WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS
BASIN ELECTRIC
CREATED FOR COMMUNITIES
Community support is more than a nice idea – it’s Basin Electric’s culture. Giving back to local organizations is important to us because charitable programs and non-profit services help our employees’ and members’ communities thrive. Basin Electric provides employees with time to volunteer for the charitable groups they’re passionate about.
Our communities have supported us throughout the years by providing our strong workforce, and without them, we couldn’t provide reliable, affordable electricity across rural America. Now more than ever, community matters.
The Energy Mix: Industrial Minerals
LESSONS LEARNED FROM WILDFIRES AND HURRICANES
I do not want to make light of the tragic impact the wildfires have had on folks in Wyoming and across the west, or the loss millions have suffered due to the hurricanes in the Southeast, and I don’t much care for the saying “don’t let a tragedy go to waste,” made famous by former President Obama’s Chief of Staff, Rham Emanuel, because it seems cold and heartless. That having been said, there are a few observations I’ve noticed when watching the news coverage of the hurricanes and reading about the coverage of the wildfires in Wyoming.
That’s one right there. Unless you watch your local or regional news you don’t see anything, for the most part, on the national news about the wildfires in Wyoming or the Rocky Mountain West. The national news is only covering the hurricanes. I have my theories as to why that is, including that the hurricanes impact a greater number of people and the damage to infrastructure is greater, and hurricane impacted states are swing or battleground states in terms of the upcoming election (and to be fair there is a concern on both sides of the political aisle about people in those states being able to vote and that their votes will be counted).
Another observation, particularly with hurricanes, is that when reporting about the impacts, the first thing reported is lives lost and/or missing and the second is how many people are without power. The next thing should be how many more lives will be lost if the power isn’t restored post haste. That is how important reliable power is to our country. It’s why there are crews and equipment from all over the cooperative family in the Southeast, helping to rebuild entire grid systems.
This is a monumental effort and the fact that we have linemen from all over the country helping get the power back on I think deserves more national coverage, unfortunately when the lights come back on, people will be quick to forget about what it was like when they had no power and what it took to restore it. I would also like to see more coverage about the damage to livestock and crops and rural communities due to the wildfires, and what that means to the national collective.
My last observation is more of a silver lining in the face of all the tragedy, be it hurricanes or wildfires, and that’s the American virtue of neighbors helping neighbors. I like to think of Wyoming as one big neighborhood and I’ve heard many stories during this wildfire season of people giving their time, money and effort to help one another fight, flee and cope with the wildfires. These examples, both with the hurricanes and wildfires, are the lessons I hope the entire country could learn and never forget.
SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STELLAR SHOT
On Call as a Wyrulec Lineman
Terri Walford, a Wyrulec member, captured a moment while her power was being restored after a lightning storm. Terri’s home is approximately three miles outside of Lingle. A lightning storm had come through that evening, causing a handful of outages. The transformer at Terri’s house looked like it had been struck by lightning, causing a blown lightning arrestor. These two linemen were on call that night, and around 9 p.m., her house was their last stop.
While the storm didn’t cause a large outage - just a handful like Terri’s house - it’s a great example of what our cooperative linemen do on a normal evening when they are part of an on-call crew. Wyrulec crew members still climb poles in order to repair or replace equipment, which can save a lot of time compared to bringing a bucket truck on site. On this particular night, the linemen were also sporting some new gearthe lamps on their hard hats are a newer style called halos, as opposed to the previous style, which were spot-light type lamps.
A halo lamp is a lighting system that provides visibility in all directions up to a quarter-mile away. The spotlight and task light features provide the ideal lighting conditions for any job.
HALO LAMP FEATURES
• Lightweight and cord-free
• 360° visibility for a quarter-mile
• 50-foot spotlight
• Powerful flood task lighting
• Compatible with any standard hard hat
• Battery life indicator
• Water resistant
PROVIDES VISIBILITY IN ALL DIRECTIONS PROVIDES MORE DIRECTED LIGHTING A HALO
LAMP THE SPOTLIGHT
Welcome to all things wild west in the rural electric cooperative world. Each month will be dedicated to our lineworkers, including snippets about a day in their life, true tales of risky jobs, or more information about what it’s like to be a lineworker at an electric cooperative.
Wyrulec lineman DJ Duffield climbs the pole while lineman Anthony Pontarolo is the spotter on the ground.
COLD PLUNGES
YOUR THING?
Youth Tour
While in the nation’s capital, students learn about American history, our nation’s government and the role electric cooperatives play in communities across the country. Students also get the chance to enjoy historical sites and visit with their state representatives in the House and Senate.
Each year, the WREA sponsors three Wyoming students to attend, and local cooperatives have the opportunity to sponsor additional students. To find out how you can become eligible to participate in Youth Tour, contact your local electric cooperative.
IN JUNE, MORE THAN 1,300 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY SPEND A WEEK IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AS PART OF THE NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION’S YOUTH TOUR.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
During this week-long camp in July, students have the opportunity to learn about how co-ops operate and about the latest developments in the electric industry. Each cooperative has its own qualifications for participation in the camp.
STUDENT FEATURES
Hear from recent camp and Youth Tour participants about their experiences, and why they encourage other students to apply. Their biggest takeaway: between what you learn, the amazing places you explore and the lifelong friends you make, you won’t regret it.
MORE INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT YOUTHTOUR.COOP
JAXON SWEEP
LYMAN, BRIDGER VALLEY ELECTRIC
ATTENDED: UTAH CAMP | YEAR ATTENDED: 2023
Favorite Activities: I loved the ropes course. It was fun because they put you in different groups so you got to meet new people and be leaders. I liked the day when we could go on our own and go to the museums. I also loved the baseball game.
How did attending help you gain a better understanding of the cooperatives? We did a couple of activities that help you create your own co-op and help decide what is best.
What would you tell students who are thinking about going to camp or Youth Tour? Youth Tour is so much fun and I loved going with the Colorado group and still now I am close with most of the people that came. The people that you meet, not just from Wyoming and Colorado, are so much fun to be with and can lead to lifelong relationships with everyone. It gives you a chance to step out of your comfort zone and have fun while doing it.
BURLINGTON, BIG HORN RURAL ELECTRIC ATTENDED: COLORADO CAMP / YOUTH TOUR | YEAR ATTENDED: 2023 / 2024
Favorite Activities: I was excited to go river rafting for the first time during the Colorado Camp. I enjoyed being around friends and having great water fights with other rafts. I also enjoyed the electric caution presentation. Seeing how fast the electricity could cook a hot dog was fascinating. During Youth Tour, I really enjoyed being in the big room with all the other states. It was full of great energy and states chanting cheers. I enjoyed the guest speaker and how he overcame his setbacks in life.
How did attending help you gain a better understanding of the cooperatives? Before the Youth Tour, I had only thought cooperatives were mainly hands-on with a couple of other office jobs. However, I learned there are several sides to having a successful co-op such as the law side.
What would you tell students who are thinking about going to camp or Youth Tour? You will not regret applying! Both camps have such great activities involving co-ops and exploring the place you are in. You will learn so much about both and will make such great friends. I have kept in contact with people I met at both camps. You will make lifelong friends while having a great time!
