STORY BY GAYLE M. IRWIN
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
I hate to sound like a broken record, and I know I’ve written about this in the past, but according to an artificial intelligence website you need to hear something seven times before it moves from the short-term memory to long-term. So, I’m asking anyone and everyone reading my column this month to please go to voicesforcooperativepower.com and sign up to become part of Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives grassroots army.
Speaking of artificial intelligence, or AI, this is one of the reasons we need your help. On page nine of this month’s WREN there’s a great piece about the soaring demand for electricity the country is facing in the next few years. Data centers, AI facilities, crypto-mining operations, not to mention normal anticipated growth in other more traditional sectors like oil and gas development, irrigation and population growth are all going to be clamoring for more and more electricity.
Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives have always risen to meet challenging energy demands from our inception. When for-profit utilities didn’t want to serve rural Wyoming citizens, the cooperatives were created, when mineral deposits such as coal, coalbed methane and oil and gas were developed in rural Wyoming, it was the cooperatives that stepped up and met the challenge. And once again this looming energy demand is an opportunity for Wyoming’s electric cooperatives, but there are and will be challenges we face in meeting this demand. This is where you come in.
I won’t get into the particulars on these challenges we’re facing, that will come in later issues of WREN, but suffice it to say that there are some who don’t think the current legal and regulatory structure, which has served Wyoming well for almost a century, can continue to meet rising demand, and are proposing legislation and/or rules that would not only undermine this regulatory structure, but in the end, would be most detrimental to the cooperatives.
By joining voicesforcooperativepower.com you will be kept up to date on these challenges both at the federal and state level and, when necessary, you’ll be asked to send a message to your elected officials and perhaps regulators, asking them to support Wyoming’s electric cooperatives.
We have been successful in the past in asking the grassroots army to weigh in on various issues, and to those who have been active in these efforts I want to thank you! Now we just need to get more and more people engaged and involved so, while not for the seventh time in my column, I would once again ask you to ante up and kick-in and join voicesforcooperativepower.com because we’re going to need your help.
SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TERESA POTTS GILLETTE, WYOMING
How to Be Cut Off From Civilization
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Soaring Demand
After decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2028. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel-based generation, more extreme weather and years-long delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines, are turning this power boom into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers.
ELECTRIFICATION
Electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating and industrial electrification are expected to increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.
DATA CENTERS
Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase 65% by 2050.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.
New, expanding and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year.
Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next four years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.
PROTECTING THE PRESENT TO POWER THE FUTURE
There’s strength in choosing the rural way of life— rising early, working hard, and building something that lasts. At Tri-State G&T, we share that commitment and are working with our members to protect your way of life and power what’s next.
Our year-round wildfire mitigation program uses data-driven monitoring to identify and mitigate risk to protect critical infrastructure, and support the communities we serve— ensuring reliability and resilience at competitive rates.
That same focus drives how we plan our diverse energy mix—solar, wind, natural gas, hydro, and batteries— so we can weather any storm and meet the growing energy needs of the West. Now that’s reliability.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
Learn more about Tri-State
Wyoming's outdoor recreation opportunities beckon visitors and residents,
Adds Billions
of Dollars to State Economy
BY GAYLE M. IRWIN
From camping to rock climbing, nature photography to snowmobiling, outdoor recreation opportunities in Wyoming beckon residents and visitors, contributing significantly to state and community coffers.
Outdoor Recreation #2 Industry in Wyoming
A recent report issued by Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, established at the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, showed outdoor recreation generated $2.2 billion for the state in 2023, an increase of 6.1 percent from the previous year.
“Tourism continues to see a steady growth [in Wyoming],” said Diane Shober, Executive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism. “It’s the second-leading industry in the state.
Non-resident
visitors make up more than 80 percent of all travel in Wyoming. We get visitors from all over the United States … from California, from Texas, from the Midwest … and many international visitors as well.”
WORTH Institute director Dan McCoy, Ph.D., said he expects that growth to continue.
The Institute, which recently received a $5 million donation, seeks to diversify Wyoming’s economy by supporting the state’s outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality industries through research, education and other means.
“We aspire to be a model to support the needs and interests of the state, especially with tourism being the #2 industry in Wyoming,” McCoy said.
In May, an outdoor recreation summit was held in Laramie that focused on partnership-building, potential community projects, grants and other funding sources. Online trainings are also provided, for example, in customer service.
“We’re rolling out more,” McCoy said. “Our research portfolio continues to grow … we’re expanding into new areas.”
People traveling to and through Wyoming spend nearly $5 billion, and in 2023, tourism dollars rose 6.5 percent from 2022.
Wyoming’s landscape =
They come for many reasons, including experiencing rodeos and community theater and visiting national parks and other outdoor activities. Since 2012, the state has experienced a 4.5 percent growth in outdoor recreation. federally managed public lands
48% federally managed public lands
About 48 percent of Wyoming’s landscape consists of federally managed public lands, including national forests, parks, monuments, wildlife refuges and Bureau of Land Management lands. Nevada and Alaska have more federal public lands, however, Wyoming’s varied environments draw numerous outdoor enthusiasts. Another nearly 6 percent of Wyoming’s landscape is owned by the state, which also draws people. These lands and the activities they offer benefits economically and to quality of life.
Additionally, Wyoming State Parks has long term agreements with the federal Bureau of Reclamation to provide recreation at reservoirs, such as Glendo, Keyhole, Buffalo Bill, Guernsey and Seminoe State Parks.
Traveling Sublette in Wyoming.
PHOTO BY WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
“There are a lot of factors people are looking at in their travels and outdoor recreation [decisions],” said Mark Tesoro, Manager, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Wyoming has such a vast amount of open, public space for people to come and enjoy. For some people, it’s just mindboggling to see how much space is available to the public. In so many other states, there is very little land for public use. People are excited to get out and away from everybody.”
Many studies show the physical and emotional benefits of spending time outdoors.
“In my role as a sociologist and someone concerned about things like mental health, it’s been a real eye-opener in the past several years to see all the new studies aimed at understanding the benefits of time spent outdoors,” said Chad Hanson, sociology professor at Casper College. “It’s almost uncanny the amount of benefits.”
Outdoor recreation and its benefits, to state and community coffers and to physical and emotional health of
State Sites Add to Outdoor Experiences
visitors and residents, are important to lawmakers. In 2023 the legislature seeded money for an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund. These monies will be disbursed for outdoor recreation projects throughout the state starting next year, Tesoro said.
Grant funds will be available for a variety of infrastructure investments, such as campgrounds, trails, shooting ranges, vault toilets, trailheads and parking areas.
“It’s for communities and nonprofits, for the tribes and government agencies,” Tesoro said. “A portion of what is brought in by the lodging tax to the state is funneled off for the Travel and Tourism Office to pay for outdoor rec projects.”
There should be about $2 million a year to start the program, and the projects will benefit residents and tourists, he added.
Although Wyoming is home to the first national park, national forest and national monument, state sites, like parks, also add to outdoor experiences and economic coffers. In 2024, Wyoming’s state parks welcomed over 4.8 million visitors, said Laurel Stephens, Communications and Marketing Manager for Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
“We’ve seen increased visitation to our programs and events,” Stephens said.
