Raised in the West | Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

FROM DROUGHT TO DELUGE WYOMING FIRE FIGHTERS FIGHT FOR FIRST

FEARLESS IN FROMBERG & THE CLARK’S FORK RIVER VALLEY

SHOWS UP READY TO WORK DAY AFTER DAY

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contents

26

16 6

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

10

FEARLESS IN FROMBERG AND THE CLARK'S FORK RIVER VALLEY

by Cyd Hoefle

16

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE NILE

by Cyd Hoefle

42

FIRE FIGHTERS FIGHT FOR FIRST

22

JEAN'S CUISINES

by Jean Petersen

23

MONTANA AGRI-WOMEN

by Meghan Foran

24

PHOTO EXPOSE OF THE AFTERMATH OF THE 1000 YEAR FLOOD

40

by Cyd Hoefle

4 // www.raisedinthewest.com

PUBLISHER CYD & STU HOEFLE 406-860-0292 publisher@raisedinthewest.com COPY EDITOR KAYLA WALKER

GOD'S ACRES - THE HISTORIC FOREST GROVE CHURCH

by Cathy Moser

44

MURI COLE TRIANTAFILO, COMMERCIAL PILOT AND HORSE TRAINER

by Cyd Hoefle

46

OUT & ABOUT

ADVERTISING CYD HOEFLE 406-860-0292 publisher@raisedinthewest.com DESIGN MELANIE FABRIZIUS ads@raisedinthewest.com ADDRESS RAISED IN THE WEST PO Box 80267 Billings, MT 59108 ©2022 Peaks to Prairie Media All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

26

FROM DROUGHT TO DELUGE

44

32

PROTECTING PRODUCE FROM PESKY PESTS

by Amy Grisak

SUMMER 2022

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY STU HOEFLE

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note from the publisher What extreme weather we have had this summer! Floods, fire, drought, hail, grasshoppers, even tornadoes. If you were spared of one weather pattern, you likely experienced another. Friends lost crops to flooding, pasture to drought or fire, hay to grasshoppers, and wheat to hail. It was a destructive season, and our hearts go out to all affected.

The summer began with historic flooding in the greater Yellowstone area, and it was an amazing display of one of nature’s powerful extremes. As we covered the flooding, it was humbling to see unsung heroes rising up, neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers pitching in, and businesses donating products. It wasn’t just physical labor and items being donated. It was food being prepared to feed crowds of hungry workers. It was churches and schools opening their doors for displaced families to find a place for rest. It was residents working tirelessly in an effort to build back their communities. The work is far from over and it will be some time before things are “back to normal.” We wish the impacted communities continued progress as they labor through the devastation.

On a visit to Lander, Wyoming, in early June, we came upon an event which lifted our spirits. Volunteer firemen, all unsung heroes who give of their time and risk their lives for the safety of the people they protect, convened for their 89th annual convention.

In a friendly competition, rural Wyoming fire department teams fought against the clock and each other for bragging rights for the fastest time in multiple events. We met some amazing people whose loyalty to their fellow firefighters and communities is incredibly honorable.

This issue features several individuals who brighten the lives of those around them, including a traveling pastor outside of Lewistown and a young commercial pilot who also trains horses near Joliet.

It also includes tips to control late season pests competing for your garden bounty and a few recipes to enjoy that bounty.

6 // www.raisedinthewest.com

Witnessing the damage nature is capable of causing is a reminder of how small and vulnerable we really are in this world. In the flash of a lightening strike, lives can be turned upside down and forever changed. It’s also a reminder to love well the ones you love and not take for granted the lifestyle we enjoy. Freeing up time since selling our café has given us time to invest with the people we love and in the activities we enjoy.

In September, our youngest daughter will marry a young man we’ve come to love and cherish as a son. They make their home in Lander, Wyoming, which has become a favorite destination for us, and I imagine we’ll be trekking down there on a regular basis.

In November, our other daughter and son-in-law are expecting a baby, growing their little family to six members, and giving us another grandchild. We’re very excited for this addition and thankful we’ve also had more time to spend with our son’s daughter, our precious five-year-old granddaughter, who always manages to say just what needs to be said to bring a smile to our faces.

Now, we’re focusing on expanding our magazine and have filled our fodder with some wonderful stories for future issues.

We do, however, hope to find some help with the addition of an advertising salesperson. If you know of someone who may be interested, please send them our way.

As we all navigate these trying times, we are aiming not to be overwhelmed by all that is going wrong but instead concentrate on the simple things that make life worth living and remembering there is always a rainbow after the storm.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

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SUMMER 2022 // 7

contributors MELANIE FABRIZIUS GRAPHIC DESIGN____________________________________

Melanie was raised on a farm on the banks of the Clarks Fork River in Belfry. Her life-long love of art lead her to a career as a freelance graphic designer. When she’s not busy working, Melanie enjoys being with family, spending time with her dogs, camping, ATVing, collecting rocks and watching the sunset. Check out her art at www.melaniefab.com and follow her on Instagram @ melaniefabart.

JEAN PETERSEN

WRITER___________________________________________

Jean is a cookbook and children’s picture book author, freelance writer and has been a weekly columnist with Western Ag Reporter for over 15 years. She and her husband live near the Beartooth Mountains in Red Lodge with their four children. Most days she can be found outdoors with her animals, on a hike, at her children’s activities, or cozying up writing and reading. You can find her at www.jeanpetersen.com

AMY GRISAK KAYLA WALKER WEBSITE DESIGN____________________________________

Originating from a fifth-generation Montana ranch, Kayla Walker has a real connection to the agriculture industry and the cherished western lifestyle. After several years as editor of Western Ag Reporter, she was recently able to return to her roots when she and her husband were wed and embarked on the journey to start a ranch of their own. At the same time, Kayla launched Ranch Raised Media to compliment the work they do on the land. Whether it be through photography, writing, social media, graphic design, or web design she strives to share the story of this way of life on a day-today basis. Follow Ranch Raised Media on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.ranchraisedmedia.com to view her work and check out daily Montana ranch life.

8 // www.raisedinthewest.com

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER______________________________

Great Falls writer, Amy Grisak balances her life between the mountains and the prairie looking for stories that catch her interest. This award-winning author shares what she loves with readers, whether it’s finding gorgeous hikes in Glacier National Park or how to push the gardening envelope in our challenging Montana climate. Look for her book, “Nature Guide to Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks,” published by Falcon Guides and follow her at amygrisak.com

CATHY MOSER

WRITER___________________________________________

Catherine Melin Moser writes about western history, lifestyles, and the outdoors from her home in central Montana’s Judith Mountains. Her decade-long research about nineteenth century Thoroughbred breeding and horse racing in Montana and its influence on American horse racing is the subject of her forthcoming book, “In the Winner’s Circle,” slated for publication

by Oklahoma University Press in 2022.

