Wyoming Rural Electric News November 2021

WYOMING

NOV 2021

RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

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CODY HOTLINE SCHOOL e d u cat i o n a n d i n n ovat i o n f o r n e w a n d e x p e r i e n c e d l i n e m e n CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

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TY HUNT HAS MORE TO LEARN

#JackalopeCity

DOUGLAS Wyoming

Wyoming

Pioneer Museum

Douglas, Wyoming

Discover Historic

ocated on the Wyoming State L Fairgrounds in Douglas, the Wyoming Pioneer Museum is a must see for western history enthusiasts.

Among the collections you’ll find stories of area cowboy Wild Horse Robbins and his adventures gathering wild mustangs and an outstanding collection of American Indian artifacts. Rodeo contractor Charlie Irwin’s larger than life bib-overalls are always a favorite among children visiting the museum. Equally popular is the jackalope, created right here in Douglas, Wyoming!

400 W. Center | Call 307-358-9288, visit us online at wyoparks.wyo.gov, or find our Facebook page for hours.

FORT FETTERMAN V

isitors to Fort Fetterman — only 11 miles northwest of Douglas — are encouraged to walk the grounds where interpretive signs tell the story of the fort that was abandoned in 1882.

WWII Prisoner of War

Camp Douglas

D

uring World War II, Douglas was home to the primary prisoner of war (POW) camp for Wyoming. Construction of the camp began early in 1942; the first prisoners to arrive at the camp were 412 Italians on Aug. 28, 1943.

• Restored officers’ club • POW mural paintings • Artifacts on display • Video presentation

115 S. Riverbend, Douglas

Call 307-358-9288 for info & hours North of Douglas | Call 307-358-9288 for info & hours

Ample elbow room for safe exploring

More at ConverseCountyTourism.com

Discover Historic

2021 N O V E M B E R

ON THE COVER

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CENTERPIECE

Cody Hotline School Annual training provides education and innovation for new and experienced linemen STORY AND PHOTOS BY ILENE OLSON

Cover photo: Students Eli Roghair of High West Energy, left, and Josh Serr of Garland Light & Power practice on non-energized wires during rubber gloving class at the Cody Hotline School.

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JUST FOR FUN

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KIDS’ CORNER

FROM OUR READERS

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BOOK GIVEAWAY

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COUNTRY COOKS

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PEN TO PAPER

LITTLE LIZARDS

BISON

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUDREY HALL

ESSAY BY CHASE REYNOLDS EWALD

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PUZZLE

W YO M I N G RIVER TRIVIA

BY ALISON QUINN

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D E S S E RT

ROSEBUD GRAMPS

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CO-OP YOUTH

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H O M ETO W N H I T S

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CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

WYRULEC'S D A L LY W I L K I N S

TY HUNT HAS MORE TO LEARN

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

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ESSAYS & ANECDOTES

STATE NEWS & EVENTS

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WREA NOTES

T O VA X O R N O T T O VA X

BY SHAWN TAYLOR

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JUST PICTURE IT WAT E R

FEATURES

HOME ON THE RANGE THE LEGEND O F P L AC E

BY GINA LUTTERMAN SIGEL

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ENLIGHTEN US

MY LIFE OUT WEST

BY CAROLYN TRIBBETT

THE CURRENT COWBOY STATE BUZZ WHAT'S HAPPENING

WREA NOTES

To vax or not to vax, that is the question ... … that I am not going to touch with a 10-foot pole!

SH AW N TAY LO R

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

But I’m hoping that it got your attention because while it’s none of my business if people choose to get vaccinated or not, it is my business to look out for your best interests and your electric cooperatives.

So when President Biden issued Executive Order 14042 “Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols

To borrow a phrase from the hit show “Game of Thrones,” “Winter is coming!” Do we really want to lose workforce heading into winter? Not that the mandate is a good idea under any scenario (in my opinion) but look at what happened

for Federal Contractors,” we started asking questions.

in Texas last year with the sub-zero temperatures, frozen

This order directs executive agencies to ensure that

a whole host of other issues. Add worker shortages to that

cover contracts and contract-like instruments

scenario and we could all be in a heap of trouble.

specify that the contractor shall comply with all guidance published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. Subsequently, on Sept. 24, 2021, the task force issued guidance requiring the following workplace safety protocols for the duration of contracts entered into on or after Oct. 15, 2021: 1) COVID-19 vaccination of covered contractor

infrastructure, renewables not able to meet the demand and

Governor Mark Gordon has joined 10 other states in a lawsuit fighting back against the federal mandates. He released a statement that says, “This vaccine mandate for federal contractors is a clear example of the extreme federal overreach that Wyoming must put an end to. We are committed to defend the interests of Wyoming’s people and protect them from further federal intrusion into our lives.” The state

employees, except in limited circumstances

legislature is currently meeting in a special session to try to

where an employee is legally entitled to

pass legislation pushing back on the mandate as well and we

an accommodation; 2) Compliance by individuals, including covered contractor employees and visitors,

have been working with our delegation in Washington D.C. to make them aware of just how far reaching and potentially damaging these mandates are.

with the Guidance related to masking and

We are under a time crunch and legislation (federal or state)

physical distancing while in covered

and litigation take time, and I’m afraid that pretty soon

contractor workplaces; and 3) Designation by covered contractors of a person or persons to coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces.

cooperatives across the country are going to be faced with either breaking federal law or state law and losing critical employees needed to keep the lights and heat on, and keep our military bases at the ready.

I am tracking this vaccine debate, as are rural electric cooperatives around the country. We have a powerful voice

In a nutshell: if your cooperative has a contract

and aren’t afraid to stand up and become the voice of reason

and provides power and/or services to any federal

when an attempt to solve one problem presents many more

agency (U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service,

problems, as we may see in this case. Be assured that our

Bureau of Land Management, military facility, etc.)

priority is to deliver safe and affordable electricity no matter

every employee of that cooperative is required to

the circumstances as we get through this new phase of

get vaccinated or risk losing their job.

the COVID-19 pandemic.

ELECTRIFY + SAVE

UPGRADE TO ELECTRICITY AND SAVE Make the switch to cleaner electricity with more efficient household appliances and systems. From heat pumps to electric vehicles, these proven technologies can run your home cleanly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

HEATING & COOLING WITH HEAT PUMPS According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when paired with proper insulation, an electric heat pump can save over 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills compared to conventional HVAC systems.

POWER UP YOUR GARDENING TOOLS Electric garden tools can last longer and are emissions-free, meaning you’ll smell the scents of summer, not the smell of exhaust. Plus, with modern technology, they are just as effective as gas-powered alternatives. Just charge the battery and go!

SAVE WITH AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) Sales of light-duty electric vehicles rose by 43% in 2020. On average, EVs have a lower cost of operation over their lifespan, and buyers are taking notice.

VISIT US 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.

CO-OP YOUTH PHOTO COURTESY OF DALLY WILKINS

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DALLY WILKINS

THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 67, number 10, November 2021 (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 40,999 for 11 months ending September 2021.

WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the

HOMETOWN: Lingle

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 Kelly Etzel Douglas Alison Quinn — Design Team — Dixie Lira David Merkley Shawna Phillips

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith, President High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Michael Lerwick, Vice President

HIGH SCHOOL: Lingle-Fort Laramie YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2022 COLLEGE: Undecided MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: Agribusiness and Animal Science

Wheatland REA, Wheatland – Sandra Hranchak, Secretary/Treasurer Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker Big Horn REC, Basin – John Joyce Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees Carbon Power, Saratoga – Kenny Curry Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix High Plains Power, Riverton – Matthew Frericks Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog Niobrara, Lusk – Andy Greer Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Julie Kilty Wyrulec, Torrington – Dewey Hageman

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

Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are proud to support our youth, giving college scholarships and lineman scholarships. In addition, our co-ops sponsor high school students on the NRECA Youth Tour in June and Youth Leadership Camp in July.

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

THIS MONTH: Wyrulec nominated Dally Wilkins, who attended the Wyoming Rural Electric Association Youth Tour in June.

Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 286-8140 wren@wyomingrea.org

POSTMASTER — Send address changes to — 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

NRECA 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.

WREN: Tell us about your studies and interests.

DW: I am currently a senior at Lingle FortLaramie High School. While being a high school student I also take advantage of the dual enrollment program with Eastern Wyoming College. Other than staying busy with school and homework, I am the Torrington/Lingle FFA chapter president, Lingle Fort-Laramie High School Student Council president, a member of FBLA, Goshen County 4-H member and a member of the National Honors Society. This last summer I was also able to be a delegate of the American Legion Auxiliary of Wyoming Girls State, where I served on the senate.

In FFA, I have been successful in horse judging, agronomy and marketing plan competitions. In my spare time I enjoy riding my horse, doing ranch work and playing with my dog Trippton.

WREN: How have your hometown, family and/or friends influenced you?

DW: I can’t pick out one person that has significantly impacted me. My family has been super supportive. I feel as though God puts different people in your life to help you grow on your way to what he has planned for you. And you just have to take advantage of every opportunity you are given and prosper where you are planted.

WREN: What are your plans for the future?

DW: I am considering attending college at Casper Community College, Texas A&M University, as well as Northeastern Oklahoma Community College. I am unsure of what career path that I plan to follow, however I have experience and interest in ag business, as well as animal science. I would like to get an equine chiropractic certification to help me pay for school.

I think it would be cool to be a large animal vet, however, I’m not sure if that’s my calling. A huge thank you to Wyrulec board members and staff for allowing me the opportunity to attend the WREA Youth Tour.

This was an amazing experience!

RELIABLE ENERGY ISN’T JUST A PROMISE. IT’S PERSONAL.

Our roots here run deep. That’s why Basin Electric’s members and employees do whatever it takes to make sure you have the electricity you need to power your operation, heat your home and stay connected.

Reliable Energy for Our Way of Life.

ELLIS’ HARVEST HOME

THIS MONTH:

HOMETOWN HITS

ABOUT THE SITE: Owner Dan Ellis has been growing pumpkins for 20 years and creating corn mazes for 14 years.

While Ellis chooses the corn maze every year, visitors get to pick their own pumpkin from at least seven varieties grown on the farm.

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TYPE OF SPOT: I-25

Pumpkin patch and corn maze

WHERE YOU’LL FIND IT:

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ELLIS’ HARVEST HOME

The farm is located south of the railroad tracks, 2 miles west of Lingle along US 26.

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I-80

WYRULEC

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN ELLIS

I-90

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN ELLIS

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I-80

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I-25

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

WHY IT’S SPECIAL: Ellis’ Harvest Home lists more things to do, other than the maze and picking pumpkins: petting zoo, hay maze, corn boxes, jumping pillow, sand tires, pumpkin tether ball, Wyoming vs Nebraska cornhole, pedal tractors, swing set, visit the café and eat caramel apples.

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NOV 2021

NOV. 1 TO

Open Enrollment is here.

Look at all your BCBSWY insurance options available in 2022.

Shop with us for a plan that may save you money. And enroll with the people you know and trust.

TOGETHER, WE’LL KEEP WYOMING STRONG.

Go to BCBSWY.com/shopping or call 1-800-851-2227.

Open Enrollment ends Jan. 15. Shop now to find a BlueSelect plan that’s right for you.

JAN. 15 SCAN TO SHOP

THE CURRENT

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

PRECorp VP awarded for community improvement Powder River Energy Corporation's Jeff Bumgarner was recognized by the Wyoming Economic Development Association as a development advocate.

PRECorp Vice President of Member Service Jeff Bumgarner helps with a raffle drawing for the Shayna Ritthaler Memorial Scholarship during the PRECorp annual meeting in Sundance in August.

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NOV 2021

The 2021 Economic Development Advocate Award was given to Bumgarner for his work as board president for Energy Capitol Economic Development in Campbell County, and much more. According to the Wyoming Economic Development Association, “the award honors those people in our communities without whom our work could not be done. These advocates for economic development are the supporters, the facilitators and the sponsors of our activities.

Bumgarner is known throughout the region for his economic development efforts and will be greatly missed upon his retirement from the board in June 2022.”

Bumgarner is vice president of member service at Powder River Energy Corporation, where he has been a key part of implementing the cooperative’s strategic vision as a supporter of economic development. Additionally, he is the executive director for the PRECorp Foundation.

Also awarded by the Wyoming Economic Development Association are Kevin Kershisnik, recipient of the 2021 Linda Hewitt Memorial Community Award and Economic Development Award, and FAST (Fremont Air Service Team) which received the 2021 Innovation Award.

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

B.

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enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise.

Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

We found a limited supply of C. turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.

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Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 Complete Set** $747

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COWBOY STATE BUZZ

BRITTNEY MONTGOMERY NAMED WYOMING'S 2022 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

“I am so excited to work with Brittney as Wyoming’s Teacher of the Year,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Her skill and passion in the classroom and as a teacher leader will represent Wyoming well. Brittany’s belief in teaching the entire child is evident—she has a positive impact on the students she teaches.

As Teacher of the Year, her influence and impact will extend to colleagues and others across the state and nation.”

FROM THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Brittney Montgomery, a first-grade teacher at Sweetwater County School District #2’s Harrison Elementary School in Green River, was named Wyoming’s 2022 Teacher of the Year during the Wyoming Education Summit.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Brittney Montgomery is Wyoming's 2022 Teacher of the Year.

Montgomery is an advocate for her students and believes in every student’s ability to grow academically and socially, setting students up for success. Montgomery uses positive reinforcement, motivates and encourages students to become lifelong learners. She teaches students to take ownership of their learning and to be advocates for themselves and their peers.

Every student Montgomery encounters is treated as if they were her own child. When school shut down, Montgomery began reading stories online to help children keep a sense of normalcy. This was quickly picked up by a local news source and “Storytime with Mrs. Montgomery” was shared with thousands of children across the country.

“One of the things when I think about Brittney as an educator is her ability to connect with kids and build relationships— it just puts her over the top,” said Steven Lake, Principal of Harrison Elementary School. “The little things set her apart. During the pandemic, Brittney’s storytime turned into something that ended up impacting students across the county. She has such positive energy that is infectious for staff and for students.”

She has such positive “energy that is infectious.”

-Steven Lake, Principal of Harrison Elementary School

Montgomery said she has a desire to help those pursuing a career in education. She works with new educators as a mentor-teacher and spends time helping college students pursuing their degree in education. Montgomery is an active member of her school leadership committee and served as secretary for the Green River Education Association.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the 2022 Wyoming Teacher of the Year,” Montgomery said. “We are blessed in Wyoming with some of the best educators in the nation and I am proud to have been nominated beside them. Congratulations to all of the 2022 District Teachers of the Year. I look forward to representing— and being an ambassador—of education in our incredible state.”