More than 550 programs were hosted at the state parks in 2024 with more than 25,000 people participating, she added.
The agency plans to launch a new program this summer called Tunes on the Trails. “That’s an internal partnership between the Wyoming Arts Council, our office of Outdoor Recreation, and our parks and historic sites,” Stephens said.
Sunrise Behind Rattlesnake Cedar Sheep Mountain in Park County.
PHOTO BY WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
Pathefinder Reservoir.
PHOTO BY THE MENKES
Colleges, Organizations Offer Outdoor degrees and programs
Wyoming’s higher learning institutions prepare students for careers in outdoor recreation, whether to find employment or start businesses of their own.
Dan McCoy, WORTH Institute director, helped start the Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management (ORTM) program at the University of Wyoming in 2018.
“We take an interdisciplinary approach,” he said. “The students take a lot of business classes. There’s even a hospitality minor available through the College of Business.”
Casper College’s program parallels UW’s, said Chad Hanson, college sociology professor who served on the founding committee.
“In large part, our efforts have been aimed at making sure that Casper College’s degree requirements fall in line with the UW bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation and tourism management,” he said. “And of course, we want to know that students are having the best kind of experience they can here that will lead to the best kind of employment if they choose the workforce as opposed to transfer.”
The state’s growth in tourism and outdoor recreation provided the catalyst for a degreed program.
“We would be remiss if we didn’t have a program to prepare people for careers in these fields that mean so much to the economy of our state,” Hanson said. His classes include visits to the Teton Science School and Grand Teton National Park for hands-on experiences.
“There are many employment opportunities, and the students really see that,” McCoy stated.
Encouraging Wyomingites to spend time outdoors stretches beyond academia. Natrona County’s UW Extension Service offered Ready, Set, Explore! from October 2024 to April 2025. The free, “do-it-yourself” project provided suggestions for outdoor activities, journaling, healthy snacks and more to inspire families and individuals to spend time outside. Additionally, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation offers Class Outside, summer camps and classroom programs designed to engage youth with the outdoors, and Wyoming Game & Fish provides a variety of outdoor programs.
Sites designated for the events are Keyhole State Park, Curt Gowdy State Park, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site and Edness K. Wilkins State Park.
“We are dedicated to providing memorable recreational, cultural and educational opportunities that not only enhance our communities but also enrich the lives of our residents and visitors. We believe that a high quality of life is essential for driving economic vitality,” Stephens said.
The annual Mountain Man Rendezvous at Fort Bridger draws several thousand people, state residents and visitors alike, and contributes not only to the state’s economy, but to those of nearby communities.
“It’s the second-largest event in Wyoming after Cheyenne Frontier Days,” said Chris Floyd, Deputy Director, Wyoming State
Parks and Cultural Resources. “It has a big impact, in a positive way, on the communities around there.”
People buy groceries and gasoline, stay overnight, eat at restaurants, shop and spend money in other ways.
Trails and Partnerships
Snowmobile and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails offer additional economic benefits while providing opportunities to enjoy Wyoming’s outdoors. Floyd’s responsibilities include the State Trails Program, based in Lander, which partners with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to provide some of the best trails in the West.
“We have an outstanding motorized trail system, in the colder weather months and the warmer weather months,” Floyd said.
we want to make sure that, while visitors are enjoying our beautiful state, that we also protect these resources.
Mountain Man Rendezvous at Fort Bridger.
PHOTO BY WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
ATVing Near the Tetons.
PHOTO BY WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
Snowmobiling at Sheridan.
PHOTO BY WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
Fly Fishing Shoshone River near Buffalo Bill Dam.
Snowmobiling generates $255 million a year with more than 60,000 snowmobile permits sold annually, and the OHV program sees more than 50,000 permits sold each year, generating $365 million.
“Those two programs alone are tremendous … and strong economic drivers for many communities in Wyoming,” he said. “These trails are found on public lands across the state.”
Permit sale monies go into a fund that helps maintain trails, provide signage and education, and provide for law enforcement and search and rescue, among other things, Floyd added. Virtually all of the trails can also be used by non-motorized users.
Growth and Conservation
As growth is expected in tourism and outdoor recreation, a major focus will be upon protecting Wyoming’s natural resources as well through encouragement of disbursing concentrated numbers to various parts of the state, ensuring opportunities abound for future generations.
“Recreational opportunities are a resource, scenery is a resource, wildlife is a resource, and we want to make sure that, while visitors are enjoying our beautiful state, that we also protect these resources,” Floyd said. W
Many Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites offer year-round recreational opportunities, while others are open seasonally. Visit wyoparks.wyo.gov to learn about hours of operation and activities at these state sites. A full calendar of state park events is also on the website.
at
Gayle M. Irwin is a freelance writer based in Casper.
the state via the Outdoor Recreation Wonder Map at
Tent Camping in Glendo.
PHOTO BY WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
Rock Climbing in Sweetwater.
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APRIL 2025 ISSUE | CAT & DUCK AND THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE | BOOK WINNERS:
MARY FICK MONTEITH
Generational Wealth
AVIAN SCAVENGERS
COOPERATION IN NATURE
Working Together
Cooperation between individuals often leads to success. This is especially true in the natural world. Take avian (bird) scavengers for example. These birds, including vultures and ravens, play very specific roles in ecosystems by tearing up dead animals, also known as carrion, thus allowing smaller animals to feed, too. By eating rotting meat, they also prevent the contamination of close-by soils and water, and put nutrients back into the ground. Often considered dirty or a nuisance (or both), these birds are great collaborators and could be called nature’s own sanitation department.
Would you eat that?
Wildlife and other living things play many roles in nature - some as producers, like plants, others as consumers, like those that eat plants, and decomposers that include fungi, bacteria and insects. Decomposers further break down organic materials, making them available to the producers. When all these organisms do their jobs, they allow for the cyclical flow of energy and nutrients that is needed for a thriving environment. Avian scavengers are specialized consumers feeding primarily on carrion, making them essential players in this cycle.
Vital Vultures Clever Corvids
Corvids are a family of birds that include crows, magpies and jays. The largest corvid in Wyoming is the common raven. Like turkey vultures, ravens will eat just about anything and are very intelligent in finding food. During the hunting season, the sound of a gunshot will draw ravens in for the chance of a free meal. Young ravens finding a carcass will call in other ravens to join the feast. It is thought they do this to overwhelm more mature ravens or other large birds (like eagles) by force of numbers to get their share. As avian scavengers, ravens cooperating together break down carcasses, continue nutrient cycles and keep our natural world cleaner and healthier for all.
Turkey vultures are great scavengers. They have incredible eyesight, sharp bills and a very strong sense of smell that allows them to locate carrion miles away - even if it is hidden by trees. Their stomach acid is extremely acidic. If you get too close to them, they may project that acid at you by vomiting. Because of that acid, they can digest meat tainted with diseases like anthrax and botulism. By doing so, these deadly pathogens are not consumed by other wildlife or released into the environment. In this way, vultures provide a free cleaning service for us all.