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ACROSS MONTANA 10 // www.raisedinthewest.com

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GRISAK

If caught early, aphids don’t do much harm, a blast of water from the hose is usually enough to be rid of them

It's the height of summer and gardening should be easy, right?

The risk of frost has passed and it's not quite late enough to worry about another, yet this is also when the bugs and other issues cause us concern. The key to managing both is pinpointing the problem and knowing how to handle it.

PREVALENT PESTS One of the most common gardening questions is, “What is eating my plants?” There are situations where this is painfully obvious, such as when grasshoppers jump in every direction when you walk into the garden. Other times, it seems that one day the plant looks absolutely fine, and the next the leaves are chewed and haggard. To help identify the offender here are a few of the most prominent pests at this time of the season.

Grasshoppers - Some years grasshoppers descend upon our gardens at biblical levels eating everything in their path.

Although we don't know what the season may be like, it’s a good practice to spread Nosema locustae, often called Nolo Bait, in the spring when the grasshopper nips are 1/2 inch long. By doing this for several years, you'll notice a distinct reduction in the population. Nosema locustae is a type of protozoa that affects the digestive system of the grasshopper, and the beauty is when

the grasshoppers die, they are cannibalized and it continues to the next batch. Unfortunately, by the time we hit mid-summer we just have to deal with very hungry adults. Outside of using a flamethrower out of sheer frustration, the best course of action is a barrier, such as a lightweight floating row cover. It might not prevent every grasshopper from reaching the plant, but it helps significantly.

Aphids - Regardless of the time of the year, aphids can be problematic. At low levels they don't do much harm to a plant, but there comes a point where too many of them weaken it and reduce production. The easiest way to deal with them is through a blast of water by the hose, along with rubbing them off with your fingers. The good news is they are weak and die easily. If this doesn't work, step up the effort by spraying the crop with an insecticidal soap.

Blister Beetles - There's nothing subtle about blister beetles.

One minute your chard or beets are fine, and the next day these black insects are devouring the leaves. And they are called blister beetles for a good reason. If you try to handle them manually they secrete a substance that can cause blistering on the skin. The best way to take care of them is to suck them up with a Shop-Vac. Earwigs - Earwigs look like something out of a horror movie.

SUMMER 2022 // 11

Appropriately named, Blister Beetles can cause blistering on skin. Knock them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them or vac them with a shop vac

Roughly an inch long, they have menacing looking pinchers called cerci on their hind ends that are used for defense and to grab prey. While they typically consume decaying matter, they are happy to eat fresh vegetables. Corn is a particular favorite, and it’s shocking when earwigs spill out en masse from a pulled back husk. If earwigs are an issue, the first step is to minimize where they hide by removing flat pieces of stone or wood. Trapping is also effective using a small dish with oil or even killing them

in their hiding spots. Diatomaceous earth does a fine job of discouraging earwigs. Another option is to use a spinosad based pesticide. Spinosad is a soil bacterium discovered by a vacationing scientist in an abandoned rum distillery in the Caribbean in 1985.

(Because, of course, what else do scientists on vacation do other than take soil samples?) Spinosad affects the nervous system of insects and caterpillars, yet is safe for animals and humans.

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12 // www.raisedinthewest.com

Cabbage Loopers - Although they are called cabbage loopers, these pale green caterpillars love any Brassica. About the only good thing concerning these larvae of the owlet moth family, is they are fairly easily controlled. One option is to place floating row cover over the desirable plants to prevent the moth from laying eggs in the first place. If you miss this window of opportunity, diatomaceous earth works extremely well. Finally, it's possible to plant cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli later in the season to step away from the moth’s lifecycle altogether. If you do have plants with a fairly heavy infestation, it's okay to eat around the damage, even though they chew through leaves, and in the case of cabbage, defecate within the plant, which is not appealing. Just do your best to remove any affected areas and definitely keep a close eye out for the caterpillar before you cook anything. It's very difficult to coax your children into eating their broccoli when there is a poached caterpillar clinging to the stem!

Slugs - If you find new plant damage in the mornings, there's a good chance it is due to slugs. They prefer the cool evenings to slither out and feed. One option is to set traps using tuna fish cans filled with approximately one-half an inch of beer. Bury these at ground level and they will die happy. Diatomaceous earth also dissuades them, as well as strips of copper that can sometimes be found in garden centers. Slugs have delicate skin, which is why sharp barriers work well.

DIAGNOSING PLANT PROBLEMS We are fortunate in our semi-arid climate to have fewer disease issues than many parts of the country, but this doesn't mean that we escape plant health challenges completely.

Here are a few problems to watch out for towards the end of the summer.

Powdery Mildew - If it looks like someone dusted your plants with talcum powder, it's probably powdery mildew. This is one of the most common fungal infections and it is prominent in warm, dry climates. Powdery mildew is very common within the squash family, but it can show up on cucumbers, peppers, beets and even tomatoes. As with any fungal issue, one of the most important preventative measures is providing enough air circulation between plants. Another way to be proactive is to buy varieties that have a resistance to the infection. In many cases it's not necessary to treat them, particularly at the end of the season when production is waning, but if it's early enough in the summer, apply a fungicide or horticultural oil to at least slow the progression.

Grasshoppers are one of the most difficult to control. If treated with Nosema or Nolo Bait in the spring every year, the pest population will be reduced

Cooperative DELIVERING THE

DIFFERENCE

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SUMMER 2022 // 13

Small holes in leaves indicate a pest. Most likely a caterpillar from larvae of the moth.

Treat with Diatomaceous earth as soon as evidence shows

Blossom rot on bottoms of tomato is caused by lack of calcium in the soil or uneven watering

14 // www.raisedinthewest.com

Diatomaceous earth is a safe, powder made from the sediment of fossilized algae which kills pests by drying them out. Sprinkle sparingly

Herbicide damage can be caused by inferior soil or mulch with added manure.

To avoid, remove plants, soil and if there is time, start over.