The Wyoming Teacher of the Year comes with the significant responsibility of representing the teaching profession in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Teacher of the Year acts as liaison among the teaching community, Wyoming Legislature, Wyoming Department of Education, districts and communities. In addition, the Teacher of the Year is an education ambassador to businesses, parents, service organizations, and media, as well as an education leader involved in teacher forums and education reform.

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NOV 2021

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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.

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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.

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Eli Roghair of High West Energy puts a rubber line cover on a non-energized electrical line while working from a bucket at the Cody Hotline School.

C E N T E RCENTERPIECE PIECE

C o dy

HOTLINE

SCHOOL

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ILENE OLSON

Annual training provides education and innovation for new and experienced linemen

E

Cody Hotline School is “linemen teaching linemen,” and that is what sets it apart.

lectrical lines often stop working in the worst weather and at the most inopportune moments.

Whether it’s a scorching 100 degrees outside or blowing snow at 20 below zero, dedicated linemen brave those challenging conditions to bring power back to homes and businesses, while the rest of us huddle inside.

There’s no shortcut to learning how to repair electrical lines. It takes a minimum of four years for an apprentice lineman to become a journeyman lineman. Those fourplus years are spent learning the ropes, both through studies and hands-on experience under the guidance of licensed journeyman linemen.

There is, however, an annual, intensive learning opportunity that provides an educational boost to the workers who keep power flowing through electrical lines and into our homes and businesses. It’s the Cody Hotline School, which takes place in Cody, Wyoming, for four days in August.

The annual school is sponsored by the Wyoming Rural Electric Association and the city of Cody.

For 25 years it has drawn lineworkers from Wyoming and surrounding states. While the first day of training takes place in a classroom setting, most of the course is on a special field outdoors.

The lineman training field consists of power poles strung with electrical lines and other electrical equipment, but it is not energized. That allows lineworkers to learn without getting hurt, said Gabe Torres, assistant director of the Cody Hotline School and a member of the school’s steering committee.

Torres, of Carbon Power & Light of Saratoga, oversees rubber gloving instructors and classes.

He formerly taught those classes.

“We work though the training as if it were an energized circuit,” he said.

Rubber gloving refers to wearing rubber gloves to shield your hands from electricity. It also entails wearing additional rubber protective gear as well as covering nearby electrical lines and components with rubber line hose and rubber blankets.

“Electricity is always trying to find a path to the ground.

Our job as linemen is to not become that path. You’ve got to be focused, you’ve got to be paying attention, and you’ve got to know what you’re doing,” he said.

“If you’re making contact with that line, you can’t touch it, or you become part of that circuit, and that’s where you get hurt.”

Torres said the Cody Hotline School is “linemen teaching linemen,” and that is what sets it apart.

Vendors do the teaching in most other hotline schools.

Two teams of linemen from different electric utilities around the state work together in bucket trucks during the Cody Hotline School training in August.

David Hart listens to a student’s question during a Cody Hotline School substation class at the Holiday Inn in Cody.

Building a network “By the end of the week, you can see these guys just banding together, troubleshooting how they can do it better,” he said.

Instructors provide their contact information to students, and that association proves to be a yearround benefit, he said.

“If there’s something I run into that kind of has me baffled, there’s guys I can reach out to and they’ll answer their phones in a second,” Torres said.

“Even though we work for different companies, we’re all tackling the same problems.”

The miniature owls are around 9.5 inches tall with long, gangly legs.

Setting up a metering machine at Cody Hotline School.

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NOV 2021

Two apprentice linemen practice techniques they’re learning in the beginner class at the Cody Hotline School.

KNOWLEDGE = SAFETY Instructor Cory Jensen of Powder River Energy teaches courses on electrical substations.

Substations can present many challenges, including animals—rodents, birds, snakes, raccoons, etc.—that decide to make their homes inside substations.

business. You never feel like you can master it all, but you darn sure want to have experience in a little bit of everything.”

Frosty Adams, of Wheatland Rural Electric Association, attended the Cody Hotline School for the first time in August.

“If a critter gets in there, problems start.

It can cause an electrical fire, and you’re at the mercy of that while you’re in there,” Jensen said.

“I’ve only been in the field for a year and a half,” he said. “Every day you learn something new.”

But that’s just one element of a very complicated subject, and knowledge is key to preventing injuries, Jensen said.

Adams said the hotline school is especially beneficial for someone who is new to the field.

First-step apprentices learn from beginning courses, while journeyman linemen with 30 or more years of experience expand their knowledge in areas where they don’t have as much experience.

“They all get together and chat and learn from one another,” Jensen said.

It’s definitely a career that you never stop learning.

“There’s always changes coming, and there’s so many pieces to the utility

“You can sit and talk with other people around the state and around the region about how they do things,” he said.

“It’s interesting how many ways there are to do things.”

He gave the example of a hot-sticking class, in which the instructor taught utility workers how to position themselves on a pole.

“If you move just a quarter turn it will help you do this, or do that,” he said.

“To me, it was very interesting.”

It’s definitely a career that you never stop learning ... Every day you learn something new.

Students Eli Roghair of High West Energy, left, and Josh Serr of Garland Light & Power work together from a bucket truck at the Cody Hotline School during a rubber-gloving class at the Cody Hotline School.

“After that, it was like, ‘This is what I want to do. I just enjoy this.’”

Student to instructor Jeremy Fryda, crew foreman in Pine Bluffs for High West Energy, directs the Cody Hotline School.

He first attended the school in 1997.

“As a student, I appreciated mainly the level of training you get there,” Fryda said. “The sky is the limit. If everybody is progressing, the instructors will keep finding more and exciting things to do.

You get to see how different companies do different tasks. It’s really good training.”

After eight years as a student, Fryda became an instructor.

“You get set in your ways of doing things when you’re in a place as long as I’ve been,” he said. “As an instructor, people are coming to you, asking questions.

They put your mind back in gear, and it makes you think about what you need to do. For personal growth, that was great.”

Six years ago, Fryda joined the school’s eight-member steering committee. In that capacity, he became more involved in planning how the school is run.

“It’s good to know that I might be able to have some sort of say in what’s going to happen for the future of the school. It’s just fulfilling doing the planning,” he said.

Last year, Fryda became the director of the Cody Hotline School. However, the 2020 school was canceled due to COVID-19, so this was his first year at the helm.

“I’m invested in that school,” Fryda said.

“I believe in the level of training that people get there. It’s kind of cool to see some of the younger people coming up into the trade and seeing them become journeyman linemen.”

Cody Hotline School Director Jeremy Fryda of High West Energy, left, and steering committee member Deaver Arrants, of Wyrulec, pause during outdoor training in August.

One of the people working to become a journeyman lineman is apprentice

Jason Fields of Powell, who began working for Garland Light & Power nearly four years ago. He has attended the Cody Hotline School for three years.

“I’ve taken classes there, everything from transformers and reclosures, on up to rubber gloving and a meter class. Every single class, you come away with a better knowledge and better understanding of the job you’re doing.”

In addition to the knowledge gained, the hotline school helps apprentices gain the hours required to become journeyman linemen, he said.

Fields, of Powell, said he loves his new career and “being able to provide power to people when lines go down.