SING THE SONG OF THE
Meadowlark
BY KEN STIMSON
The state bird of Wyoming is the meadowlark. It is gray with a yellow chest and has the most beautiful song of any of the birds found on our ranch. When I return, I’m once again reminded of how much I miss the sound of the meadowlark. I do listen to the birds here in the city but they just can’t measure up to that Wyoming songbird. That bird just loves to sing, and of course we find that the happiest creatures on Earth are those that do what they love.
And so it goes with humans.
Someone said that an accountant is a mortician who didn’t have the personality for it. This certainly doesn’t apply to my friend and accountant, Tony. Recently I had an accounting question and ended up in Tony’s office. I was pleasantly reminded of how uplifting it is to talk to someone passionate about what they do. Accountants are not normally associated with passion; not so with Tony. Mention Schedule C and his adrenaline starts kicking in. It is usually late in the day and very close to April 15 when I get around to seeing him. After working many 18-hour days, I can see the exhaustion in his face. After exchanging a few pleasantries and couple of soft drinks, we start to work. In a few moments he begins to “cook.” He starts talking to the adding machine and pleading with the computer to find that one more deduction. The next thing I know an hour and a half has passed, the money in the parking meter has run out, there is a $38 parking ticket on my car and I’m excited about giving the government a large part of my income. But a much smaller amount now that Tony is handling my accounting, because as you might have guessed, he is very good at what he does.
Tony is like a meadowlark. And what can we learn from passionate, meadowlark people? Passion creates high energy. Passion creates action. Passion creates more productivity.
Another example of this type of person is my friend Gary, who is a dentist. We play basketball with another friend named Steve who is a comedian. We were talking after a game and Gary said, “That must be really boring, telling the same jokes night after night.” Steve replied, “You shouldn’t talk. You’re a dentist. You look at teeth all day long!” “Yeah, but every tooth is different,” Gary defended enthusiastically.
Do you have a dentist like Gary? What once was a dreaded trip is no longer because of Gary’s passion. I know he cares about my teeth, in fact every one of my teeth, because they are all different. Every time I hear a meadowlark’s song it reminds me of the question, “Are you singing the song God gave you?” I know one dentist who is.
“T.G.I.F., Thank God It’s Friday,” is the song of the city and quite a sad song it is. They even have a restaurant chain by that name. Far too many people wait for the weekend to start living when they could be singing their own beautiful song each day. No, T.G.I.F. is not the song of the meadowlark who only sings on Saturdays and Sundays, it is the song of many workers who lack passion to do what they love. So as with all things, passion can turn any job into an exciting life where we can say, “T.G.F.T., Thank God For Today, I can’t wait to see what problems await me.”
My buddy Al is an auto mechanic and is in his 80s. He is retired for only one reason: his failing eyesight has forced him from his chosen career. If his daughters’, friends’, neighbors’ or anybody’s car has a problem, it just makes Al’s day. If it is a small job, he gets out his tools and has it fixed in no time. A larger problem means Al gets to accompany the car to the garage and explain it to the mechanic.
Being the passionate person Al is allows him to relate to anyone he comes into
contact with, because everyone is affected by engines in their life. For instance, one might remark on the heat of the day and Al would come back with a story of when he was working on a “’53 Olds” during a heat wave. He can talk to anyone any place because he loves what he does.
His passion for automobiles has been such a driving force throughout his life. Years ago, Al would offer to babysit his two little girls as this would allow him to work on his midget race car engine. He would wait until his wife left for her Bingo game and then put a clean white sheet on the forbidden living room carpet. Never so much as spilling a drop or making a smudge, he would then start the ritual of cleaning the valves of this beloved race car while he instructed his daughters on every aspect of this operation. You may think this would be boring but he performed this ritual with such love and passion that his daughters were mesmerized and felt privileged to observe. Meanwhile the stereo was playing the “Sounds of Sebring.” This was a recording of just the sounds of the cars’ engines as they raced and down shifted around the corners at the Sebring racetrack. Al could hear the moving parts of each engine and every shift or mis-shift each driver made.
Now remember he has passed his 80th year, and much to his wife’s dismay, every once in a while Al fires up his old “Matchless” motorcycle and takes it for a spin. He says that the wind blowing through his full head of hair makes years disappear and old bones feel young. I doubt if Al ever heard the meadowlark sing, as he was born and raised the city, but he really doesn’t have to since he is too busy singing his own song.
From these meadowlark people we can see that singing your song will lead to a happier, longer life. If your dentist, accountant or mechanic doesn’t sing the song of the meadowlark, it is time to move your business to someone who exudes passion for their work. W
Ken Stimson was raised in Goshen County on a small ranch 32 miles north of Torrington. He studied at UW after Torrington High and was a proud member of the Wyoming National Guard for six years.
SANDWICHES
GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH WITH GREEN SPREAD
OLIVE OIL OR BUTTER
CIABATTA BREAD SLICE
1 CHICKEN BREAST, THINLY SLICED CHEESE OF CHOICE, SLICED
2 RIPE AVOCADOS, PITTED AND GUTTED CILANTRO, HANDFUL ALPINE SEASONING
LIME JUICE, TO TASTE
Green spread: Blend together avocados, cilantro, Alpine seasoning and lime juice until mixture is of spreadable texture.
Grill thin sliced chicken breasts. Melt cheese on chicken.
Toast Ciabatta slices. Coat with olive oil or butter, grill. Slather “green spread” on bread, add cooked chicken and any veggies you like. Serves 2.
SUSAN DUYCK POWELL
RYE TURKEY AVOCADO CHEESE
JALAPENO SANDWICH
2 SLICES MARBLED RYE BREAD MAYONNAISE (FOR BOTH SLICES)
2 SLICES PEPPERED TURKEY (DELI) 1 AVOCADO, SLICED
1-2 SLICES SWISS OR PEPPER JACK CHEESE 4-6 SLICES TRAPPEY'S SWEET N’ HOT JALAPENO SLICES
1-2 ADDITIONAL SLICES OF CHEESE (OPTIONAL) BUTTER (FOR GRILLING, OPTIONAL)
Combine in your preferred order. Grill with butter on the outside of each slice of bread if desired, or toast before assembling, or just enjoy fresh from the bag. Slice in two or leave whole. ENJOY!
TOBY SHEETS POWELL
HOT
HAM & SWISS
SOURDOUGH BREAD SLICED HAM SLICED SWISS CHOPPED ONION (TO TASTE) MUSHROOMS, STEMS AND PIECES (TO TASTE) MAYO
Spread each slice of bread with mayonnaise. On one slice, place ham, chopped onion and mushrooms. Top with swiss cheese and cover with other bread slice. Wrap in plastic wrap and microwave for about one minute each. (These will be very hot!) Let set up until warm to the touch, unwrap and cut in two.
KAREN MIXON ALADDIN
AUGUST:
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Wyoming’s Wonderful Waterways
BY KENDRA SPANJER
How well do you know the water resources in the Cowboy State? Identify the 15 major rivers (numbered) and nine bodies of water (lettered). High and dry? Paddle to page 37 for the answers.
A World’s First Creates The Lowest Mintage Silver Eagle…Ever!
