Wyoming Rural Electric News June 2023

ADAPTABILITY BASIN ELECTRIC

POWERING THROUGH WHATEVER COMES YOUR WAY

Each day brings its own challenges, and Basin Electric will help you power through all of them. We have the strength and versatility to adapt so you can keep your operation running, your business doors open, and your family safe and sound. Reliable Energy for Our Way of Life.

Not Just a Parcel of Land

Preservation, Innovation and Legacy on Wyoming Ranches

STORY BY GINA LUTTERMAN SIGEL

COULD THE EPA BREAK AMERICA’S POWER GRID?

BY TERRY JARRETT

I promise I’m not getting lazy but when my deadline approaches for my column and I come across something I’ve read and agree with and think it would be thought provoking for you the readers, I tend to “borrow” or flat out copy someone else’s writing, with appropriate recognition to the original author. Such is the case this month. This month’s column comes courtesy of the Casper Star-Tribune and a piece written by Terry Jarrett, an energy attorney and consultant who has served on both the board of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners and the Missouri Public Service Commission. This column kind of dovetails with what I wrote last month about regulatory obstructions coming out of Washington, despite the bureaucratic talking points about the importance of maintaining grid reliability and their concern for rural America. Jarrett writes:

As policymakers in Washington like to point out, America is undergoing an “energy transition.” But as Washington embarks on a major national shift toward renewable energy, there’s a serious question — can we manage this wide-scale transformation without losing the security and reliability of our existing power grid?

The answer — according to the nation’s grid reliability experts — is that we’re on the verge of catastrophe. But instead of smart policies to address this looming crisis, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has actually issued a blitz of new rules that could make things worse.

The EPA has just proposed a rule that will systematically sweep aside the nation’s existing coal and natural gas

power plants. These power plants currently meet 60% of America’s energy demand. But the rule will give plant owners a choice: Either close their plants in a few years or install new emissions control technologies. However, the technologies the EPA is offering will actually ensure that plant owners can’t use them.

Consider the mandate for the coal fleet. Coal plant operators will need to outfit their plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS) — and capture 90% of carbon emissions by 2030 — if they wish to remain in operation past the 2030s. By law, the EPA is only supposed to mandate proven, available technologies. However, there is nothing costeffective or feasible about current CCS. The system remains in its infancy, and only one power plant globally is currently even using it at the scale the EPA requires.

In effect, should the EPA’s rule advance, utilities will need to decide nearly overnight about investing in a technology no one is sure can work, or be cost-effective. Faced with that kind of choice, utilities will opt to close their plants to comply with the EPA’s mandate.

That seems to be exactly what the EPA wants. More than a year ago, EPA administrator Michael Regan boasted that “expedited plant retirements … are the best tool for reducing gas emissions.” In effect, the EPA will use its new suite of rules to push utilities to close down rather than upgrade.

The EPA’s new carbon rule is just one of one of six that the EPA is proposing to drive the coal fleet off the grid. The cumulative effect will be to devastate the nation’s 200 gigawatts of remaining coal capacity — which still meets 20% of the nation’s power. Significantly, coal remains the largest source of power generation in 18 states.

The loss of so much capacity, so quickly — alongside an expected spate of natural gas plant closures — is exactly what the nation’s grid regulators have been warning against.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which oversees the reliability of the nation’s grid, has warned for years about the threat posed by the rapid loss of baseload power plants. In fact, its new summer 2023 reliability assessment found that two-thirds of the nation now faces an elevated risk of blackouts during extended heatwaves. Even the Biden administration’s hand-picked chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Willie Phillips, recently told Congress that he’s “extremely concerned about the pace of retirements we are seeing of generators which are needed for reliability on our system.”

The EPA seems to be willfully ignoring this looming crisis. That’s reckless, and the consequences could be devastating. There’s a responsible way to navigate America’s energy future, but the path being taken by the Biden administration and the EPA simply isn’t it.

SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BULLS

THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association

The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 69, number 5, June 2023 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $22 per year by Linden Press, Inc., Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices.

WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 41,346 for 11 months ending September 2022.

WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the entire state of Wyoming and the nation.

Acceptance of advertising by WREN Magazine does not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.

WREN STAFF

Publisher: Linden Press, Inc.

— Editorial Team — Maggie York

Alison Quinn

Becky Freismuth

— Design Team — Dixie Lira

David Merkley

Shawna Phillips

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

High West Energy, Pine Bluffs –Michael Lerwick, President Big Horn REC, Basin –John Joyce, Vice President

Wheatland REA, Wheatland –Sandra Hranchak, Secretary/Treasurer

Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker

Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees

Carbon Power, Saratoga – Kenny Curry

Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith

High Plains Power, Riverton – Brett Gardner

Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Scott Anderson

Niobrara Electric, Lusk – J.D. Wasserburger Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Wyrulec Company, Torrington – Dewey Hageman

Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix

Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Julie Kilty

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

$22 per year, Single copies $2 each

ADVERTISING

To purchase call (307) 996-6552.

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

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

POSTMASTER

— Send address changes to —

The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 121 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code.

PHOTO BY MELODY TURNER TORRINGTON, WYOMING

YOUNG CREATIVES

It was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. is year, though, was di erent. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

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Updates From Your Co-ops

HERE ARE SOME RECENT UPDATES ON WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR LOCAL COOPERATIVES THROUGHOUT THE STATE. AS A MEMBER-OWNER, WE HOPE YOU STAY ENGAGED IN YOUR LOCAL COOPERATIVE NEWS AND ATTEND THEIR LOCAL MEETINGS!

Bridger Valley Electric Association Annual Meeting – April 22

BVEA held their 85th annual meeting at Lyman High School in conjunction with the health fair and business expo sponsored by the Bridger Valley Chamber of Commerce.

YOUR VOICE TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

BVEA’s operations department cooked a pancake breakfast and Lyman High School’s FCCLA chapter assisted with serving the members.

Apprentice Lineman, Blace Martin, teaches US Senator Barrasso from BVEA’s safety trailer.

Lyman HS FCCLA members serve breakfast to BVEA attendees.

Bill Johnson explains potential safety hazards from his demonstration kit.