“You’ve got to get that back on to make sure that person stays warm, and that person’s grandma has their oxygen machine back on,” he said.

Fields, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Powell Fire Department, recalled a time early in his career with Garland Light & Power. During a fire call, he went to a car wreck where a vehicle broke a power pole and took out power to five or six Garland customers. Once his work as an emergency responder was finished, he switched hats, then went to work at 5 a.m. to help restore electrical service to the homes that had lost power due to the crash.

“After that, it was like, ‘This is what I want to do. I just enjoy this.’” W Ilene Olson is a freelance photographer, writer and editor in Powell.

RAISING MONEY for the Burn Fund

Each year, the Cody Hotline School holds a raffle drawing for one or more valuable items to raise money for the school’s Burn Fund. Raffle ticket sales take place in advance of the hotline school, and the winning ticket is drawn during a barbecue.

The Cody Hotline School committee started the Burn Fund in 2000 to help people in Wyoming and surrounding states who have experienced a serious high voltage electrical burn and are trying to deal with the ramifications and rehabilitation of these types of injuries.

Accident victims—co-op members and non-members alike—from across the region benefit from the Burn Fund throughout the year.

The CHS committee takes requests for assistance and evaluates them on a case-by-case basis.

Gabe Torres oversees the annual barbecue and the Burn Fund raffle.

“The Burn Fund started out as just for linemen and guys in our industry that have made contact and had an electrical burn,” Torres said. Fortunately, we haven’t had to pay out too many of those.”

Now, up to 25 percent of the fund can be used to help a victim burned in a non-electrical accident.

“Last year, we donated to a family that was in a plane crash and got burned,” Torres said.

$40,000

Donated to burn victims

To date, the Cody Hotline School Burn Fund has donated over $40,000 to burn victims primarily in Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana and Colorado.

Torres also organizes the vendor show, which takes place the same night as the barbecue.

“The school’s supporting vendors are a tremendous asset,” said Twyla Barker of Niobrara Electric Association, who serves as secretary for Cody Hotline School. “They travel each year to attend this event. They donate dollars, equipment, materials and time that keeps the school successful.”

For more information about the Burn Fund, call Twyla Barker at Niobrara Electric Association at 800-322-0544 or visit codyhotlineschool.com.

WREN magazine is available online.

You can read the latest issue, or past issues at

wyomingrea.org/wren-archive

ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREA PEREZ

KIDS’ CORNER

Meet the

LITTLE WYOMING

LITTLE

LIZARDS 02

01

Picture this:

You’re playing in the sagebrush when something small suddenly darts across the path in front of you!

You head in that direction to see what it was, and there, peering around a sagebrush, is a little reptile watching you with curiosity. It has a scaly, slender body, a long tail and four legs that help it run fast across the ground. It’s a lizard! There are more than 4,700 species of lizards around the world. Nine of those species live here in Wyoming.

Ectotherms

Like all other reptiles, lizards are ectotherms, which means that they must use the environment to maintain their body temperature. In the mornings, you may find lizards standing on the open ground or on rocks, soaking in the sun. This is how lizards warm up when they are cold! When lizards get too hot, you may see them retreat into the shade or even burrow into the ground to cool down.

04

Diverse diet

All of the lizard species in Wyoming eat insects, but around the world, lizards have a diverse diet. Some lizards, like the Komodo dragon, are carnivores and eat large animals like deer. Some, like the chuckwalla, eat fruit, flowers and leaves. There is even a lizard species—the marine iguana in the Galapagos—which swims in the ocean to feed on algae!

03

Short-horned

The state reptile of Wyoming is a lizard called the greater short-horned lizard. Unlike most lizards, which have a slender body and long tail, horned lizards have a round body and short tail, making them look more like a toad than a lizard. In fact, their scientific name, Phrynosoma, means toad-bodied!

05

Detachable parts

Lizards can detach their tail from their body in order to escape from predators, but that means they are more vulnerable to predators while they wait for their tail to slowly grow back.

When you see a lizard in the wild, it is best to observe it from a distance so that you don’t frighten it!

20

NOV 2021

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HOME ON THE RANGE

This is the second story in Lutterman Sigel's three-part series about Life out West. In October she wrote “The Wild Wild West in Film and Fiction.” The December WREN will include her story, “Telling Tales of the Old West.”

The Legend of Place

BY GINA LUTTERMAN SIGEL

The legends of Wyoming are not just people, but places.

And weather. And wind ... lots of wind. Most of us joke that the wind keeps Wyoming reserved for the hearty natives, where the antelope outnumber the residents. But the culture of Wyoming is shaped by the geology, the weather and the landscape—with each part of this expansive state legendary in its own way. Just when you think you know a place, dig a little deeper and even the most traveled gems in the state will blow you away. Pun intended.

Refuge When we needed a family getaway last summer, having most of our travel plans thwarted by COVID-19, we got in the car and went to Jackson. When many people think of Wyoming, they think of Yellowstone.

But look beyond that and you will find the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which encompasses Bridger-Teton National Forest, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states. The forest's namesake, Jim 22

NOV 2021

Bridger, was also a person of legend.

When he was a child, he moved from Virginia to Missouri, where his entire family died before he was even a teenager. He became a blacksmith's apprentice and at age 18, continued his trek out West. A trapper and then later a guide, his legacy dots the state, from Fort Bridger to Bridger Pass. But the most significant testament to his contributions is the third-largest national forest outside of Alaska, nestled between five mountain ranges and boasting over 3.4 million acres. The BridgerTeton National Forest borders some of the most visited and wildest parts in all of Wyoming, if not the entire country. Here you will find Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge and three nationally designated wilderness areas: Bridger Wilderness, the Gros Ventre Wilderness and the Teton Wilderness. The forest boasts six species of amphibians and reptiles each, 74 species of mammals, 355 species of birds and 25 species of fish, according to the U.S. Forest Service. I think we saw about 15.

The kids weren't as enamored with hiking as their mama.

Pahá sápa For me, the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains will always have a little piece of my heart, having grown up there during my early elementary years. My family explored this area when I was younger and I hope to do the same with my own children. Situated on the northeastern edge of our state, the Black Hills National Forest is literally translated as “pahá sápa,” which means "hills that are black" in Lakota, perhaps because of the dense pine trees.

The Lakota, Cheyenne, Cree, Blackfeet and other plains tribes have numerous sacred sites that influence the legends of the area. Inyan Kara Mountain, which translates from Lakota as the "rock gatherer," was a sacred site for women during childbirth.

Devil's Tower, or Mato Tipila in Lakota, means "bear lodge," and both Lakota Sioux and Kiowa tribal folklore include a story of young girls who narrowly escaped the dangerous bears by way of divine intervention; the mythical rising tower still features the claw marks in the rock. These incredible features surround the area of Sundance, named after the sacred tribal ceremony

celebrated in the area. Legendary figures in these parts include Sitting Bull, Lakota Holy Man Black Elk and explorers including the Verendrye brothers, not to mention the notorious outlaw, Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, who was nicknamed the Sundance Kid after being housed in the city jail.

Abundance Platte County, the banana belt for agriculture in Wyoming, and the hunting and fishing mecca of the state is also known for the Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Guernsey State Park and Glendo State Park, where we love to camp on the sandy shores. If there were one theme for this area, it could be defined by water. Named for the Platte River that French fur trappers translated from the French word "shallow" or “flat," the water is highly coveted since this resource is one of the most valuable in Wyoming.

