Wyoming Rural Electric News May 2024

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The Energy Mix: Wind

STORY BY WREN STAFF

IT’S RELIABILITY, STUPID

Now I’m not calling anyone stupid, but rather invoking a somewhat famous quote by James Carville, a political strategist to former President Clinton during the 1992 campaign against President George H.W. Bush, when Carville told campaign workers that “It’s the economy, stupid” needed to be one of the top messages throughout the campaign. His point was that while there were many very important issues being discussed during the campaign, the economy was at the top of voters’ minds that year, and they needed to be reminded of that.

While the same could be said about this year’s presidential campaign, I would like to remind everyone that without 24/7/365 reliable power, there is no economy. I don’t know this for a fact, but I would venture to guess that a majority of Americans take for granted that when they flip the switch, turn on the irrigation systems, charge any number of electronics, open the fridge or freezer, that everything will work as planned. I could probably name at least another 100 examples of where we, as a first world country, have come to rely on reliable electricity for our daily existence.

So when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released four new regulations aimed at shutting down the nation’s coal and natural gas fired power plants, the backbone of our economy, I wanted to shout from the rooftop, “It’s reliability, stupid!” This is not about climate change or CO2 or pro or anti renewable energy, this is about supply and demand and physics.

The North American Reliability Corporation (NERC), a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid, warned in their latest report

that more than 110 gigawatts of always-available power generation, enough to power about 35 million homes, will retire through 2033. (Supply.) Meanwhile, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that power demand will reach record highs in 2024 and ’25, increasing by 2.5% and 3.2% respectively, with an estimated demand growth of 38 gigawatts by 2028; that’s the equivalent of adding another California to the grid. (Demand.) The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow, and batteries aren’t big enough. (Physics.)

There is a path forward that doesn’t include rolling blackouts and crushing our economy, and the EPA’s proposed rules are not it. There are plenty of legal and technical arguments that can and will be made against these rules but that will take time and cost millions of dollars, and in the meantime state regulators and power plant operators will have to start to figure out how to comply or to shut down always-available power plants before the end of their planned useful life.

A more apt title for my column may have been “Turn Out the Lights the Party’s Over,” but hopefully common sense will rise to the occasion and we’ll be able to keep the lights on.

SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE RANCH LAND AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

PHOTO BY ROB MCINTOSH TORRINGTON, WYOMING

I am an artist, and relatively new to Wyoming, having remarried and moved here just shy of four years ago. My watercolors now reflect what is around me in my life on a Wyoming cattle ranch.

View more art from Lyn at LynFoley.com.

LYN FOLEY BURLINGTON

Shaping the future of agriculture

Energy efficiency holds immense opportunities for farming practices, from reducing environmental impact, water usage and energy consumption to enhancing precision agriculture and post-harvesting processes. Tri-State and our members are dedicated to supporting farmers and ranchers who are reshaping the future of agriculture towards increased productivity and sustainability.

Built by and for our members, we power what matters to you. That’s the value of our cooperative family. To learn how we’re delivering on our mission, visit www.tristate.coop

THE BASE GREW TO ALMOST A THIRD THE SIZE OF ITS HOST CITY OF CASPER. MANNING THE BASE ON AN AVERAGE DAY WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 2,250 ARMY AIR FORCE PERSONNEL AND 800 CIVILIANS . THEY SERVED A CONSTANTLY FLUCTUATING CLASS BODY OF BOMBER CREWMEN. DURING PEAK TRAINING TIMES, THE CREWMEN INCREASED THE BASE POPULATION TO MORE THAN 6,000 .

Arriving at Casper typically via train, the newly assembled crews, each consisting of two pilots, a navigator, a bombardier, a radioman, a flight engineer and four gunners began a strict regimen of training. According to several personal accounts, some of the crews could not get off the base at all other than when they received a furlough to return home. Others visited Casper regularly and spent time on Casper Mountain or enjoyed hunting or fishing in the area. Comedian Bob Hope also visited the base.

Most of the soldiers who came to Casper were not from Wyoming, according to Casper artist and art historian Eric Wimmer, who researched the creation of a series of murals showing Wyoming history painted by soldiers at the enlisted men’s club on the base. “They served for a short time, and then many soldiers were stationed at another base or sent overseas to fight in the war. This became the driving inspiration behind the concept [Cpl.] Leon Tebbetts developed for painting a set of murals in the Servicemen’s Club,” Wimmer writes. “He planned to give these temporary residents a history lesson on the state of Wyoming before they left.”

In October 1943, Tebbetts and three other soldiers with art backgrounds began work on a series of 15 murals that included American Indians, travel on the trails in pioneer days and other historic subjects.

Many eligible local bachelorettes found themselves married to the airmen of the base. Kading met the man who would become her husband when she worked at the base, and she remembered that they often went on double dates and enjoyed dancing. She recalled, “The fellows … wherever they went, they liked to date and dance, and they called them the ‘G.I. Wolves’ because they were always looking for girls to dance with. The cartoonists in the newspaper would draw pictures of the men in uniform, but their faces would be wolves.”

The Women’s Army Corps (WACs) also had members stationed in Casper. Kading remembered that they had their own beauty shop and other facilities on the base. “None of ‘em [had been] out of their hometowns,” she said, “and when they got to Wyoming, the first thing that they did when they realized that they were in this western state, they had to have cowboy boots and cowboy hats, and tight trousers and everything.”

By the end of World War II, at least 16,000 crewmen trained at Casper Army Air Base. One hundred forty Casper Army Air Base aviators perished in 90 plane crashes between September 1942 and March 1945. Most of the crashes were in Wyoming, but many occurred out of state when the fliers were on longer training flights.

The Casper Army Air Base closed in 1945 when the war ended. Today, the site of the old bomber base is largely intact with 90 of the original buildings still standing, including all six of the original hangars. Visitors to the Wyoming Veterans Memorial museum in the base’s former Servicemen’s Club encounter a variety of stories: a gunnery instructor who gained his experience against the Japanese fleet during the Battle of Midway; a base commander who was known as the best machine gunner in the world; and a bomber navigator who was blown out of his B-17 and held prisoner in Germany. In addition, there are accounts of the tragedy of the Casper Mountain bomber crash as well as renowned test pilot Chuck Yeager’s recounted adventures at the base.

And visitors can still view the Servicemen’s Club murals painted by the soldiers.

Aerial view of the Casper Air Base, Sept. 1943.

A B-24 flies over the Casper Army Air Base, ca. 1944.

High West Energy Grapples with Downed Poles, Outages After Spring Storm WILD◇WIRED◇WEST

High West Energy encountered a major outage when a spring storm struck overnight April 6-7, taking down more than 600 poles and knocking out power to about 3,000 High West members. Most of the damage was in High West’s Nebraska territory east of Kimball and north and south of the town of Potter.

“The wind just ripped through,” said Jared Routh, CEO and general manager of the co-op. “It blew a lot of snow and ice onto the poles. The lines were already galloping, so the mass just took everything down.”

Footage from drone cameras showed paths of uprooted poles, twisted lines and mud. In one case, Routh said lineworkers needed to reinstall about 22 poles to get service to one member in a remote area.

Another road had 30-40 poles on the ground, “like felled dominos,” he said. Routh said backfeeds and rerouting helped to minimize outage times for many members.