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Niobrara Electric Association Annual Meeting – May 18

The 78th annual meeting took place at the Sioux County High School.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIOBRARA ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Justin Huston was recognized for 10 years of service at the cooperative.

The Co-op Spirit Award was presented to Rick Bridge.

Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees

FROM WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME

THE WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME (WCHF) HAS SELECTED 25 INDUCTEES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023.

The WCHF State Board of Directors voted on the nominees from across the state during its annual meeting on April 29. The 10th annual induction ceremony will be at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper, September 15 and 16. It is open to the public. The event is part of the annual Wyoming Cowboy & Cowgirl Legacy Week, which was established by the Wyoming State Legislature in 2019.

WCHF Class of 2023:

REGION 1

CAMPBELL COUNTY

Marion Scott, Gillette

CROOK COUNTY

Wallace Canfield, Sundance

Jeff Garman, Sundance

WESTON COUNTY

Julius Frederick Bock, Osage

REGION 2

PLATTE COUNTY

Larry D. Cundall, Glendo

REGION 3

ALBANY COUNTY

CLASS OF 2023

Regional committees in 10 different areas of Wyoming researched and scored over 50 nominations and sent the top picks to the WCHF State Board of Directors. The State Board also selected several nominees.

Formed for historical, cultural, literary and educational purposes, WCHF’s chief goal is “To preserve, promote, perpetuate, publish and document Wyoming’s working cowboy and ranching history through researching, profiling and honoring individuals who broke the first trails and introduced that culture to this state WCHF plans to collect, display and preserve the stories, photos and artifacts of such individuals and anything else that will honor and highlight their contributions to our history.”

The WCHF Board is comprised of one member from each of the state’s 10 regions. To learn more about the WCHF visit:

WYOMINGCOWBOYHALLOFFAME.ORG

Contributions to support the mission of the WCHF are always accepted and appreciated.

REGION 6 (CONT.)

WASHAKIE COUNTY

Gary Vernon Rice, Tensleep

REGION 7

CARBON COUNTY

Charles L. Vyvey, Encampment

SWEETWATER COUNTY

Gary Zakotnik, Eden

William J. “Bill” Thoman, Green River

REGION 8

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY

Ross Rhodes, Thermopolis

FREMONT COUNTY

Shirley Dawn Wright Lilley, Laramie

REGION 4

NONE

REGION 5

JOHNSON COUNTY

George K. Fraker, Buffalo

Carl Knudson, Buffalo

SHERIDAN COUNTY

Woodrow Wilson Moreland, Big Horn

REGION 6

BIG HORN COUNTY

Stan and Mary Flitner, Greybull

PARK COUNTY

Lewis Clifton “Sonny”

Bennion Sr., Meeteetse

Simeon Leon Thayer, Cody

Donald Sheer, Dubois

REGION 9

LINCOLN COUNTY

Ray C. Fritz., LaBarge

UINTA COUNTY

C. B. Hamilton and Richard Henry Hamilton (family nomination), Fort Bridger

REGION 10

SUBLETTE COUNTY

William Patrick Dew, Pinedale, Carl and Bud Jorgensen, Pinedale

Dru and Tawny Roberts, Daniel

TETON COUNTY

Tom Breen, Jackson

Mike Taylor, Wilson

NOT JUST A PARCEL OF LAND

PRESERVATION, INNOVATION AND LEGACY ON WYOMING RANCHES

Wyoming ranches are a symbol of the American West and a testament to the resilience of those who work the land. Many have been passed down from generation to generation, with families continuing to operate and care for the land that their ancestors once called home. In the case of Centennial Ranches, the modern-day landowners trace their lineage directly to the homesteaders who settled in Wyoming and proved up the land over 100 years ago. And while the passing down of ranches from one generation to the next is a cherished tradition that preserves not only the land but also the values and heritage associated with ranching, the legacy is dynamic. It incorporates evolutions that make the ranches and the families that run them viable and sustainable today and for generations to come.

GINA LUTTERMAN SIGEL

Near Otto, Wyoming, Cliff Winters, his younger brother Scott, and his dad, Norman, ranch the Bighorn Basin that their Danish great grandfather and his brother settled. Niels and John Winters from Montpelier, Idaho, started a sheep operation that was passed down to Niels’ sons, since John remained a bachelor. Three generations later, Norman switched to cattle because of death loss. It is now largely a hay and cattle operation, managed by Cliff, Norman, and Norman’s younger brother, Scott.

In Johnson County, the Elsom family have been ranching the Folded Hills Ranch for over 100 years. Homesteaders David and Lila were hearty from birth, in fact Lila was born in a covered wagon in the sandhills of Nebraska as her family immigrated West. Their sons carried on the tradition of the sheep ranch, eventually leaving the youngest son, Ellis, in charge of the family legacy. After Ellis’ untimely death in 2001, his daughter, Sue, and her husband moved home and diversified the ranching operations to also include hospitality and tourism for visitors across the country. Sue’s daughter, Lindsey, and Sue’s son, Sean Belliveau, now run the majority of operations on the ranch.

At the Guild Ranch, outside of Piedmont, Wyoming, six generations of ranchers have built an operation that strives to maintain a strong sense of community, continuing the rich history of the founding family. Charles Guild, a homesteader from Scotland, established The Guild Mercantile and Guild Land and Livestock Companies, raising cattle and sheep during the railroad boom of the late 1800s. Charles and his sons were featured in the book “Progressive Men of the State of Wyoming” at the turn of the century. While Charles’ grandson, Lester, had to close the Mercantile in the 1940s, Lester’s son, Earl, brought the ranch to financial solvency, improved hay production and ended up selling the sheep herd. Earl and his son, Kelly, enlarged the dam and have tripled the capacity of the water the ranch has access to in their reservoirs. Increased water means more sustainability for their hybrid cattle herd and center pivots for expanded hay and alfalfa production. Today, Kelly’s sons, Zachary and Caleb, also live and work with their families on the ranch.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN BELLIVEAU

PHOTO COURTESY OF JODY GUILD

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIFF WINTERS

Riders at the Guild family ranch.