And with this resource, reservoirs, recreation and agriculture abound.

But water isn't the only valuable resource here. A large, coal-fired power plant and mining industries have held historical and modern significance.

These plains also host some of the most epic summer thunderstorms in the state, worthy of tornados, hail and lightning to rival anything that Dorothy saw in Kansas. Whenever I'm missing my family's Midwestern roots in eastern South Dakota, I need only drive to Wheatland, Guernsey, Chugwater or Glendo for a taste of heat and humidity, a rare find in Wyoming.

Inland sea Perhaps one of the most legendary (and least explored) places in Wyoming is the Red Desert—much more than the Shirley Basin Rest Stop for weary travelers. Akin almost to the Outback of Australia, the Nature Conservancy describes it as one of the last great high-elevation deserts, where "time, wind and water have carved out colorful badlands, sandstone towers,

deep canyons and shifting sand dunes."

As an ancient, inland sea, you can imagine the exotic seafloor even now, millions of years later. More than 11,000 years ago Ute and Shoshoni tribes roamed the landscape, but it might truly be classified as "no man's land."

Primarily operated by the Bureau of Land Management, its sporadic exploration is not credited to one legendary source. In this case, the land itself is the legend.

Wyoming legends are written into the land and the culture itself. While each of the areas I have had the pleasure to explore is not to be missed, there are a million more that will take a lifetime to discover. I hope that by whetting our children's appetites, they will be hungry for more and dig in. Their generations will make their own mark, redefining even the areas we have already visited.

Despite the wind. In fact, maybe that is part of the adventure. W Originally from Laramie, Gina Lutterman Sigel draws inspiration from five generations of agriculture to tell the stories of rural living.

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NOV 2021

23

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

BISON:

Portrait of an Icon PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUDREY HALL ESSAY BY CHASE REYNOLDS EWALD EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

The American bison, Bison bison, goes by many names. To scientists and park administrators, it is bison. To many native people, it's buffalo. To the Lakota, it's Tatanka.

Technically the animals are bison, but most Americans know them as buffalo. Place names like Buffalo, New York; household items like the buffalo nickel; popular bands (Buffalo Springfield); team mascots (see the University of Colorado's Ralphie, team mascot to the Buffaloes); and western mythology (thanks, Buffalo Bill!) have resulted in buffalo being the dominant name used throughout the country.

In Yellowstone Park literature and at scientific conferences, however, it's bison.

Common wisdom indicates that the moniker buffalo was attached to the animals by Easterners and Europeans familiar with Asian water buffalo and African Cape buffalo. But some historians point to early nineteenthcentury French trappers; they believe buffalo was an evolution of boeuf, the French word for beef. The conundrum was summed up most succinctly by one rancher with a strong scientific background. When he's conducting business, it’s bison. When he suggests to his kids they go check on the herd, it’s buffalo.

ORDERING INFORMATION: 2021 | 224p. | $50.00 hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4236-5375-2 Publisher: Gibbs Smith

WIN A

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COPY SEPTEMBER'S BOOK WINNER:

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Address:

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Available to order through local booksellers or by calling the publisher at 801-544-9800.

ENTRIES DUE BY DECEMBER 15 One entry per household, please.

24

NOV 2021

 BISON

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

 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

PUZZLE

Wyoming River Trivia

3

BY ALISON QUINN

1 2

4 5

6

7

How well do you know your Wyoming rivers? Look at the rivers on the map and read the description. Can you match the location to the description and name the rivers?

IF YOU’RE UP A CREEK—SO TO SPEAK—FLOAT OVER TO PAGE 38 FOR THE ANSWER KEY.

BEAR RIVER

Is designated wild and scenic Was originally called the Spanish River but was renamed in 1824, likely due to its coloring, derived from soapstone banks along its course

GREEN RIVER

Disappears into a limestone cave and reappears downstream on an underground journey that takes two hours Rises along the western slopes of the Missouri Buttes formation Is the largest river in North America that doesn’t drain into the sea Has abundant bug life and consistent temperatures, great for trout and anglers Changes names at the Wedding of the Waters

LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER

5

NORTH PLATTE RIVER POPO AGIE RIVER SNAKE RIVER BIGHORN RIVER

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT Tyler Hunt is an apprentice lineman at Wyrulec.

line maintenance and technology program at Western Nebraska Community College in Alliance, Nebraska. That program takes about a year to complete and offers students classroom work and hands-on instruction time. Students learn everything from electrical theory to how to climb utility poles.

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

In addition to their time at the school, students also have the opportunity to complete an internship where they get to work with experienced journeyman lineman in a realworld scenario.

Apprentice lineman likes knowing he has more to learn

As the youngest member of the Wyrulec linemen crew, Tyler Hunt of Lingle knows he still has lots to learn—and that’s just how he likes it.

“People have been in this trade for 20 years, and they’re still learning new stuff all the time,” Hunt said. “It’s just so cool to see that there’s always going to be something new to learn.”

Hunt is in his second year of a four-year apprenticeship with Wyrulec, the electric cooperative based in Goshen County. He attended the power

26

NOV 2021

Hunt’s internship essentially functioned as a year-long job interview where he had the chance to prove himself as a hard worker and willing learner to his supervisors.

“During the internship I knew you could make a bad name for yourself, so I worked hard to do everything I could to make a good name for myself,” he said.

“It worked out for me because I got the job with Wyrulec.”

According to Wyrulec Operations Manager Miles Duffy, Hunt’s efforts during his internship were exactly what led to his current apprenticeship.

"The work ethic Tyler had shown during his internship led to us wanting to hire him,” Duffy said.

“In addition to that, Wyrulec finds

PHOTO COURTESY OF TYLER HUNT

value in hiring local employees with ties to the community.”

As an apprentice, Hunt’s job now finds him working alongside journeymen linemen who teach him about the work. They start each day in the linemen’s room where the line superintendent gives each crew their marching orders for the day.

“One day we could be building line,” Hunt said. “The next day we could be out line patrolling, we could be troubleshooting.

There’s a ton of different things we could be doing. It all just depends on what they need us to do for that day.”

This variety is one of the things Hunt really likes about the work.

“I didn’t want a job where I was like, ‘Ugh, I have to go to work today,’ or two years down the road I’m just sitting there doing the same thing over and over again,” he said. “I love how always-changing and alwaysevolving this industry is.”

Hunt, who got married and bought a house this year, didn’t always know he wanted to go into a career as a lineman. After he graduated from high school in 2017, he earned an associate degree in pre-nursing. However, he decided nursing wasn’t what he wanted to do after all, and a friend told him about his experience at the school in Alliance. Hunt thought it sounded interesting and decided to give it a shot, thinking if it was something he didn’t like, he could move on.

Once he started, he realized he was in the right place learning the right thing.

“I went to the school, and I really enjoyed the hands-on part about it,” he said.

He described the process of becoming a lineman as a good fit for someone who is willing to learn, is ready to do difficult work and understands that they might be called in at any time of the day or night for work.

Linemen are famous for springing into action when bad weather damages utility poles leaving co-op members without power, and Hunt has already helped clean up after a severe snowstorm.

He said they had a big storm come through in March that took out some of their line.

“They called me in because the people who were on call needed help,” he said. “We were driving all over in blizzard conditions just throwing in fuses.” He said they had a pole go down in Banner County that caused a big portion of their outage that was difficult to get to and difficult to fix.