Blossom End Rot - One of the most common complaints when it comes to growing tomatoes is blossom end rot. While this is more of a systemic issue rather than a disease, people want to know why the bottom of perfectly beautiful tomato is brown and leathery. The primary cause of blossom end rot is a lack of calcium, whether it’s because there is not enough available in the soil or because inconsistent watering doesn't allow the plant to utilize what is there. The best thing to do now is to water as evenly as possible. This is especially true in container plants.

The second action is to add more calcium to the soil. There are amendments found at gardening centers, but crushed eggshells work equally as well. It takes many months for them to become available so this is not a quick fix, but it should help eliminate this problem in the future.

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Herbicide Damage - We do our best to amend the soil with manure or mulch with straw, but sometimes what we add actually harms the plants. It's well-known that manure should be well aged before mixing into the garden, but it's very important to know your source. There are situations, particularly when horses are fed weed seed free hay, where the herbicide persists for well over five years. This means that perfectly fine looking manure is deadly. The primary telltale signs of herbicide damage often show up in the Solanaceae family, and the leaves of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and potatoes curl and grow misshapen.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix. Remove the plants and as much of the manure or tainted straw mulch as possible and plant again next year.

While this list of potential problems might seem daunting, don’t be discouraged.

Just keep an eye on your plans. You know when something doesn't look healthy. Early detection is the best way to stop an issue and continue garden production long into the season.

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SUMMER 2022 // 15

VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER TEAMS ACROSS WYOMING COMPETE IN TIMED EVENTS

AFTON CITY VOLUNTEER FIREMEN TAKE VICTORY LAP AROUND LANDER

LANDER WYOMING 16 // www.raisedinthewest.com

WRITTEN BY CYD HOEFLE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY STU HOEFLE AND CRYSTAL MAGEE

The temperature hovered at 90 degrees as the fire truck with five men on board roared from the starting point and began barreling across the pavement. As the truck passed a fire hydrant one of the firemen jumped off the back with the end of the firehose in one hand and a wrench in the other. He worked feverishly and efficiently to hook up the hose and send water down the line as quickly as possible.

As the truck continued, firehose uncoiled from the back before the truck came to a stop. Crutched on the running board, the axe man was the first off. He raced to a patch of thick plywood covering a hole dug in the pavement. Using brute strength and a sharp axe, he began chopping through the wooden cover creating an opening just large enough to fit a special nozzle on the firehose. Meanwhile, his remaining teammates had jumped off the truck to unfurl the hose, nozzle it and rush to the hole. As quickly as the axe man’s work was complete, the hose was in, water was flowing, and the timer was stopped. From start to finish, 15 seconds had passed and the team from Torrington, Wyoming had taken the lead.

That particular contest, called the “Cellar Contest,” was one of five timed events at the Annual State Firemen’s Association Convention held in Lander, Wyoming this past June. The convention’s 89th year drew volunteer firefighting departments from communities across Wyoming, with nine teams competing from the city and rural departments of Afton, Torrington, and Lander and the rural departments of Riverton, Wheatland and Newcastle.

GENE DIETRICH, 60

YEAR VOLUNTEER FIR

E FIGHTING CAREER

There are several events in which volunteer fire men and women compete. Each competition simulates real scenarios which could occur while on a fire. The Cellar Contest, for example, mimics the steps taken if firemen were to approach a fire from a roof top.

Other events over the four-day weekend required replacing hoses, changing connections, climbing ladders, and hitting targets. The roles of the nozzle man, strap man, axe man, clamp man, plug man and driver were all important as each contest depended on the accuracy and speed of each.

Dennis Estes of Torrington, a volunteer fireman of 35 years, competed for 26 years before becoming a timer for the events. He was a member of the record-setting Cellar Contest team which completed the event in an astounding 14.12 seconds in 2006.

“I want Torrington to win of course,” he said. “But I still like being able to tell the younger guys that they haven’t beat us yet!”

Dennis spent eight years as the fire chief in Torrington before his retirement and now enjoys attending the Convention each year to not only support his team but also catch up with old friends from other communities.

“We get to know everyone,” he said. “The host town rolls out the red carpet for the event and it’s a full weekend of fun.”

The participating communities rotate hosting the annual event and look forward to sharing their hospitality. Lander was no exception using first-class equipment in the competition and showcasing the occasion in its beautiful city park.

The convention has seen little change in its 89-year run. Retired

60-year volunteer fireman, Eugene Dietrich, the oldest volunteer, from Newcastle has been attending these competitions for just as many years – 40 as a competitor and the last 20 as a timer.

“It’s a camaraderie the guys share,” he said. “They work hard, and this is a time to have a little fun and get away for a weekend.”

At 81, he’s still very active in the volunteer fire department community. He’s been involved in the state association for years and is currently serving as the executive secretary. Gene has been instrumental in helping the volunteer fire departments maintain two unique programs.

SUMMER 2022 // 17

18 // www.raisedinthewest.com

TORRINGTON TEAM TAKES FIRST IN CELLAR CONTEST

“

Some people never meet their heroes – I married mine.

In an ingenious move, the Wyoming Volunteer Fireman’s Association (WVFA) implemented a pension plan for retiring volunteers who were active for a decade or longer. Years ago, WVFA approached the state about dedicating a percentage of tax dollars insurance companies pay from premiums through casualty and fire insurance toward pension funds for volunteer firefighters. The state agreed and a program was set in place.

“We also pay dues toward it,” Gene added. “So, when a guy retires, they get a little extra help. It’s a monthly payment that goes on until their death.”

ACTON FIRE FIGHT ER WIVES, MAURIE ERICKSON AND CRYSTAL MAGEE CH EER ON THEIR TEAM

WE PUT OUR CLIENTS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT!

As another service to the firefighters, 34 years ago a mutual aid plan was enacted which provides financial support to families upon any volunteer fireman’s death. The pension program is available for all volunteer firemen, EMT and search and rescue, though the members can only receive benefits from one of the three.

“It’s unique,” Gene said. “I don’t think other states have it in place, but we give $2,500 to the families of the firefighters after their death. It helps for sure.”

Like all volunteer firefighters in rural towns, the people serving do not receive payment for their time spent fighting fires. They take time away from family and jobs and pay for their own fuel in their own vehicles to respond to an emergency. For many, there isn’t enough incentive to become a firefighter. The pension program has been a huge recruitment tool for younger people and Wyoming has a generous number of volunteers.

Beyond the pension, it’s the camaraderie and sense of community that stands out among firefighters in Wyoming towns.

Crystal Magee and Maurie Erickson are the wives of two volunteers from Afton. Their husbands have been with the department for 20 years each and have competed at the annual event for the past 18. Not only are the husbands good friends, the women are, too.