Martin, Mary, Niels, John, Lizzie, Lydia, Alma, Johanna Winters

David, Lila, JD, Gwen and Ellis Elsom

NURTURING A STRONG SENSE OF STEWARDSHIP

Families who inherit ranches understand the importance of sustainable land management practices, conservation efforts, and preserving the delicate balance between agriculture and the environment. They recognize that the land is not just a resource but a living ecosystem that must be nurtured for the benefit of future generations.

Stewardship also includes sharing the resources and fostering a love of the land so others can enjoy and promote the Wyoming lifestyle. Some ranches, like the Folded Hills Ranch and the Guild Ranch, incorporate tourism and recreation

by building hunting cabins and offering fishing. The Guild Ranch also hosts handcart trips along the Mormon Trail and participates in the local conservation district’s program “Adopt a Rancher,” which allows classrooms to experience ranching in real life.

Then there is also the financial and service stewardship of sharing talents and resources in the surrounding community. Many ranches provide employment opportunities for local residents, and ranchers often serve as community leaders and advocates. To continue practices of making the community better for future

generations many of the younger ranchers learn trades that will help on the ranch: welding, diesel mechanics and the development of energy resources.

Through careful land management and sustainable practices, Wyoming ranchers are actively involved in preserving the natural beauty, gifts and talents of the state and residents who live here. They work to maintain open spaces, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure the integrity of the land and the community, making Wyoming a better place to live for everyone. This dedication to stewardship is an essential part of the legacy passed down from one generation to the next.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN BELLIVEAU

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JODY GUILD

Lindsey and her daughter Laney in the lodge preparing a meal.

WHATEVER IT TAK ES

Keeping ranches in the family usually requires a commitment to be willing to do whatever it takes. That might mean taking a job off the ranch or diversifying and branching out into side businesses. But generational ranchers aren’t afraid to step up in the name of maintaining the legacy.

Sean Belliveau was born on Folded Hills Ranch and after his family moved, he found himself returning to work the agricultural operations with his grandfather, Ellis, summer after summer. When Sean’s grandpa passed away and his mom, Susan, moved back with her husband, they started diversifying operations. They finished the cabins for hunting and fishing and hosted weddings and special events for guests from across the country. Sean went away to college and got his law degree but always knew he wanted to return to the ranch. “I went to school with the thought in the back of my head, ‘What kind of career can I get that would afford me the opportunity to work on the ranch, at least part time?’”

Sean came back in 2015 and took over the agricultural operations; his sister manages the lodging and events and his dad, Tim, still guides hunters. “I’m happier chasing water and cutting hay than anything else. It’s a legacy–it’s a weight on your shoulders but it’s also what drives you. It’s an opportunity. A turn to carry the legacy,” Sean said. “There has never been somebody in line that would rather be rich than inherit the ranch, so that it keeps going as long as it can.” Perhaps that is the greatest value that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Tim and Susan Moyes out in front of the lodge and cabins as they were being built.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN BELLIVEAU

ADAPTATION & ELECTRICITY

The introduction of electricity and management by local electric cooperatives brought dramatic changes to rural living, even just a generation or two ago. Electricity transformed ranching by improving lighting, water supply, refrigeration, milking processes, machinery and communication. These advancements enhanced productivity, reduced manual labor and increased the overall efficiency of ranching operations, which contributed dramatically to the success of generational agriculture. Even more recently, on the Winters’ Bighorn Basin ranch, the upgrade to three-phase power provided higher power capacity, balanced power distribution and increased motor efficiency, resulting in smoother and more reliable operation of the center pivot system through the efforts of Big Horn Electric Company, the local electric cooperative.

EMBRACING INNOVATION WHILE PRESERVING A WAY OF LIFE

While generational ranching in Wyoming is rooted in tradition, it is not without its challenges. The changing economic landscape, fluctuating market conditions and evolving demands of the industry require families to adapt and innovate. The younger generation often brings new ideas and technologies to the ranching operation while respecting the core values and principles passed down by their ancestors.

Today’s generation of ranchers look to innovate through sustainable livestock management and incorporating technology into everyday life on the ranch. At the Folded Hills Ranch, Sean Belliveau can run his center pivots from his phone and the operation shuts down if it gets too cold so the system doesn’t freeze. Remote operation of computerized center pivots and rotational grazing allow ranchers like Cliff Winters to also run the Weed &

Pest for Big Horn County, reducing hours spent on the ranch with feeding and chores. And, in some cases, innovation goes right back to the community: Caleb Guild aspires to be able to provide schools with local beef through increased access to USDA-inspected facilities.

Cliff Winters summarized it in one sentence: “Fix it up, keep adding to it, make it the best you can and pass it along to the next generation.” For Judy Guild, matriarch of the Guild family, the next generation includes 42 greatgrandchildren, and counting. And even if all the children and grandchildren aren’t physically living on the ranch, they are included in calving, brandings, hay production, cattle drives and other operations and events that require all hands on deck. For some of the successive generations, these practices keep them connected to the generational ranching that is in their bloodline.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIFF WINTERS

Cliff, his son Tom, brother Scott and dad Norman.

Sean’s four kids from left to right: Brynlee, Aubrey, Landen and Colten.

But maybe the reason the next generations keep coming back to the family operations is because Wyoming ranches serve as a reminder of the hard work and determination that has shaped this country, and they offer a glimpse into a way of life that is disappearing in many other places. It’s not just the parcel of land; the endeavors embody the spirit of tradition, resilience and stewardship. Passed down from generation to generation, these ranches represent the rich heritage and values of Wyoming’s ranching community. Through their commitment to both preservation and innovation, families ensure that their legacy endures, allowing future generations to forge their own connections with the land and continue the proud tradition of Wyoming ranching. W

Originally from Laramie, Gina Lutterman Sigel draws inspiration from five generations of agriculture to tell the stories of rural living.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JODY GUILD

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIFF WINTERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN BELLIVEAU

Early Guild family.

Don Alveretta Winters and Harold Ann Winters family.