The American Silver Eagle is arguably the most popular coin on the planet. First struck in 1986 for US citizens to own physical silver bullion, the Silver Eagle is made from one ounce of 99.9% fine silver. It’s no wonder why these hefty silver dollars have become THE global standard for silver bullion coins, with over 640,000,000 coins minted to date.
And now, the US Mint has released a special Silver Eagle that might just become THE greatest of all time…the Star Privy Silver Eagle!
What’s So Special?
There are two “key” reasons why the Star Privy Silver Eagle is poised to become the most sought-after coin in the Silver Eagle series;
One, collectors LOVE “Firsts” and the Star Privy is the First-Ever bullion Silver Eagle to have a Privy Mark, cementing its permanent place in Silver Eagle history.
Two, collectors also GO CRAZY for low mintage coins, the lower the better. And the Star Privy Silver Eagle not only has a low mintage. It’s the lowest mintage bullion Silver Eagle EVER!
First-Ever Privy-Marked Bullion Silver Eagle
Privy marks are small symbols added to coin, oftentimes to commemorate special occasions and/or historic events. In this case, the US Mint has added a “star” to the Silver Eagle to celebrate the release of a new mobile gaming app, 8th Era, a groundbreaking new mobile gaming app that marries gaming with coin collecting to inspire the next generation of collectors. It’s an instant “must-have” for Silver Eagle collectors.
Lowest Mintage Bullion Silver Eagle EVER
Not only is the Star Privy Silver Eagle the first ever privy-marked bullion Silver Eagle, it’s also the lowest mintage bullion Silver Eagle ever! How low? It’s not even close!
Consider this….the 1996 Silver Eagle is the lowest mintage with 3,603,386 coins made. The Star Privy Silver Eagle has a mintage of only 500,000 coins. That’s SEVEN TIMES LOWER. Just look at the graph for perspective.
The First 50,000 Coins Released
Each coin comes certified in Gem Brilliant Uncirculated condition, coming from the first 50,000 coins issued, the “top 10%” if you will, certified by the leading independent 3rd party grading company NGC. Those are bragging rights every collector would dream of having!
Buy More and Save
If you act now, you’ll even have the chance to SAVE BIG when you buy more! But don’t wait, our inventory won’t last long! Every moment you hesitate, someone else could be claiming your piece of this historic release!
2024 1oz Star Privy American Silver Eagle - NGC Gem BU
1-2 coins - $79 each plus s/h
3-4 coins - $77 each + FREE SHIPPING
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10+ coins - CALL FOR PRICING
The Rest of Us Should Aspire to Be Like Donna Peterson
BY NEVA BODIN
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
Donna Peterson of Torrington has exemplified that pledge for young people for 11 years as a 4-H member, and 55 of her 92 years as a 4-H leader. But Peterson wasn’t just a community 4-H leader; she was and is part of multiple organizations enriching her community.
Community involvement is a natural for Peterson. “I’ve always been a joiner; I saw so much value in it,” she said. She not only led young people to success
through 4-H programs but was active in a local Homemakers Club for almost 50 years – becoming President from 20112014 of Wyoming State Homemakers. She was President and Vice President of the Qualy Club 2015-2019, a charter member of the Grass Roots Gals Garden Club, a secretary at the Methodist Church for 11 years, started a Red Hats club, taught classes at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington for community education and currently belongs to the Goshen County Historical Society.
“She is an incredible asset to our community in so many ways,” said Lori Schafer, who has worked with Peterson through the 4-H program and Goshen County Fair. “Her community involvement goes beyond 4-H and the fair. She will leave an incredible legacy.”
Peterson grew up on a ranch, graduating from Node school’s eighth grade class of four and attending the first two years of high school there. She graduated as Valedictorian from Lusk High School in 1950 in a class of 42.
Donna Peterson.
Iris painting by Donna Peterson.
Tetons painting by Donna Peterson.
Ram painting by Donna Peterson.
She met her husband, Mahlon, at age 16 when they competed against each other in showmanship at the state fair through 4-H. At school events, she said, “He could run fastest, jump highest, vault highest; I thought he was pretty neat!”
Mahlon left for the Army after high school, serving in Korea, and upon returning, married the girl who thought he was “neat” on her 22nd birthday. After working in road construction and the birth of two sons, they bought a farm near Torrington in April 1959 and welcomed their daughter eight months later. Feeding out lambs and calves, they raised hay and corn. They also raised peacocks for 35 years. Mahlon passed away in 2009.
Peterson is proud of her legacy in 4-H. “I think it’s a very good learning experience for young people,” she said, “to become really good citizens and community members.” Her own children “were strong members.”
Peterson joined the Up and Coming 4-H Club at age 8 in Lusk, participating in sewing, gardening, home beautification and safety programs. She showed sheep at the fair. As a youth, she won a trip to Chicago in the safety program, a gold Elgin wristwatch through the home beautification program, and enjoyed her first time away from home with an overnight trip on a train.
“It was quite an experience for this country kid!” she remembers.
As an adult, Peterson was President of the state 4-H Council from 1987-88, Chairman of the Western Region Leaders’ Forum for 4-H volunteers and staff of 13 western states, and a leader in the Gleaners Union Community 4-H Club. She chaperoned trips to Washington, D.C. for National 4-H Washington Focus and for the 4-H Club Congress delegation to Chicago in ’74.
With a lady from Wheatland, she started “the 4-H cat project” in Wyoming. “We always have a little excitement at cat shows,” she said.
Peterson judged 4-H shows for kids “all over Wyoming and the Panhandle of Nebraska,” which included judging six little turtles (“they all looked alike”), tarantulas, lizards and gerbils.
“She was an outstanding leader. I learned a lot from her,” said Craig Allen, a former 4-H member under Peterson. “She was a super motivator. I won the state top award [under her leadership] in leather craft –the saddle kit they gave away. I made the saddle, thanks to a lot of help from Donna. You had to enter it the next year, and I took the champion award at state in leather craft … she got us into Junior Leadership, working with the younger kids and getting them started in 4-H.” Allen became a 4-H leader as an adult.
Sarah Felton began 4-H with the dog program. “I had to do some private lessons with her [Peterson] because I wasn’t quite as confident with my dog training. She did that with a lot of kids.
I learned a lot from her on how to help members work with their projects and how to be a leader for 4-H. She’s just one of those cool ladies.” Felton is now a supervisor for the cat program.
Peterson is a member of the Southeastern Wyoming Art Association and the Platte County Art Guild. She has exhibited and sold paintings at shows and the state fair. She even painted on her peacock feathers. She raffled off her painting of Mt. Moran for a state 4-H fundraiser and taught art classes to 4-H leaders at Black Hills Leaders Camp.
“I received a nice award [in 2023] in Goshen County,” Peterson said. “They gave me a calf hide with a leather plaque on it. It was the Mary Lu Pollat Legacy Award for community service to the fair.”
Schafer said, “The rest of us should aspire to be like Donna!” W
Neva Bodin is a Casper-based freelance writer, author, artist and poet.
Donna Peterson teaching art to a Homemakers Class.
