keep warm. However, that’s not their only name! They are also often called packrats or trade rats. They get these nicknames because they collect things, including plants, animal bones and human items – hence the nickname packrat. If they see something they want to collect, they’ll drop whatever they were already carrying to grab the new thing instead – hence, trade rat. They especially seem to be attracted to shiny things!

Packrats are problem solvers because they find ways to make use of abandoned things they find in their environment, including the barn itself. They also build a food storage structure called a midden inside their dens. The middens are made from the many different things they collect! Once the midden has been built, the packrat urinates on it. The urine crystallizes, encasing the midden in a solid material similar to fossils preserved in amber.

Because of the way they are built, fossils and ancient artifacts have been found in packrat middens! And because of a packrat’s tendency to use human artifacts, archaeologists look through packrat middens for clues about ancient human civilizations. Packrat middens have been found dating to over 40,000 years ago! These nocturnal, short-lived rodents can actually be great stewards of human history. What barn items might future archaeologists find in packrat middens that tell them about life in your area?

The Invention of the Year The world’s lightest and most portable mobility device

Once in a lifetime, a product comes along that truly moves people. Introducing the future of battery-powered personal transportation . . . The Zinger. Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it. “What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!” –Kent C., California The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum. It weighs only 47.2 lbs but can handle a passenger that’s up to 275 lbs! It features one-touch

Now available in a Joystick model (Zoomer Chair)

Available in Green, Black (shown) and Blue 10”

folding and unfolding – when folded it can be The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches. wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. Why take our word for it. You can try the Zinger out for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Call now, and find out how you can try out a Zinger of your very own.

Zinger Chair® Call now and receive a utility basket absolutely FREE with your order.

1-888-432-7794

Please mention code 116501 when ordering.

The Zinger and Zoomer Chairs are personal electric vehicles and are not medical devices nor wheelchairs. They are not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. They are not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2022 Journey Health and Lifestyle

85229

Joystick can be mounted on the right or left side for rider’s comfort

HOME ON THE RANGE

Happened Upon a Post-It Note BY DR. MEGAN BEAVERS

“What was I thinking?” I thought to myself, as I stared at a three-pound kitten on the surgery table in front of me.

y technician quietly monitored anesthesia and hummed to the radio playing in the background. My other technicians were busy bustling around the clinic, cleaning up the mess from the morning. But my mind was slow. My hands and fingers moved slow. This tiny little life was in my hands and I had no clue what to do next. Baby Doll and I crossed paths in a very indirect and happenstance way. A few weeks prior the kitten had made her way out of the front door and went missing. When her owners finally found her she was huddled in a tiny ball at the foot of the stairs outside. She wasn’t able to walk and her leg was really swollen. The owners rushed her to a veterinarian nearby who discovered that Baby Doll had broken her pelvis and had a significant abdominal hernia. A hernia is a tear in the abdominal muscles that lets an organ protrude through. Baby Doll’s swollen leg was actually a hernia containing her intestines, colon and bladder. They were being squeezed by the tear and were now in an abnormal position; this caused Baby Doll a large amount of pain, and prevented her from using the bathroom very well.

MAR 2022

The significance of Baby Doll’s injuries were life threatening. The fracture was of lesser importance, as cats can sometimes do well with fractures left to heal on their own if not too displaced. However, if her hernia could not be repaired, she would be unable to survive. The first veterinarian that saw Baby Doll was unable to surgically correct the hernia and referred her on to a surgeon. The owners unfortunatly couldn’t afford the fees of a boarded surgeon and to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah. So the owners reached out to five other local veterinarians to see if anyone could offer to fix the tiny kitten. All passed for various reasons and the risks involved; they recommended euthanasia. I came into work on a day I am usually off and I just happened to see a green Post-it Note on the desk with the owners’ name; that note would have been long gone by my normal work day. I asked the techs what the situation was and they explained and I looked at her x-rays. My heart sides with cats for some reason. Especially tiny baby cats in need. I called the owners and listened to Baby Doll’s story. I agreed to examine the cat, but was unable to guarantee anything. After the exam it was apparent the kitten couldn’t go any