Learning the steps involved with all that linemen do, like fixing a downed pole in the middle of a blizzard, is what Hunt said takes the most effort.

“Learning all the different processes or ways of doing things is probably the most challenging part of the job, Hunt said. “Once you understand the order of operations, the work itself isn’t too terribly hard.”

Luckily, he works with people who are willing to help him learn the ropes.

“Tyler fits in well with the Wyrulec family, and has shown himself to be a very hard worker,” said Wyrulec foreman D.J. Duffield.

And it’s this family mentality that lets Hunt know he can depend on his co-workers as he works his way from apprentice to journeyman himself.

“Any time I ask a question it is always answered,” Hunt said.

“There’s not anybody there I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking a question. That’s the thing I really like about Wyrulec.

There’s not one person who thinks I’m out on my own.

I feel like everybody’s out there to help me.” W

Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and young daughters.

NOV 2021

27

COUNTRY COOKS

DESSERT

Preheat oven to 350 with the rack in the middle. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray and flour it to prevent the cake from sticking. In a large bowl, add eggs, sugar, 2 tsp vanilla and mix until combined. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger and whisk just until incorporated.

Next add melted butter and buttermilk, whisking after each.

Fold in 3/4 cup of the cranberries and 3/4 cup white chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes OR until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and orange extract until smooth. Melt 2 tbs white chocolate chips in a microwave for about 30 seconds in 7-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and melted. Transfer melted chocolate to a Ziplock bag and snip off the corner. Spread the cream cheese frosting with a spatula all over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the 2/3 cup of dried cranberries on top. In a zigzag motion, drizzle the melted white chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, then cut and serve.

JULIE SCHLAUTMANN

BAR INGREDIENTS

3/4 CUP WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS, PLUS 2 2 EGGS TBS WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS FOR TOPPING 1 CUP SUGAR 3/4 CUP PLUS 2/3 CUP DRIED 3 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT CRANBERRIES, SOAKED IN WARM 1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR WATER FOR 20 MINUTES, THEN WELL 1/4 TSP BAKING SODA DRAINED AND TOWEL DRIED 1/2 TSP BAKING POWDER 8 OZ CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED 1/2 TO 1 TSP GROUND GINGER 1/2 CUP POWDERED SUGAR 1/2 CUP MELTED BUTTER 1/2 TSP ORANGE EXTRACT 1/2 CUP BUTTERMILK OR SOUR CREAM OR ZEST OF 1/2 ORANGE

GREAT GRANDMA ELLEN’S RAISIN SPICE BARS WITH BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING

FROSTING INGREDIENTS

CRANBERRY COFFEE CAKE

1 TSP CINNAMON 1/2 TSP CLOVES 1/2 TSP ALLSPICE 1 TSP NUTMEG 1 CUP SUGAR 1 EGG, BEATEN

1 CUP RAISINS 2 CUPS WATER 1/2 CUP BUTTER 1-1/2 CUPS FLOUR 1 TSP SODA 1/2 TSP SALT

3 TBS BUTTER 1-1/2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR

1 TBS CREAM 1 TSP VANILLA

In a large saucepan combine and simmer the raisins and water for 10 minutes. Cool slightly, then add the 1/2 cup butter, stir to combine.

Sift the next eight dry bar ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the cooled raisin mixture and combine.

Add in the beaten egg. Once mixed well, spread into greased 9x13 pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on rack. To make frosting, melt 3 tbs butter in saucepan until light golden-brown. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, cream and vanilla. Beat together and spread on cooled bars.

ANNA LAMBERT

GILLETTE

WORKDAY FAVORITE CHESS BARS 1 YELLOW CAKE MIX 3 EGGS 1 STICK OF BUTTER OR MARGARINE 1 PKG (8 OZ) CREAM CHEESE 1 BOX (16 OZ) POWDERED SUGAR

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottom of 9x13 pan and set aside.

In one bowl, take cake mix, one egg and one melted stick of butter/margarine and mix well. Press into the bottom of the pan. In separate bowl, add the cream cheese, powdered sugar and two eggs and mix with hand mixer until smooth. Pour mixture over the cake mixture in the 9x13 pan. Bake 35 minutes.

Cool completely and then cut into bars.

They will be gone in nothing flat.

GILLETTE

JENNIFER ROBERTS

FARSON

Send Sendcomplete completerecipe recipeby byMarch JANUARY 10! 15!

FEBRUARY:

GREENS WREN does not print a January issue.

28

NOV 2021

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  

A miracle was sent from the heavens a baby all dressed in blue blessing those who he crossed paths with over the years as he grew

His love for her was unimaginable something many can only dare dream a love that grew with each breath that he took and even still now for all eternity

He was someone truly unique his maker had broken the mold it was impossible not to adore him so honest, tenacious and bold

I’m sure the heavens shook the day as he made his glorious flight he always made a big entrance with a soul that shined so bright

His smile was contagious his laughter like a drug addictive and leaving you wanting more spreading happiness with one great big hug

I’ve never met anyone quite like him I probably never will my heart aches now that he is gone not sure it will ever heal

He was always last to leave and first with a helping hand he cherished all of God’s creations all creatures, the mountains and land

But I know he’s in heaven dancing with his loved ones and his friends he can finally hear the angel’s symphony and ride off into the sunset again

So many obstacles he overcame in life when punches were thrown his way then a beautiful girl took hold of his heart and rescued him from the pain

I wonder why fortune has smiled on me to be blessed with a grandpa like him maybe I will better understand someday when we are reunited in heaven again.

Gramps

PEN TO PAPER

BY KARLY HOLT

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

SUBMITTED BY RENELLA BLUEMEL

LYMAN

Rosebud LOUISE DAVIS

MOUNTAIN VIEW

My granddaughter, she's a sweet little thing Being around her, is like a breath of spring She has sunshine in her smile, wherever she goes Her hair's always fixed and she dresses just so

To be very careful, not to break them or tangle She can look and play with the beads and the bangles Playing dress up with hats and gram's dresses too She'll have memories of the past, more than a few

She brightens my life when she is around Playing in the house, she never makes a sound Asking if she can look at the crown jewels They were her great grandma’s and she knows the rules

What more can a grandma ask for today Than to have her grandchildren want to stay They can play tea party and drink out of their cups Playing with jewelry, hats and grandma's makeup

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.

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

NOV 2021

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01 02 06

03

04

01

Cormorant at Panther Pond in Wright, Vaughan Cookston, Wright

02

An early morning on Lewis Lake, James Alsop, Laramie

03

Black’s Fork ripples, Liz Watkins, Mountain View

04

The terrace, India Palato, Powell

05

The reason she’s called Crazy Woman, Margaret Smith, Buffalo

06

Geyser water, Marynell Oechsner, Powell

07

Kids discovering North Carolina waters, Ruth Zeller, Lovell

05

07

JUST PICTURE IT

THIS MONTH:

WATER

FEB (DUE JAN 15):

PROBLEM SOLVERS

08

09

08

Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River, Carol Dewey, Carlile

09

Canoeing Yellowstone Lake, Roger Barber, Wheatland

10

Fall waterfall, Maggie Heller, Lander

11

North Platte River between Pathfinder and Alcova reservoirs, James Alsop, Laramie

12

Beside the spillway, Rob McIntosh, Torrington

13

End of summer, Trudy Craft, Basin

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11 12 13

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15

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18

14

Water nursery, Carrie Miller, Laramie

15

Easter promise, Cassy Palus, Hulett

16

Fishing with a full moon, Tim Ginter, Carpenter

17

Pond at the bottom of Copper Mountain, Leonard Wempen, Riverton

18

Snowy stream in Wyoming, Lauree Scott, Gillette

19 20

21

19

Ducks and muskrat playing tag, Robin Riesland, Newcastle

20

Across the creek to greener pastures, Lauree Scott, Gillette

21

Fall beauty, Ruthell Newby, Moorcroft

22

Having fun in the water, Heather McLaughlin, Upton

23

Keyhole reservoir at sunset, Jennifer Pierson, Moorcroft

22

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.