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WINNING TEAM FROM ACTON CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE OVERALL FIRST PLACE

“We’re proud of the brotherhood the team has,” Crystal said.

“These guys have each other’s backs. This weekend shows just a fraction of how much they enjoy one another. We’re in each other’s lives.”

Matt Lee is the WVFA incoming president. He’s not only a police officer in Riverton, but also a fifth-generation firefighter. He’s been a volunteer for 26 years, beginning long before his career as a police officer started 18 years ago.

Maurie agreed.

“It’s been ingrained in me to help the community,” he said.

“There’s a sense of pride in helping your neighbor out, but not only that, I have a network of friends from all different walks of life – carpenters, electricians, cops, salesmen, ranchers – and we enjoy each other.

Our wives and kids are friends, and we have picnics and functions together.”

“We have guys three generations into volunteering, and when a pager goes off and it’s 40 below or we’re in the middle of a family event, our guys drop what they are doing and head out,” she said. “They are very tight and the longevity of the time they serve is decades.”

In Afton, as with other communities, just because a fireman retires doesn’t mean he’s done.

“

We’re proud of the brotherhood that the team has... This weekend shows just a fraction of how much they enjoy one another. We’re in each other’s lives.

—CRYSTAL MAGEE

“When the alarm goes off, the retired guys are calling, finding out what’s going on and wanting to keep posted on what’s happening. They really care,” Maurie continued.

“And it’s not just Afton,” Crystal was quick to add. “If I was traveling through any of these towns and needed something, I could call any of these guys and they would help me out. When the world goes to hell, we’re going to be okay in Wyoming!”

The wives of the Afton fire departments believe so strongly in what their husbands do that last year their matching t-shirts for the convention said, “Some people never meet their heroes – I married mine.”

20 // www.raisedinthewest.com

All friendships aside, the tone at the event was still one of competition as each team wanted to win and wanted it badly. As the totals were tallied at the end of the celebratory weekend, less than one second stood between the first place and second place teams. Afton City won overall with a total of 137.37, followed

by Torrington with 137.51, and Newcastle in third with a time of 139.97.

Wrapping up with awards and accolades, a barbeque and beer, the friends and families of the firemen all promised next year would be even faster.

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SUMMER 2022 // 21

JEAN’S CUISINES

• • • • • •

WRITTEN BY JEAN PETERSEN

Lemon Zucchini Bread

1 ⅓ cup sugar 2 eggs ½ oil 1 tsp lemon zest 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 tsp almond extract

• • • • •

½ cup buttermilk 1 cup zucchini, shredded 2 cups flour ¼ tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly flour spray the bread pans. Combine all wet ingredients (sugar, eggs, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, buttermilk) until mixed thoroughly, fold in the shredded zucchini and slowly mix in the dry ingredients. Pour mixture ⅔ full in the loaf pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. Cool on a baking rack.

NOTE: Recipe will make one standard (8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches) loaf and a smaller loaf . Doubling the recipe is useful. If buttermilk is unavailable add a small ‘splash’ of vinegar into regular milk and let it sit as the other ingredients are being mixed together, add it right before folding in the zucchini. Freezes well.

OPTIONAL POWDERED SUGAR GLAZE: • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1/2 cup milk • 2 teaspoons lemon juice DIRECTIONS: Mix ingredients thoroughly. Drizzle glaze over bread while slightly warm, place wax paper under the cooling racks to catch the glaze drips. Let cool completely. Enjoy!

Garden Zucchini, Squash & Cherry Tomato Salad

• 1 large Staightneck or a Crookneck Yellow Squash • 1 large green bush zucchini • 1 cup cherry tomatoes • ½ red onion • A pinch of sweet basil • A pinch of fresh thyme • ¼-½ teaspoon minced garlic

• • • • •

Dash of Kosher salt Dash of pepper 2 teaspoons sugar 3 Tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar • Optional: shredded parmesan or chunks of feta cheese

DIRECTIONS: Chop zucchini and squash in chunks. On the stovetop, steam vegetables and remove from heat when cooked. Cool for a couple hours, then add cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, garlic, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. In a separate small bowl, mix sugar, olive oil and vinegar. Drizzle over the vegetables. Chill until ready to serve. Optional; sprinkle cheese over vegetables, toss and serve. Enjoy!

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22 // www.raisedinthewest.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

Partaking in organizations which fostered my passion for agriculture had been a major aspect of my life through high school and college. After college though, I was void of those networks for several years and wanted to reconnect to my agricultural roots. That’s why joining Montana Agri-Women (MAW) was a no brainer for me.

MAW an affiliate of American Agri-Women (AAW), is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization which stands to be a force for truth for agriculture. The organization is comprised of diverse women from all around the country who simply share a passion for agriculture.

Most importantly to me, MAW is a stand-alone organization supported by thousands of members from across the United States, representing not just one commodity but a list as varied as its membership. I have met everyone from almond growers to onion growers, turkey farmers to cattle ranchers, farmers with too much water to ranchers with too little. Though our individual backgrounds are distinct, our passion for agriculture is our connecting thread.

My involvement has allowed me to better advocate for the industry.

Thanks to the diversity and strong support system, regardless of the question, if I do not know the answer I am only one phone call away from an expert in the field.

AAW hosts three main events each year. The Mid-Year Meeting focuses on drafting policy and position statements. The Legislative Fly-In in Washington D.C. each June aims to put that policy to work. Then, the AAW National Convention is hosted by a state affiliate each year. This year, MAW will host women from across the country in the Big Sky State.

MAW plans to showcase the western way of life our state has to offer and give attendees the opportunity to reinforce their passion for agriculture. The annual convention not only serves as a time to conduct AAW’s business meeting, but the rendezvous also

WRITTEN BY MEGHAN FORAN, MAW PAST PRESIDENT

brings together like-minded agriculturalists to share educational and inspiring stories. MAW has slated topics both relatable to everyone, like mental health awareness, as well as ones unique to Montana like grizzly bears and the consequences migrating across the state with them. Tours are always a highlight of the event as attendees travel out of the convention halls and into real ag operations unique to the host state.

After four days during the first week of November, women from around the country will be wanting to buy a cowboy hat and cut into a rib-eye steak while sipping a huckleberry martini with a new understanding of how Montana agriculture has evolved.