longer the way she was. The intestines in the hernia were full and tight and painful. She was quiet and not moving much due to the pain, and hadn’t eaten in several days. For whatever unknown reason that day, I stepped way beyond my surgical skills and comfort zone and agreed to attempt to fix the tiny hot mess. I explained to the owners she still had a guarded prognosis and we may need to euthanize on the table. There were so many unknown variables only God at that point would know. So there I stood, hunched over a surgery table with Baby Doll open and vunerable in front of me. It was a serious thowback to anatomy class. Trying to piece together what is into what was left me stumped. I again thought to myself, “What was I thinking?” Then, “You can do this, you love anatomy. This surely isn’t this hard!?” I apparently thought my ego could use a boost, so I carried on one small stitch at a time, until about 150 tiny sutures held this kitten together in what looked to be a relatively normal way. I finished the procedure and she woke up beautifully from anesthesia. Cats will be cats, and shortly after her surgery Baby Doll was ready and eager to eat and moving about happy as a lark, with her guts back inside her little body in the right place.

Recovery for this little thing was going to be critical. We would need to prevent any movement in which she could strain her abdominal muscles for several weeks. Baby Doll was discharged the next day into the loving hands of her owners; with very strict diet and activity restrictions for the next six to eight weeks. Each recheck visit she surpassed anything I could have imagined. The kitten spunk was back. After her final recheck, the only reminders of her ordeal were the little limp she has because of her broken pelvis, and the remains of all those sutures from the surgery that were still holding and had yet to dissolve inside of her. She is eating and drinking and playing just like a normal cat her age, and ready to get back to playing like a maniac. I still have no clue how things came together as well as they did and I still ask myself, “What was I thinking?” But secretly I am thankful I worked that random day and saw that random Post-it Note. This tiny little life ended up in my hands, and I saved it. W Dr. Megan Beavers is a veterinarian in Farson and Green River.

MAR 2022

B OB O KO K G IR VE EV AI WE WA Y

Wyoming History in Art DAVID G. PAULLEY DESCRIPTION BY WYOMING STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Wyoming State Historical Society, and its fundraising arm, the Wyoming Historical Foundation are excited to announce the release of its latest book, Wyoming History in Art, a full-color book featuring thirty paintings of important people and events in Wyoming history by the late artist Dave Paulley. In 1989 the Society and the Foundation commissioned the artist to create thirty original paintings in celebration of Wyoming’s centennial. The works include expeditions as early as 1742, all the way through the 1940s. Giving a voice to the paintings featured in the new publication is a written narrative of each of the paintings by historian and author Dr. Jeremy Johnston. The artist, Dave Paulley, was a Wyoming native, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and taught himself how to paint! He died in October 2020. The original paintings were recently donated to the American Heritage Center in Laramie where they will be appropriately cared for and available for the public to enjoy.

ORDERING INFORMATION: 2021 | 63p. | $39.95 paperback ISBN: 978-0-9842055-9-2 Publisher: Wyoming State Historical Society Books and prints of each painting available to purchase. All proceeds benefit the long-term sustainability of the Society.

WIN A

FREE COPY BISON: PORTRAIT OF AN ICON BOOK WINNER:

Name: Phone:

VERONICA ADDISON

Address:

OF FT. WASHAKIE

307-322-3014 | linda@wyshs.org

ENTRIES DUE BY APRIL 15 One entry per household, please. 24

MAR 2022

 WYOMING IN ART

c/o WREN Magazine 214 W. Lincolnway, Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

PUZZLE

BY KENDRA SPANJER

Nature’s Calendar

January: Moon

July: Moon

February: Moon

August: Moon

March: Moon

September: Moon

April: Moon

October: Moon

May: Moon

November: Moon

June: Moon

December: Moon

BONUS:

Extra Full Moon The 12-moon cycle is about 11 days shorter than the Earth’s yearlong orbit around the sun, which means that about every two and a half years we have an extra full moon. Today we use this term to mean the second full moon of a calendar month.

Long before Outlook and iCal, people used the full moon to keep track of schedules for hunting, planting and harvesting. Cultures around the world had their own names for each of the 12 full moons of the year, but modern-day mentions commonly reference terminology used by indigenous Americans and European settlers, then popularized by the Farmers Almanac. How many full moons can you name? The images above are in no particular order, however each one depicts a moon’s namesake.