Osprey Nest at Walen Dam
Rob McIntosh, Torrington
Deluxe Nest
Bonnie Ten Broek, Newcastle
Lunch Time at the Cabin
Rob McIntosh, Torrington
Western King Bird Nest
Trudy Craft, Basin
A Find In the Old Shop
Martha Rasmussen, Burlington
Feathering the Nest
Maureen Shuler, Powell
Baby Robins
Marilyn Mackey, Gillette 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
Resourceful Builder - Horse Mane, Baling Twine, Pine Needles
Heather McLaughlin, Upton
Baby Robins Waiting for Breakfast
Marilyn Mackey, Gillette
Welcome Spring
Heather Lawrence, Powell
Robin’s Nest
Melody Posey-Harris, Saratoga
Sturdy Well Built Nest
Bonnie Swiatek, Rogers Canyon, Laramie
Mother Hen
Heather McLaughlin, Upton
Intruder
Cindi Olson, Newcastle
wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions
DISCOVERY DAYS
THERMOPOLIS JULY 12-13
Folk festival including live music, storytelling, vendors, mastercraftsmen, artists, food trucks, animals, hands on activities, dutch oven cooking, pony express mail station, wagon rides, acoustic music jam, antique farm equipment, dachshund race and fun for all ages!
Times: Sat. 10am-6pm Sun. 10am-5pm
Cost: Free
Location: Hot Springs State Park, 51 US-20, Thermopolis
July 12
Big Music in a Small Town Concert: 7pm. Thermopolis Golf Course, 143 Airport Rd. Band to be announced. General Admission: $43.79
Information:
Audra Dominguez: 904-874-2560 info@WyomingDiscoveryDays.org wyomingdiscoverydays.org
01 | SOUTHEAST
CENTENNIAL
JULY 4-6
44th Annual Centennial Valley Art Show and Sale: Fri. 9am-12pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 9am-4pm. Nici Self Historical Museum, 2734 Hwy 130. This fine art exhibition features original photography, paintings, pottery, stained glass, sculptures and more from over 20 local and regional artists from southeast Wyoming. A portion of proceeds from all sales is donated to the Nici Self Historical Museum as part of their annual fundraising event. Free. Info: Arlene Gregory, 307-745-9322, bit.ly/CentennialValleyArt-2025, niciselfmuseum.com.
THURSDAY-MONDAY
Nici Self Historical Museum: 12-4pm. Explore museum grounds and exhibits. Free. Info: niciselfmuseum.com.
CHUGWATER
THURSDAYS
Acoustic Jam Session: Stampede Saloon & Eatery music venue open for jam sessions. Info: 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.
ONGOING
Live Music: Stampede Saloon & Eatery. Weekend performances. Info: 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.
ELK MOUNTAIN
JULY 18-20
Elk Mountain Weekend with Prairie Wife in Heels: Time and prices vary. The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel, 102 E Main St. Enjoy a weekend of inspiration and rejuvenation of your mind and body with Wyoming’s own Prairie Wife! Events include meet and greet dinner, morning meditation and yoga, 3-mile moderate hike, lunch with llamas, 1.5-hour workshop with Prairie Wife. Info: 307-348-7774, office@elkmountainhotel.com.
ENCAMPMENT
JULY 6
Spur Outfitters LLC 2025 Sporting Clay Shoots: 9am-3pm. Spur Outfitters, 3135 Hwy 230. Sporting clay shoot. Open to the public. Shooting runs from 9am-2pm depending on number of participants. Info: 307-327-6505, info@spuroutfitters.com.
JULY 25-27
44th Mountain Man Rendezvous: Time varies by event. Grand Encampment Museum, 807 Barnett Ave. Experience the mountain man life! This annual rendezvous coincides with Living History Day at the Grand Encampment Museum. Visitors can experience how mountain
men and women lived in a fur trade economy in the 1830’s. Info: Josh Saier, 231-620-1012; Crystal Gillen, 307-329-6968; Steve Kerpan, 307-326-8409, smmlrc@gmail.com.
LA GRANGE
JUNE 21
La Grange Mini Fair: Fair begins 7am. Gabe Jackson will be performing at 7pm. Park on 5th Ave. Breakfast in the park, parade, gymkhana, 5K run, bronc riding, bouncy house and much more. Experience a full day of family fun! Free.
LARAMIE
JULY 19
Albany County CattleWomen Ranch Tour: 8am. Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site, 975 Snowy Range Rd. Meet in the parking lot. Join us for a day of exploring historic ranches with an informative tour guide. Dress for the elements and good walking shoes. Drive your own car or reserve a seat on bus for $45. If driving your own vehicle, come with full tank of gas. Box lunch available for $15. Free to public. Bus and lunch reservations due July 1. Info: 307-760-5590, wyaccw.com.
RAWLINS
JULY 11
Downtown Rawlins Summer Shenanigans: All About Kids: 9am-11pm. Come join in on the family fun, activities, artisans, entertainment and food. There is fun for the whole family. Free admission. Info: 307-3282099, downtown@rawlinswy.gov.
JULY 19-20
NVRHA WY: Sat. 10am-Sun. 5pm. Carbon County Fairgrounds, 873 Rodeo St. NVRHA provides an educational, fun and safe opportunity for amateur riders to improve their horsemanship while focusing on the skills a typical horse on the ranch would be expected to perform. NVRHA is a starting place for anyone interested–at any level, with any horse–and still provides an opportunity for those wishing to take competition to the next level. Cost Varies. Info: Heather, 307-277-1419, heather.gabbard@yahoo.com.
JULY 26
Carbon County Open Class Horse: Enter at 7am. Show starts at 8am. Carbon County Fairgrounds, 873 Rodeo St. Events include Halter, Showmanship, English Pleasure, Hunter Hack, Western Pleasure, Reining, Western Riding, Barrels, Poles, and Trail. Cost Varies. Info: 307-328-7811, fairgrounds@carboncountywy.gov.
JULY 27
Carbon County Barrel Race: 10am. Carbon County Fairgrounds, 873 Rodeo St. Cost varies. Info: 307-328-7811, fairgrounds@carboncountywy.gov.
JULY 29
Carbon County 4-H Fabric & Fashion Judging: 8am. Jeffrey Center, 315 W Pine St. 4-H fabric and fashion judging. Exhibitors must be exclusive to 4-H members. Cost varies. Info: 307-328-7811, fairgrounds@carboncountywy.gov.
SARATOGA
JUNE 29-JULY 6
Fourth of July Independence Week: Activities and times vary. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, 66 Brush Creek Ranch Rd. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend an unforgettable week at Brush Creek Ranch. Experience exciting activities like masterful culinary classes and dinners, live music and our annual, heart-pounding rodeo. Independence Week is the highlight of the summer season for guests staying at the Ranch, so reserve your spot now for this week-long patriotic celebration! Pricing varies. Info: 307-327-5284, Reservations@BrushCreekRanch.com.