Crews battled extreme mud, and initial work focused on communities south of Interstate 80, which bisects the co-op’s territory, as wet conditions north of Potter limited what the co-op could fix. “We were just getting stuck everywhere,” Routh said.

Mutual aid crews from electric cooperatives helped restore power after 70-80 mph winds damaged substantial portions of the co-op’s infrastructure: three crews from WyomingHigh Plains Power, Carbon Power & Light and Wheatland Rural Electric Association - as well as Midwest Electric Cooperative Corp. out of Grant, Nebraska.

“WE’RE VERY APPRECIATIVE TO OUR CO - OP FAMILY.” JARED ROUTH

Muddy conditions galore: Trucks were barely able to navigate through muck after an April storm passed through High West Energy’s territory.

Lineworkers replaced rows and rows of power poles following an early April storm along the Nebraska panhandle.

SOURCED FROM ORIGINAL ARTICLE BY STEVEN JOHNSON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER FOR NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION (NRECA)

2024 Applications Now Open for Wyoming Centennial Farm & Ranch

EACH YEAR, THE WYOMING CENTENNIAL FARM & RANCH PROGRAM HONORS FAMILIES WHO HAVE OWNED AND OPERATED THE SAME FARM OR RANCH FOR 100 YEARS OR MORE.

More than 260 families have been honored through the program since it was reestablished in 2006. An annual yearbook is also published that features the histories and photos of the Centennial families.

In addition, the State Historic Preservation Office and its program partners host a celebration to honor these families. Program partners include:

• Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office

• Wyoming Stock Growers Association

• Wyoming Department of Agriculture

• Wyoming Rural Electric Association

• Wyoming Business Council

• Wyoming Wool Growers Association

• Wyoming Livestock Roundup

To qualify as a Centennial Farm or Ranch in 2024, your farm or ranch must meet the following criteria:

Your family has owned and operated the farm or ranch for 100 consecutive years as of 2024.

Must be a working farm or ranch with a minimum of 160 acres.

APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND AT bit.ly/CentennialFarmRanchProgram

APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED JULY 1, 2024

Please Return Application To:

URBAN ANIMALS

LITTLE WYOMING

The phrase “Wyoming wildlife” evokes images of pronghorns bounding across the sagebrush steppe, grizzly bears lumbering through a forest and eagles soaring high over a wide open prairie. But wildlife aren’t just found in these wild places; they also live among people in towns and cities!

The Urban Environment

The urban environment is characterized by roads, traffic, buildings and human activity. Urban environments are warmer than surrounding natural habitat because roads and buildings trap heat. Cities and towns are much brighter and noisier than surrounding natural habitat. Many urban areas do not have much green space, which provides valuable shelter and resources for wildlife species. Because of the difficulties presented by the urban environment, the variety of species that live in urban areas is relatively low.

City Livin’

In general, the species that live and thrive in urban areas are relatively small and have a diverse diet. It would be difficult for a large animal like a moose to find shelter in the city, but it is much easier for small animals like squirrels! Still, the species that live in urban areas have had to adapt in order to survive this complex environment. Some species, like coyotes, are more nocturnal in urban areas than in natural areas in order to avoid cars and people. Some urban bird species have been observed singing at higher pitches than usual so they can be heard over the sound of cars and city noises. Some animals, like raccoons and mice, have even learned to use storm drains to navigate underneath roads to avoid cars.

Living in Harmony

Although the proximity of wildlife to humans in urban areas can cause conflicts, wildlife in urban areas can also provide benefits. For example, urban insects like bees and moths help us pollinate our gardens to grow food that sustains us, and urban songbirds and bats can help keep insect populations under control. It is a privilege to observe Wyoming’s wildlife, whether that’s in wild areas or from the comfort of our own homes!

Wind THE ENERGY MIX:

BY WREN STAFF

Perhaps this doesn’t need to be said, but it gets windy in Wyoming. And while your local cooperatives have yet to fully invest in wind power technology (concerns include frequency deviations and voltage fluctuations causing an unreliable grid), there is no doubt that Wyoming is becoming a place to innovate, test and harness wind energy, and to make it work for Wyoming residents.

Ongoing research, new technology and wind energy projects are making an impact on Wyoming’s energy mix. Here are a few of them.

Source:Energy.gov

Renewable Tax Credits that Affect Wyoming

The federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) allows owners and developers of wind energy facilities to claim a tax credit for every kilowatt-hour of electricity sold to an outside party for 10 years after the facility is put into service. The Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit also provides a 30% credit for new, qualified clean energy property installed between 2022 and 2032.

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a dollar-for-dollar credit for expenses invested in renewable energy properties. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) extended the ITC from 2022 through 2032.

Power Company of Wyoming Works to Launch Wind Farm in Carbon County

The Chokecherry and Sierra Madre (CCSM) Wind Energy Project is currently under construction through Power Company of Wyoming LLC (PCW). The large-scale wind farm would be located entirely in Carbon County and is projected to be completed between 2027 and 2029. It’s expected to become the largest wind farm in the United States and one of the largest in the world, according to PCW.

“It’s on a working cattle ranch that will continue to be a cattle ranch,” said Kara Choquette, director of communications and government relations for PCW, a wholly owned affiliate of The Anschutz Corporation, a privately held company based in Denver, Colorado that also owns the Overland Trail Cattle Company LLC, a 320,000-acre working ranch on

a combination of private land, state land and federal land managed by the BLM.

“This particular part of Wyoming has tremendous wind resources; the quality of the wind is superb,” Choquette said. “And we’re next to the transmission and transportation corridors in Wyoming.”

The project is an independent power model. “It’s a really, really big wind power project,” Choquette explained. It would produce about 12 million megawatt hours a year; the biggest power plant in the state. But there’s not the demand in Wyoming for all the electricity the project could produce. “So our target market is the renewable energy electricity markets of Southern California, Arizona and Nevada,” which supports the mission the Wyoming Legislature established for the Wyoming Energy Authority to diversify and expand Wyoming’s energy economy, Choquette noted.

She said a common misconception is that the wind power plant will be on the landscape “forever.”

“Wyoming, through its permitting rules for wind and solar as well, requires a county permit and a state permit. If you’re on BLM federal land like our project is, you also have to get federal authorization, and there are required bonding and reclamation and decommissioning plans,” which need to be approved by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and by the BLM.

“We have to bond for the actual cost of what it would take to

Source: University of Wyoming Working Paper “Measuring the Economic Impacts of Wind Projects in Wyoming,” June 2022 Full Report: bit.ly/UW-WindProjectsImpact

One 500 MW Wyoming wind project can contribute over in sales tax, generation tax, and property tax.

$7M annually

implement that reclamation and decommissioning plan,” she said. “So there is no potential for a wind project to be on the landscape ‘forever’ because of the way the laws and regulations are written.”

She credits the people at the State of Wyoming and the DEQ who are making sure these projects are happening responsibly, with protections for the future. “Wyoming has been very proactive because it has a comprehensive regulatory environment; it has a high energy IQ.”

During project planning, the CCSM Project went through an eight-year environmental impact statement, with additional site-specific analysis conducted by the BLM. PCW invested in researching the best Sage Grouse habitat, used the data to site their turbines, infrastructure and roads outside of core areas, “and to make sure we are trying to meet that Wyoming objective of how do you develop these projects in conjunction with conserving the habitat and the wildlife,” said Choquette.