BASK IN THE GLOW OF THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 37

Moon MAR 2022

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME

Don and Claudia Profitt riding on their ranch in Uinta County in 2016.

Cowboy Hall of Fame INDUCTEES MADE RANCHING AN ADVENTURE BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

rom pasturing their cattle on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake to exploring the remains of a Hawaiian colony in the desert of Utah’s Skull Valley, Don and Claudia Proffit of Evanston shared a life of unusual ranching adventures.

Inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2020, the Proffits were known for ranching using some of the old cowboy ways. Don passed away in 2019, but Claudia serves as a family memory keeper, gifting a written version of a different family story to her children each Christmas.

We had six children, and we raised and trained horses, so we had good horses and good help.

A backbone of many of their family stories was the need to find grazing land for their cattle. Claudia said their ranch, which is in the Bridger Valley Electric Association area, is about 500 acres. “You just don’t make a living ranching on that size of ranch,” she said. Undaunted, they simply moved what they called their gypsy cattle to different grazing land; they also ranched in conjunction with Don’s cousin on a ranch about eight miles away, running about 300-350 cattle. Part of the time, Don lived in a camper at the cow camp to watch over the cattle, and Claudia and the kids joined him when school schedules permitted. Don was known for spending his evenings at the camp making his own saddles and bridles and other tack, and he made chaps for everyone in his family. When the children were older, Claudia stayed at the camp with Don, and it was her job to ride out every morning while Don fed the cattle, checking for any problems that may have arisen overnight. The Proffits often trailed their cattle on horseback to good grazing land, and Claudia said doing that rather than using trucks every time was in part to save money. Her warm re-telling of their cattle drives makes it clear there was more to be appreciated than just saved funds. “We had six children, and we raised and trained horses, so we had good horses and good help,” she said. High elevation and serious winters also played a factor in moving their cattle. For several years, they took the cattle to 17-mile-long Antelope Island because it was temperate enough for the cattle to be able to graze and was ideal for calving. They joined other ranchers who also pastured their cattle there, and Don and several other ranchers would move to the island in May and June to tag calves. Unfortunately, the last year they used Antelope Island was a financial disaster. An unusual weather pattern caused the lake to rise, washing out the causeways the ranchers used to truck their cattle to the island. Then the snow moved in and froze to ice, and the cattle could not paw through the ice.

INTERNET THAT

ROCKS

HIGH-SPEED FIBER AND WIRELESS AVAILABLE VCN.COM MAR 2022

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME

built the aqueduct to bring water down into the desert setting.

“They simply couldn’t get feed, and by the end of December they were starving,” Claudia said. They ended up dropping hay in from a World War II aircraft piloted by smoke jumping pilots—hired for $2,000 an hour—every other day, dumping 20 tons of hay per day. Don and the ranchers rode horses across the precarious water-covered causeway and lived there for the next three months, taking care of the cattle. Claudia and her son used a small motorboat to ferry supplies to the island on the weekends. At the end of the season, they had to use a barge to get the cattle off the island. “It was a very unique educational experience and took us years to overcome the indebtedness,” Claudia said. After the disaster on Antelope Island, the state of Utah turned it into a state park

They learned the art of ranching, to judge good horses and good dogs, good country and good water.

and the Proffits sought out other grazing land. One place they used for several years was in Utah’s Skull Valley. Claudia said the valley is essentially a desert, but as they explored while looking after the cattle, they discovered an old stone aqueduct coming down into the valley. As parents, the Proffits were known to jump at the chance to learn something new and teach their children. They researched the Skull Valley area and learned that it had once been home to a colony of Hawaiian settlers who

One Memorial Day, Don and one of their daughters heard Polynesian music in the valley, which Don recognized from his time serving as a missionary in New Zealand. They realized there was a luau being celebrated near the old town and learned descendants of the settlers came over the holiday weekend each year to honor their ancestors and decorate their graves. “They invited us to eat the luau with them,” Claudia said, noting that they honored Don as recipient of the traditional Haka and a peaceoffering palm frond. One year for Valentine’s Day, Claudia celebrated these family stories by giving her children a valentine message that encouraged them to take every chance they had to spend time with their father, following in his footsteps as he worked on their ranch. Her love for their father and for the ranching adventures they lived together was evident in the words she shared with them. “They learned the art of ranching, to judge good horses and good dogs, good country and good water and all the basic things we’ve gotten so far away from,” she said. “I really encouraged them to remember the times we lived in sheep camps, and to remember all eight of us stuffed in the front of a pickup, singing as we traveled, and how we all fit like jigsaw pieces in the front of that pickup.” W Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and young daughters.