UPGRADE TO ELECTRICITY AND SAVE IN YOUR HOME

Make the switch to electricity and keep money in your pocket with more efficient household appliances and systems. From heat pumps to electric vehicles, these proven technologies have the potential to run your home and life more simply, efficiently and cost-effectively.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.TRISTATE.COOP/ELECTRIFY-AND-SAVE Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

YOUR HOME, ELECTRIFIED

HEATING & COOLING WITH HEAT PUMPS

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when paired with proper insulation, an electric heat pump can save over 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills compared to conventional HVAC systems. Here are some advantages of a heat pump:

• One system to heat your home (even in sub-zero temperatures) and cool during warmer months

• Eliminate potential carbon monoxide exposure from combustion byproducts

• Costs substantially less to heat your home than propane or electric baseboard heat

POWER UP YOUR GARDENING TOOLS

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

• Low maintenance – no oil changes or need to treat fuel, change spark plugs or filters.

• No need to purchase and store gasoline

• Electric models are lightweight and easy to handle

SAVE WITH AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)

Sales of light-duty electric vehicles rose by 43% in 2020. On average, EVs have a lower cost of operation over their lifespan, and buyers are taking notice.

• Less maintenance

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• Fun to drive because of torque

REBATES FOR YOUR HOME

Contact your local electric co-op or public power district to find out more on available rebates and incentives

PLAINS SPADEFOOT TOAD

BROTHERS AND SISTERS GALORE

Life as a tadpole is challenging; tadpoles are vulnerable to predation, environmental change and disease. Most amphibians lay lots of eggs to ensure that at least a few babies survive to adulthood. The plains spadefoot is no exception. Female spadefoots can lay between 100 to 2,000 eggs. That’s a lot of brothers and sisters!

As early summer rains drench prairie grasslands, a unique amphibian awakens from its months-long slumber. The plains spadefoot, a native Wyoming species, spends most of its life buried in the soil, where it is protected from dry summers and freezing winters. The spadefoot earned its name because it has patches of hardened tissue on each of its back feet, which act as spades for quickly digging into the soil. Plains spadefoots usually only emerge from their underground homes on humid and raining evenings to search for foods and mates.

WATCH OUT FOR CANNIBALS

Because plains spadefoots typically live in areas without permanent water, they usually breed in small, temporary ponds or water-filled ditches. The developing tadpoles have a lot of competition for space and resources. Most tadpoles eat plankton and plant debris. But some tadpoles eat a more substantial food source, such as fairy shrimp or even … other tadpoles! These carnivorous and sometimes cannibalistic tadpoles develop more quickly than the others, which is an advantage in the dry environments where spadefoots live.

RACE TO GROW UP

Cannibals aren’t the only worry for developing tadpoles. They also have to race against time! The temporary ponds that spadefoot tadpoles live in may rapidly dry up. The tadpoles can start developing faster in response to lowering water levels in their pond. While most frogs and toads take months or even years to reach metamorphosis, plains spadefoots can develop from aquatic tadpole to terrestrial metamorph in as few as 15 days!

Biblical Bush Relieves Joint Discomfort in as Little as 5 Days

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 54 million Americans are suffering from joint discomfort.

This epidemic rise in aching joints has led to a search for alternative treatments—as many sufferers want relief without the harmful side effects of conventional “solutions.”

Leading the way from nature’s pharmacy is the new “King of Oils” that pioneering Florida MD and anti-aging specialist Dr. Al Sears calls “the most significant breakthrough I’ve ever found for easing joint discomfort.”

Biblical scholars treasured this “holy oil.” Ancient healers valued it more than gold for its medicinal properties. Marco Polo prized it as he blazed the Silk Road. And Ayurvedic practitioners, to this day, rely on it for healing and detoxification.

Yet what really caught Dr. Sears’ attention is how modern medical findings now prove this “King of Oils” can powerfully…

Deactivate 400 Agony-Causing Genes

If you want genuine, long-lasting relief for joint discomfort, you must address inflammation. Too much inflammation will wreak havoc on joints, break down cartilage and cause unending discomfort. This is why so many natural joint relief solutions try to stop one of the main inflammatory genes called COX-2.

But the truth is, there are hundreds of agonycausing genes like COX-2, 5-LOX, iNOS, TNK, Interleukin 1,6,8 and many more—and stopping just one of them won’t give you all the relief you need.

Doctors and scientists now confirm the “King of Oils”—Indian Frankincense—deactivates not one but 400 agony-causing genes. It does so by shutting down the inflammation command center called Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta.

NK-Kappa B is like a switch that can turn 400 inflammatory genes “on” or “off.” A study in Journal of Food Lipids reports that Indian Frankincense powerfully deactivates NF-Kappa B. This journal adds that Indian Frankincense is “so powerful it shuts down the pathway triggering aching joints.”

Relief That’s 10 Times Faster… and in Just 5 Days

Many joint sufferers prefer natural solutions but say they work too slowly. Take the bestseller glucosamine. Good as it is, the National Institutes of Health reports that glucosamine

takes as long as eight weeks to work.

Yet in a study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences, 60 patients with stiff knees took 100 mg of Indian Frankincense or a placebo daily for 30 days. Remarkably, Indian Frankincense “significantly improved joint function and relieved discomfort in as early as five days.” That’s relief that is 10 times faster than glucosamine.

78% Better Relief Than the Most Popular Joint Solution

In another study, people suffering from discomfort took a formula containing Indian Frankincense and another natural substance or a popular man-made joint solution every day for 12 weeks.

The results? Stunning! At the end of the study, 64% of those taking the Indian Frankincense formula saw their joint discomfort go from moderate or severe to mild or no discomfort. Only 28% of those taking the placebo got the relief they wanted. So Indian Frankincense delivered relief at a 78% better clip than the popular man-made formula.

In addition, in a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study, patients suffering from knee discomfort took Indian Frankincense or a placebo daily for eight weeks. Then the groups switched and got the opposite intervention. Every one of the patients taking Indian Frankincense got relief. That’s a 100% success rate—numbers unseen by typical solutions.

In addition, BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal) reports that Indian Frankincense is safe for joint relief — so safe and natural you can take it every day.

Because of clinically proven results like this, Dr. Sears has made Indian Frankincense the centerpiece of a new natural joint relief formula called Mobilify

Great Results for Knees, Hips, Shoulders and Joints

Joni D. says, “Mobilify really helps with soreness, stiffness and mild temporary pain. The day after taking it, I was completely back to normal—so fast.” Shirley M. adds, “Two weeks after taking Mobilify, I had no knee discomfort and could go up and down the staircase.” Larry M. says, “After a week and a half of taking Mobilify, the discomfort, stiffness and minor aches went away… it’s almost like being reborn.” And avid golfer Dennis H. says, “I can attest to Mobilify easing discomfort to enable me to pursue my golfing days. Definitely one pill that works for me out of the many I have tried.”