From the first cattle hoof over the Bozeman Pass to the first sheaf of wheat harvested in the Golden Triangle, agriculture has been the number one industry in Montana and we can’t wait to share that with AAW membership. We hope you join us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MAW OR AAW VISIT

www.mtagriwomen.com or www.americanagriwomen.org /montana.agriwomen.9 @MTAgriWomen

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HOTEL INFORMATION

Best Western GranTree Inn 1325 N 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587-5261 • www.bwpbozeman.com You must call to get the convention rate.

SUMMER 2022 // 23

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STU HOEFLE

LITTERED YELLOWSTONE RIVER ABOVE LAUREL

ONE OF MANY WASHED OUT BRIDGES ON ROCK CREEK

RETAINING WALL ALONG THE HIGHWAY IS NOW IN THE CREEK, SOUTH EDGE OF RED LODGE

24 // www.raisedinthewest.com

KAINU AVE BRIDGE IN RED LODGE IS NO MORE

AFTERMATH OF THE CLARK’S FORK

UNTOLD POWER OF THE RIVER AND EVIDENCE OF BROKEN DREAMS

EAST ROSEBUD RAGED THROUGH THE VALLEY TAKING HOMES WITH IT

NOTHINGS LEFT, WHERE ONCE WAS A HOME IS NOW A SLAB, ROSEBUD RIVER

THE BUILDING BACK BEGINS

SUMMER 2022 // 25

FROM

drought to

deluge

SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA 26 // www.raisedinthewest.com

WRITTEN BY CYD HOEFLE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY STU HOEFLE

on that fateful day in mid-june, multiple acts of nature partnered to culminate in historic flooding,

reaching its

highest level

in 1,000 years

It was business as usual at this year’s annual Home of Champion’s Rodeo weekend in Red Lodge. Record sales for vendors and sold-out seats made it hard to believe that less than a month earlier the mountain town had fought a historic flood. On June 13, the community began battling the raging Rock Creek, which had blown its banks at the south end of town. As it escaped its banks, it turned Broadway Avenue into a rocky river channel flooding everything in its path. Violently decimating homes and businesses, it left trees, debris, mud and boulders in its wake and had townsfolk, first responders, utility and construction crews working frantically to fill sandbags, build berms and dump loads of rock in an effort to redirect the currents and avoid as much damage as possible.

Rock Creek flows north out of the Beartooth Mountains to the east side of Red Lodge and continues north until it links up with the Clark’s Fork River near Silesia. On that fateful day in midJune, multiple acts of nature partnered to culminate in what many would later call “historic flooding, reaching its highest level in 1,000 years.”

In a stark contrast, just one year ago Mount Maurice and several miles of the Beartooth Front burned due to man’s carelessness coupled with widespread drought. This year’s natural catastrophe was a drastic switch from drought to deluge.

In late March and April, appreciable amounts of snow fell on the greater Yellowstone area, then Memorial Day Weekend an unexpected snow storm surprised early season campers forcing them to flee their campsites. Two weeks later, several days of rain melded with warm temperatures and snow melt sent a turbocharged torrent of runoff down the mountains.

According to National Weather Service statistics, the Beartooth and Absaroka Ranges received from 0.8 to over 5 inches of rain from June 10 through June 13, causing the equivalent of nearly

5 inches of snow melt. The two sources combined to create a forceful bombardment of 9 inches of runoff. Mountain brooks became raging creeks, creeks became rivers, and rivers expanded well beyond the means of their banks all within a matter of hours.

Bridges were washed out, homes and businesses destroyed, irrigation systems vanished, crops flooded, and untold property ruined. Area highways, including 212 south of Red Lodge, were closed due to multiple road washouts, effectively closing the Beartooth Pass.

Streamflow gauges depicted the true magnitude of what occurred.

On June 13, as reported by the USGS Water Data website, the average water discharge volume on Rock Creek at Red Lodge is around 500 cubic feet per second (CFS). On the same date this year, the gauge measured 2,500 CFS and it was still rising.

As Red Lodge locals worked feverishly to save their town, Rock Creek was not the only angry drainage to rise above its banks and show its destructive power. Nearby, the East Rosebud had grown from a docile creek to a roaring river which flooded anything near its banks, including the town of Roscoe. Further downstream, the Rosebud swept a home off its foundation and wiped out the Nye Road bridge at Ollies Corner, shutting down access to the Stillwater Mine.

Another main Beartooth Mountain drainage, the Stillwater River, a magnet for rafters which flows north to the Yellowstone River, was also rising out of control – tripling in size in just one day.

Without warning to provide time for defensive measures, it sent residents scrambling to safety. The river flooded homes close to its banks, washed out bridges and scattered trees throughout its path. Gauge measurements showed the magnitude of its growth with the average flow velocity in mid-June around 3,000 CFS, but reaching over 22,000 CFS between June 10 and June 13 this year, a seven-fold increase.

SUMMER 2022 // 27

the stillwater river

tripled in size in just one day.

Gauge measurements show the average flow velocity in mid-June is around 3,000 CFS,

but between June 10 and June 13 it reached over 22,000 CFS.

28 // www.raisedinthewest.com

As all the waterways draining from the Beartooth Mountains were competing for attention, the Clark’s Fork was no exception. A tributary of the Yellowstone River, it descends from the Absaroka Range beginning near the town of Cooke City. It flows into the northwest corner of Wyoming before working its way back into Montana. In normal years, the upper river lives up to its reputation as a recreationist’s paradise for fishing and kayaking. After reentering Montana, it widens and snakes at a slower pace where it becomes the main source of irrigation for the vast agricultural lands between the communities of Belfry, Bridger, Fromberg and Edgar.

Just one day behind the flooding in Red Lodge, the Clark’s Fork gorged with runoff broadening far beyond its banks to flood all the low-lying areas throughout the valley. Homes, businesses, feedlots, and crops were consumed by water and buried by debris. Multiple canal headgates were damaged, impacting the ability to continue irrigating fields into the critical growing season. At Fromberg, the river ravaged half the town in a matter of hours and as hard as volunteer rescuers worked, Search and Rescue helicopters were called in to help displaced families who could not be reached.

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SUMMER 2022 // 29

on june 15, the yellowstone river, at billings, gauge height measured over 83,000 cfs, which is over

three times

higher than its 25,000 cfs june average

30 // www.raisedinthewest.com

Here for your way of life.