MAR 2022

COUNTRY COOKS

FEEDING A CROWD CHEESY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 1 LB SLICED BACON, DICED 1 SWEET ONION, CHOPPED 4 CUPS FROZEN SHREDDED HASH BROWN POTATOES, THAWED 9 EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN 2 CUPS SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE 1 1/2 CUPS SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir bacon and onion until bacon is evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain. Transfer bacon and onion to a large bowl. Stir in potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and Swiss cheese. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until eggs are set and cheese is melted, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

1 1/4 CUPS SHREDDED SWISS CHEESE

NANCY DENK

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

OVERNIGHT SLAW INGREDIENTS

OVERNIGHT SLAW 1 HEAD CABBAGE, SHREDDED 1/2 CUP SHREDDED CARROTS 1/2 CUP CHOPPED GREEN BELL PEPPER 1/2 CUP SLICED PIMIENTOSTUFFED OLIVES 1/2 CUP CHOPPED 1 RED ONION, THINLY SLICED RED BELL PEPPER

1/2 CUP WHITE VINEGAR 1/2 CUP CANOLA OIL 1/2 CUP WHITE SUGAR 2 TSP DIJON MUSTARD

1 TSP SALT 1 TSP CELERY SEED 1 TSP MUSTARD SEED

RIVERTON

Mix cabbage, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrots and olives together in a large bowl. Whisk vinegar, oil, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, celery seed and mustard seed together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Pour hot dressing over cabbage mixture and toss gently. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. NANCY DENK

RIVERTON

BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

CASSEROLE 2 CUPS CHEDDAR CHEESE, SHREDDED

2 LB SAUSAGE 1 MEDIUM ONION, CHOPPED

8-10 EGGS, BEATEN

2 10OZ CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

2 CUPS CRISP RICE CEREAL

Brown sausage and onions until sausage is crumbly. Drain. Stir in soup, cheese and eggs. Pour ½ in baking pan. Sprinkle 1 cup cereal, press gently. Top with remaining sausage mixture and remaining rice cereal. Bake 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serves 15. JEAN VIGNAROLI

SCALLOPED POTATOES FOR 100 3 CUPS FLOUR

25 LBS POTATOES 2 LBS BUTTER

4 CANS CREAM OF CELERY SOUP

1 GALLON MILK

4 CANS CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

Make a white sauce by cooking the butter, milk and flour together. Season with salt and pepper. Add soups and heat through. Slice potatoes and place in roaster. Cover with sauce. Bake 250 degrees for 2 hours. Cheese may be added, if desired. ANNE METZLER

MAY:

SEAFOOD

BUFFALO

RIVERTON

Send Sendcomplete completerecipe recipeby byMarch MARCH 10!15!

Please Pleaseinclude includeyour yourname, name,address addressand andphone phonenumber. number. S SU UB BM M II T T A AR RE EC C II P PE E

wren@wyomingrea.org | |  [307] 772-1968 286-8140   wren@wyomingrea.org  [307]   214 214W. W.Lincolnway LincolnwaySte. Ste.21C 21CCheyenne, Cheyenne,WY WY82001 82001 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions   MAR 2022

PEN TO PAPER

A Special Breed LAURIE MARTIN HARVEY

It takes all kinds to make a world, fancy ladies with hair all curled. Diplomats and preachers too, but there’s a breed their numbers few.

They find their God on an open plain, and know Who to thank for the needed rain. They don’t need a chapel to talk to the Lord, and exist with their neighbor in uncanny accord.

The folks called “cowboys” are of special stock, with hearts of gold and nerves of rock. They spit and curse and laugh, then brave a storm to save a calf.

Cowboys drink whiskey and play all night, and if they see an injustice, they’re ready to fight. No gold in their pockets, just sweat on their brow, ridin’ and ropin’, existing somehow.