How to Get Mobilify

To secure the hot, new Mobilify formula, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-330-2416 TODAY. “It’s not available in retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship directly to the customer.”

Dr. Sears feels so strongly about Mobilify, all orders are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days from purchase date, and I’ll send you all your money back.”

Use Promo Code MBWREN623 when you call to secure your supply of Mobilify. Lines are frequently busy and due to heightened demand, supplies are limited. To secure your suppy today, call 1-800-330-2416

Legendary “special herb” gives new life to old joints without clobbering you. So safe you can take it every day without worry.

The active ingredient in Mobilify soothes aching joints in as little as 5 days

BY DR. BRUCE CONNALLY

A Vacation

Veterinary medicine has proven to be a very rewarding and very demanding career for me. I expected the excitement of delivering a healthy calf by cesarean section at two in the morning would be tempered by back strain as I lifted a ninety-pound baby from a less-than-cooperative mother. Certainly, there would be a few dog bites or cat scratches from dissatisfied patients. Maybe even a black toenail from a horse with new shoes. What I hadn’t anticipated were the emotional demands of veterinary medicine, like helping a family make thoughtful choices as they navigate the last few months of their beloved 13-year-old cocker spaniel’s life, which was gratifying but exhausting.

I thought I heard two park rangers talking about loading all the bears in a truck and taking them to Montana…

“I am tired,” I complained to my wife after the second emergency call on a Sunday afternoon. This was the 334th day in a row that I had been in our veterinary clinic.

“We all are,” she answered. “There have been no breaks since we bought the second clinic in Riverton.”

Small business owners everywhere understood our dilemma. We were successful with the Lander veterinary clinic but needed to be bigger to implement some improvements to the business. The opportunity to purchase a second clinic gave us the desired size but also dramatically increased demands on both of us to manage two businesses.

“I think it is time for a vacation,” my wife said, reading the situation perfectly. “The kids don’t go back to school for two more weeks. They could stand a break from the clinic too.”

By Wednesday we had it all set up. Dr. Mark would work mornings in the Lander clinic. He would go back home to the Riverton clinic in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday. The Riverton clinic would close Saturday morning so Mark could work the busier Lander clinic. We would be home Sunday night, refreshed and invigorated.

Thursday morning found our family at the hot springs in Thermopolis. The boys didn’t like the sulfur smell but the swinging footbridge over the steaming river was a hit. Then we headed north to Cody and spent the entire afternoon in the museum learning about history that formed the area we were living in. The following morning it was through the East Gate into Yellowstone National Park. Buffalo were not new to the boys. I had a client who raised them in Lander. But it was the first time Clint and Matt had seen pelicans. We practiced until everyone could repeat the Dixon Merritt verse:

Old Faithful gave us a great show. The boiling mud pots amazed us. Standing on the overlook of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was a little terrifying in its magnificence. Our only disappointment was we didn’t see a single bear. I thought I overheard two park rangers talking about loading all the bears in a truck and taking them to Montana for the week but they denied it when I confronted them. Sunday afternoon we traveled over Togwotee Pass, ate lunch in Dubois, and returned home to Lander. The four days were so full of adventure that we didn’t have time to think about the business.

On Monday morning I drove to the clinic with a relaxed smile on my face. Dr. Mark came out of the clinic with his ubiquitous coffee mug in hand as I turned into the driveway. As I wondered why he was back on Monday, he stopped and peeked around the corner of the clinic at the treatment pen. Then he put the coffee mug on the ground, crouched low, and scurried over to the

solid board fence of the pen. Not sure what he was doing, I stopped the car to watch. Mark seemed to be listening intently before standing up quickly to peer over the fence. He dropped to the ground as a tan and white llama head appeared over the fence and spit a green ball of stomach content where Mark’s head had been a split second before. Mark sprinted for his coffee mug at the corner of the building as the llama hurled another fetid missile in his direction.

I was laughing as I got out of the car.

“It’s not funny,” Mark growled, looking over his shoulder to be sure we were out of range. “That is the Johnson’s best male llama. He got bit by a rattlesnake Friday afternoon. We had to put a bag over his head every time we treated him because of the spitting.”

“Nice job!” I said. “Llamas usually die from rattlesnake bite.”

“Thanks,” Mark responded dourly. “I had to take three showers Saturday treating the insufferable creature.” He opened the door of his pickup and put the coffee mug inside. “I hope you are rested because he is your problem now. I am going home to normal animals that just bite or kick. I never liked llamas anyway.” W

Dr. Bruce Connally practices equine medicine in central Wyoming and northern Colorado from his home in Berthoud, Colorado.

Oh, a wondrous bird is the pelican! His beak holds more than his belican. He takes in his beak Food enough for a week. But I’ll be darned if I know how the helican.

A RANCHING Legacy

Born in Platte County in 1949, Larry spent over 40 years as the fourth-generation manager of the Cundall Ranch east of the small town of Glendo. He grew up on horseback, helping his grandfather, Don Sommers, trail cattle from his ranch south of Glendo to Cow Camp on the Laramie Plains.

“It was certainly God’s blessing to be born and raised on a ranch,” he said. “It’s not glamorous and it’s not cool. It’s just the way you live and the way you’re brought up. Hopefully you’re tough enough to stay long enough to appreciate it.”

This toughness has carried Larry through the day-to-day grind of ranching from the time he was 6 and given his first calf.

BY JACKIE DOROTHY

“Life on the ranch is doing chores while all the other kids are playing baseball and putting up hay when all the kids are going to the beach. It’s a lot harder than it looks from the outside.”

The Cundall Ranch, established in 1917, was honored as a Wyoming Centennial Farm and Ranch in 2018. Harry Cundall, Larry’s great-grandfather, first bought the property from the Platte Valley Sheep Company as it was going out of business. Child’s Cut-off, a portion of the Oregon Trail, ran through their property and faint remnants of by-gone immigrants can still be seen today. The lives of many of these pioneers were unexpectantly saved as they traveled through the area, which is rich with numerous springs.