JESSICA MENDEZ
SAVANNA H HAECKER
HATTIE L ERWICK
ETHAN
WHEATLAND, WHEATLAND REA
ATTENDED: COLORADO CAMP | YEAR ATTENDED: 2023
Favorite Activities: River rafting, dances, meeting new people and seeing amazing places.
How did attending help you gain a better understanding of the cooperatives? I knew next to nothing about co-ops before, but afterwards I was able to learn so much through the careful teaching from the many speakers and REA representatives.
What would you tell students who are thinking about going to camp or Youth Tour? I would tell them that if they haven’t applied, do so. If they have, they’re in for the time of their life. It’s an opportunity you’re not going to find out of high school, so take the chance while you have it.
PINE BLUFFS, HIGH WEST ENERGY
ATTENDED: YOUTH TOUR | YEAR ATTENDED: 2023
Favorite Activities: I loved all of the Youth Tour; touring is always a blast because D.C. is so rich in the history department (which I love). I also love seeing the state of our government when back in D.C.
How did attending help you gain a better understanding of the cooperatives? It helped me understand how electricity works, and the importance of being an advocate for rural areas, like Wyoming. I also learned a lot about how the government works, as far as lobbying, and helping people understand different things.
What would you tell students who are thinking about going to camp or Youth Tour? 1,000% do it. It is so much fun! You will learn a lot, walk a lot, and meet lots of people that you will be lifelong friends with!
CHUGWATER, WHEATLAND REA
ATTENDED: COLORADO CAMP / YOUTH LEADERSHIP TOUR STUDENT | YEAR ATTENDED: 2023
Favorite Activities: My favorite activity at camp was the dance we had on the second to last night. My favorite activity while at Youth Tour was introducing myself and my state as Wyoming’s YLC representative.
How did attending help you gain a better understanding of the cooperatives? They helped me gain a better understanding of cooperatives by helping me realize that electric co-ops do so much more than getting people electricity and that they are very involved in their communities.
What would you tell students who are thinking about going to camp or Youth Tour? I would tell students to apply, you are never going to get this opportunity again. They are both truly amazing experiences, you will meet some amazing people and build lifelong connections. So just apply, you won’t regret it.
BURLINGTON, BIG HORN RURAL ELECTRIC
ATTENDED: COLORADO CAMP / YOUTH TOUR | YEAR ATTENDED: 2023
Favorite Activities: My favorite activity at camp was river rafting. It helped me build strong friendships and we all had a great time! My favorite activity at Youth Tour was visiting the Library of Congress. I loved all the books and architecture and learning about the history of it all!
How did attending help you gain a better understanding of the cooperatives? Attending the camp and Youth Tour helped me to understand how much work and organization goes into cooperatives and what different people in a co-op do. I also learned why co-ops are so important.
What would you tell students who are thinking about going to camp or Youth Tour? Definitely apply! Not only will you learn so much, but you will make lots of new friends, gain new leadership skills, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
INDUSTRIAL MINERALS
CRITICAL
MINERALS AND RARE
EARTH
ELEMENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN WYOMING AND THE UNITED STATES
BY GAYLE M. IRWIN
From wall board to baking soda, batteries to magnets, mineral sources serve major roles in today’s society. Critical minerals and rare earth elements found in Wyoming’s rocks may help supply the United States with these important resources, alleviating the dependency on other nations for such materials.
Recent discoveries in Wyoming of critical minerals and rare earth elements brought companies to the state in the last few years with hopes of mining these materials, creating added revenue to the state, new jobs and a crucial domestic supply.
Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
“Rare earth elements are part of the category of critical minerals,” said Erin Campbell, Wyoming State Geologist at the Wyoming State Geological Survey. “Critical minerals are elements, minerals and materials that are necessary in our modern society in terms of military security, in terms of technology, and medical supplies as well.”
They are also used in the energy sector and people’s daily lives.
“They are everywhere,” Campbell said. “Every time we pick up our cell phone [for example], we’re picking up ten different minerals.”
China is the largest supplier of these materials; Russia and the Republic of the Congo are also sources, Campbell said. Not only are these areas unstable, but events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s U.S. dockworkers strike can affect the supply chain for these products. The 2022 federal infrastructure law dedicated “hundreds of millions of dollars to the exploration of critical minerals in the United States,” Campbell said, and previous federal actions addressed critical minerals and the supply chain.
“China controls the vast majority of actual mining of rare earth elements, but maybe more importantly, the processing and separation,” noted Sean Schaub, Nuclear Industry Coordinator for Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA).
“From the United States’ strategic perspective, it’s important to have more domestic options of control over our supply chain.”
The importance of these substances grew massively with the advancement of technology, and therefore, federal and state governments are working with companies to meet the demand now and in the future.
“In the last 10 years, it’s really come to the forefront and has had wonderful bipartisan support,” Campbell said. “The global demand for critical minerals [may] triple by 2030 from 2020.”
Her department serves as “the boots on the ground,” mapping the rock types that might contain critical minerals and rare earth elements. At least four significant projects are underway in the state, she said. One is located in Fremont County, another near Sheridan and a third near Upton. The fourth is located near Wheatland.
“
Critical minerals are elements, minerals, and materials that are necessary in our modern society in terms of military security, in terms of technology, and medical supplies as well.
Halleck Creek Deposit
American Rare Earths took interest in what is believed to be a major source of rare earth elements in a geologic deposit between Wheatland and Laramie. To manage this project the company started a subsidiary known as Wyoming Rare (USA), Inc (WRI). The Cowboy State Mine, the first step in a multi-phase approach to developing the Halleck Creek deposit, is expected to be a long-term rare earths asset for the United States.
“What we’ve been doing for the past few summers is exploration, where we drill a core hole and some other holes, called RC holes,” explained Joe Evers, WRI’s President. “Those are really important informational markers for us. What it helps us do is to understand how the resource looks underground and understand where the boundaries of that resource are, so we can refine our plan on what the mining might look like in the future if we get to that stage.”
He added, “More importantly, it’s helping us understand how to get the rare earth elements out of the rock body itself.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN CAMPBELL, WYOMING STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WSGS studies rocks in the Laramie Range, near the Halleck Creek prospect.
Industrial mining is a process that involves extracting raw materials from the earth to create finished products. The process includes several stages, from discovery to reclamation, and can be done at the surface or underground. For instance, bentonite mined from open pits is blended, ground, dried and processed into various products at several mills in the state.
The most common type of mining across the U.S. is surface mining, but some operations include placer mining, in-situ mining and underground mining. Each one comes with its own advantages for various material types.
How does industrial mining work?
Solution Mining
This method is used to extract trona for soda ash production. Solution mining uses water and large wells to reach deep underground trona deposits. The pressure of the water pumps trona ore to the surface, where the brine solution (of trona and water) is processed into soda ash.