Their hands are as rough as the lives they lead, but their lovin’ is as soft as lovin’ can be. They tip their hats to the ladies they see, but let it be known they were born to be free.

Well, God knew the road was bound to be rough, so He made a man that was rugged and tough. And of all the types in this world of his, that collection called “cowboys” is the best there is.

We share a selection of WREN readers’ creative writing (poems, limericks, haiku, short verse, and prose) every issue as space and content allow. To be considered for publication, please include the author’s consent to be submitted, his or her mailing address, and confirmation that the work has not been published elsewhere. If you would like us to return your work, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 30

MAR 2022

THERMOPOLIS

Put Your Pen to Paper!

Please include your name, address, and phone number. SUBMIT A PIECE

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 286-8140  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

01 02

Standing Proud since 1895 Heather McLaughlin, Upton

Timeless Muleshoe Ranch, Wheatland

Old dairy barn Trudy Craft, Basin

Vintage barn on the Paha Sapa Lines (Model) Railroad Bill Fuller, Weston County

Still standing tall Sandy Pokorney, Gillette

The south side of Trostle Barn where a Confederate artillery shell went through the bricks in 1863 in Gettysburg, PA. Heather McLaughlin, Upton

JUST PICTURE IT

THIS MONTH:

MAY (DUE APR 15):

BARNS

OCEAN

07 08

Harold Scott’s Pride and Joy Marilyn Mackey, Gillette

One of our old barns north of Riverton Mary Ann Foster, Riverton

Barn in the snow Carole Martinez, Jackson

Barn Door at May’s, East Greenwich, R.I. Carol Deering, Riverton

Rocky’s Red Barn Carole Martinez, Thermopolis

Splittgerber Ranch, Inc. barn Johnny Chavez, Torrington

Old barn off Stockman’s Trail Road Carrie Miller, Laramie

North of Cement Ridge, Black Hills of Wyo. Ruthele Newby, Moorcroft

Frosty days Lori Archer, Gillette

Still Hangin’ On Rob McIntosh, Torrington

17 18

Shelter from the cold Eileen Hill, Casper

Still beautiful Carrie Miller, Laramie

Timeless Muleshoe Ranch, Wheatland

Mohatt barn located in Sidney, NE Photo by High Point Aerial Images Submitted by Amy Colerick, Pine Bluffs

Stanley Pzinski Barn Judi Pzinski, Four Corners

SUBMIT A P H OTO

 wren@wyomingrea.org  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions Please include your name, hometown and a title.

MAR 2022

Please submit high-quality digital files* or an original we can scan, as well as details about the artwork, the artist’s name, and the co-op. *Use the highest quality setting on your camera, or save digital artwork as a .jpg or .tif file with at least 300 dpi resolution. If you would like your work returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

WHAT’S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

03 04

APRIL

01 | SOUTHEAST CHEYENNE APRIL 30-MAY 1

Cheyenne Mineral, Gem & Rock Show: Hosted by the Cheyenne Mineral & Gem Society. Jewelry, fossils, minerals, dealers, silent auction, childrens area. Admission $3.00. Children 12 and under free. Sat 9a-6p. Info Jan Shively 509-953-0634.

C H U G WAT E R THURSDAYS

FEATURED EVENT

Acoustic Jam Session: Stampede Saloon & Eatery music venue open for Thursday night jam session. Info 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.

ENCAMPMENT ONGOING

HOMESTEADER MUSEUM, POWELL THURSDAY, APRIL 7



FREE

Crossroads: Change in Rural America offers small communities a chance to reflect and recognize changes that affected their fortunes. Rural communities often struggle with negative stigmas of economic destruction, overused land and dwindling populations, which overshadow their complexity and impact on our country. Crossroads seeks to expand our understanding of rural America and what it contributes to the larger American narrative. As Wyoming is meeting a crossroads of its own, it has never been more important to look at our identity and engage in rich discussion about Wyoming’s future, while also taking a sober and serious look at our past. For more information about these exhibitions, contact Lucas Fralick at lucas@thinkwy.org or visit thinkwy.org/initiatives/crossroads-exhibit.