JULY 3-5
2025 Annual Festival of the Arts: Thu. Artists’ Gala 6-8pm. Fri.-Sat. Art Show, 10am-5pm. Platte Valley Community Center, 210 W Elm St. Featuring more than 60 entries in the juried exhibition. Visit with your favorite artist and vote for your favorite piece of juried art. Produced and sponsored by Laura M & Platte Valley Community Center. Free. Donations welcome. Info: Elizabeth Wood, 307-329-7734, or Community Center, 307-326-7822, bit.ly/Saratoga-Festival-Of-Arts.
JULY 3-5
Poppy Cherrywood Challenge
Art Quilt Exhibit: 10am-4pm. Platte Valley Community Center, 210 W Elm Ave. Every year, Cherrywood chooses a theme and color palette and presents a challenge to quilters from all over the world. The challenge is to see what you can create using a very limited number of colors and show the beautiful suede look of our hand-dyed fabric. The Challenge: POPPY. Use eight colors to create an original 10” square quilted artwork. The Results: over 400 quilts were entered into the competition. Only 225 were selected to travel: Petal, Bud and Seed. The Seed Collection will be on display. Free. Info: plattevalleyarts@yahoo.com.
JULY 4
4th Annual Platte River
Independence 5K Run/Walk: 7am. Registration and start will be at the
corner of River and Spring St. by the Fire Station, where they will be doing breakfast. 5K Run/Walk and ½ Mile Kids Fun Run to benefit the Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce. Registration price varies. Info: 307-326-8855, director@saratogachamber.info.
JULY 5
Saratoga Days: 12pm. Downtown Bridge St. Join us for vendors, food and fun along with free live music from Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies, That Eighties Band and headliner Chancey Williams. Free. Info: 307-326-7822, 307-326-8855. Chancey Williams at Saratoga Days: 8pm. Downtown Bridge St. Country music sensation Chancey Williams will headline at Saratoga Days. Free. Info: 307-326-7822 or 307-326-8855.
JULY 10-13
Paul Hobbs Wine Weekend: Times vary. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, 66 Brush Creek Ranch Rd. Indulge in a luxurious wine weekend, hosted by Tyson Ducker and Emery Bodell of Paul Hobbs Winery. Enjoy a variety of activities, such as horseback riding to a wine tasting destination, all while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Ranch. End this unforgettable weekend with a five-course wine pairing dinner, featuring expertly curated dishes designed to complement the rich flavors of Paul Hobbs’ renowned vintages. Prices vary. Info: 307-327-5284, Reservations@ BrushCreekRanch.com.
JULY 25-26
The WHAT Festival: Time TBD. The WHAT Fest is a 19-year running music, arts and camping festival based in Wyoming. Every year at the end of the summer, we gather the best bands in Wyoming, the front range and some friends from across the globe to celebrate music with us. All we need is a small town in Wyoming and a whole lot of music lovers. Cost varies. Info: whatfest.com/booking.
10th Annual Koyoty Howl: 9am. Koyoty Sports, 102 E Bridge Ave. There will be sales, several giveaways and raffles, along with many brand representatives setting up booths! A complimentary lunch will be served on Saturday, with burgers, hotdogs, sides and drinks. Tons of deals, with sales varying from 10-30% off, along with raffles & giveaways
will include items such as firearms, optics, clothing, packs, sway, and more! Free Admission. 307-326-5551, trophyroomtaxi@yahoo.com.
JULY 26
Shively Hardware 100 Year Celebration: Time TBD. Shively Hardware, 1961 WY-130. Celebration party with entertainment and the ACE Hardware Grand Opening! Shively Hardware was bought by the family in December 1925. The celebration party will be held in July to be able to enjoy the warm weather! Free. Info: 307-326-8880.
02 | NORTHEAST
BIG HORN
JULY 5
The Brinton Summer Concert Presents: Sam Bush: 6-10pm. The Brinton Museum, 239 Brinton Rd. An open-air concert at The Brinton Museum featuring acclaimed mandolinist Sam Bush. Enjoy an evening of live music in a breathtaking mountain setting. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and kids 12 and under get in free. Adult tickets $30, purchase at bit.ly/Sam-Bush-Brinton. Info: 307- 672-3173.
JULY 15-17
Summer Art Camp at The Brinton: 10am-3pm. The Brinton Museum, 239 Brinton Rd. Enjoy three days of creativity, exploration and fun for ages 9–12, with lunch and materials included. Students will learn and experiment with a variety of techniques and mediums while being inspired by the natural beauty of the Quarter Circle A. Ranch. $150/child including lunch for all 3 days. Sign up at bit.ly/Brinton-Art-Camp-Sign-Up. Info: 307-672-3173.
JULY 22-24
Summer Nature Camp at The Brinton: 10am-3pm. The Brinton Museum, 239 Brinton Rd. 2025 Summer Nature Camp offers three days of outdoor exploration and hands-on learning for ages 9-12. Explore the natural beauty of the Quarter Circle A Ranch through hands-on activities, nature journaling and outdoor adventures. Campers will build friendships while learning about wildlife, plants and the environment. Lunch and materials included. $150/child for all 3 days. Sign up at bit.ly/Brinton-Nature-Camp-Sign-Up. Info: 307-672-3173.
JULY 27
Goose Creek Polo Cup: 3pm. Flying H Polo Club, 280 Bird Farm Rd. Experience world-class polo. Watch top-rated players and horses compete against the stunning backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains. Info: Downtown Sheridan Association, 307-672-8881.
THROUGH AUGUST
Start of Polo Season: Games and tournaments will be held up to four days a week through Labor Day weekend at the Big Horn Equestrian Center and the Flying H Polo Club. Free and open to public. Info: Flying H Polo Club, flyinghpolo.com, 307-674-9447 | Big Horn Polo Club, bighornpolo.com, 307-674-4928.
BUFFALO
THURSDAYS
Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30pm. Occidental Saloon. Free. Info: 307-684-0451.
DAYTON
JULY 17-19
Bighorn Crawlers Summer Safari: 8am. Bear Lodge Resort, 5600 U.S. 14. The Bighorn Mountain Crawlers are hosting the fifth annual BMC Summer Safari to help show off our wonderful Bighorn Mountains. With over 1.1 million acres of public lands and 1,200 miles of trails, the Bighorn Mountains are the ideal setting for this event. Info: bighornmountaincrawlers.com.
GILLETTE
JULY 7
Durham Ranch Buffalo Stampede: 5k/10k walk/run held at the Durham Ranch between Gillette and Wright. Info: precorpfoundation.org.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER
Dramatic Moments: Frederic Remington’s Early Engravings, 1882-1893: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm. Rockpile Museum. Created by Lee Silliman, curator of “Hurrah for the Cowboy,” this exhibit illustrates Western frontier life. Featuring 38 vintage engravings that launched Frederic Remington's career. Remington’s consummate skill in rendering the horse in motion is prominently demonstrated in these engravings. Works such as “The Last Lull in the Fight” demonstrate Remington’s creative imagination and won him the silver medal at the Paris International Exposition. Free. Info: Justin Horn, 307-682-5723.
THIRD WEEK OF EVERY MONTH
Open Mic Nite: 6-9pm. Thu. or Fri. depending on the schedule. Frontier Auto Museum. Free. All musicians are welcome. We supply the stage, mic and speakers. Bring your voice and/or instrument for an evening under the neon lights. Upcoming dates will be posted on facebook.com/frontierauto. Info: Ryan Swanson, 307-686-5667, relics@frontierauto.net.