Placer Mining
Placer mining uses water to excavate sand and gravel from beaches, riverbeds or ancient alluvial deposits laid down by rivers over time, and is usually used to search for gold and other precious metals. The method is efficient for mining because water will do most of the work, separating the desired material from other materials and depositing it in concentrated amounts. It employs a hand-held sluice, a dredge or a large excavation machine, often producing less environmental impact than other mining types, leaving the area’s topography undisturbed.
Surface Mining Underground Mining
Surface mining generally extends to depths no greater than 50 feet, removing soil and rock overlying the mineral deposit, typically coal, iron ore, manganese, diamond and other minerals. Surface mining is done by open-pit or strip mines, and is often more cost-effective than underground mining. Open pit or surface mining excavates very large areas and requires powerful mining assets like trucks, conveyors and other heavy machinery.
Underground mining accesses resources deep beneath the surface. It requires special equipment and creates more hazardous working conditions than other mining operations. Underground mining is typically used to extract coal and other materials that are difficult to reach. Room and pillar mining is most common in the U.S. industry, where a maze-like series of tunnels create access to the material.
In-situ Mining
In-situ mining is used to extract minerals within the rock matrix deep underground. It eliminates the need for surface excavation, which can be expensive and damaging to the environment, by instead using methods to extract the minerals such as solvents or high-pressure liquid jets (using recycled water). This also reduces waste and decreases noise and visual disturbances.
The core samples are split and crushed and “sent off to assay,” Evers said. “That helps us understand, if you were to build a project, what does that look like from an economic perspective?”
The land and mineral rights for the Cowboy State Mine portion of the Halleck Creek project are owned by the state, and therefore, permits for this stage of development come from the state.
Supporting Wyoming Projects and Communities
This endeavor, and another near Upton known as the Bear Lodge Project operated by Rare Earth Elements Ltd., (REE), received grant funding from the WEA. Additionally, in September, WRI received a Letter of Interest from Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide a debt
funding package of up to $456 million for the construction and execution phase of the Cowboy State Mine.
Wyoming’s legislature and governor support these endeavors. Last year the governor signed a bill that gives Wyoming primacy to permit and regulate aspects of the rare earth and critical minerals industry, including nuclear. The law amends the existing agreement with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow the state permitting and regulatory authority for rare earth elements sources.
“The Governor recognizes that rare earths are critical to our national defense, energy security and everyday lives,” said Michael Pearlman, communications director for Governor Mark Gordon’s office. “For decades, China has controlled the rare earth minerals market, and the Governor believes it’s critical for the United States to reenter this market. Wyoming is excited to help lead the way in this reentry.”
Evers, a Wyoming native originally from Sheridan, agreed.
“It’s really exciting and important for the United States to have meaningful and domestic supplies of the rare earth elements and other critical minerals as well as domestic processing facilities,” he stated.
Common Materials from Each Mining Process
Trona is mined and processed into soda ash, which is an essential raw material for products such as glass, solar panels, pharmaceuticals, soap, cosmetics, paper and more.
Mined copper plays a pivotal role in electric vehicles and renewable energy generation for wind turbines and solar panels.
Surface mining uncovers sand, gravel, stone, coal, iron and other metals. Manganese and iron are primary resources for the steel industry.
Uranium uncovered via in-situ mining is used to power nuclear reactors that produce electricity, and to produce the isotopes that are used for medical, industrial and defense purposes.
Lead, a base metal mined in Wyoming, is used in a multitude of everyday materials, including construction, plumbing, car batteries, weights, cable sheathing and more.
PHOTO BY DANE RHYS
Joe Evers, President of Wyoming Rare Inc (WRI)
Industrial Minerals Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Industrial minerals are essential for developing renewable energy technologies
Mining can provide jobs, investment in community development projects and increased economic activity
The industry pays taxes that provides funding for hospitals, schools and public facilities
This summer, REE Ltd. announced progress to its Bear Lodge Project, including setting up modular office trailers and a rock crusher for processing the feed sample, with expectations to begin operations this year.
Wyoming benefits from these projects in other ways. Both WRI and REE use energy via Wyoming’s electric cooperatives, and those working for the companies spend money in Wyoming towns.
Diversifying State and Community Economies
Investing in these companies is important to the state, Schaub said.
“We see a benefit to the state of Wyoming –that’s first and foremost,” he said. “These grants require a match from the company, and then with the development of the project, we’re adding jobs, we’re adding severance taxes to the state. Wyoming is blessed with a variety of geologic resources that has been the bedrock of our economy for many, many decades … and it presents a good opportunity for the state and the country at large. It fits the ethos of the state.”
Disadvantages
Mining processes can harm the surrounding environment by destroying land and biodiversity
Mining can lead to water and air pollution, and the contamination of waste materials
When reclamation strategies are not in place, abandoned mines are dangerous for recreationists who use public and private lands
“A new revenue source such as critical minerals could help diversify the state revenue sources,” added state geologist Campbell.
Other minerals, such as uranium, gypsum, bentonite and trona that have been mined in the state for decades, also add to that diversification.
“Wyoming remains a good producer of those resources,” Schaub said.
“There’s different market potentials [for minerals and elements],” he added. “Each of them is going to create great jobs and economic opportunities for local communities and for the state as a whole, and also for the country. We’re really poised [in Wyoming] to be a leader and
to expand industries, create new industries, create good jobs. So across the board, it’s really good.”
“The critical minerals that power renewable technologies – from electric vehicle batteries to wind turbines, to solar photo photovoltaic cells – are currently mined in very few places,” Pearlman noted. “Wyoming has world class minerals and mining opportunities. The Governor believes the United States should move expeditiously to secure critical mineral and uranium mining, processing and refining on our own shores.” W
Gayle M. Irwin is a freelance writer based in Casper.
Air to Breathe
The most important role plants play in any ecosystem is producing oxygen through photosynthesis. Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) from the air and the soil. Using light energy, typically from the sun, the plants convert CO2 and H2O into sugars and oxygen. The plant uses sugar for growth and releases oxygen into the air.
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Food & Shelter
Plants also provide food and shelter for other organisms, from tiny soil microbes to grizzly bears. Greater Sage-Grouse are ground-nesting birds found only in the vicinity of sagebrush. The young birds eat insects that feed on plants, while the older birds eat the leaves and buds of sagebrush. Snails and aquatic insects also use oxygen-producing plants for shelter and food. In turn, trout and other fish eat the smaller animals. And miller moths are not only pollinators, they feed on plants, too. Then in July and August, grizzly bears eat up to 40,000 moths a day!
We’re All Connected
Humans, too, are deeply interconnected with the plant world. We depend on plants not only for the oxygen we breathe, but also for shelter, clothing, fuel, food and more. And let’s not forget the pleasure we get from the beauty of flowers!
All Living Things DEPEND ON PLANTS
BY DR. BRUCE CONNALLY
Is She Pregnant?
Checking a horse for pregnancy is a real challenge. There is no “baby bump.” A pregnant belly and a hay belly look the same. Some mares get their “school-girl figure” back after having a baby, but many remain content with a more matronly shape as long as there is plenty of pasture to graze. Pregnant mares don’t seem to have cravings either. No pickled alfalfa or bromegrass spears spritzed with molasses at midnight. Until the last couple months of pregnancy, mares eat just like they did before pregnancy. Some horse owners watch to see the baby kick against the side of the mare’s belly. Unfortunately, horses have huge and very active intestines that contract while digesting hay, resulting in the same movement.