“The BLM,” Choquette said, “is going to be a partner for the life of the project … It’s an ongoing oversight not only on construction but also operations.” She sees value in this. “The federal environmental impact statement process provides for public input and public comment and participation … We really appreciate the support of Carbon County.”

University of Wyoming’s Wind Energy Research Center (WERC)

The WERC examines the complexities associated with wind energy, including storage and transmission, conducts research in the advancement of wind turbine science and systems, and examines regulatory, economic and policy concerns to position Wyoming as a leader in renewable energy.

“We have a fair amount of wind in Wyoming, but man, it’s really concentrated where it’s distributed,” said WERC Co-Director Dr. Jonathan Naughton. “If you’re going to put up any kind of utility … you’ve got to have transmission. It’s no different for the wind plants. So most of the development has been near where there’s been transmission capacity.”

He said there are a lot of areas in the state where transmission capacity is either non-existent or it’s not full capacity. But “wind turbines don’t need high winds, they just need good winds,” and the technology of turbines keeps getting better.

“Our Center in the University is primarily focused on turbine technology and wind plants, the idea being, how do you maximize the output from a wind farm by location?” he said. Through simulations, they test how placement affects function.

It diversifies our economy to some degree, our energy economy. It makes us more resilient in the sense that, if one resource goes away, there’s another that’s going to be here. “

One challenge with wind technology today is making it more recyclable. “There are companies offering recyclable blades,” Naughton said. “About 80 percent of the turbine is recycled, it’s just the blades that are hard.”

But it’s getting better. “The industry is really putting time and effort into this.”

Naughton serves on the advisory board for Powering Up Wyoming, which aims to inform Wyomingites about the benefits of renewable energy projects, advocate for their growth in communities, and highlight opportunities for Wyoming property owners. Naughton said they advocate “for developing all the above, that we shouldn’t be focusing on one energy source, we should be developing whatever we can that’s good for the state.”

He urges Wyomingites to look at the whole wind energy picture, the economics and the impacts.“It diversifies our economy to some degree, our energy economy. It makes us more resilient in

the sense that, if one resource goes away, there’s another that’s going to be here … We’re great energy producers, not just for the state but for the nation,” he said. “I look at wind as another resource that we can develop.”

Airloom Energy Works to Develop New Wind Technology

Founded by Robert Lumley and based in Laramie for its wind density, as well as the opportunity to be near the University of Wyoming and its program researching wind technology, Airloom’s system uses a cable running in a track atop a series of tall poles arranged in an oval. Vertical blades attached to the cable intercept wind as it travels down the cable’s track. A power takeoff sits on one of the poles, connecting the system to the grid.

Just under two years ago, Airloom built a kilowatt scale prototype north of Pine Bluffs, proving the architecture produces power.

Disadvantages Advantages

Neal Rickner, Chief Executive Officer, joined Airloom to take the company to the next level. “We’re going to make that prototype bigger, into a megawatt scale pilot that will come online next year,” he said. Rickner’s previous work included an energy project at Google X which used similar physics to Airloom.

“There are other technologies being pursued that are alternative architectures to the three bladed wind turbines, but none that look quite like Airloom,” Rickner said, noting their visual signature will be low enough that, a mile or two away, you’re not going to know they are even there.

Airloom’s one megawatt pilot will be built near Laramie. “It will produce what we call in the wind industry a validated power curve,” said Rickner. “We have a wind measurement device sitting right next to our Airloom system and we know precisely how much power we produce for any sort of wind speed … It’s really the critical piece.”

After that, they will move to commercial demonstrations.

“We are focused on the utility scale market,” Rickner said. “That’s sort of our North Star.”

Airloom is “quite novel,” Naughton said, “in the sense that it requires different technology to make it work but with some real promising features.” They are tasked with overcoming a pretty established industry. “But they’ve done a great job bringing the technology along and maturing it and continue to do so.” W

Whether you’re turning the lights on in your home or keeping your livestock warm, electricity is vital to our way of life. It powers our communities and keeps us safe. We use many different fuel sources to keep electricity affordable for the cooperative family because investing in you is why we exist! AFFORDABILITY BASIN ELECTRIC

INVESTING IN POWER

Wyoming Game Fish

1. Black Bullhead

2. Bluegill

3. Channel Cat sh

fish Face-Off

BY KENDRA SPANJER

Wyoming Game Fish

1. Black Bullhead

2. Bluegill

3. Channel Cat sh

Wyoming’s selection of game fish attracts anglers from all over the world. Many of our best-known species have lookalikes, and their distinct colors and markings can be used to differentiate between them. But what if you could only identify fish species based on their subtle differences in body shape?

4. Grayling

5. Green Sun sh

6. Kokanee Salmon

7. Largemouth Bass

8. Mountain White sh

4. Grayling

5. Green Sun sh

6. Kokanee Salmon

7. Largemouth Bass

8. Mountain White sh

9. Northern Pike

10. Rainbow Trout

Sauger 12. Tiger Muskie

Walleye 14. Yellow Perch

Did you know?

Wyoming Game and Fish maintains 10 sh hatcheries and rearing stations that produce and stock trout, salmon, grayling and tiger muskie throughout the state, with the goal of enhancing shing, conserving native species, and promoting water quality and disease prevention.

9. Northern Pike

Match each fish silhouette (not to scale) to a name from the list.

10. Rainbow Trout

11. Sauger

12. Tiger Muskie

13. Walleye

14. Yellow Perch

Did you know?

WYOMING GAME FISH

Wyoming Game Fish

1. Black Bullhead

1. Black Bullhead

2. Bluegill

2. Bluegill

3. Channel Cat sh

3. Channel Catfish

4. Grayling

4. Grayling

5. Green Sunfish

5. Green Sun sh

Wyoming Game and Fish maintains 10 sh hatcheries and rearing stations that produce and stock trout, salmon, grayling and tiger muskie throughout the state, with the goal of enhancing shing, conserving native species, and promoting water quality and disease prevention.

6. Kokanee Salmon

6. Kokanee Salmon

Wyoming’s walleye, bass, cat sh and bluegill are obtained for stocking by trading trout eggs with other https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Fish-Hatchery-Information

7. Largemouth Bass

7. Largemouth Bass

8. Mountain Whitefish

8. Mountain White sh

9. Northern Pike

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Fish-Hatchery-Information

9. Northern Pike

Wyoming’s walleye, bass, cat sh and bluegill are obtained for stocking by trading trout eggs with other wildlife agencies. Learn more at:

10. Rainbow Trout

10. Rainbow Trout

11. Sauger

11. Sauger

12. Tiger Muskie

12. Tiger Muskie

13. Walleye

13. Walleye

14. Yellow Perch

14. Yellow Perch

Did you know?

DID YOU KNOW?

Wyoming Game and Fish maintains 10 sh hatcheries and rearing stations that produce and stock trout, salmon, grayling and tiger muskie throughout the state, with the goal of enhancing shing, conserving native species, and promoting water quality and disease prevention.

Wyoming Game and Fish maintains 10 fish hatcheries and rearing stations that produce and stock trout, salmon, grayling and tiger muskie throughout the state, with the goal of enhancing fishing, conserving native species, and promoting water quality and disease prevention. Wyoming’s walleye, bass, catfish and bluegill are obtained for stocking by trading trout eggs with other wildlife agencies.