Meanwhile, in Yellowstone National Park, the headwaters of the Yellowstone and its tributaries also began raging as snowpack melted with the rain. The Gardiner River, a 25-mile river flowing through the Park and between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner, washed out substantial portions of Highway 89, closing the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Joining up with the Yellowstone River at Gardiner, the combined flow continued washing out sections of 89, stranding tourists and isolating the Gardiner community.

As the Yellowstone continued to gather steam, it ripped homes from previously high and protected banks and swept the Tom Miner Basin Bridge right off its foundation, adding more rubble to the collection of wreckage it packed downstream. The flooding then picked up volume from multiple creeks coming down the Paradise Valley and hit Livingston late on June 13 with flood levels never before seen.

From there, it continued to grow even larger. Adding huge inflows from the Boulder River, the Stillwater and the Clark’s Fork, the Yellowstone was transformed into a brown, muddy, debris-filled monster. By the time it reached Billings, it had spread to areas having never been touched before by the river. On June 15, the gauge height when the Yellowstone crested measured over 83,000 CFS, over three times higher than its 25,000 CFS June average.

Damage was widespread, even threatening the water intake plant for the city of Billings.

After several weeks of destructive behavior, Montana rivers settled back into their regular courses and newly carved ones, exposing evidence of their spillage and leaving residents, business owners, farmers and ranchers to clean up the mess. Damages are estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars range. It will be months, or longer, before totals are tallied and years before infrastructure of buildings, irrigation systems, bridges and roads are built back to the degree they were before those fateful days in June 2022. Even the rivers, which are still strewn with trees and debris will take years to clear.

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Amid the catastrophic event, all were reminded what a dynamic land Montana is as neighbors, ranchers, business owners, first responders and volunteers worked shoulder to shoulder offering help to one another, pitching in where possible, and embracing the power of overcoming calamity together.

406-446-2310 (24/7) • beartoothelectric.com SUMMER 2022 // 31

DANNY DORVALL LOOKS OVER HIS FEEDLOT OUTSIDE OF FROMBERG

FROMBERG MONTANA 32 // www.raisedinthewest.com

WRITTEN BY CYD HOEFLE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY STU HOEFLE

Fearless in Fromberg AND THE

Clark’s Fork River Valley

The night of Monday, June 14, was a night the residents of Fromberg will not soon forget. As Rock Creek was flooding Red Lodge, the communities of Belfry, Bridger, Fromberg and Edgar were keeping their eye on the Clark’s Fork River which was lapping at its banks.

always fairly manageable.”

Danny Dorvall lives in Bridger, runs a feedlot along the Clark’s Fork near Fromberg, and has farm ground between Bridger and Fromberg.

He’s a volunteer fireman who has lived in the area his entire life. He knew if the situation escalated, he’d be on call, and he was right. On Sunday, June 13, he was called to Fromberg to help berm up the water plant.

He drove his loader to town and worked alongside others to protect the water plant to no avail. The river was too powerful as it breached its banks, flooding front yards, crossing streets, and even filling basements.

Neighbors worked tirelessly to fill and place sandbags, which proved to be no match for the raging river as it rapidly rose.

“

“We bermed it up as best we could and thought it would hold,” Danny said. “We had no idea how high the water was going to get, and before it was all over, it came in like nothing any of us had ever seen before.”

By the next morning, June 14, just as the river was encroaching Danny’s feedlot, he received another call about the water plant.

“The river’s up and moving fast; we need loaders,” he was told.

I couldn’t believe the width and the debris. We went from bridge to bridge, working around the clock clearing bridges and helping people.

“We could physically see it rising,” Danny said. “We weren’t going to stop it.”

—SCOTT MILLER

In its growing rage, the river began taking trees and other debris downstream until masses collected under bridges.

Carbon County Commissioner Scott Miller was monitoring several bridges at the edge of his district. He was also concerned about the Clark’s Fork and watched it closely all day.

“That’s when all hell broke loose,” Scott said. “I couldn’t believe the width and the debris. We went from bridge to bridge, working around the clock clearing bridges and helping people.”

“I thought we’d be okay,” Scott said. “It’s flooded before, but was

The county crew effectively prevented wash outs at every bridge,

SUMMER 2022 // 33

JAY AND TINA STETSON STAND NEAR LAND THAT WHAT WAS ONCE THEIR LOWER MEADOW

but there was much inevitable damage that came along with it.

With the high volume of water making its way down the river, the Clark’s Fork started carving new channels.

“It kept changing course and rerouting itself. We couldn’t keep up,” Scott commented. “It was as wide as the Mississippi and rushing faster than I had ever seen it.”

Just outside of Fromberg, on the Stetson Ranch, Jay Stetson and his wife, Tina, frantically moved their horses and farming equipment to higher ground.

They watched helplessly as the river continued to rise, taking their arena with it. Their home and outbuildings, built on higher ground, were safe from harm’s way, but everything between the buildings and the riverbank was flooded, including a newly built barn.

“We moved here in 2014 and I’ve never seen the river rise so high so fast,” Jay said.

“

but we were wrong.”

As day turned to night, with water still rushing, the sheriff’s department began evacuations. Danny, along with several others from the Fromberg and Bridger fire departments, went house to house notifying residents. While they were given the option to stay, it wasn’t long before nearly every home, on the east side of the tracks, was flooding and townsfolk were frantically making their way to safety, taking only what they could carry and leaving their homes vulnerable to the raging storm of flood water.

It was dark and cold, the water was 30 degrees. People were coming out of their houses with a just a few belongings, wading through the water. It was like a scene out of a horror movie. I’ll never forget it.

—DANNY DORVALL

“There was such volume and energy,” Scott said. “We just tried to make sure people were safe and out of the way.

By that time, their safety was all that mattered.”

As the night grew late, water continued rising and debris continued spreading.

Meanwhile, while worrying about the town, Danny also had to make an effort to protect his property, moving the cows in the feedlot to higher ground and trying to save hay bales.

“Cars were floating by,” Danny recalled.

“It was dark and cold, the water was 30 degrees. People were coming out of their houses with a just a few belongings, wading through the water. It was like a scene out of a horror movie. I’ll never forget it.”

“Every time I started to do something, my phone was going off,” he said. “We thought it would peak at around 2:00 that afternoon,

He found three women who needed rescuing, two were in their 70s and one in her 90s.

34 // www.raisedinthewest.com

THE CLARK’S FORK SWEPT THROUGH THE STETSON RANCH DEMOLISHING THEIR RIDING ARENA AND THE LOCATION OF THEIR WEDDING CEREMONIES

SUMMER 2022 // 35

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS OF THE STETSON RANCH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY TINA STETSON

36 // www.raisedinthewest.com

“‘What do I bring?’ one of them asked me. ‘It’s too late. You have to leave,’ I told her. They grabbed their medication, and we worked our way back to the other side of the tracks where I left them.