Blood tests to measure hormone levels are not accurate. We might be able to x-ray a small miniature horse to check for pregnancy but full-size horses are much too big. The only way we can reliably tell if a mare is pregnant is to perform a rectal exam. We use an ultrasound during the rectal exam in the first few months of pregnancy. It is exciting to see the tiny heart beating and the little umbilical cord connecting the embryo to Mom. But as the foal grows, the most practical examination is to reach into the rectum and feel the foal moving about in the uterus. The veterinarian gets to be the first person to pet the foal.
But not every mare is amenable to the procedure. With some mares the best approach to pregnancy diagnosis may
be to check the corral each morning for a new foal. But sometimes we humans just can’t wait. John called me late on a Wednesday afternoon.
“I just bought two nice Hancock mares from Dick Mitchell out by Diversion Dam. He says they have been with the stallion all summer so he is sure they are bred. I told him I would pay $500 less if they were open.”
John was an orthopedic surgeon who loved the Hancock line of quarter horses. Especially the blue roans. I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about Hancock quarter horses. They were known for being big, powerful horses that were sometimes pretty challenging to work with.
“So, how old are these mares?” I asked warily.
“One is 10 and the other is about 12,” John answered. “Dick is going to round them up this weekend. Could you come out to my place to pregnancy check them Monday? I should be done with patients by three so sometime after that would be great.”
I arrived at John’s place in Lyons Valley a little after three. Tommy, his hired hand, met me by the corral.
“Afternoon, Doc,” Tommy greeted me. “John had an emergency surgery so he is a little late. Should be here in about 15 minutes.”
“Sounds good, Tommy,” I answered as I walked up to the corral. A 1,400-pound bay roan mare watched me from the other side of the corral. The red roan mare beside her wasn’t quite as big but still easily weighed 1,300 pounds. Their untrimmed feet and wary attitude as they watched me from across the corral made me cautious.
“They aren’t halter broke, are they?” I asked Tommy.
“Nope,” he replied. “This is as close as I have been able to get to them. Can you tell if they are pregnant from here?”
Just then John drove up. He was obviously more excited about the new horses than Tommy or me.
“Nice looking mares, aren’t they?” he gushed. “Look at the bone in those legs.”
“They’re big all right,” I agreed. “But how do you think I am going to do a rectal exam on two range mares that have never even had a halter on?”
“I’ve been thinking about that,” John said. “Maybe we can get them into the cattle squeeze chute.”
“Maybe,” I answered. “But they are likely to hurt
themselves in there and it still leaves me trying to do a rectal exam with no way to avoid those hind feet.”
Tommy had been standing quietly beside us. “I think we can get them in the tall wooden alley that leads up to the chute. It is solid so I don’t think they will get hurt. I’ll bet we can get a halter on them and tie their heads up.”
“That’s an idea!” John exclaimed.
“But I still can’t get behind them for the rectal without getting killed,” I protested.
“We’ll hang you over the fence,” John said. “I’ll hold your feet.”
“What!” I was incredulous. I knew John had been a college football player before medical school. He was still a big, strong man but … Really?!
“Yep,’” John added. “If you get hurt, I will fix you for free.”
It was one of the stupidest things I have ever done. Tommy had the mares’ heads tied so they couldn’t leave. They kicked and jumped around in that wooden alley as any wild animal would when some human was sticking his hand up their butt. Despite all of this, somehow I performed my first and second upside down rectal exams. John was good for his word. He held me bent over the side of the alley just above the violence. Nobody got hurt.
“That worked great! Both are pregnant.” John was gleeful.
“Well John,” I panted leaning against the boards of the alley. “This is going to cost a little more than the standard pregnancy exam.”
Dr. Bruce Connally practices equine medicine in central Wyoming and northern Colorado from his home in Berthoud, Colorado.
We’ll hang you over the fence. I’ll hold your feet.
BUCKLE UP, PUMPKIN
CASSEROLES
LAYERED TORTILLA CASSEROLE
1 LB GROUND BEEF
1 SMALL ONION, CHOPPED
1 PACKET TACO SEASONING
1 CAN BLACK BEANS, DRAINED
FLOUR TORTILLAS
1 CAN TOMATOES WITH DICED GREEN CHILES
1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
4 CUPS GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE
Cook ground beef with onions, adding salt and pepper to taste. Add taco seasoning according to packet directions, including water. Stir in black beans and simmer. In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, diced green chiles and cream of mushroom soup. In a deep baking dish, layer half of the hamburger mixture, torn-up tortillas, half of the soup mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Optional: Top with lettuce, tomato, olives and sour cream after baking.
JANET PRINGLE BURNS
CROCKPOT RAVIOLI LASAGNA
1 LB GROUND BEEF
1 (24 OZ) JAR SPAGHETTI SAUCE
1 (22 OZ) PACKAGE FROZEN CHEESE RAVIOLI
2 CUPS SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
Brown and crumble the ground beef. Add half of the spaghetti sauce to the bottom of the crockpot. Layer half of the cooked beef, half of the ravioli and half of the cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, beef, ravioli and cheese. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
BERNICE BORLAND GILLETTE
1 LB HAMBURGER
1 MEDIUM ONION, DICED
1 (10.5 OZ) CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN OR MUSHROOM SOUP
1/2 CUP SOUR CREAM 1/2 CUP MILK
2-3 LARGE POTATOES, PRE-BAKED OR BOILED AND DICED 1/2 CUP GRATED CHEESE (OR MORE, TO TASTE) CORN FLAKE CRUMBS
Brown hamburger with diced onion. Place in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer diced potatoes on top of the hamburger. In a bowl, mix soup, sour cream, milk and cheese. Pour over the meat and potatoes. Top with cornflake crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
KAYE WILSON LYMAN
CHICKEN STUFFING CASSEROLE
2-4 CUPS COOKED CHICKEN OR TURKEY (DICED OR SHREDDED)
1 (10.5 OZ) CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP 1/2 CUP CHICKEN BROTH
1 CUP SOUR CREAM
1 (6 OZ) BOX STUFFING MIX (CHICKEN OR TURKEY FLAVOR) 1/2 CUP SLIVERED ALMONDS (OPTIONAL)
DECEMBER:
Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions. Place the chicken or turkey in a casserole dish. In a bowl, mix the soup, broth, almonds and sour cream. Pour over the chicken. Top with the prepared stuffing. Bake at 350°F, uncovered, for 30 minutes. KAYE WILSON LYMAN
October Puzzle 9/20/24
PUMPKIN PATCH
Pumpkin Patch
BY KENDRA SPANJER
In the field below are six pairs of Jack-o-Lanterns with identical faces (though possibly different shapes). How many matches can you find?
ALL SCOOPED OUT? TREAT YOURSELF TO THE ANSWER ON PAGE 37.