Dance Through the Decades: Family event with dancing, silent auction, food and prizes for best costumes. Benefits summer internship program at Rockpile Museum. Doors open 5:30p, Campbell County Senior Center, tickets $50. Info 307-682-5723, assocrma@gmail.com ONGOING

Ava Community Art Center: Info 307-682-9133, avacenter.org.

HULETT

Grand Encampment Museum: Main Gallery and GEM store open Tue-Sat 10a-4p. Info 307-327-5308.

ONGOING

LA GRANGE

ONGOING

APRIL 1-3

Spring Fling Craft Fair: Hosted by the La Grange/Hawk Springs Homemakers. Concession will be available throughout the event. April 1, 2-7p; April 2, 9a-4p; April 3, 12-4p. Info 307-575-9317.

Grand Opening Reception: 5:30–7p Exhibit on display through May 6 during winter hours: Tuesday – Friday from 10a–4p. Private tours by appointment.

APRIL 30

02 | NORTHEAST B U F FA L O

Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: 8a-4p Mon-Fri, free. Info 307-467-5292. Senior Center Events: 145 Main Street. Carry-in dinner 12:30p third Sun. Rolls and coffee 9a Thu. Info 307-467-5743.

MOORCROFT ONGOING

West Texas Trail Museum: Now open year-round 9a-5p, Mon-Fri. Info 307-756-9300. ONGOING

Senior Center Events: Coffee and rolls 9a Wed. Toenail clinic 9a fourth Thu, dinner 6p fourth Thu. Info 307-756-9550.

THURSDAYS

Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30p at Occidental Saloon. Free. Info 307-684-0451.

GILLETTE MARCH 31

Northeast Wyoming Career Fair: Gillette College Pronghorn Center. 10a-4p. Employer registration for single booth $85; double booth $125. Additional $10 late fee after March 19. No cost for job seekers to attend. Info 307-682-9313, tammy.maxted@wyo.gov.

NEWCASTLE FRIDAYS

Bingo: 7:30p, VFW Hall, free.

NORTHWEST MAR 2022

WHAT’S HAPPENING UPTON

APRIL 1 & 15

Friday Night Bullseye Shoot: 7p, $5 at Upton Gun Club Indoor Range, Info Rick Rothleutner at rrrothleuter@yahoo.com. APRIL 6

Free Cookies and Coffee: Upton Red Onion Museum, 9a-noon, Info Anita Shepperson at 468-2672. Bingo at Upton Senior Center: 6:30p, $1 for 5 cards, Info Gary at 468-9262. APRIL 13

Veteran Breakfast: Upton Senior Center, 8a, Free for Veterans and small donation required for guests, Info Gary at 468-9262. APRIL 16

Easter Egg Hunt: Upton City Park, Free, 1p. Info Buffy Helwig at 468-2372. ONGOING

Senior Center Activities: Lunch is served at noon Mon-Fri, $4, call for reservation before 9a. 307-4689267. Stop by Tue mornings for coffee and treats, with an exercise program at 9a. Seniors welcome Thu and Fri from 1-4p. Potluck at 5:30p third Mon. Ask about medical equipment loans. 1113 2nd St. Info 307-468-9251.

03| NORTHWEST CODY

H YAT T V I L L E

TENSLEEP

Ice Skating: Medicine Lodge Hyattville. The ice is ready! For times check facebook.com/ FriendsofMedicineLodge.

Meadowlark Ski Area: Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:30 4pm. 426 Forest Service Road, Ten Sleep, WY. Info 307-366-2459.

ONGOING

FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS

LANDER

THERMOPOLIS

SATURDAYS

SECOND FRIDAYS

Acoustic Music Jam: 11a-1p, Lander Bake Shop. Info 307-332-3237.

ArtStroll: Stroll on Broadway Street in Historic Downtown Thermopolis. Info 307-864-3002, gatherer@panix.com.

ONGOING

First Friday: New artist and local musician each month. Art show reception 5p, music 6p. Middle Fork Restaurant. Info 307-335-5035, facebook.com/MiddleForkCafe.