They were shaken and scared. Everyone was,” Danny said.

The water became so deep Danny, who had been driving his pickup, transferred to the town’s fire truck with higher clearance to continue rescues. Well past midnight, the cold water still showed no sign of slowing down.

“At some point before morning, I saw a family walking out of their home. They had their kids on their shoulders. We put them and their dogs in the truck. Those little kids were scared. I felt terrible for them. We dropped them off at the school and went back for more,” Danny said.

He paused for a moment of reflection and added, “I was part of it all, but I didn’t even realize how bad it was.”

Danny and others worked till dawn rescuing the townsfolk but as water continued flowing and debris raised havoc, it became too risky, even with the fire truck. Finally, a Search and Rescue helicopter was called in to save seven Fromberg residents.

The next several days were chaotic as families began to regroup, assess damages and formulate plans to move forward. Volunteers soon arrived to assist with cleanup and feed the community.

Miraculously, no lives were lost, but no one was immune to the flood’s impact.

When the river finally receded, it became evident normalcy would not be soon achieved. Over half the town of Fromberg was flooded and homes had up to five feet of water gushing through them.

What wasn’t completely demolished was likely damaged beyond simple repairs.

Outside of town, Danny’s feedlot took a hit with corrals, buildings, and crops either destroyed or damaged severely. At the Stetson’s ranch, the horse barn was astoundingly spared, but the arena and some farming equipment was destroyed.

Jay and Tina use the historic barn as a wedding venue with ceremonies held along the riverbank. While the barn is untouched, the past ceremony site – a tree-lined, grass-filled meadow – is now a bleak gravel bar. Jay has invested thousands of dollars in gravel and riprap to protect his property but during the historic flooding, none of his precautionary measures were enough to keep the river at bay. Along with losing property, he lost income from weddings they had booked throughout the summer.

“Just look at this,” he said, pointing to the gravel bar. “The beauty of it has been destroyed.”

The Clark’s Fork is the lifeblood for farming and ranching in the area. It’s depended upon for irrigation and stock water.

Throughout the valley, irrigation pipes and pivots were washed away, barns torn apart, corrals decimated, vehicles and horse trailers floated downstream, and fences and stock guards swept away. Crops were either entirely demolished or greatly hindered in production.

As the agricultural community continues the usual work of tending to crops and livestock, they must also find time to clean and rebuild. With both patience and frustration, the community is awaiting monetary and physical assistance from the government for rebuilding efforts.

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SUMMER 2022 // 37

THE DORVALL FEEDLOT OUTSIDE OF FROMBERG TOOK A HUGE HIT

“We’re stressed for sure,” Danny said. “All of us are. We have to get things done because this is our livelihood.”

FEMA has stepped in, but as with any government program, it takes time.

“I’ve known some of these people for generations,” Scott said.

“I feel for them and hate to see them go through this. It’s hard.

People are scared and they want answers. They lost their homes, crops, and property. They’re emotional, tired, and frustrated.

They need help.”

THERE ARE STILL

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP

THE R E S IDE N TS OF T HE CL A R K ’S FOR K VA L L E Y A ND THE TOWN OF FR OMBE RG .

Meanwhile, neighbors, family, and friends of the Fromberg community, along with a slew of volunteers, are assisting one another where possible.

Donations are being accepted at the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation. Plans are underway for the One Valley Ag Relief Benefit Auction, to be held on September 10 at the Gebo Barn, located at 285 Lower River Road, Fromberg, where a silent auction will be held, and food trucks and live music will round out a night to benefit the ag community.

“People help each other out,” Scott said. “It’s what we do. This is a tough deal, but we’re grateful for what we do have, and we’ll get through this.”

ONE VALLEY AG RELIEF FUND

The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation

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SUMMER 2022 // 41

THE FOREST GROVE CONGREGATION ON A RECENT SUNDAY MORNING

“God’sAcOe”

HISTORIC FOREST GROVE CHURCH

Meadowlarks warble from their perches on the ornate and lustrous silver fence fronting the Forest Grove Church where worship will soon begin. The bell in the bell tower rings as congregants pass through the front doors that open to the sanctuary. Natural light illuminates the room where stained-glass windows cast their hues. Without electricity or plumbing, the small congregation has chosen to keep the building exactly as it was when several of their ancestors built it back in 1907.

Reverend David Iverson, 90, sits behind the pulpit. Dressed in in jeans, cowboy boots, a Western shirt, and a bolo tie, he looks more like a rancher than a pastor as he preaches to his flock.

Since 1968, he has preached, prayed, and sung his way into the hearts of Forest Grove parishioners. His dedicated service there, and at two other parishes in east central Montana, is similar to the nineteenth century clergymen who traveled by horseback, wagon, or foot, delivering their sermons along circuits that ranged from 200 to 500 miles.

Iverson grew up on the family ranch near Winnett and saw the need for churches in prairie communities. Drawn to ministry, he graduated with a degree in Biblical studies from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and later received his master’s degree in New Testament literature from Wheaton

LITTLE SNOWY MOUNTAINS 42 // www.raisedinthewest.com

College in Illinois. He and his wife, Ella, married in 1956 and raised two children.

After ordination as a Baptist minister in 1958, Reverend Iverson founded First Baptist Church in Winnett in 1959. When a family in Sand Springs asked him to start a church in that ranching community, the lukewarm response to the proposal included one curmudgeon who said he didn’t think any Christians lived in the area, so why build a church? But the Iversons’ faith prevailed.

More families came to worship in the Sand Springs Community Church erected in 1964. “We started the Sand Springs and Winnett churches with very few members,” Reverend Iverson recalls. “If we didn’t have our faith, we would have been discouraged.” He and Ella drove 200 miles every Sunday to preach at the Forest Grove, Winnett, and Sand Springs churches.

When the Forest Grove area was still largely unsettled, two circuitriding clergymen practiced a similar testament of faith. Reverend Hugh Wakefield and Episcopalian Bishop Richmond Brewer had dreams of building a proper place to worship at Forest Grove.

Bishop Brewer was convinced he could persuade homesteaders, cowhands, sheepherders, and others to make donations for a church. He was right. A list of donors and amounts, from 50 cents to $500, was sealed inside a tin box and placed in the cornerstone.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHY MOSER

The church’s clean, simple architecture reflected the nononsense, Spartan lifestyle by which homesteaders lived.