In the eld below are six pairs of Jack-o-Lanterns with identical faces (though possibly di erent shapes). How many matches can you nd? All scooped out? Treat yourself to the answer on page XX.
Recipe for Success
BY ELISA SHERMAN
For over a century, members of the Hampton family have been faithful stewards of the land while growing their family ranching operation. Passed down through generations, Sam and his wife Phyllis not only kept up their end of the bargain, they also kept a sourdough starter, started by Sam’s father, Carl, in 1926. It’s going to this day.
Sam Hampton has gone by a lot of names over the years. Most of the time he was Sammy, but he’s also held the titles of Wagon Master and Grand Marshall, and in 2024, an inductee into Wyoming’s Cowboy Hall of Fame. But Son, Dad and Gramps are the best names of all. A third generation rancher, Sam was born a cowboy. A steward of the land and livestock, and a meticulous caregiver, Sam made sure the feed, water and equipment were always in order, especially the horses’ feet. Sam became an expert farrier, fitting shoes for all the horses for the ranch.
On the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame nomination form, Sam’s daughter Janna wrote, “He was very particular and cared for his horses’ feet! His old shoeing shop is filled with shoes he saved. On rainy days you might find him in that shop pulling out old nails and lining up the shoes by size in case they were needed again. He could tell by the shape what horse wore each set! The last time Sam shod his own horse was when he was 81. Ol’ Jet would stand so nice for him.”
Sam Hampton learned early to respect his horse. By age 6, he was riding an 80mile circuit from the winter and spring grazing lands in the Big Horn Basin to
summer grazing lands in the Big Horn Mountains. His father and grandfather ran sheep and cattle, and in 1946, when Sam was 11, his dad purchased the Ten Sleep Ranch, adding to the Hampton family ranching enterprise in the basin.
After Sam’s dad bought Bugs, a pinto pony, Bugs and Sam were inseparable. Sam tells the story this way: “My dad and I stopped in Deerhaven for a beer when we heard a woman yelling, ‘You sonofa b####! You ruined my boots!’ Outside we found a woman near the Creek with a little pinto horse. The horse had laid down in the creek with her. My dad bought that little horse and we hauled him off. Name was Bugs
Sam with his horse Bugs in 1946.
and I rode that little horse all over the mountain from Deerhaven to our sheep camp on the south end of the Big Horns. I’d ride him back up to Deerhaven and give kids rides on him. He had one white eye and he’d bite at you when you pressed on his shoulder. He was a good little horse, ol’ Bugs.” Sam would ride Bugs, bareback, and visit with local sheepherders “riding the grub line.”
From the start, Sam lived by the motto, “To have good neighbors, first you have to be one!” His success and the success of his family stems from hard work, generosity and integrity, but it’s more than that. Sam was forward thinking, especially when it came to how to best care for the livestock and the land, not just for his family but for their neighbors as well.
“In the 80s we brought water to our mountain pastures with reservoirs fed by digging and burying waterlines. That was a project,” Sam said. In total,
they engineered 25 miles of gravity flow pipeline and created 25 reservoirs.
As a rancher, Sam kept the ranch going by being resourceful. There are over 3,000 entries in the ranch guest book that’s been kept since 1965. The book is filled with the names of hunters who have returned to the ranch for 50 years, and not just for Phyllis’ sourdough cinnamon rolls!
the sheep were sold and the company focused on raising Black Angus cattle. Dan and Brenda Hampton established Ten Sleep’s dHb Ranch in 2021.
(You can find them at dhbranch.com.)
Sam is proud of his family, proud of the work they’ve done to keep the ranch going, proud that “the bank hasn’t taken it yet!” For a kid who was born in 1935, in the middle of the Great Depression, Sam learned to take nothing for granted. In 1989, operation of the Hampton Sheep Company was handed to the fourth generation, and in 2009,
That left time for Sam to have some fun. From 1990-2009, Sam worked with the New Pioneer Wagon Train and led groups on eight-day trail trips. “It was good people getting together with good horses, and I liked that.” He participated in the local Pony Express, carrying the mail relay style over 18 miles. And he took his turn as a rodeo clown, entertaining people at Fourth of July parades with a donkey and a Boston terrier as sidekicks.
In 1950, electricity came to the ranch. “All the woodwork and cabinetry, after we bought the place in 1946, was all done by hand with hand tools, before we got electricity!” Sam said. That suited Sam and Phyllis who had both experienced gas stoves blowing up when they lit the pilot lights. “Every kitchen stove and burner we used had to be electric.” The lesson seems to be that innovation makes things easier, and sometimes safer, but doing things by hand, becoming skilled at a craft, and appreciating craftsmanship, is important too. That, and a good sourdough starter, is a great recipe for success. W
Elisa Sherman is a writer based in Fort Collins, Colorado, with close ties to people and places in Wyoming.
Sam Hampton
Sam shoeing a horse.
Nature’s Artwork
Heather McLaughlin, Upton
Beautiful Connections
Sandra Price, Wheatland
Sunrise Through the Web
Rob McIntosh, Torrington
Just Hangin’ Out
Nickalina Groenewold, Newcastle
Cruising the Web at Sundown
Melody Posey-Harris, Saratoga
Web in the Woods
Leslie Robinson, Buffalo
Guardian of the Zucchini
Bethany Mueller, Moorcroft
Spinning Dreams
Carrie Miller, Laramie
Dewdrops in the Morning Net
Cody Weatherly, Lingle
Trick for a Treat
Laura Mattke, Gillette
Another Long Day
Carissa Camp, Powell
The Vortex of the Dewy Web
Vicki Mann Olson, Powell
Spindled
Brandi McMaster, Upton
Orb Spider Web
Bernie Borland, Gillette
Center of Attention
Teresa Walling, Cheyenne
Popular CoQ10 Pills Leave Millions Suffering
Could this newly-discovered brain fuel solve America’s worsening memory crisis?
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — Millions of Americans take the supplement known as CoQ10. It’s the coenzyme that supercharges the “energy factories” in your cells known as mitochondria. But there’s a serious flaw that’s leaving millions unsatisfied.
As you age, your mitochondria break down and fail to produce energy. In a revealing study, a team of researchers showed that 95 percent of the mitochondria in a 90-year-old man were damaged, compared to almost no damage in the mitochondria of a 5-year-old.
Taking CoQ10 alone is not enough to solve this problem. Because as powerful as CoQ10 is, there’s one critical thing it fails to do: it can’t create new mitochondria to replace the ones you lost.
And that’s bad news for Americans all over the country. The loss of cellular energy is a problem for the memory concerns people face as they get older.
“We had no way of replacing lost mitochondria until a recent discovery changed everything,” says Dr. Al Sears, founder and medical director of the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Palm Beach, Florida. “Researchers discovered the only nutrient known to modern science that has the power to trigger the growth of new mitochondria.”
Why Taking CoQ10 is Not Enough
Dr. Sears explains, “This new discovery is so powerful, it can multiply your mitochondria by 55 percent in just a few weeks. That’s the equivalent of restoring decades of lost brain power.”