HULETT
MONDAY-THURSDAY
5 Mile Walking Exercise Class: 4:45-6pm. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5743.
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.
NEWCASTLE
THIRD SATURDAYS
Weston County Democrats: 2pm. Weston County Library. Info: 307-941-1822, weston.wyodems.net.
RANCHESTER
JULY 4
Celebration and Fireworks: 1pm. Connor Battlefield State Park, County Road 67. Celebrate Independence Day festivities in the park! Fireworks can be viewed from Tongue River Middle School. Free. Info: Town of Ranchester, 307-655-2283.
SHERIDAN
JULY 5
KARZ and Motorcycle Show and Rod Run: 10am. Sheridan VA Medical Center, 1898 Fort Rd. 34th annual Rod Run show with hot rods, muscle, classic cars and trucks, motorcycles and vendors. Awards presented to winners as judged by the public in kids, women and men categories. Free. Info: Maggie Randall, 307-752-3835.
JULY 6
Music on the Mall: 2pm. Sheridan College, 1 Whitney Way. Featuring music by Branson Anderson,
The Fretliners, the Two Tracks and Yarn. In addition to the music, there will be local artisan crafts, delicious food and refreshing beverages for purchase. Free. Info: sheridan.edu/musiconthemall.
JULY 8-12
Sheridan WYO Rodeo Week: All day. Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 1753 Victoria St. In addition to four nightly (July 9-12) PRCA rodeos and morning slack (preliminary elimination) performances, this week includes the World Champion Indian Relay Races, parade, street dances, Boot Kick-Off, carnival, pancake breakfast, Sneakers & Spurs Run, The First People’s Pow Wow, Rodeo Parade and more. Event details, tickets and schedules at sheridanwyorodeo.com. Info: Rodeo Central, 307-675-9963.
JULY 10-12
WyoJam Concert Series: 7:30pm. Cady Building on Main and Alger Streets. Rodeo week concert series featuring performances by Jarrod Morris (July 10), Chancey Williams (July 11) and Thompson Square (July 12). Tickets at wyojam.com. Info: Nadine Gale, 307- 674-6277.
JULY 12
Cooking Class: Fair and Rodeo Food: Noon. Cottonwood Kitchen + Home, 234 N. Main St. Join Cottonwood Kitchen for a fun and flavorful cooking class inspired by the spirit of fair and rodeo season creating two crowd-pleasing dishes: Chugwater Chili and Mexican Street Corn. Tickets $45. Info: 307-674-7980, cottonwoodshop.com.
JULY 12-13
Equine Skills and Handling Clinic: 9am. CHAPS Equine Assisted Services, 501 US 14. Instructors cover basic nutrition, management, safety, handling, energy work and more. This clinic provides information to horse owners for safe and compassionate handling as well as relationship building with your horse. Info: CHAPS, 307-673-6161.
JULY 23
Summer Evening at the Mansion: 6-8pm. Trail End State Historic Site, 400 Clarendon Ave. Tour the museum, play badminton and croquet, bring a picnic dinner and listen to music! Free. Info: 307-674-4589.
JULY 25-AUG 5
Sheridan County Fair: 8am. Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 1753 Victoria St. Family fun focused on livestock and crafts competitions and special events. Free. Info: University of Wyoming Extension Office, 307-674-2980.
JULY 26
Tournament of Knights: 10am. Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 1753 Victoria St. Experience medieval fun at the Tournament of Knights! Enjoy craft artisans, turkey legs, photos with Knights, bounce houses, a dunk tank and more. And don’t miss the main event: Jousting with the Knights! Tickets at chapswyo.org/tournamentof-knights. Info: CHAPS Equine Assisted Services, 307-673-6161.
JULY 30
Race for Freedom 5K: 5:30pm. Black Tooth Park, West Fifth St. Annual race held to raise awareness and fundraising to fight human trafficking. $30. Info: Gabrielle Wollert, 307-673-5675.
JULY 31-AUG 2
Crazy Days: 9am. Downtown Sheridan. A three-day downtown shopping event featuring indoor and outdoor sales and deals each day. Info: Downtown Sheridan Association, 307-672-8881.
JULY 31
Unplug: Mud, Bugs and Fish: 6pm. Big Goose Natural Area, 14 Ln. Explore what lurks in, on and around the water of Big Goose Creek in this free session for everyone, ages 2 to 102. Info: Sheridan Community Land Trust, 307-672-8881.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER
3rd Thursday Street Festival: 5-9pm. South Main St., Downtown Sheridan between Alger and Loucks. Enjoy family fun, food, live music and fabulous vendors on the third Thursday of each summer month. Free. Info: Downtown Sheridan Association, 307-672-8881.
SUNDANCE
THURSDAYSTHROUGH AUGUST 14
Sundance Movies in the Park: 7:30pm. Sundance Square Park, 4th & Cleveland. Sponsored by Sundance State Bank, Sundance Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sundance. Each week the movie is sponsored by a local area businesses or organization and concessions are
run by a nonprofit group! NO movie July 3, make up date Aug. 7. Free. Info: sundancewyoming.com/events, sundance.chamber@gmail.com.
UPTON
SECOND TUESDAYS
Veteran Breakfast: 8am. Upton Senior Center. Free. Info: Gary Barnes, 307-468-9251.
FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS
Bingo at Senior Center: 6:30pm. $10 for 10 cards. Info: 307-468-9262.
03 | NORTHWEST
CODY
MONDAY-SATURDAY
Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9am-5pm. 836 Sheridan Ave. Info: 307-587-3597.
DUBOIS
THURSDAYS
Farmer’s Market: 4-6pm. Headwaters. Info: Twila Blakeman, 307-851-0785.
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.
GREYBULL
SECOND SATURDAYS
Greybull Ladies Coffee: Greybull Library. Info: 307-765-2100.
LANDER
SATURDAYS
Acoustic Music Jam: 11am-1pm. Lander Bake Shop. Info: 307-332-3237.
RIVERTON
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.
THURSDAYS
Toddler Move & Groove: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 2 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.
MEETEETSE
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
TUESDAY-FRIDAY
Homesteader Museum:
10am-4pm. Private tours or visits available. Info: 307-754-9481, homesteader@parkcounty-wy.gov.
THERMOPOLIS
JULY 26-AUGUST 1
SUBMIT AN EVENT
Be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event.
Photos are always welcome.
for more events at wyomingrea.org/news. Send events occurring in September by JULY 15!
County Fair: All day every day events through the week. Hot Springs County Fairground, 1213 Springview St. Blue Jeans and Country Dreams 2025. Fantastic opportunity to serve up delicious eats to a crowd of hungry fairgoers all week long. Free. Info: 307-921-9099.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Great Until 8!: 4-8pm. 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.
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.
214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001
wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions
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.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
NEED A NEW FLOOR? Free estimates. Wood, LVP, Carpet & Tile. Let us come to you! Schafer Carpet Sales & Service, 605-218-0855.