“They didn’t have quite as much cholera because they weren’t drinking bad water from the Platte,” Larry said.

These springs were a part of his chores as Larry learned to fix the water system. This skill would also one day save lives in Vietnam from the same cholera that once killed the early pioneers in Wyoming.

“I went to college for a couple of years and Dad got hurt. I needed to quit college to come home to the ranch. Instead, Uncle Sam said, ‘We need you to be in the Army.’ That was when they were drafting people and those that had dropped out of college were their favorite to pick. So instead of going back to the ranch, I ended up going to the Army and of course, Vietnam.”

Larry Cundall’s favorite view of the world is looking through his horse’s ears.

WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

In Vietnam, this Wyoming rancher stepped in to help fix a well that was being contaminated with cholera and making the local population sick. As a result of his ingenuity, he was appointed as an Agricultural Advisor.

“They were totally impressed because somebody from Wyoming knew how to pull a windmill and fix a pump,” Larry explained. “And that got me a job carrying a pencil instead of a rifle.”

It also earned him a Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for his work in saving lives through agriculture and community projects. Larry vaccinated over 10,000 pigs against cholera and helped eradicate the Rinderpest disease in the water buffalo. He fertilized rice paddies and even built a playground for the local village children.

After the war ended and a short stint back in college, Larry and his new wife, Ruthie Miller, moved back to the family ranch in 1974. The couple worked for many years for Larry’s father, Lee Cundall, until they were able to buy part of the ranch and,

later, another portion when Lee retired.

Larry Cundall practices sustainable farming. “In Wyoming, it’s pretty simple,” he said. “If it’s profitable and the land stays good for the next generation, that’s sustainable.”

Over the years, he used a program of rotational grazing and constant improvements to the ranch to keep the grass healthy for his cattle. This involved being in the saddle almost daily, checking water and range conditions and moving cattle. In conjunction with the rotational grazing, Larry installed many miles of fence and numerous water sources. These new water sources help the livestock and are also beneficial to wildlife.

Over the years, the Cundall Ranch received many awards for their agricultural practices. In 2015, Larry was named a White House Champion of Change for Sustainable Agriculture and represented Wyoming ranchers in Washington, D.C. In 2018, Cundall Ranch was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award by the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association. This led to national recognition as the regional winner of the Rocky Mountain Region.

Despite all these accolades, Larry’s most proud of the work he and Ruthie have done with the youth.

“We didn’t have any kids of our own but we took kids in,” Larry said. “It started with family. We had one or two of our nieces and nephews who stayed with us all summer. After a while they turned into town kids that were in trouble.”

“I think we counted over 30 kids over the years that spent the summer with us carrying sprinkler pipe, fixing fence and learning how to ride.”

Larry shared his hard-won wisdom with his youthful workforce, often telling them, “Life is full of consequences and you determine what those consequences are going to be.”

Now this Champion of Change is ready for the next generation to take over. Rather than sell out to a large corporation or dividing the ranch into small chunks of land, Larry and Ruthie have sold the Cundall Ranch to a young ranching family, Clay and Janelle Moore.

“Clay worked for me for about five years. It just seemed like a pretty good fit. He is a good young fellow and I am so proud that he’s taken over the ranch,” Larry said.

“In my heart, I wanted somebody young to take over and carry on the ranch. So, it’s about as good a legacy as any.” W

Jackie Dorothy is a freelance writer, historian and owns a marketing agency in Thermopolis.

PHOTO BY KAREN MICKELSEN BENNETT

PHOTO COURTESY OF WYOMING COWBOY HALL OF FAME

Larry Cundall and Tim Millikin heading into the branding pen.

Larry and Ruthie Cundall, reciepients of the Regional Environmental Stewardship Award.

THREE LAYER BLACKBERY DESSERT

RASPBERRY CAKE

STRAWBERRY OATMEAL BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

Melt butter. Mix flour, pecans and butter and pat into 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool. Mix cream cheese, Cool Whip and powdered sugar. Spread on cool crust. Mix sugar, tapioca and cornstarch with juice from blackberries. Add berries and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool completely. Spread on other 2 layers. Refigerate.

MARTHA LEAVELL HASTINGS, NE

Frosting: Heat juice of raspberries and powdered sugar. Put on cake when hot.

WREN STAFF

1 CUP MILK 1/2 CUP DRY OATMEAL 1 BANANA, CUT INTO CHUNKS 14 FROZEN STRAWBERRIES 1/2 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT 1 1/2 TSP WHITE SUGAR 2 CUPS FLOUR 2 STICKS BUTTER 1 CUP PECANS 8 OZ CREAM CHEESE 12 OZ COOL WHIP 1/2 LB POWDERED SUGAR 2 QT BLACKBERRIES 1 1/3 CUP SUGAR 3 TBS CORNSTARCH 1 TBS TAPIOCA 4 CUPS CUBED RHUBARB 2 CUPS SUGAR 1 SMALL CAN CRUSHED PINEAPPLE 2 CUPS SLICED FRESH BERRIES 1 PKG JELL-O 1 PKG WHITE CAKE MIX 1 PKG RASPBERRY JELLO 4 TBS FLOUR 3/4 CUP SALAD OIL 3/4 CUP WATER 4 EGGS 1 PKG FROZEN RASPBERRIES (KEEP BACK JUICE FOR ICING) 2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR

In a blender combine milk, oats, banana and strawberries. Add vanilla and sugar if desired. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve. You may also use other frozen berries if you like, or a mixture of different berries.

Mix all together, adding raspberries at the end. Bake in 9x13 pan until done.

STAFF Send complete recipe by March 10! Please include your name, address and phone number.  wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions SUBMIT A RECIPE SUBMIT A RECIPE Send complete recipe by JULY 15! Please include your name, address and phone number.  wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 286-8140  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

wren@wyomingrea.org

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

wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

Please include your name, hometown and a title.

Please submit high-quality digital files* or an original we can scan, as well as details about the artwork, the artist’s name, and the co-op. *Use the highest quality setting on your camera, or save digital artwork as a .jpg or .tif file with at least 300 dpi resolution.