This exciting nutrient — called PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) — is the driving force behind a revolution in aging. When paired with CoQ10, this dynamic duo has the power to reverse the agerelated memory losses you may have thought were beyond your control.
Dr. Sears pioneered a new formula — called Ultra Accel Q — that combines both CoQ10 and PQQ to support maximum cellular energy and the normal growth of new mitochondria. Ultra Accel Q is the first of its kind to address both problems and is already creating huge demand.
In fact, demand has been so overwhelming that inventories repeatedly sell out. But a closer look at Ultra Accel Q reveals there are good reasons why sales are booming.
Science Confirms the Many Benefits of PQQ
The medical journal Biochemical
Pharmacology reports that PQQ is up to 5,000 times more efficient in sustaining energy production than common antioxidants. With the ability to keep every cell in your body operating at full strength, Ultra Accel Q delivers more than just added brain power and a faster memory.
People feel more energetic, more alert, and don’t need naps in the afternoon. The boost in cellular energy generates more power to your heart, lungs, muscles, and more.
“With the PQQ in Ultra Accel, I have energy I never thought possible at my age,” says Colleen R., one of Dr. Sears’s patients. “I’m in my 70s but feel 40 again. I think clearly, move with real energy and sleep like a baby.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and Dr. Sears receives countless emails from his patients and readers. “My patients tell me they feel better than they have in years. This is ideal for people who are feeling old and run down, or for those who feel more forgetful. It surprises many that you can add healthy and productive years to your life simply by taking Ultra Accel Q every day.”
You may have seen Dr. Sears on television or read one of his 12 best-selling books. Or you may have seen him speak at the 2016 WPBF 25 Health and Wellness Festival in South Florida, featuring Dr. Oz and special guest Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people attended Dr. Sears’s lecture on anti-aging breakthroughs and waited in line for hours during his book signing at the event.
Will Ultra Accel Q Multiply Your Energy?
Ultra Accel Q is turning everything we thought we knew about youthful energy on its head. Especially for people over age 50. In less than 30 seconds every morning, you can harness the power of this breakthrough discovery to restore peak energy and your “spark for life.”
So, if you’ve noticed less energy as you’ve gotten older, and you want an easy way to reclaim your youthful edge, this new opportunity will feel like blessed relief.
The secret is the “energy multiplying” molecule that activates a dormant gene in your body that declines with age, which then instructs your cells to pump out fresh energy from the inside-out. This growth of new “energy factories” in your cells is called mitochondrial biogenesis.
MEMORY-BUILDING SENSATION: Top doctors are now recommending new Ultra Accel Q because it restores decades of lost brain power without a doctor’s visit.
Instead of falling victim to that afternoon slump, you enjoy sharp-as-a-tack focus, memory, and concentration from sunup to sundown. And you get more done in a day than most do in a week. Regardless of how exhausting the world is now.
Dr. Sears reports, “The most rewarding aspect of practicing medicine is watching my patients get the joy back in their lives. Ultra Accel Q sends a wake-up call to every cell in their bodies… And they actually feel young again.”
And his patients agree. “I noticed a difference within a few days,” says Jerry from Ft. Pierce, Florida. “My endurance has almost doubled, and I feel it mentally, too. There’s a clarity and sense of wellbeing in my life that I’ve never experienced before.”
How To Get Ultra Accel Q
This is the official nationwide release of Ultra Accel Q in the United States. And so, the company is offering a special discount supply to anyone who calls during the official launch.
An Order Hotline has been set up for local readers to call. This gives everyone an equal chance to try Ultra Accel Q. And your order is backed up by a no-hassle, 90day money back guarantee. No questions asked.
The discount offer will be available for a limited time only. All you have to do is call TOLL FREE 1-800-997-7471 right now and use promo code UAQWREN1024 to secure your own supply.
Important: Due to Ultra Accel Q recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.
CELEBRATING OUR VETERANS
NOVEMBER 7 6:30PM
The Pioneer Museum is happy to welcome former congressman Scott Ratliff for the Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series program. Join us for an evening of exploring the history of those from Fremont County who have served our country.
Location: Pioneer Museum
Cost: FREE
Info: 307-358-9288
01 | SOUTHEAST
CENTENNIAL
THURSDAY-MONDAY
Nici Self Historical Museum: 12-4pm. Explore museum grounds and exhibits. Free. Info: niciselfmuseum.com.
CHUGWATER
THURSDAYS
Acoustic Jam Session: Stampede Saloon & Eatery music venue open for jam sessions. Info: 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.
ONGOING
Live Music: Stampede Saloon & Eatery. Weekend performances. Info: 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.
ENCAMPMENT
TUESDAYS-SATURDAYS
Grand Encampment Museum: 10am-4pm. Main Gallery and GEM store open. Info: 307-327-5308.
MEDICINE BOW
ONGOING
Museum and Gift Shop: Open 8:30am-4:30pm. 405 Lincoln Highway. Info: 307-379-2383.
02 | NORTHEAST
BUFFALO
NOVEMBER 8
Veteran’s Day Cribbage Tournament: 8:30am. Buffalo Senior Center. $15. Veterans play free. Info: 307-684-9551.
THURSDAYS
Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30pm. Occidental Saloon. Free. Info: 307-684-0451.
GILLETTE
THROUGH DECEMBER 2024
Hurrah for the Cowboy: Men of the Open Range: Campbell County Rockpile Museum. The traveling exhibit includes vintage engravings (1867-1911) depicting the North American cowboy – the most romanticized figure in American history – as seen by contemporary artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Maynard Dixon and many other notable artists. Curated by Lee Silliman, Hurrah for the Cowboy has appeared in museums across Montana, Colorado and Wyoming. Info: 307-682-5723, RockpileMuseum.com, facebook.com/RockpileMuseum.
THIRD WEEK OF EVERY MONTH
Open Mic Nite: 6-9pm. Thu. or Fri. depending on the schedule. Frontier Auto Museum. Free. All musicians are welcome. We supply the stage, mic and speakers. Bring your voice and/or instrument for an enjoyable evening under the neon lights. Upcoming dates will be posted on facebook.com/ frontierauto. Info: Ryan Swanson, 307-686-566, relics@frontierauto.net.
ONGOING
Ava Community Art Center: Exhibits and workshops. Info: 307-682-9133, avacenter.org.
HULETT
TUESDAYS
Children’s Storytime: 10:30-11:30am. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5743.
MONDAY-THURSDAY
5 Mile Walking Exercise Class: 4:456pm. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5743.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Senior Exercise Class: 9-10am. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5743.
ONGOING
Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. Sat. 12-4pm. Free. Info: 307-467-5292.
MOORCROFT
WEDNESDAYS
Moorcroft Branch Library Activities: 10am storytime, 4pm afterschool craft, 7pm AA meetings. Please use the downstairs entrance. Info: 307-756-3232.
THIRD THURSDAY OF MONTH
Adult Book Club: 1pm. Moorcroft Branch Library. New book each month. Stop by the library for your copy. Info: 307-756-3232.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
West Texas Trail Museum: 9am-5pm. Info: 307-756-9300.