23

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.

NOV 2021

33

WHAT’S HAPPENING

WHAT’S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

02

03

DECEMBER

01 | SOUTHEAST

03| NORTHWEST

GUERNSEY

DUBOIS

FOURTH SUNDAYS

DECEMBER 4

American Legion Riders: 2p, Crazy Tony’s Bar & Grill, info 307-575-0838.

MEDICINE BOW FOURTH TUESDAYS

04

01

Bingo: 7p, Community Hall, info 307-760-8402.

S A R AT O G A ONGOING

Saratoga Museum: Tue-Sat 10a-2p info 307-326-5511, saratoga-museum.com.

COURTESY OF RICHARD BOHLMANN

FEATURED EVENT

02 | NORTHEAST GILLETTE

DECEMBER 11

Christmas at the Farmers’ Market: 8a-5p, first 50 entrants get holiday swag bag. Santa will visit from 12-5p.

CAM-PLEX, info 307-202-2029.

DECEMBER 11

RICHARD BOHLMANN ART RAFFLE DRAWING DECEMBER 20 An original painting by local artist Richard Bohlmann will be raffled to benefit the Clearmont Historical Center for research and preservation of local history.

Center open Thu 2-4p Sep-May. CLEARMONT Info 307-758-4685 clearmonthistory@gmail.com NORTHEAST 34

NOV 2021

Christmas Crafts Family Day: Children ages preschool through 12 are invited to attend with a parent or grandparent to create holiday projects just in time for Christmas. 10a-12p, Rockpile Museum, info 307-682-5723, rockpilemuseum.com.

NEWCASTLE

DECEMBER 4

Kids’ Shopping Day: Children through elementary age can shop for Christmas gifts for parents and grandparents with no money needed.

A personal shopper will also help wrap the gifts. 9a-1p, First United Methodist Church basement entrance, info 307-746-4119, Facebook.

DECEMBER 15

GiGi’s Closet: Providing free gently used clothing for the family.

9a-4p, First United Methodist Church basement entrance, info 307-746-4119, Facebook.

S U N DA N C E

DECEMBER 3

Christmas Open House: Come and enjoy a Christmas of yesteryear.

Decorations and candy contest.

4p, Crook County Museum, info 307-283-3666.

Christmas Open House: Take advantage of free admission to learn about Dubois and see newly acquired artifacts.

Refreshments provided by Friends of the Dubois Museum. Gift shop items 15% off. 11a-2p, Dubois Museum, info 307-455-2284.

DECEMBER 17

Christmas Carols: Spread Christmas cheer with an old-fashioned sing-along complete with hot cocoa and cookies. Please dress warmly as we will be singing outside under our Christmas lights. Any and all kazoos, tambourines and recorders are welcome. $3 per person, 6:30p, Dubois Museum, info 307-455-2284.

LANDER DECEMBER 18

Old-time Christmas Open House: The Pioneer Museum hosts its annual Old-time Christmas open house with Christmas music, crafts, treats, Christmas exhibits and discounts in the museum gift store. 5-7p, Pioneer Museum, free, info 307-332-3339.

R I V E RTO N DECEMBER 11

Christmas Open House: The Riverton Museum will host its annual open house and free museum day. Come by and enjoy the museum with some hot cocoa, Christmas snacks and discounts in the museum gift store. 10a-4p. Children's activity to create home built classic toys that kids can take home, 2-4p. Riverton Museum, info 307-856-2665.

ONGOING

Library activities: LEGO Club grades 3-5 meets 3:30-5p Thu, Storytime registration for the spring 2022 session begins Dec 1.

Check our website or Facebook for fun December activities. Info 307-856-3556, fclsonline.org.

04 | SOUTHWEST M O U N TA I N V I E W

SECOND WEDNESDAYS

Chamber of Commerce Community Luncheon: For business owners and individuals alike. $15/plate, noon, Mountain View Town Hall, RSVP bvchamber@bvea.net, 307-787-6378.

SUBMIT AN EVENT

Send complete information by

JANUARY 15!

Please send events occurring in the month of March by January 15 for inclusion in the February issue of WREN. WREN does not print a January issue.

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

Photos are always welcome.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

LINEMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND A GOOD PROBLEM IS STILL A PROBLEM, BUT WITH YOUR HELP, OURS CAN BE FIXED.

Due to its popularity and the generosity of our board, and increased interest in the trade, WREA’s Lineman Scholarship Fund is in danger of running out of funding.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED WHAT IT IS The WREA Lineman Scholarship Fund

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

offers grants to one or more individuals,

Over the past several years the board has awarded many scholarships, donating a total of $146,564.00 since 2015.

including recent high school graduates who

$

are interested in a career as a lineworker and plan to attend an approved regional

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

lineworker training program.

$

Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/

wren-submissions

EVENT UPDATES

DO YOU HAVE AN ONGOING EVENT? Thank you for sending us your events!

Every fall, we check to see if your ongoing event is still taking place. If you don’t see your event for two months, please resend the event to wren@wyomingrea.org or call us at 307-286-8140.

We print ongoing events every other month as space allows.

35K

$

24K 2020



CANDIDATES To be considered, applicants must submit the application form, a resumé describing

45K 2018

2019

wyomingrea.org

 214 W. Lincolnway

$

2017

 wren@

 [307] 286-8140

30K

APPRECIATION

their education and work experience, three

We appreciate your support!

letters of recommendation and a transcript

During the last few months,

of grades. If the candidate has not attended

WREA members and friends have

an educational institution in the three years

contributed to the scholarship

prior to submitting the application,

fund. Thank you for your help!

the transcript is not necessary.

Candidates must submit their scholarship

But we aren’t done yet.

application to the Wyoming Rural Electric

If you haven’t already, please

Association; they are then passed on to

consider donating to the WREA

the WREA board for consideration.

Lineman Scholarship Fund.

 DONATIONS CAN BE MADE BY:

FUNDING The scholarship's main source of funding has been a golf tournament.



Calling WREA Office Manager Robin Feezer: (307) 634-0727



Mailing a check to the WREA Office: 2312 Carey Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001

Vendors, cooperatives and others who do business with cooperatives have been solicited for donations to the fund.

It has been very successful, raising as much as $20,000 in some years.

Make check out to WREA Lineman Scholarship

ENLIGHTEN US

M Y O U T

L I F E W E S T

BY CAROLYN TRIBBETT

COOKING ON THE FARM AND RANCH

L

ife is not just composed of plowing, feeding stock, or working in the garden.

On occasion, an emergency can arise where you are placed in a position to cook the family meal.

You improvise by utilizing everything

Sometimes you might have previous experience, and on occasion no experience.