If you would like your work returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

FEATURED EVENT

SOUTHEAST

CENTENNIAL

JULY 1-2

42nd Annual Centennial Valley Art Show and Sale: July 1 9a-6p. July 2 9a-4p. Nici Self Museum. Free. Artists of the area display and sell their art. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to the Nici Self Historical Museum as part of their main annual fundraiser. Info Arlene Gregory frogpt@yahoo.com, niciselfmuseum.com.

JULY 11

Centennial Library Annual Book Sale: 11a-4p. $2 bag day. Info 307-745-8393.

ONGOING

Nici Self Historical Museum: Museum grounds and exhibits open Thu-Mon 12-4p. Free. Info niciselfmuseum.com.

CHUGWATER

THURSDAYS

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

ONGOING

Live Music: Stampede Saloon & Eatery music venue open for Thursday night jam session and weekend performances. Info 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.

ENCAMPMENT

JULY 22

Museum Living History Day: Grand Encampment Museum. Free. Homemade ice cream, lemonade and historical demonstrations. Fun for the whole family.

ONGOING

JUBILEE DAYS

MOORCROFT  JULY 6-9

Family fun night, ranch rodeo, car show, chuckwagon breakfast, parade, vendor show, Riverside bronc ride, free barbecue and street dance, Sunday service and concert, and more.

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

HAWK SPRINGS

JULY 12

MEDICINE BOW

ONGOING

Museum and Gift Shop: Open daily 8:30a-4:30p. 405 Lincoln Highway. Info 307-379-2383.

WHEATLAND

SATURDAYS (THROUGH SEPTEMBER)

Farmer’s Market: 8-10a. Historic downtown Wheatland on 700 block of 9th Street. Baked goods, frozen beef, crafts, floral arrangements, produce and seasonings available for sale. Info bit.ly/WheatlandMarket.

02 | NORTHEAST

BUFFALO

THURSDAYS

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

CLEARMONT

JULY 21-23

Natural Dying Weekend at SageRidge: Includes personal journals, food, camping site, plant identification, dying, wetfelting and needle felting instruction. Additional surprise uses for plants also included. Class price is $285/ participant and is an all-inclusive weekend. All supplies and food are included in price. Info Linda sageridgeranchwyo@gmail.com, facebook.com/SageRidge.Mill.Critters.

GILLETTE

Cost: Free

For more information call 307-629-1264 or 307-756-9300.

Annual Community Hamburger Fries: 5-7p. We will be serving grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade salads, desserts, and drinks. The ice cream social will be held on August 9. The Torrington fiddlers will be playing for the event. Adults $7, children 3-12 $3, children under 3 free. This is a non-profit event and all proceeds go back into maintaining the building throughout the year. Info 308-641-9578. NORTHEAST

JULY 17-22

Pro Rodeo Museum and Hall of Fame Takeover: Taking place during National High School Finals Rodeo. Info 307-682-5723.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VM ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

JULY 22

Old Ironsides Tractor Show: 9a-4p. Taking place in conjunction with the Frontier Auto Museum Car Show. Event will be held in the field between the Rockpile and Fire Station 1. Info 307-682-5723.

MOORCROFT

JULY 17

Historical Society Meeting: 6p. West Texas Trail Museum. Info 307-756-9300.

JULY 18

Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting: Noon. Coffee Cup Fuel Stop.

WEDNESDAYS

Moorcroft Branch Library Activities: Storytime 10a. Afterschool Craft 4p. AA meetings 7p. Please use downstairs entrance. Info 307-756-3232.

THIRD THURSDAY OF MONTH

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

JULY 22

Frontier Auto Museum 8th Annual Show & Shine Car Show: 10a-3p. Free. We will have music, food trucks and lots of great classic vehicles to enjoy. Bring the family and spend the day! Sponsored by Frontier Auto Museum. Info 307-686-5667.

JULY 29

NEW FARRM (Northeast WY Farmers, Artisan, Ranchers, Regional Market) Farmer’s Market: 5-7p. 819 Country Club Rd. Info Joanne 307299-7497, facebook.com/ GilletteSaturdayFarmersMarket.

ONGOING

New Exhibit on Display at the Rockpile Museum: “My Corner Office: Views and Reflections from the Powder River Basin” featuring photographs of Powder River Basin photographer Alan Nash. Info 307-682-5723, rockpilemuseum.com. Ava Community Art Center: Info 307-682-9133, avacenter.org.

HULETT ONGOING

Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: 8a-4p Mon-Fri. Free. Info 307-467-5292.

Senior Center Events: 145 Main Street. Carry-in dinner 12:30p third Sun. Rolls and coffee 9a Thu. Info 307-467-5743.

ONGOING

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

UPTON

FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS

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

ONGOING

Senior Center Activities: 1113 2nd St. Lunch is served at noon Mon-Fri for $4. Call for reservation before 9a at 307-468-2422 or 712-400-9056. Coffee and treats at 9a on Tues. Exercise program at 9a every Tue and Fri. Card elimination and potluck every third Mon at 5:30p. Ask about medical equipment loans. Info 307-468-9262.

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

NEWCASTLE

FRIDAYS

Bingo: 7:30p. VFW Hall. Free

SECOND AND FOURTH

WEDNESDAYS

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

SUNDANCE

TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS (JULY AND AUGUST)

Historical Walking Tour: 6:30p. Courthouse Gazebo. Come join the Crook County Museum Director in the evenings for a tour of downtown Sundance. Tickets $15. Info 307-283-3666.

03 | NORTHWEST

ANTELOPE BUTTE

JULY 7-9

Antelope Butte Archery Festival: Antelope Butte Rec area.

BASIN

JULY 31-AUGUST 6

Big Horn County Fair: County Fair Grounds. Pet and livestock shows, culinary arts and crafts, music concerts, parade and rodeo, demolition derby and much more. Info bighornfair.com.

THURSDAYS IN JULY

Entertainers in the Park: 7-8p. Washington Park. Free.

CODY

THURSDAYS JULY 6-AUGUST 24

Cody Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8:30p. City Park. Free.

ONGOING

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

COWLEY

JULY 21-23

Pioneer Days: Info Kary Lewis 307-205-3511, kgslewis@ gmail.com, facebook.com/ pioneerday82420.