Learn more at: wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/FishHatchery-Information

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Fish-Hatchery-Information

Wyoming’s walleye, bass, cat sh and bluegill are obtained for stocking by trading trout eggs with other wildlife agencies. Learn more at:

BY DR. MEGAN BEAVERS

Tipping Tipsy Pigs

It’s quite surprising the number of homes that have pigs living inside of them. Miniature and potbelly pigs as pets have been increasing in popularity over the span of my career.

Unfortunately, most of the miniature pigs I’ve seen have turned into full size swine living in the family home, usually resulting in their eviction to a local farm as bacon seeds. But for whatever reason, the pot-belly pig folks are different, and their pets are long-lived and well-loved.

A lady reached out one day to see if we could come to her house and trim her pot belly’s hooves and tusks. He was about as big as she was and it was really hard for her to get him loaded into a trailer to come in to the clinic if he wasn’t in the

mood to cooperate that day. Aptly named Jimmy Dean, he was a big white spotted and spoiled house pig with his own bed right next to the dogs’. The lady had Jimmy since he was a tiny little squealing bundle of joy and was quite obsessed with all things pig. She told me Jimmy hated having his feet touched, being restrained and strangers.

She also mentioned that she wanted to do it without sedating him. He’d been sedated so much over the years for the simple process and the last time it took him several unnerving hours to recover. Swine anesthesia is tricky on a good day, so I understood her concern. With the joys of social media, l had seen several veterinarians around the

country who advocated for just rolling the pigs on their backs for the procedure then letting them up good as gold. I figured that would be easy enough. After all, I have a crew of young and strong techs willing to have a good time.

We agreed to help with Jimmy’s pedicure and headed to her house the next day.

We were greeted by a tiny and peppy brunette, wearing pig-covered clothes in her yard littered with pig themed

decorations, and escorted into her house surrounded by pig puns and more decorations. Surprisingly the house was well kept. She took us to the back yard where, already suspicious and standing in the far corner, was Jimmy.

With our completed plan of attack, we surrounded the unsuspecting hog, and in a mildly coordinated ballet of hands and hooves everyone flipped a screaming Jimmy on his back like a stranded turtle. He proceeded to cuss us in his native tongue as we did everything we needed to. When we were done, we flipped him back over and his owner rewarded him with a can of pears. She was so excited. A brief inconvenience and he was back to normal. She offered us some snacks and we were on our way.

The next spring it was time to touch up Jimmy. Again, we arrived prepared to flip the pig and be done. But pigs are so smart, and Jimmy was no exception. It was as though he spent the winter rehearsing his aversion maneuvers. This attempt had us sweating and at one point riding Jimmy around the yard until we finally got him corralled and on his back. He called us a lot of bad names that day as well, but we were able to complete our tasks. Our third meeting was similar and a tad more difficult; still, we won. However, we all decided he knew why we were there at that point and we needed a new strategy to calm him.

The answer: alcohol! Jimmy’s owner spent the next several months offering him an array of beers and spirits to find his favorite (taste testing only). When it came time for his trims again, his owner fed him a nice pail of apples soaked in apple beer before we arrived. This time Jimmy could care less that we walked through the door. He was a happy drunk. Flipping him was easy, no screaming, and when done, he rolled up and staggered off to enjoy his pears.

Alcohol takes the edge off just enough to accomplish a lot of minor things in pigs, but by all means not a replacement for anesthesia or pain control; especially in times that a painful procedure is required.

Jimmy likes whiskey-soaked fruit and some malt beers. His owner offers him a taste randomly every few weeks so

he hasn’t learned that alcohol means we are coming and prevents him from getting suspicious. I’m sure at some point that won’t work for the spotted fellow, but for now tipping the tipsy pig is working for all parties involved. W

Dr. Megan Beavers is a veterinarian in Farson and Green River.

Famous Garden Spot Dance Pavilion & the Big Band Era ~ Ghost Towns ~ Pioneer Ranches ~ Tie Hacks

FRUIT

MINI BRIE AND APPLE QUICHES

30 MINI PHYLLO SHELLS

1/2 MEDIUM GRANNY SMITH APPLE, PEELED AND DICED

5 LARGE EGGS

1 TSP DIJON MUSTARD

1/4 TSP SALT PINCH OF PEPPER PINCH OF NUTMEG

4 OZ BRIE, CUT INTO 30 SQUARES

Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange phyllo shells on a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Divide apple among the shells. Whisk eggs, mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg in a large measuring cup. Pour the egg mixture over the apple (do not overfill). Place a piece of a Brie square in each shell. Bake until the egg is set, the Brie is melted and the phyllo is starting to brown around the edges, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

WREN STAFF

ROSÉ SANGRIA BLUEBERRY CREAM POPSICLES

2 1/2 CUPS MIXED RED AND PINK FRUIT SUCH AS RASPBERRIES, HALVED STRAWBERRIES AND RED GRAPES, PEELED PINK GRAPEFRUIT, POMEGRANATE SEEDS

2 TBS GRANULATED SUGAR

1/2 CUP TRIPLE SEC

2 BOTTLES ROSÉ WINE, CHILLED

1 CUP POMEGRANATE JUICE, CHILLED

Combine fruit, sugar and triple sec in a pitcher and stir; let rest in the refrigerator until fruit softens and absorbs flavors, 4-8 hours. Add wine and pomegranate juice; stir to combine. Serve over ice in wine glasses.

WREN STAFF

2 CUPS FRESH OR FROZEN BLUEBERRIES

1 TBS FRESH LEMON JUICE

1 TBS GRANULATED SUGAR

1/4 TSP FINE SEA SALT

1/2 CUP SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

1 CUP HEAVY CREAM

1/4 CUP PLAIN YOGURT

1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT

Also requires a popsicle mold and popsicle sticks.

Toss blueberries, lemon juice, sugar and salt in medium pot. Cook over medium heat until berries burst and the mixture is juicy, 4-5 minutes. (Additional 3ish minutes of cook time if using frozen, unthawed berries.)

Transfer mixture to a food processor/blender and let cool, then purée until mostly smooth, about 1 minute. Add sweetened condensed milk and blend until combined. Add heavy cream and process until well combined and slightly thicker, 1-2 minutes. Add the yogurt and vanilla and blend until fully incorporated. Divide the mixture between popsicle molds. Press a popsicle stick into the center of each and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours.

WREN STAFF

How a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can change your life

Remember when…

Think about the things you loved to do that are dif cult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep?

As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from enjoying life.

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He was not just a cowboy; he was a cattleman.

BY MAGGIE YORK

Any time someone talks about the Hoodoo Ranch in Cody, they say “George Brown” in the same sentence. At least that’s what his family and good friends say about him.

George E. Brown was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2024 after being nominated by his past cow foreman Billy Johnsey. Although George passed away in 2003, his memory lives on.

“In working for George for 30 years he always taught me to ‘listen’ to what you are hearing and see what you are looking at; and always know what the answer is going to be before you ask a question,” Johnsey said.

George’s family first came to Wyoming in the late 1800s when his grandfather, George Merrill, served as general manager and part owner of the Rocky Mountain Cattle Company until it was disbanded in 1908. Merrill ended up with holdings on Owl Creek 25 miles west of Thermopolis.