One summer day in 1908, during a picnic, the community dedicated St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

A mere four years later, a representative for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad came to town. He brought good and bad news: steel rails were coming to Forest Grove and would link it with Lewistown, 20 miles west, and Grass Range, 16 miles east, but the church and adjoining graveyard sat on the right-of-way. This was remedied in 1913 when railroad men moved the church and graveyard to a plot of land donated by the homesteading Frost family.

Many of the pioneers who settled Forest Grove rest in the cemetery.

Although the church was founded on the Episcopalian faith, John Sellers, the churchwarden in 1928, expressed an overriding sentiment. When penning his historical account of the church, he wrote, “It is ‘God’s Acre.’ We don’t expect to be asked what denomination we belong to when we present ourselves above. Neither will there be anyone asked that question when they come here to lay away their dead.”

REVEREND DAVID IVERS

In 1969, a new chapter in church history unfolded when the Episcopal Diocese in Helena announced that it no longer wanted the church. The plan was to demolish it. To save it from that fate, the four St. Paul’s Episcopal Church officers each donated $1 to purchase the building. The congregation renamed their house of worship Forest Grove Church, and it was officially nondenominational. “We have families who are Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, and so on,” Reverend Iverson says. “Our hearts are open to everyone.”

In recent years, Reverend Iverson and Ella, who is now eighty-six, have eased their schedule, availing Sand Springs and Forest Grove on alternating Sundays and handing over the Winnett parish to Reverend Joel Oldemann.

“Preaching takes a lot of emotion and energy,” Reverend Iverson said. “Doing it three times in one day and keeping up with the ranch work became too much.”

For thirty years he ran sheep at the family place, Silver Sage Ranch, before switching to cattle. Ranching provided fodder for sermons, and he found similarities in the animals he tended and the people he ministered.

ON AND HIS WIFE, ELL

A

• FOREST GROVE CHURCH SERVICES • are held Easter Sunday and every first and third Sunday at 11 a.m. through the end of September.

This isolated ranching community in the Little Snowy Mountains foothills is accessed by dirt roads south of Highway 200, connecting Lewistown and Grass Range.

33rd Annual

lewistown

Chokecherry

festival

• Saturday, September 10, 2022 •

“Sheep and people can easily be misled,” he said. “They both have to have supervision.

They both have to have care.”

With sixty-seven years of service as a pastor, Reverend Iverson still feels God nudging him to minister. “I have an intense interest in people,” he said. “I want to know what they think and if I can help them by giving them the gospel.”

Arts & Crafts Booths • Food Vendors • Baked Goods Fresh Garden Fare • Raffles • And Much More!

Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce • 406-535-5436 www.lewistownchokecherry.com SUMMER 2022 // 43

PILOT/HORSE TRAINER

More racehorses end their careers without making it to the winner’s circle, than do. Even with an impressive pedigree and a bloodline that includes being a great granddaughter to Secretariat, there is no guarantee for a champion. But what do you do with a horse that has been bred to race and isn’t winning?

JOLIET MONTANA 44 // www.raisedinthewest.com

War Candy was one of those horses. A five-year-old mare whose short racing career ended having never won a race, War Candy became a graduate of the Thoroughbred Makeover program.

Instead of being put out to pasture, the beautiful little bay was given another chance.

WRITTEN BY CYD HOEFLE // PHOTOGRAPHED BY STU HOEFLE & CONTRIBUTED BY MURI TRIANTAFILO

Just over a year ago, Candy was placed under the ownership of Muri Triantafilo (tree-an-tah-felo). Muri acquired her through a friend who adopts retired racehorses and retrains them for other purposes. The pair connected and have done amazing things together.

Muri was born and raised on her family’s ranch outside of Joliet. She enjoys training horses when she’s not flying with her career as a commercial airline pilot. When Muri received Candy, she planned to train her to do what she knew best, to work as a ranch horse.

“Candy’s done well,” Muri said. “She was bred to be fast, but she just didn’t have that competitive edge. She’d be out in the lead doing well and just furloughs before the finish line, it was like she’d let the other horses catch up!

She’s been easy to train because she doesn’t have the hot temperament that a lot of thoroughbreds have.”

Candy seemed to prefer cows to racetracks as she showed a real aptitude when Muri used her to work cattle on the ranch. As she continued training her, Muri became confident enough in Candy’s ability that last fall she entered her in the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover Competition in Kentucky.

The purpose of the competition is to showcase the Thoroughbred breed and see them succeed in a non-racing environment. In addition to the ranch work division, the event also includes dressage, competitive trail, and barrel racing. Muri and Candy won the ranch work event which incorporated events typical to the ranching lifestyle including roping, opening a gate, crossing a bridge and sorting cattle.

GLEHN AND MU

RI TRIANTAFILO

starting to understand why when we get home at 2:00 a.m. that the first thing we do is check on the horses!”

The young couple is fortunate to be able to combine their careers with their hobby and do both well.

“I love to fly. I have a fulfilling, well-paying career that will help set us up for the future. But here’s where we want to be,” Muri said from the front porch of her Montana home. “We love it here.”

“It was the sorting that won it for us,” Muri said. “Candy worked quietly and did well enough to put us in the lead for our division.”

Muri has continued using her for ranch work, but enthused by Candy’s ability to learn quickly, she is also training her on jumping and dressage.

“Candy really does whatever I ask of her,” Muri continued. “She doesn’t get rattled and seems to take everything in stride.

She’s been very fun to train.”

Muri flies for Delta Air Lines and has flown around the world as a 737 captain. Her husband, Glehn, is also a commercial pilot.

From Australia, Glehn had never ridden a horse, nor spent much time on a ranch before he met Muri. He’s adapted well.

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When the couple isn’t flying, they spend their free time at home, living in the original homestead house on her parents’, Steve and Pat Cole’s place. Muri has a corral full of horses at various levels of training and Glehn is learning to help her with their care and training.

“Glehn and Candy are both quick learners,” Muri said. “Glehn’s become a very confidant rider and really enjoys the horses. He’s

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SUMMER 2022 // 45

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Historical moment in June when all of Yellowstone Park was shut down from flooding!

Summertime chairlift ride, Antelope Butte Ski Resort, Big Horn Mountains

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Abandoned RailRoad Track, seen while ATVing outside of Butte

Beautiful Beartooth Mountains, early May

July 4th, Red Lodge

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