R I V E RTO N

04 | SOUTHWEST SUBMIT AN EVENT

Acoustic Music Jam: Join in or listen as musicians and dancers perform. 6:30-8:30p, Holiday Inn Convention Center, free. Info 307-856-8100. SATURDAYS

Riverton Saturday Farmers’ Market Shop all winter on Saturdays from 9-11a, Little Wind Center at the Fremont County Fairgrounds. Info 307-851-7562. ONGOING

Library activities: PreK Tales & Tunes Wed 10:30a; Starlight Storytime for birth-5 Wed 5:30p; Toddler Move & Groove birth-2 Thu 10:30a; LEGO Club grade 2-5 Thu 4-5p. Info 307-856-3556, fclsonline.org.

Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9a-5p Mon-Sat, 836 Sheridan Ave. Info 307-587-3597.

Send complete information by

DUBOIS

ONGOING

Winter Farmer’s Market: Featuring local produce, baked goods and bread, dairy products, jams and jellies, herbs and salves. First and third Thu 3-6p, Nostalgia Bistro. Info 307-455-2027. THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Wyoming Health Fairs Monthly Wellness Screen/Blood Draw: 7-10a, Dubois Medical Clinic, appointments encouraged. Info 307-455-2516, whf.as.me/dubois.

MAR 2022

MONDAYS

Please send events occurring in the month of June by April 15, and July by May 15 for inclusion in the WREN. Also, be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event. Photos are always welcome.

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

Toddler Storytime: Meeteetse Library. Mondays after school - all kids grades 1 & up. Legos, board games, crafts and more. Any kid not in school. Stories songs, games, crafts and more.

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

SHELL

 214 W. Lincolnway

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Antelope Butte Ski Area: Open Monday-Friday 9:30 - 4pm. 28 Forest Service Road 244, Shell, WY. Info 307-529-1052.

Storytime: 11a, Lyman Branch Library, all ages are welcome, free. Info 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org.

APRIL 15!

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

Meeteetse Recreation District: Yoga every Monday & Wednesday at 10:30am. Info 307-899-2698, www.meetrec.org

LY M A N THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

METEETSEE

ONGOING

APRIL

 wren@

wyomingrea.org

 [307] 286-8140 Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/

wren-submissions

M O U N TA I N V I E W MONDAYS

Cub Scout: Cub Scout Pack 7798 meets at 3:45p at the Presbyterian Church on 3rd Street. We are always accepting new boys who are in 1st to 5th grades. Info MarNae at 307-677-2566. WEDNESDAYS

Storytime: 11a, Uinta County Library. Info 307-782-3161. ONGOING

Community Classes: Fitness, computer, workforce and kids’ classes are available. Valley Learning Center, times and prices vary. Info 307-782-6401, valleylearningcenter. coursestorm.com.

CLASSIFIEDS WREN CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS | CONTACT:  SHAWNA@GOLINDEN.COM

FOR SALE

WANTED

New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service& advice. Available for most makes. Thanks. 307-754-3757.

Antique Collector Looking For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs. Will pay fair market value! Also looking for general antiques for our antique shop. Please go to our website FrontierAutoMuseum.com. Located in Gillette WY, our passion is to preserve Wyoming history and the nostalgia of the past, especially Parco, Sinclair, Frontier, Husky and any car dealership along with all brands. We are also always looking for WY license plates and WY highway signs and State Park signs. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647 wandlerfrontier@gmail.com or daughter Briana Brewer 307-660-2402 bbrewer@frontierauto.net.

Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnace. Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks and more. In business for more than 76 years. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582. Wyoming Wildlife magazine 1967 – 2017, VG rare collection, $600. Call 307-760-3551.

 970-221-3232 EXT 22

We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/Gas Interests producing & non-producing. 800-733-8122. Wanted CJ or Wrangler reasonably priced. Any condition but rusted. 512-797-1664. Want to purchase minerals & other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

MISCELLANEOUS Soon Church/Government uniting, suppressing “Religious Liberty” enforcing “National Sunday Law.” Be Informed! Needing Mailing address. TSBM, PO Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540, thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com, 1-888-211-1715.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Nature’s Calendar Wolf January: Moon

Buck July: Moon

Snow February: Moon

Sturgeon August: Moon

Worm March: Moon

Harvest September: Moon

Pink April: Moon

Hunter’s October: Moon

Flower May: Moon

Beaver November: Moon

Strawberry June: Moon

Cold December: Moon

BONUS:

Extra Full Moon PUZZLE ON PAGE 25

Wills, Trusts & Probate Land Use GAY WOODHOUSE DEBORAH RODEN KATYE BROWN CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

1912 Capitol Avenue Suite 500 Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 432-9399 wrablaw.com

Blue Moon MAR 2022

ENLIGHTEN US

HOMELAND SECURITY

She never herded a sheep in her life, but

She’s always been like that –

always on guard and never willing to abide a potential threat.

she raised four humans from babies to teenagers. All four of those kids were in constant motion seemingly from birth, but she never let them out of her sight. They were her responsibility from the beginning, and she took that responsibility seriously. She was their companion and their protector. They

She likes to sleep in the office while I work. She’s almost 14 years old now – a ripe old age for a border

and her tail, hug her and kiss her. She simply bore it all with patience and stoic

collie, especially one as big as she is.

determination. She would keep them safe.

She sleeps a lot these days, probably

As they grew older, we noticed that she

a side effect of the anti-anxiety drugs. In the last months of her life, her fears sometimes get the best of her. So we give her a pill so she can rest, and she dreams. Sound asleep, her feet and legs are moving constantly. In her dreams, she still runs fast. I remember when she ran that fast. Once,

could tell when one of them was sick or sad or troubled. She’d leave her bed to go sleep by their bedroom door. If they were awake, she’d sit with her back to them, because threats come from without, not from within. She seldom looked directly at them, but she never left their side. She’d submit to being petted and

when we lived in the country north of

loved the occasional belly rub, but the

Cheyenne, she spotted a good-sized dog

job always came first. Through adolescent

coyote, all by himself. He came through

angst and teenage hormones, she stood

the neighbors’ place, doing that nose-in-

by them, and by us. She was the thin

the-air arrogant coyote trot and headed

black and white line between us and

for our back pasture. She slowly eased

whatever was out there. She never

down into the border collie crouch, head

took a day off.

flat and all four feet under her, ready to spring. She waited until he was in the tree rows so he couldn’t see her, then she was off like a surface-to-coyote missile. She judged his speed just right, and burst through the junipers within a yard or two of him. The last we saw of him, he was headed for western Nebraska

Now, the roles are reversed. She’s slow getting up, and sometimes her mind wanders. She stops for no apparent reason to look and sniff and listen with deaf ears to things that may or not be there. Now it’s our turn to protect her. We gently guide her when she gets distracted

at the speed of light.

on a walk – really more of a plod – and

She’s always been like that – always

We give her homemade dog treats. I think

on guard and never willing to abide a potential threat. Some bit of genetic information deep inside told her that it was her job to protect us. With the exception of one unfortunate chicken, not one of us has yet been eaten by a coyote. That same dutiful, faithful

BY WALT GASSON

could climb all over her, pull her ears

attitude has always been extended to the members of her family as well.

we don’t try to go very far or very fast. she appreciates that, in her stern border collie way. She knows, I think, that the end isn’t far off. But I think she knows as well that she will be safe and warm and loved when it comes. W Walt Gasson is a fourth-generation Wyoming native and the director of endorsed businesses for Trout Unlimited. MAR 2022

PRACTICE MOTOR SKILLS WITH RAINBOWS! Visual motor integration skills are needed for writing and reading. Your kids can start developing these skills with simple drawing and tracing activities. Just get out a pen – or your favorite set of rainbowcolored markers – and use the rest of this page to learn and play!

Build a Rainbow Ladder Have your kids draw a line from each colored dot on the left side so it connects to the colored dot that matches on the right side.

Connect the Rainbow's Clouds Show your kids how to follow the dotted lines to connect one side of the rainbow road to the other.

Follow the Raindrops Ask your kids about their favorite things to do when it rains, then have them trace the raindrops.

WANT



MORE?

Find fun activities to do with your kids at

wyqualitycounts.org/wren

All WY Quality Counts activities are supported by the Wyoming Early Learning Standards as well as the Domains of Development, which include: Communication

Curious Minds

Sense of Self & Relationships

Strong & Healthy Bodies

THIS MONTH’S ACTIVITY: WY Quality Counts, housed in the Department of Workforce Services, helps Wyoming parents and child care providers identify and create quality learning experiences for children, thanks to the funding of the Wyoming Legislature.

FRUIT CUTTING!