NEWCASTLE
THIRD SATURDAYS
Weston County Democrats: 2pm. Weston County Library. Info: 307-941-1822, weston.wyodems.net.
FRIDAYS
Bingo: 7:30pm. VFW Hall. Free.
SECOND AND FOURTH WEDNESDAYS Gigi’s Closet: 9am-1:30pm. First United Methodist Church. Gently loved clothing available for babies to adults. Info: 307-746-4119.
SHERIDAN
NOVEMBER 1
Villalobos Brothers for Dia de los Muertos: 7pm. WYO Performing Arts & Education Center. Join us for this Dia de los Muertos celebration! $29. Info: Erin, erin.butler@wyotheater.com.
NOVEMBER 2
Dayton Art Loop Studio Tour: 10am-4pm. Gallery on Main. Start your morning at TRVCC with local craft vendors. Then begin your tour around the beautiful town of Dayton to support our local artists! Info: 307-751-3766.
David Joseph Charpentier Book Signing: 11am-1pm. Sheridan Stationery Books & Gifts. We are pleased to present author David Joseph Charpentier at the bookstore, where he will be signing copies of his memoir “The Boy Who Promised Me Horses.” Info: 307-674-8080.
NOVEMBER 7
Unhinged: Works by Amy Reckley: 4pm. Edward A. Whitney Gallery, Sheridan College. Amy’s work investigates ways of building up and tearing down surfaces. This action
is her inquiry into the complex language of contemporary drawing and painting as both noun and verb. Free. Info: 307-675-0505.
The Remember Balloons: 7pm. WYO Performing Arts & Education Center. Moore-Dunson’s production “The Remember Balloons” based on the children’s book depicts a boy and his family cherishing memories as his grandfather’s Alzheimer’s causes his “balloons” of memory to fade. $30. Info: Erin, erin.butler@wyotheater.com.
NOVEMBER 8
Fall into Art: Jochen Wierich, Winold Reiss and His Legacy: 5-8pm. The Brinton Museum. Jochen Wierich, Curatorial Director, will give a lecture on Winold Reiss and the museum’s recently acquired Reiss portrait “Mountain Chief,” pastel on paper, and its significance to Wyoming. Free. Info: 307-672-3173.
NOVEMBER 9
Skip Ewing & Horsepower 307: 7pm. Kinnison Hall, Sheridan College. Skip Ewing has long been the quintessential troubadour, a
thoughtful poet armed with a guitar and an arsenal of words and emotions he’s channeled into some of country music’s most memorable songs. Adults $30, Senior/Veteran $20, K-12 students and SC faculty/staff $10, SC students free. Info: 307-675-0505.
NOVEMBER 16
Skyline Singers: 7pm. Kinnison Hall, Sheridan College. Skyline Singers is the professional Chamber Choir in residence at Sheridan College. Members of this group come from across Wyoming and Montana, and all of them are working professional musicians. Skyline Singers specializes in a cappella music of the past 500 years in a variety of styles. Adults $25, Senior/Veteran $15; K-12 students and non-SC $10. Info: 307-675-0505.
NOVEMBER 17
SC Chamber Music: 4pm. Kinnison Hall, Sheridan College. Free. Info: 307-675-0505.
NOVEMBER 20
Festival of Trees: 6pm. Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics in Sheridan and Johnson Counties! Tickets will be available at the door or in advance.
Info: Jarod Martin, 307-751-5738, enlightencm@gmail.com.
NOVEMBER 23-24
Sheridan College Theater & Dance Production: 7pm. WYO Theater. Tickets sold at wyotheater. com. Info: 307-672-9084.
NOVEMBER 26
Warren Miller 75: 7pm. WYO Performing Arts & Education Center. Celebrate 75 years with 10 new segments featuring stars like Shaun White and LJ Henriquez, plus global powder spots and collaborations with Selema Masekela and others. $16. Info: Erin, erin.butler@wyotheater.com.
NOVEMBER 29
29th Annual Sheridan
Cowboy Christmas Stroll: 4-8pm. Main Street event in Historic Downtown Sheridan. Sheridan’s historic downtown is the heart of the Christmas Stroll, with county-wide business participation. Enjoy free photos with Santa, ornament making, wagon rides, in-store specials, carolers, winning Stroll buttons and more. Info: 307-672-2485.
NOVEMBER 30
Salvation Army Christmas Movie Day: 11am-4:30pm. WYO Theater. Christmas movies all day courtesy of The Salvation Army of Sheridan. Free. Info: 307-672-2444.
SATURDAYS
Landon’s Farmer’s Market: 9am. Landon’s Greenhouse, 505 College Meadows Dr. Info: 307-672-8340.
SUNDANCE
FOURTH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
Lunch Brunch Book Club: 11:30am. Crook County Library. Join us for an adult book discussion. Free. Info: Shannon, 307-283-1008.
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime: 10:30am. Crook County Public Library. Info: Tonia, 307-283-1008.
UPTON
SECOND TUESDAYS
Veteran Breakfast: 8am. Upton Senior Center. Free. Info: Gary Barnes, 307-468-9251.
FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS
Bingo at Senior Center: 6:30pm. $10 for 10 cards. Info: 307-468-9262.
ONGOING
Senior Center Activities: 1113 2nd St. 12pm lunch MondayFriday for $4. Call for reservation before 9am at 307-468-2422 or 712-400-9056. 9am coffee and treats on Tuesdays. 9am exercise program every Tuesday and Friday. 5:30pm card elimination and potluck every third Monday. Info: 307-468-9262.
03 | NORTHWEST
CODY
MONDAY-SATURDAY
Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9am-5pm. 836 Sheridan Ave. Info: 307-587-3597.
DUBOIS
THURSDAYS
Farmer’s Market: 4-6pm. Headwaters. Info: Twila Blakeman, 307-851-0785.
FRIDAYS
Family Story Time: 11:30am. Dubois Branch Library. Free. Songs, stories and crafts for ages birth to 5 years. Older siblings are welcome to join the fun. Stay and play in the Children’s Library after story time. Info: 307-455-2992.
THIRD WEDNESDAYS
Wyoming Health Fairs Monthly
Wellness Screen/Blood Draw: 7:30-10am. Dubois Medical Clinic. Appointments encouraged. Info: 307-455-2516, whf.as.me/dubois.
FRIDAYS
Story Time: 11:30am. Dubois Branch Library, 202 N First St. Free. Stretches, story, songs, crafts and fun! Ages birth to 5 years. Info: 307-455-2992.
GREYBULL
SECOND SATURDAYS
Greybull Ladies Coffee: Greybull Library. Info: 307-765-2100.
LANDER
SATURDAYS
Acoustic Music Jam: 11am-1pm. Lander Bake Shop. Info: 307-332-3237.
RIVERTON
WEDNESDAYS
Acoustic Music Jam: 6:30-8:30pm. Holiday Inn Convention Center. Free. Join in or listen as musicians and dancers perform. Info: 307-856-8100.
PreK Tales & Tunes: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages 3-5. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.
Starlight Storytime: 5:30pm. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 5 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.