While George and his parents moved to Oregon, he soon found love and appreciation for the cowboy lifestyle by spending his early years and summer vacations on his grandmother’s ranch on

Owl Creek, where he was schooled in the business of cattle from a young age.

By the age of 8, George came to Wyoming and lived full time on his grandmother’s ranch to pursue his dreams as a cowboy. He quickly built a reputation for being able to ride a horse with the best of them, but even more importantly had a keen sense of managing livestock.

“He was smart, strong and quick to learn that riding bucking horses at local rodeos was not the kind of cowboy he really wanted to be,” Johnsey explained.

George went on to marry Donna Lee (Anthony) on December 27, 1951, bought a ranch from one of his aunts and moved to Owl Creek. They had three children, Don, Mamie and Mary. Donna passed away in 2021.

Later, when the manager for the Hoodoo Ranch, which is located between Cody and Yellowstone National Park, became ill and could no longer run the ranch, he talked the owner H. L. Hunt from Dallas, Texas into offering the job to George, but George did not want to leave Owl Creek. After some difficult and contentious meetings between George and H.L. Hunt, George agreed to manage the Hoodoo with the condition that he would have full authority over day-to-day management of the ranch and be able to run it as if it were his own ranch. In 1967, George assumed responsibility for the Hoodoo, where he stayed for 43 years.

“That was always his dream was to own his own ranch,” Johnsey said. “He ran that one like it was his own.”

Johnsey started working for George at the Hoodoo Ranch when he was 13 as a lawn boy, and over time moved up through the ranks.

“George was kind of like a second father to me. I don’t know why but he kind of took me under his wing. Taught me a lot of stuff about the cow business and

The Brown Family in 1960.

horses,” he said. “I’d go to bull sales with him and go buy horses with him. He didn’t do that with just everybody. I don’t know why he chose me to. I just learned a lot from him. And then I’d work around other people and I’m going, ‘Man, you could learn a few things from George about cattle.’”

George soon became known for his instinct for raising good, profitable cattle without “fancy machinery or technology.” While managing the Hoodoo Ranch, Hunt convinced Brown to raise a new breed of French Charolais cattle and George quickly succeeded in starting Charolais in the Big Horn Basin through sorting out cows that couldn’t adjust to the terrain or produce a profitable calf. The base herd is still used today and the Pure-Bred herd of Charolais he developed were internationally recognized and awarded at numerous trade shows.

his Owl Creek ranch in 1989, to concentrate his full efforts to Hunt Oil & Cody.

Johnsey said one thing he always remembers George saying was “‘Move slow around cattle and work will go faster.’ Georgie knew his cattle.”

George never really quit being a cowboy, even as he slowed down after working as one for 72 years. His daughter Mary (Marvin) Haugen recalls, “He said ‘You know, if I was going to live a few more years…’ he wanted to start a new cattle breed.”

“No matter where you went, most people knew him and his reputation,” Haugen said.

As Johnsey expressed in his nomination, “George Brown’s life and the changes he brought to the cattle industry truly embody Wyoming and its values. He was not just a cowboy; he was a cattleman.” W

George was also active in the community and ranching organizations. He was a member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association for 50 years. In the Cody community he served on the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (currently the Buffalo Bill Center of the West) for 23 years, and on the Board of Directors of Shoshone Bank for 28 years.

He rode horses into his mid 70s he had at least 62 years in the saddle, usually in the alley pushing cattle into the chute or sorting. “When cowboys complained about the horses he had just purchased for them that they were too rank to ride, he would top off the horses himself, then hand the reins back,” Johnsey said.

His management style was always by example.

“He taught me a good work ethic, that’s for sure,” Johnsey said. “Even though he was the manager and president of all these boards … he wasn’t afraid to get dirty. He wouldn’t ask me to do something if he wouldn’t do it himself.

“If he asked you to do it there was a purpose for it and he would do it, jump right in there and help you. He was that kind of guy.”

While George was managing the 265,000-acre Hoodoo Ranch he still had his ranch on Owl Creek, but his job at the Hoodoo remained his main objective. He finally sold

BUCKLE UP. EVERY DRIVE.

Maggie York is a sixth-generation Wyoming native. She grew up in Lander and has family roots across the state.

George Brown in 2011.

God’s Promise

Francie Hamilton, Osage

Wyoming Lights

Rindy Bryan, Gillette

Double Rainbow

Trudy Craft, Basin

Double Rainbow at the Farm

Martha Rasmussen, Burlington

Rainbow

Aiyana Miller, Laramie

Full Arch

Carrie Miller, Laramie 01 02 03 04 05 06

Cindi Olson, Newcastle

Rainbow

RAINBOW

Trailing Cattle to Pots of Gold!

Kathy Kissack, Gillette

Timed Just Right

Nikki Ganske, Gillette

Rainbow Reaching Rainbow

Sue Sanders, Hulett

Rainbow over Keyhole Reservoir

Dawn Pfeifle, Pine Haven

After the Storm Near Lingle

Rob McIntosh, Torrington

God Set His Bow in the Cloud

Shane Greet, Kaycee

Rainbow In Spring

Melody Posey-Harris, Saratoga

The Big Horns in Color

Carrinne Jones, Otto

Wyoming Recycling Katy Neves, Otto

In the T-Cross Tina Fish, Aladdin

Rainbow Over Upton Andy Liska, Upton

Wind Blown Rainbow

Jerry Thompson, Powell

Mini but Mighty Martha Ralston, Encampment

God’s Promise

Heather McLaughlin, Upton

Railroad Rainbow Andre’ Nolt, Rozet

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FEATURED EVENT

JUNE 21

Taste of Wright

 - 5-9pm

 - Southern Campbell County AG Building

$ - Paid Admission

JUNE 22

Kids Games/Corn Hole & Cotton Candy

 - 11am

 - Gibson Park Library

$ - Free

Demolition Derby

 - 2-6pm

 - Behind Town Shop

$ - Paid Admission

JBR Superbull Bull Riding for all ages

 - 7-9pm

 - AG Complex

$ - Paid Admission

JUNE 23

Poker Run

 - 3-7pm

 - Community Center

$ - Donation Appreciated

Community Dinner

 - 5-7pm

 - Eric Barlow’s Petting Zoo

$ - Donation Appreciated

Info: Gail Dunkle, 307-920-8550, wca@collinscom.net

For more information and a list of all events, visit: bit.ly/WrightDays24

01 | SOUTHEAST

CENTENNIAL

THURSDAY-MONDAY

Nici Self Historical Museum: 12-4pm. Explore museum grounds and exhibits. Free. Info: niciselfmuseum.com.

CHEYENNE

JUNE 7 / JUNE 21 / JUNE 28 / JULY 12 / AUGUST 23 / SEPTEMBER 6

Hell on Wheels Rodeo and Chuck Wagon Dinner: 5-7pm. Laramie County Fair Rodeo Arena. Doors open at 5, dinner at 5:30, rodeo at 7pm. Features an open rodeo format so anyone can pay the entry fee and compete in nine different rodeo events. Entry closes the Monday before each rodeo. VIP Ticket $80, Youth VIP $70, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Rodeo Ticket $60, Youth Chuck Wagon and Rodeo Ticket $55, Rodeo Only Ticket $25, Youth Rodeo Only Ticket $20. Info: Jim Walter, 307-772-7250, jim@cheyenne.org, cheyenne.org.