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE MATERIALS. When church/government unite, enforcing Sunday law, the mark of the Beast is here! Don’t be deceived, be informed! Leave mailing address only. TBSM, 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. WREN CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS CONTACT: SHAWNA@GOLINDEN.COM
Wyoming’s Wonderful Waterways
Yellowstone River
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Green River
Shoshone River
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Greybull River
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Sweetwater River
Tongue River
Powder River
Medicine Bow
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Laramie River
Belle Fourche River
Cheyenne River
Jackson Lake
Yellowstone Lake
Fontenelle Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Boysen Reservoir
Pathfinder Reservoir
Seminoe Reservoir
Glendo Reservoir
THE OUTHOUSE SEAT DESK
BY JERRY PAXTON
It was the summer of 1951. I had just completed first grade at Manderson Elementary School. It was our first year on the Hebb place, just three miles from the tiny town of Manderson. Dad had leased the place on shares and moved our family from the Hosey place, which was between Manderson and Worland, to strike out on his own. There were four boys in our growing family. Wayne Jr. was the oldest, followed by me, Alan and Tom. We lived in a very modest two-bedroom farmhouse that had electricity but no other modern conveniences. There was a well in the front yard, a few feet from the house, equipped with a hand pump that furnished our water. We had a barn and corrals for our small herd of livestock, a chicken house and an adobe shop. Out behind the house, at a respectful distance, sat a small, enclosed structure we called the outhouse. It was a very spartan existence but not uncommon for that time and location.
The seat in our outhouse had seen better days and with the increased use by a growing family, it developed a crack in the seat that caused the user a bit of discomfort. Dad decided it needed to be replaced so he drove to town and bought a large board. He leaned the board up against the old adobe shop and just left it there for a few days. One day at the dinner table he told my mom that the board was too nice for a toilet seat and that he would find a different solution to the problem. I cannot remember how he resolved the problem but I know we used the outhouse for several years after. The board he had purchased was 18 inches wide and 12 feet long, which would have been long enough to make two toilet seats. Even at that young age I could see that it was beautiful. Not only was it straight but the woodgrain was flawless.
After a few more days of leaning against the shop, dad had a break in his farm work and took the board inside. I watched with rapt fascination as he began measuring and cutting this magnificent work of nature. As I think back on it now, I don’t remember Dad using any power tools. There were no plans to follow and he didn’t even make a rough sketch or write down dimensions. At this point the project resided solely in his mind’s eye. As a child I was always full of questions and kept asking him what he was making. He would just look over at me with a twinkle in his eyes and say, “You’ll see.” It took several days for the project to begin taking any discernible shape as Dad had his hands full just taking care of the farming chores. The other brothers watched for a while but soon lost interest and found more fun things to do, but my curiosity was too strong to abandon the
project before it was completed. Within a few days it became evident that the board was turning into a small desk. This revelation was a giant leap forward in my thinking process. It was the first time I realized that you could take different kinds of material and with some skill and the right tools you could make something useful. From that moment on everything I saw brought thoughts of how it was made and who made it. I had watched my dad repair equipment and build things by welding metal together but this was an epiphany that changed my young world.
As the project moved forward it became apparent that there would not be enough wood in the large plank to finish the job. One day Dad said, “Jump in the car, we’re going to town.” It was a very rare occasion for me to have my dad all to myself, so I jumped in the car with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement. Earlier in the year we had traded off the old 1939 Ford for a brand-new Pontiac Fleetleader Deluxe four door fastback. It was a magnificent car, forest green, with a long sloping trunk. It had an automatic transmission which was pretty advanced for the day. I remember being a little sad when we traded in the old Ford as it was the only car our family had ever known. My not so fond memory of the car was when Dad got home from the war, he had to put a new engine in it. I was only 2 or 3 years old, but I remember the engine came in a wooden crate. The crate had been opened and the nails holding it together lay exposed. I went outside to see what was going on and stepped on the board with the exposed nails which went completely through my foot. It was a hard lesson to learn but one I never forgot.
When we got to Worland we went to the lumber store and bought a couple of small boards that extended out the back of the trunk as we drove behind the grocery store, looking for discarded wooden boxes. It was common practice back then to ship produce in wooden boxes. After the produce was put on display for sale the empty boxes were taken out back and either burned or hauled away. Dad picked through the discarded boxes until he found a couple that would fit his needs and threw them in the trunk. When we
arrived home, we backed up to the shop and I helped Dad unload our treasures.
Over the next couple of weeks Dad worked on the desk whenever he had a few minutes. I was always there asking questions and getting in the way. The desk was to have seven drawers. There were three small drawers on each side with a shallow wider drawer in the middle. The salvaged wooden crates were carefully cut and shaped to form the inside of the drawers. The pulls for the drawers were cut from a two-by-four and skillfully shaped to the proper dimensions. As he glued and nailed the pieces together he was meticulous in his workmanship. Every nail was recessed carefully with a nailset and the resulting holes were filled with wood filler. He took a rasp and rounded all the edges and corners and then used several different grades of sandpaper to smooth everything down until, as he put it, “smoother than a baby’s bottom.” The final touch was to carefully stain the desk and put a hard varnish finish on every exposed surface. I stood at the entrance of the shop and marveled at this beautiful, functional piece of art gleaming in the setting sun.
Sometimes in reflective moments I wonder about the ancient mind that stared at a rock with a peculiar shape and wondered if it could be used to make an everyday task of survival easier. Then the next curious mind that thought to shape the rock to be more functional and finally the mind that discovered other materials in the world around him that could be further refined into a tool that was easier to use and even more functional. The Renaissance mind was able to recreate a moment in time or an image using materials imagined and then made or discovered by previous ingenuity to memorialize that moment for future generations. What a gift to be able to use God given natural resources, and tools created by a God given mind driven by curiosity and necessity, to create a work of art or a functional object that would be passed on to future generations.
This desk was created in the mind of a simple farmer. He used hand tools and a natural resource to create something that would stand the test of time. It does not have the intrinsic value of a Renaissance painting or a beautiful sculpture, but to my family and me it has immeasurable value as a tangible reminder of those who came before us and worked so hard to give us the life we now enjoy.
Over the years the desk has been moved many times and has seen a lot of use by our family. It is more than 70 years old now and bears a few scars, but for the most part it is as functional and beautiful as it was the day Dad finished building it. It has never been refinished or repaired.
It does not have the intrinsic value ... but to my family and me it has immeasurable value.
Dad passed away more than 30 years ago and after the funeral I asked my brothers if I could have the old desk. They all knew it had a special meaning for me and they generously allowed me to have the desk. It sits upstairs in my loft library and as luck would have it, the space where the desk resides appears to have been built for it, as it fits perfectly. I sit at this desk now with a computer and a printer. I feel the need to record this event so that future generations of our family will continue to preserve and cherish this rustic work of art and have an appreciation for the skilled, hardworking man who created it. I don’t believe Dad realized when he turned an outhouse seat into a desk that his wonderful creation would become a family heirloom and have a lasting impact on a young impressionable boy. It stands as a monument to this very special man who raised six boys with the same level of care he used when building the outhouse seat desk. W
Jerry Paxton is a fifth 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.
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