DUBOIS

THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Wyoming Health Fairs Monthly

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

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYS

Farmer’s Market: 2:30-4:30p. Headwaters Arts & Conference Center. Featuring local produce, baked goods and bread, dairy products, jams and jellies, herbs and salves. Info 307-455-2027.

FRIDAYS

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

GREYBULL

SECOND SATURDAYS

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

HYATTVILLE

ONGOING

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

LANDER

SATURDAYS

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

ONGOING

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

RIVERTON

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

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

THURSDAYS

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

SATURDAYS

Farmer’s Market: 9-11a. Little Wind Center at the Fremont County Fairgrounds. Info 307-851-7562.

ONGOING

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

METEETSEE

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

Meeteetse Recreation District: 10:30a yoga. Info 307-899-2698, meetrec.org.

MONDAYS

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

POWELL

JULY 25-29

Park County Fair: Park County Fairgrounds. Info parkcountyeventsandfair.com.

TENSLEEP

JULY 3-4

Ten Sleep Rodeo: Info 307-366-2311, tensleeprodeoassociation.com, facebook.com/tensleeprodeo.

THERMOPOLIS

SECOND SATURDAYS

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

Send complete information by JULY 15!

Please send events occurring in the month of September by July 15, and October by August 15 for inclusion in the WREN.

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

Photos are always welcome.

WORLAND

JULY 22-29

Washakie County Fair: Washakie County Fairgrounds. Info washakiecountyfair.com.

SOUTHWEST

LYMAN

THURSDAYS

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

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

 wren@ wyomingrea.org

 [307] 286-8140

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

 wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions

MOUNTAIN VIEW

MONDAYS

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

ONGOING

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

CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS

FOR SALE

Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks, Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnaces and more. In business for more than 77 years. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582.

For Sale! Goulds 3ST1H1A4 Centrifugal Water Irrigation Pump 1-1/2” x 2” Never used. 3500 RPM. Internet cost: $3K to $3500. Asking $1500. Bought for house but pumps 175 Gal/Minute. Way too big! Have stats and wire diagram. Call John (307) 752-7028, Sheridan, WY.

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

WANTED

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

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.

WANTED CJ or Wrangler reasonably priced. Any condition but rusted. 512-797-1664.

OUR HOME

It’s a uniquely Western concept, I think –the home place.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT GASSON

Grandfather Walt Gasson.

HOME PLACE

Iwas thinking the other day about a song Dave Stamey sings called “Montana Summers.” It’s a beautiful tribute to “black and white photographs of old men in Stetsons, on horses that have been dead for years’’ and to a home place that was lost. It’s a uniquely Western concept, I think – the home place. Humans, by nature, long to belong to some place. We want to feel connected to some part of this world. The great writer and historian Wallace Stegner said that this “sense of place” required at least three things: a unique geography – something that made that place special on the land, a remembered history – something that made that place special to someone, and a connection between that history and the present – something that made that place and its past important for the future.

For my family, that place was in southwestern Wyoming. To be honest, it wasn’t much. It straddled Craven Creek, a small creek north of Opal that drains into the Hams Fork River, a thin vein of green in the vast gray-brown expanse of the sagebrush sea. But it was ours, and it was hard-won. My grandfather Walt Gasson came to Wyoming in the territorial days with his father Fred and his mother Caroline. He quit school in the fourth grade to work on Fred’s place over on Big Sandy, but the old German was hard to work for and he saddled up one day and never came back. He landed a job as a foreman for one of the big sheep outfits, owned by his brother-in-law Henry Franklin. It was a life on the range. In the very few photographs that exist, he wears a broad-brimmed, low crowned hat with a stampede strap, beaded riding gloves (made by Dick Son’s Shoshone wife out on Henry’s Fork) and looking every inch the buckaroo. His horse is not always the same, but invariably small and mustang-y looking.

But there’s also a letter, dated November 8, 1909, from Henry. He has been to sell the sheep and has come away deeply concerned. He didn’t do well, and he notes

BY WALT GASSON

his deeper concern about the scarcity of money and the banks closing. The financial panic of 1907 had come to roost a little too close to home perhaps for Henry. He was over 50 now, and he may have wanted to diversify or he may have simply wanted to be in business with his wife and her brother. For whatever reason, he and Walt began buying up small places on Craven Creek.

Walt married the beautiful Harriet Heward, a schoolteacher from Almy, in 1911 and children came along in due course (Gus in 1913 and Carol in 1916), but his life was still mostly on the range. His roots had grown deep in the poor soil on Craven Creek. To be honest, it wasn’t much. A house, a few outbuildings and a very small watershed with some native hay meadows along the creek. But it was their place, it was our place. More than a century later its presence still lingers in our family and the stories that are told around our campfires.

Building a dam with a team and a Fresno, hunting sage grouse along the creek, shipping the lambs from Opal or sometimes Fossil, my grandmother told my father the stories and he passed them to me. But he always told them with a certain sadness. When he was only 6, the great influenza epidemic killed Walt at the age of 44. With two small children and no backup plan, Harriet sold the place to provide for their future. It must have been a heart-wrenching decision.

I suppose it’s fair to say that we left our mark there in the high desert country, but it left its mark much more deeply on us. We were happy there. We belonged there. The place remains, and like a firescarred sagebrush, our family has stayed rooted and grown. But the scar remains as well, in the memories of our home place. W

Walt Gasson is a fourth-generation Wyoming native, writer, and son of the sagebrush sea. He lives in Laramie, Wyoming.

PAINTING WITH FEET!

Here's how to set up this activity:

Roll out a long strip of white butcher paper on the driveway, sidewalk, or other hard surface. Newspaper taped together with masking or painter’s tape works, too!

Weigh the paper down with rocks or heavy objects so it doesn’t move around.

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Drizzle, splatter, or glob washable paint (acrylic, tempera, or watercolor) onto the paper. Kids can help with this!

Let your kids walk up and down and all over the paper.

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They might smush all the colors together, make different shapes, or focus on their footprints – there is no wrong way to explore painting with their feet.

After the paint has dried and you have admired the artwork, reuse the painted paper as wrapping paper!