CHUGWATER

THURSDAYS

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

ENCAMPMENT

JUNE 15

Woodchopper Jamboree & Rodeo: 10am. $10 per day. Pancake breakfast, parade, woodchopping events and rodeo. Info: Ron Harvey, 307-327-5429 or Jerry Kraft, 307-327-5374.

TUESDAYS-SATURDAYS

Grand Encampment Museum: 10am-4pm. Main Gallery and GEM store open. Info: 307-327-5308.

HAWK SPRINGS

JUNE 12

Annual Community Hamburger Fries: 5-7pm. We will be serving grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade salads, desserts and drinks. The Torrington fiddlers will be playing for the event. Adults $7, children 3-12 $3, children under 3 free. Non-profit event; all proceeds go back into maintaining the building throughout the year. Info: 308-641-9578.

LA GRANGE

JUNE 22

Mini Fair: 7am. Breakfast, 5-K, pet parade, parade, bike and foot races, lunch, gymkhana, bingo, games, supper and match bronc riding. Info: Scott Yetter, 307-575-2478 or Marlo Ward, 307-575-0768.

MEDICINE BOW

ONGOING

Museum and Gift Shop: Open 8:30am-4:30pm. 405 Lincoln Highway. Info: 307-379-2383.

SARATOGA

JUNE 22

Carbon Power & Light, Inc. Annual Business Meeting: 10:30am. Platte Valley Community Center. Free. Info: Valerie Remick, 307-326-5206.

02 | NORTHEAST

BUFFALO

THURSDAYS

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

CLEARMONT

JULY-AUGUST

Clearmont Historical Center: Open 10am-4pm. Wed, Fri, Sat. Info: 307-758-4685, clearmonthistory@gmail.com.

GILLETTE

THROUGH DECEMBER 2024

Hurrah for the Cowboy: Men of the Open Range: Campbell County Rockpile Museum. The traveling exhibit includes vintage engravings (1867-1911) depicting the North American cowboy – the most romanticized figure in American history – as seen by contemporary artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Maynard Dixon and many other notable artists. Curated by Lee Silliman, Hurrah for the Cowboy has appeared in museums across Montana, Colorado and Wyoming. Info: 307-682-5723, RockpileMuseum.com or facebook.com/RockpileMuseum.

ONGOING

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

HULETT

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Senior Exercise Class: 9-10am. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5743.

TUESDAYS (JUNE ONLY)

Summer Program: 1pm. Hulett Library. For kids ages 6-11. Info: 307-467-5676.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: 9am-5pm. Free. Info: 307-467-5292.

MOORCROFT

WEDNESDAYS

Moorcroft Branch Library Activities: 10am storytime, 4pm afterschool craft, 7pm AA meetings. Please use the downstairs entrance. Info: 307-756-3232.

THIRD THURSDAY OF MONTH

Adult Book Club: 1pm. Moorcroft Branch Library. New book each month. Stop by the library for your copy. Info: 307-756-3232.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

West Texas Trail Museum: 9am-5pm. Info: 307-756-9300.

NEWCASTLE

JUNE 9

Historic Fashion Review: 2-4pm. Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center. Tickets: $10 adult, $6 children, 6 years and under free. Info: Cindy, Weston County Museum District, 307-746-4188, wcmd@rtconnect.net.

THIRD SATURDAYS

Weston County Democrats: 4pm. Weston County Library. Info: 307-941-1822.

FRIDAYS

Bingo: 7:30pm. VFW Hall. Free.

SECOND AND FOURTH

WEDNESDAYS

Gigi’s Closet: 9am-1:30pm. First United Methodist Church. Gently loved clothing available for babies to adults. Info: 307-746-4119.

SHERIDAN

SATURDAYS

Landon’s Farmer’s Market: 10am. Landon’s Greenhouse, 505 College Meadows Dr. Info: 307-672-8340.

SUNDANCE

WEDNESDAYS

Storytime: 10:30am. Crook County Public Library. Info: Tonia, 307-283-1008.

UPTON

JUNE 29

Living History Days: 10am-4pm. Red Onion Museum. Free. Featuring Platte Bridge Company. Info: Cindy, Weston County Museum District, 307-746-4188, wcmd@rtconnect.net.

FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Bingo at Senior Center: 6:30pm. $10 for 10 cards. Info: 307-468-9262.

03 | NORTHWEST

BASIN

THURSDAYS (JUNE 20-JULY 25)

Entertainment in the Park: 7pm. Washington Park. Info: Carmen Olson, 307-899-0446.

CODY

JUNE 22

13th annual PEAKS to Conga: This fully supported bicycle ride and fundraiser starts in Cody and ends in Shell with the “Shellebration.’’ Includes music, food vendors, silent auction, beer tent and more family friendly fun. All proceeds benefit cancer patients in the Big Horn Basin area. Info: peakstoconga.org.

MONDAY-SATURDAY

Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9am-5pm. 836 Sheridan Ave. Info: 307-587-3597.

DUBOIS

JUNE 12-28

Summer Reading: 11am. Dubois Branch Library. Free. Sign-ups begin June 1.

JUNE 22

Kids Corner: Badlands Trek: 9am. Dubois Museum. Part of the Bailey Tire & Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series. Come stretch your legs and join us as we do a short trek into Mason Draw. Be sure to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a cap, a jacket and bug spray. Parental supervision and advanced registration required. $3 per child.

FRIDAYS

Family Story Time: 11:30am. Dubois Branch Library. Free. Songs, stories and crafts for ages birth to 5 years. Older siblings are welcome to join the fun. Stay and play in the Children’s Library after story time. Info: 307-455-2992.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Wyoming Health Fairs Monthly Wellness Screen/Blood Draw: 7:30-10am. Dubois Medical Clinic. Appointments encouraged. Info: 307-455-2516, whf.as.me/dubois.

FRIDAYS

Story Time: 11:30am. Dubois Branch Library, 202 N First St. Free. Stretches, story, songs, crafts and fun! Ages birth to 5 years. Info: 307-455-2992.

FORT WASHAKIE

JUNE 21-23

64th Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow: Wyoming’s largest three-day powwow. Free and open to the public. Talented dancers and drummers, Indigenous heritage, sounds, food, family and a must-see arts and crafts vendor space. Vendor info: Rachel Ynostrosa, 307-349-3490, rachelynostrosa@gmail.com. General info: esecommittee@mail.com.

GREYBULL

JUNE 6-9

Days of 49’: Tug-O-War, rodeo, street dance, car show and more! Info: townofgreybull.com/visit-greybull.

SECOND SATURDAYS

Greybull Ladies Coffee: Greybull Library. Info: 307-765-2100.

JACKSON

JUNE 27-AUGUST 17

Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF): Tickets to all of GTMF’s 63rd season programs are on sale now, including the world premiere of a GTMF co-commission, family and community presentations, Musical Adventures, On the Road, Free Family Concert and FamilyJam, pre-concert talks and open rehearsals, and the Coombs Outdoors Partnership. Info: 307-733-1128, gtmf.org.