My previous experience consisted of Girl Scouts; I was trying to obtain my cooking badge. We were taught a fruit salad recipe and how to make s’mores. Those two items did not meet the standard for a family dinner on the farm/ranch. However, I did get my cooking badge.

The usual farm/ranch meal consisted of fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy. On one occasion, I observed my mother making meatloaf, before being 36

NOV 2021

There was no takeout in those days.

told to go out and play. She never had

She did wonders with those items.

a cookbook so none was available.

She went to the store once a month.

that told how to cook it on the package.

A garden helped as well.

All you can do is calm down and

The Bisquick box was the most helpful,

try your best. Keeping in mind that

for which I will be eternally grateful. The

during a family emergency the adult

information on various food products,

members have their own problems.

such as frozen peas, was also useful.

However they are hungry.

Some farm/ranch families had their main meal at noon and others at the usual dinnertime. There was no takeout in those days.

Once you have prepared the meal you hope it is tasty and prepared correctly. If it is not you will find out soon enough. That is when you decide

To begin with you have to improvise

to (1) buy a cookbook, and (2) take

with the food on hand. At age 13 driving

some cooking lessons.

to the store was not an option. However, riding my horse to the store might have been a good idea.

From then on you pay attention to what is being cooked no matter who is cooking it. If it didn’t turn out, chalk

In great-grandmother’s day she always

it up to experience, and hopefully will

had a supply of flour, sugar, shortening/

never happen again. Don’t give up:

lard, chickens and eggs in the yard.

practice makes perfect. W

m y

THE HORSE NO ONE WANTS

M

y favorite horses are all of them. As long as they have a mane and a tail.

I find each breed is similar in a lot

of ways. As if designed to perform certain tasks.

Having had a beautiful quarter horse mare who could pull a plough, run around barrels, and act as a child's pony with youngsters on her back. It was as if she could look at you, and tell your

L I F E

O U T

W E S T

They depend on us intelligent human beings for their existence. In some ways as children, and they go

through life with us. Through the good times and bad.

I taught him to open a gate. He taught himself how to turn the horse waterer on, by turning the round faucet handle.

He taught me (who has had a horse since age 12) that horses want their own time, and then they give you your time.

It was quite a relationship. He liked to kick up his heels and run. So before we went riding I let him run for awhile.

Then he would come over, as if to say

level of riding ability.

now it’s your turn.

Then one day I purchased a beautiful

I never thought of myself as a horse

mustang. As everyone knows they have been with us since the very beginning of our country. Comparable to the bald eagle. They have survived till this day, and I am not sure how at times. Hunted down and shot at for trespassing on land.

I was told they are from the Andalusian breed, and were brought to this country.

trainer or breeder. Just barely a backyard rider, with some lessons.

They depend on us intelligent human beings for their existence. In some ways as children, and they go through life with us. Through the good times and bad.

They just hope we will understand them as they try to understand us.

I purchased one beautiful 10-year-

As with people they take time. I was

old mustang gelding. This was an

told that horses can understand 150

experience. He was well broke

words of the English language, not

(previous owner) and very intelligent.

just “ride on” and “whoa.”

They do not forget; just teach a horse to open a gate, wait a year, and he remembers how to open the gate.

In the same instance, they remember bad treatment, which you try to erase with good treatment.

I bought a beautiful Morgan horse to keep Brandy company, and he taught Cedar how to open the gate. Now Cedar has taught my beautiful new horse how to open the gate.

My experience with my beautiful mustang, “Brandy,” was an exceptional one, and as with all things, patience is a virtue and rewarding.

I am writing this in memory of Sir Brandywine “Brandy,” who will be remembered forever.

A friend made a tape of me riding him, which I treasure. She named my ranch One Horse Ranch after him.

In closing, there is always room for one more. W Carolyn Tribbett lives in Thermopolis.

NOV 2021

37

PUZZLE ANSWERS

3

Wyoming River Trivia

PUZZLE ON PAGE 25

1 2

4 5

6

7 1 - Snake River: is designated wild and scenic 6 - Green River: was originally called the Spanish River but was renamed in 1824, likely due to its coloring, derived from soapstone banks along its course 4 - Popo Agie River: disappears into a limestone cave and reappears downstream on an underground journey that takes two hours 3 - Little Missouri River: rises along the western slopes of the Missouri Buttes formation 7 - Bear River: is the largest river in North America that doesn’t drain into the sea

Wills, Trusts & Probate

5 - North Platte River: has abundant bug life and consistent temperatures, great for trout and anglers 2 - Bighorn River: changes its name to Wind River at the Wedding of the Waters

Land Use GAY WOODHOUSE TARA NETHERCOTT HOLLI WELCH JEFF VAN FLEET



 

DEBORAH RODEN JOANNE SWEENEY KATYE BROWN CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

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

NOW

STREAMING LIVE TV PBS VIDEO APP

WyomingPBS.org/app 38

NOV 2021

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

 970-221-3232 EXT 22

CATEGORIES 01. EQUIPMENT 02. FOR SALE 03. HORSES 04. LIVESTOCK 05. POULTRY 06. REAL ESTATE 07. WANTED 08. CRAFTS 09. OPPORTUNITIES 10. MISCELLANEOUS 11. BUSINESS CONSULTING 12. FOR RENT 13. HELP WANTED 14. DOGS 15. EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT 16. BUILDING SUPPLIES 17. TRAVEL & RECREATION 18. HEALTH 19. PERSONAL

02 | FOR SALE

07 | WANTED

Gluten sensitive? Wyoming Heritage Grains specializes in heritage and ancient grains. Our flour is stone milled fresh to order. Home bakers, bulk, wholesale accounts available. Shipping available www.wyomingheritagegrains.com 307-271-6455 Ralston, WY

Want to purchase minerals & other oil/gas interests.

Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service & advice. Available for most makes.

Thanks. 307-754-3757.

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 75 years. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582.

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.

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.

10| 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.

20. FREE

NOV 2021

39

GET IN TOUCH WITH THEIR SENSE OF SELF BY

Practicing Gratitude Yoga is a great way to tune into your body, your mind, and your heart. As you move and breathe through these postures together for the first time, tell your kids what you are grateful for and what gratitude means to you. During the next round, ask your kids what they are thankful for. It may help to give them prompts: • • • • • •

Who do you like to play with?

What keeps you warm and dry?

What do you like to do outside?

What do you think is the yummiest food?

Who makes you feel loved?

What do you love about being you?

Gratitude Yoga Flow Repeat the sequence as many times as you want!

Adapted from Kids Yoga Stories

Child’s Pose

Hero Pose

Kneeling

Sit on your heels, slowly bring your forehead down to rest in front of your knees, rest your arms down alongside your body.

Come up to sit upright on your heels.

Come up off your heels to stand on your knees. Open your chest, look up, reach up.

Pretend to be a seed planted in the earth.

Imagine that you are the stem of a growing plant.

Pretend to be a blooming flower.

Take a few deep breaths.

Take a few deep breaths.



Take a few deep breaths.

For more fun activities to do with your kids, visit wyqualitycounts.org/wren

This month’s activity



Turkey Resist Art!

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.

All WY Quality Counts activities are supported by the Wyoming Early Learning Foundations and Guidelines, as well as the Domains of Development, which include: COMMUNICATION

SENSE OF SELF & RELATIONSHIPS

CURIOUS MINDS

STRONG & HEALTHY BODIES