THURSDAYS
Toddler Move & Groove: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 2 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556. LEGO Club: 4-5pm LEGO Club. Riverton Branch Library. Grades 2-5. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.
MEETEETSE
MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
Yoga: 10:30am. Meeteetse Recreation District. Info: 307-899-2698, meetrec.org.
MONDAYS
Toddler Storytime: After school. Meeteetse Library. All kids grades 1+ not in school. Legos, board games, crafts, stories, songs and more. Info: 307-868-2248.
POWELL
TUESDAY-FRIDAY
Homesteader Museum: 10am-5pm. Private tours or visits available. Info: 307-754-9481, homesteader@parkcounty-wy.gov.
SATURDAYS
Homesteader Museum: 10am-2pm. Private tours or visits available. Info: 307-754-9481, homesteader@parkcounty-wy.gov.
THERMOPOLIS
SECOND SATURDAYS
SUBMIT AN EVENT
Send complete information by NOVEMBER 15!
Please send events occurring in the month of January by November 15, and February by December 15 for inclusion in the WREN.
Be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event.
Photos are always welcome.
Great Until 8!: 4-8pm. This event showcases the businesses who are staying open until 8pm or later in town. Shop after 5pm and enter in for a chance to win $100 gift certificates valid at the business with the winning receipt. Info: 917-589-7852, mainstreetthermopolis@gmail.com.
04 | SOUTHWEST
LYMAN
THURSDAYS
Storytime: 11am. Lyman Branch Library. All ages welcome. Free. Info: 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
MONDAYS
Cub Scout Pack 7798 Meeting: 3:45pm. Presbyterian Church on 3rd Street. We are always accepting new boys who are in grades 1-5. Info: MarNae, 307-677-2566.
WEDNESDAYS
Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.
& SUBMISSIONS:
wren@ wyomingrea.org
[307] 286-8140
214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001
wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions
Storytime: 11am. Uinta County Library. Info: 307-782-3161.
ONGOING
Community Classes: Valley Learning Center. Fitness, computer, workforce and kids’ classes are available. Times and prices vary. Info: 307-782-6401, valleylearningcenter.coursestorm.com.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service & advice. Available for most makes. Thanks. 307-754-3757.
MISCELLANEOUS
Soon Church/Government uniting, suppressing “Religious Liberty” enforcing “National Sunday Law.” Be Informed! Free materials. TSBM, PO Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540, tbsmads@yahoo.com, 1-888-211-1715.
WANTED
We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/Gas Interests producing & nonproducing. 800-733-8122.
WANTED CJ or Wrangler reasonably priced. Any condition but rusted. 800-316-5337.
Frontier Auto Museum Looking For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs. Also looking for general antiques for our antique shop. Please go to our website FrontierAutoMuseum.com. Located in Gillette WY, our passion is to preserve Wyoming history and the nostalgia of the past, especially Parco, Sinclair, Frontier, Husky and any car dealership along with all brands. We are also always looking for neon motel or store signs, WY license plates and WY highway signs and State Park signs. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647 wandlerfrontier@gmail.com or daughter Briana Brewer 307-660-2402 relics@frontierauto.net.
Pumpkin Patch
In the eld below are six pairs of Jack-o-Lanterns with identical faces (though possibly di erent shapes). How many matches can you nd? All scooped out? Treat yourself to the answer on page XX.
Pumpkin Patch
BY WALT GASSON
After more than 60 years, I still remember it quite clearly. We were on our way to the home place when my dad told me about a wildfire nearby. In the cool dark of a late summer evening, riding shotgun in his old pickup, I was suddenly scared. For some reason, I concluded that if the people fighting the fire saw us, they would make my father come help them. I can still remember driving along the north side of Little Prospect Mountain watching the fire above us and wondering if we were going to be OK.
My early ideas about wildland fires were shaped by fear and loathing. Like a lot of us, I grew up in the age of Smokey the Bear. Smokey was a powerful symbol. I had a Little Golden Book that told me about how the poor little bear cub was rescued from a fire in New Mexico by the brave firefighters and grew up to be a symbol for eliminating all wildfires on the landscape. You have to say this for Smokey – he did one heck of a marketing job.
Since then, I’ve been around other fires - some big and some small, some bad and some good. And the truth is, they still humble and amaze me.
I remember the first controlled burn I worked. It was in Sunlight Basin, just east of Yellowstone National Park. We were improving winter habitat for elk, which seemed like a great idea. I think it was. But I was ill-prepared for the reality of being up close and personal with fire. It was well planned, and well executed. I was part of a crew that set the first burn line. We carefully managed all the conditions – wind speed and direction, humidity, moisture content in the plants and other factors. And then, drip torches in hand, we set the first fire line. Everything proceeded just like it should. The fire advanced slowly and steadily across the wide sagebrush flat. There was just a gentle breeze at our backs, and the pumper trucks were waiting in case anything got too crazy. It was kinda fun to watch until I saw the juniper tree explode. The fire line was still some distance from that old juniper, but it must have increased the temperature downwind in a big way. Long before the flames ever got near it, that old juniper exploded like a bomb. I was humbled and amazed.
Since then, I’ve been around other fires - some big and some small, some bad and some good. And the truth is, they still humble and amaze me. I know that they’re an important part of the landscape and have been since the beginning. I’ve seen prescribed burns work magic out there on the ground by creating more habitat for wild critters and more feed for livestock. A fire near the home place would be a great thing if it was done carefully. That lodgepole pine forest needs to burn to survive. The country I grew up with grew up with fire. I know all that in my head.
But my Smokey Bear heart kicks in at some point, and I see another side. I think about friends who lost their sheep in a fire. I think of buildings burned to the ground. I think of a vast expanse of cheatgrass. I think of people I care about who will have to find something to feed the survivors when the fire is out. I suspect I’m not alone in this. I see memes and bumper stickers and t-shirts now that assert that we have to “log it, graze it or watch it burn.” Like most simple explanations of complex things, it isn’t true and it doesn’t help.
What is true is that fire can be good, bad or neutral depending on where it is, when it is and what happens afterwards. And it’s also true that as the country dries out and heats up, we’re all gonna have to make our peace with fire. But in the meantime, maybe we can move beyond bumper stickers and into being good neighbors. Maybe we should leave the memes at home and just pray for those who’ve been harmed and those who remain in harm’s way out there. God bless them all. W
Walt Gasson is a fourth-generation Wyoming native, writer and son of the sagebrush sea. He lives in Laramie, Wyoming.
LEAF ART LEt's Make
Bring the leaves home and get out some paper and glue.
Take your kids on a treasure hunt around the neighborhood to collect leaves of all different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Need a fall craft for your little kids?
Make corn shakers!
Arrange the leaves in different ways to create animal shapes and glue them to the paper.
Have markers on hand to draw faces and extra features, or to add some scenery for your creatures. 4
Make up stories together about the leaf creatures! Do they have names? Where do
All you need is a small, empty plastic bottle and corn kernels. Fill the bottle about halfway full with the corn kernels and close the lid tight. Let your littles explore the sounds it makes and the way it feels to shake the bottle around.