LANDER

JUNE 7-8

Lander Brewfest: June 7 from 5-9pm, June 8 from 2-9pm. Pioneer Museum. With more than 80 beers, ciders and seltzers from over 30 craft breweries, there are beverages to suit every taste! Referred to as Lander’s unofficial kickoff to summer, it wouldn’t be so without live music, great food and great brew! Hosted by the Lander Chamber of Commerce and presented by Fremont Toyota and other sponsoring organizations. Tickets available through the Chamber.

JUNE 15

Pacific Springs/Oregon Trail: 10am-1pm. The Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series invites you to join Craig Bromley as we visit the famous Oregon Trail near South Pass. During our trek we will learn the significance of this particular site along the trail and its historical significance to Native Americans, Mountain and Emigrants who stopped here on their journeys west. $15 per person, reservations required, limit 25 people. Info 307-332-3339.

JUNE 20

Geology for our Rock Hounds: 6:30pm. Pioneer Museum. Lander has a long history of people coming to the area to search for rocks and see geological wonders. Join us for an evening as Jan Earle, PhD, tells us more about our landscape in this Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series program. Free and open to the public.

JUNE 29

Geology of Johnny Behind the Rocks: 10am. Pioneer Museum. Explore the badlands south of Lander for a Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek to Johnny Behind the Rocks with Stan Grove to learn about the ridges, draws, cliffs and views of the Wind River Range from the popular hiking area. About one mile of trail walking with some elevation gain. $15 per person, 25 person limit, reservations required.

WEDNESDAYS (JUNE 19-AUGUST 28)

Eagle Spirit Dancers: 7pm. Pioneer Museum. This dazzling event showcases Native American History and Culture. Free. Open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated.

SATURDAYS

Acoustic Music Jam: 11am-1pm. Lander Bake Shop. Info: 307-332-3237.

ONGOING

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

RIVERTON

JUNE 5

David Miller- Gas Hills Uranium District: 6-7pm. Riverton Museum. Hosting Stan Grove for this Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Series. Geologist David Miller will be presenting his talk on the Gas Hills Uranium District southeast of Riverton, first discovered by Neil and Maxine McNeice in 1953 called “Discovery Hill.” David will talk about the expansive history, varying companies, and what the uranium industry meant for Riverton, Fremont County, and Wyoming as a whole. Don’t miss this fascinating talk. Free and open to the public. Info: 307-856-2665.

JUNE 8

Castle Gardens Adventure Trek: 9am-2pm. Riverton Museum. Craig Bromley hosts this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series program. Visit the petroglyphs at Castle Gardens and learn about the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to preserve them. This trek requires a considerable amount of walking so please dress accordingly. Participants should meet at the Riverton Museum and we will drive as a group to Castle Gardens. There will not be a bus provided. Everyone is responsible for bringing their own sack lunch and water. $10 per person. Reservations required. Info: 307-856-2665.

JUNE 12

Allan Maybee and Roger Melton 2001 Jet Ski Expedition: 6-7:30pm. Riverton Museum. Historians Allan Maybee and Roger Melton host this Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speaker Series and will be presenting on their record breaking 2001 expedition where they traveled 5,100 miles from New Orleans to the Pacific Ocean on their Genesis I jet ski, following the route taken by Lewis and Clark’s expedition at the start of the nineteenth century. Free and open to the public. Info: 307-856-2665.

JUNE 19

Buffalo Bill Center of the West: Draper Museum Raptor Experience: 11am-Noon. Riverton Museum. This event hosted through the Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series will bring a Red-tailed Hawk for an educational program outside. There will also be an obstacle course set up to demonstrate the dangerous journey that birds face during migration. Free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Info: 307-856-2665.

JUNE 26

Ross Goff Lost Cabin Gas Plant Talk: 6-7pm. Riverton Museum. Ross Goff hosts this Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speaker Series. Ross works as the superintendent of the Gas Plant in Lost Cabin and will be giving a talk about the past and current operations in the Lysite area. He will present a general history of gas and the wells put in since the 1950s and will be answering questions about the area. Free and open to the public. Info: 307-856-2665.

WEDNESDAYS

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

PreK Tales & Tunes: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages 3-5. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

Starlight Storytime: 5:30pm. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 5 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

THURSDAYS

Toddler Move & Groove: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 2 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

MEETEETSE

JUNE 29

Meeteetse Museums Legend Rock Tour: 9:30am and 11am. Tour the Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site with Dr. Julie Francis! Legend Rock is a 1,312 feet near-vertical cliff with more than 92 petroglyph panels and over 300 petroglyph figures. Tour is limited to two groups of 10 people. Free, pre-registration required. Registration will open to Meeteetse Museum VIP Members on April 16 at 10am and the general public April 30 at 10am. Info: 307-868-2423.

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

Yoga: 10:30am. Meeteetse Recreation District. Info: 307-899-2698, meetrec.org.

MONDAYS

Toddler Storytime: After school. Meeteetse Library. All kids grades 1+ not in school. Legos, board games, crafts, stories, songs and more. Info: 307-868-2248.

POWELL

JUNE 15

“Cowboy Construction” Tour at the Caroline Lockhart Ranch: Homesteader Museum in partnership with the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in anticipation for the Spark! Places of Innovation MoMS Smithsonian Exhibit sponsored by Wyoming Humanities touring throughout the state. Info: 307-548-5406, 307-754-9481.

JUNE 28-29

PHS Alumni Weekend:

Homesteader Museum. Friday open house 10am-5pm. Saturday 8am-4pm with a special presentation at 2pm. Info: 307-784-9481, homesteader@parkcouty-wy.gov.

TUESDAY-FRIDAY

Homesteader Museum: 10am-5pm. Private tours or visits available. Info: 307-754-9481, homesteader@parkcounty-wy.gov.

SATURDAYS

Homesteader Museum: 10am-2pm. Private tours or visits available. Info: 307-754-9481, homesteader@parkcounty-wy.gov.

SHOSHONI

JUNE 8-9

28th Annual Wind River Flywheeler Antique Tractor & Engine Show: Begins at 10am both days. Free. Exhibits, craft and food booths, and a barrel train for the kids. I nfo: 307-856-1164.

SUBMIT AN EVENT

THERMOPOLIS

SECOND SATURDAYS

Great Until 8!: 4-8pm. This event showcases the businesses who are staying open until 8pm or later in town. Shop after 5pm and enter in for a chance to win $100 gift certificates valid at the business with the winning receipt. Info: 917-589-7852, mainstreetthermopolis@gmail.com.

Be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event.

Photos are always welcome.

& SUBMISSIONS:

wren@ wyomingrea.org

[307] 286-8140

wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news. Send complete information for August by JUNE 15!

214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

04 | SOUTHWEST

LYMAN

THURSDAYS

Storytime: 11am. Lyman Branch Library. All ages welcome. Free. Info: 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org.

MOUNTAIN VIEW

MONDAYS

Cub Scout Pack 7798 Meeting: 3:45pm. Presbyterian Church on 3rd Street. We are always accepting new boys who are in grades 1-5. Info: MarNae, 307-677-2566.

WEDNESDAYS

Storytime: 11am. Uinta County Library. Info: 307-782-3161.

ONGOING

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

FOR SALE

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

WANTED

We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/Gas Interests producing & nonproducing. 800-733-8122.

WANTED CJ or Wrangler reasonably priced. Any condition but rusted. 800-316-5337.

Frontier Auto Museum Looking For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs.

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 neon motel or store signs, 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 relics@frontierauto.net.

MOTHER’S DAY FOR A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER

BY JERRY PAXTON

My favorite remembrance from the 1950’s in rural Wyoming took place on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Mom had taken brothers Tom and Baby Bob and headed to Worland to buy groceries. Dad was plowing a field near the house with our old John Deere tractor. It was an ancient beast that originally had steel wheels. My dad was very good at innovation and somehow, he had added functionality by converting it to rubber tires. Wayne, Alan and I were perched in our respective treehouses looking out at the world through the new growth of pale green leaves. We had constructed the treehouses out of salvaged lumber in the crotch of a very large cottonwood tree that grew in our

back yard. We built the first one close to the ground where the tree was fairly narrow and then built three more that were larger as the tree spread out. We reserved the bottom one for Tom, the next one was Alan’s, then mine, and Wayne claimed the largest and highest one that rose about 15 feet from the ground. Access to the next highest treehouse was through a trap door with leather hinges made from old bridle reins. Baby leaves filtered the light and cast a mottled green/gold pattern on our sacred space at the top of the world. Later in the summer the leaves grew into adulthood and thickened to provide relief from the blazing summer sun. We delighted in plucking the leaves, folding them in half just right and blowing in one end to make a sound that can only be described as a duck in great distress.

An old International pickup came rattling down the dusty dirt road that went by our house. Its rusted fenders complemented the faded red paint on the hood, and the blue smoke from the exhaust told the tale of many hard miles. What really piqued our interest was an old pedal organ wedged between the cab and tailgate. We watched with interest as it drew closer and bounced along the road and out of sight down a hill. An unsanctioned garbage dump was just over the hill from our place. In the 1950’s everyone had a 55-gallon drum to burn their paper trash and had chickens or pigs to eat the table scraps. Everything else went to “the dump.” The dump was a treasure chest for poor kids with an active imagination and an inherited mechanical aptitude. We made frequent trips to see what other people had

discarded that we might be able to use. We built bicycles, wagons and assorted other useful things by combining parts from broken and unwanted items.

In the distance the old John Deere strained against the two-bottom tumblebug plow as it churned up the stubble and left ribbons of brown soil behind. It made a distinctive clanking sound at the end of the field as Dad pulled the rope to trip the tumblebug plow to change the direction of the plow shears for the return pass. The pop, pop, pop of fuel exploding in the massive cast iron cylinders is a unique sound any farm kid of a certain age could identify for the rest of his/her life. The pitch of the exhaust on the ancient beast changed to a groan as the plow hit a patch of clay or frost remaining from the winter freeze. It did a perfect smoke-ring puffed from the rusty exhaust pipe jutting from the weathered hood and disappeared into the clear blue Wyoming sky. Sea Gulls followed the plow and plucked the fat juicy earthworms that emerged from the turned-up soil. The smell of freshly disturbed earth carried by a gentle spring breeze drifted over us when the wind was just right. It was a time of awakening for Mother Earth after her long winter repose. To some the crop stubble turned to brown earth was ugly, but then, the birthing of anything is a bit ugly, but oh the wonders it can produce with the help of the rain and sun!

Off in the distance we heard the rattle of the old International pickup truck as it strained up the hill on its return trip. As it limped toward the highway Wayne observed, “Hey it’s empty I think he dumped the organ.” Wayne’s astute observation brought us down from our high perches and we hit the ground running. When we arrived breathless at the dump, there was the organ sitting upright and looking like something we could only dream about. The polished oak gleamed in the early afternoon sun and its radiant beauty was almost too much for young eyes to absorb. “I wonder if it works,” inquired Wayne.

“Only one way to find out,” I replied. Wayne, being the oldest and always in charge told Alan to get down on his hands and knees and begin working the pedals. The old organ wheezed to life as Wayne and I pulled stops and tapped keys. “Well I’ll be damned,” Wayne said with some astonishment in his voice. The thought seemed to strike all three of us simultaneously. Mom loves music, and this would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Forget the hot pads woven from scraps of cloth and plaster of Paris molds of our hands we had made in school — this was the perfect gift — one Mom would never forget.

few minutes to spare. Mom inquired about the strange lump on the root cellar. We just smiled proudly and told her it was a surprise and she would have to wait until morning to find out. Dad came home for supper and asked, “What the hell is my irrigation dam doing on top of the root cellar?” We told him it was a surprise for Mom for Mother’s Day and that we would put the dam back in the old adobe shop tomorrow. He shook his head and walked into the house.

This was the perfect gift — one Mom would never forget.

We realized the logistics of moving the heavy organ up the hill to the house was going to be a problem. We decided to go home, get one of our salvaged wagons and see if we could push it up the hill. It was very important that we get it to the house before Mom got home from town. With a certain sense of urgency and complete ignorance of the magnitude of the task we set off to get the wagon. After a great deal of struggling and very little planning we got it loaded and started for home. To say that it was an arduous undertaking would be an understatement. We could only move our precious cargo a few feet at a time before wedging a rock behind the wheels while we rested. With the tenacity of the uninformed and the motivation of a wonderful surprise for our beloved mother we were finally able to wrestle our awkward cargo to the yard. Our next dilemma was where to put it to optimize the effect. We finally decided to put it on top of the root cellar where it could be properly displayed before the big reveal. To add to the suspense, we took one of dad’s canvas irrigation dams, draped it over the top and secured it with an old lariat from the barn.

Our timing was a bit close, for Mom, Tom and Baby Bob arrived home with only a

We awoke Sunday morning to the smell of bacon, eggs and pancakes being prepared on the old wood fired kitchen stove. Dad was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee thumbing through the Sears and Roebuck catalog before it was relegated to the outhouse to be used as toilet paper. “Do you want to go see your Mother’s Day present?” Wayne suggested. “That can wait until after breakfast,” Dad said absently as he continued to look at the catalog. We gulped down our food and grabbed Mom by the hand to take her outside so we could see the look on her face when we revealed our magnificent gift. Our hearts sank when we saw the large hole where the organ had sat. The extra weight on the rotting wood holding up the dirt roof of the root cellar had given way and the organ had fallen through and smashed into many pieces at the bottom of the cellar. I can still see Mom standing there in her flowered apron with her arms around us. The tears where streaming down our faces and it felt like fate had dealt us the greatest possible injustice. As I glanced at my stoic, strong willed father I swear I even saw the glint of a tear in his eyes. Through the lump in her throat Mom managed to murmur, “It’s okay boys, it’s the thought that counts.” W

Jerry Paxton is a 5th generation Wyomingite and graduate of Manderson/Hyattville High School. He served as a Military Policeman in the U.S. Army and taught agriculture in Encampment for 27 years. After retiring from the school district, he served as Carbon County Commissioner for six years, was elected to the Wyoming State Legislature, and served House District 47 for the next 10 years.

SUN PRINTEXPERIMENT:

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Go outside with your kids. Pick a sunny spot and lay out the construction paper.

Arrange coins in shapes, in patterns, or randomly scatter them on the paper.

Now wait! Let the sun shine on the paper for a couple of hours.

Remove the coins and observe what happened to the paper.

REsults:

The sun will have faded the color of the construction paper. You can tell because the paper will still be the original, darker color where the coins were, leaving the pattern your kids created with the coins.

Why did this happen? The coins blocked the sun’s UV rays, which protected the paper!