Wyoming Rural Electric News December 2022

I first want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Second, we need to let those of you who are member-owners of High Plains Power or High West Energy know this will be the last issue of the WREN you will receive. If you would like to continue receiving the WREN you can subscribe for only $22 a year or $2 an issue by emailing wren@wyomingrea.org or calling 307-286-8140.

Now down to business. The Wyoming Legislature will convene on January 10th, and I am anticipating that there will be a number of bills that the WREA will be following and actively working on. The most important one that we’ll need your help with involves protecting the service territory of your cooperatives. I know that I have written about this in the past but let me try to put it in some context to explain why you should care and why you should take action.

We all know that rural electric cooperatives were created almost a century ago to bring the wonder of electricity and all the benefits that come with it to rural America. Our founders did this because the existing for-profit utilities did not see enough profit to be made and therefore the not-for-profit cooperatives were formed.

At around the same time, because REAs were popping up everywhere and services and infrastructure didn’t need to be, and in fact shouldn’t be, duplicated, Certificated Service Territories were formed that delineate where each utility (for-profit and not-for-profit) is allowed to serve. This allows every utility to plan for future growth, whether it be residential or large industrial, and every utility has an obligation to serve anyone located within their service area. There are

sometimes exceptions to this rule, and that typically happens when two neighboring utilities and a customer or member come to an agreement, commonly referred to as a Customer Allocation Agreement, which allows for one utility to cross into the neighboring utility’s service area to serve a customer(s). But this only works if there is agreement between all three parties involved (the local utility, neighboring utility and customer/member).

Lately we’ve seen instances where a large industrial customer and the neighboring utility come to an agreement whereby the customer, who has a load or electric consumption that is in an REA’s service area, will build its own line from where it wants to consume the electricity to a point in the neighboring utility’s service area, where the large industrial consumer actually takes delivery of the electricity.

In other words, the customer should get service from the co-op in whose service area they are actually consuming the electricity, instead of building a line to get electrical service from the neighboring utility, unless they have a Customer Allocation Agreement that prevents this from being a cost-drain (which also prevents what could be a significant rate decrease to all the other REA customer-members). In doing so the co-op is losing out on revenue that is rightfully the co-op’s, and this hurts all the members of the cooperative. Not to mention the reliability concerns that come with too many unauthorized transmission lines crisscrossing the state, and the safety concerns from lines that may not meet any safety requirements at all.

So this is where you all come into play. We will be running a bill in the

upcoming general session of the legislature that will make this practice of building a line from a large, industrial customer to another service territory illegal unless the customer works with the local REA to ensure safe, appropriate service. This would also codify certificated service territories in a meaningful manner, and we’re going to need your help to communicate with your legislators about why this bill is important to you and to your cooperative. Remember, you own your cooperative!

To get involved please visit Voices for Cooperative Power at voicesforcooperativepower.com and get signed up to receive updates and take action on this bill and other issues important to the cooperatives. I want to thank you in advance for taking an interest in your cooperative and, again, merry Christmas and happy New Year!

SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 68, number 11, December 2022 (ISSN 1098-2876)

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.

Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 41,346 for 11 months ending September 2022.

Rod Schuppan roping during a branding in Cheyenne.

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WINTERIZING IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TO KEEP YOUR HOME COZY AND YOUR BILLS LOW. THESE TRIED-AND-TRUE METHODS WILL ENSURE YOUR HOME IS SEALED TIGHT AND READY FOR COLDER WEATHER.

INSULATING PIPES AND WATER HEATER

You can raise the water temperature inside your home’s water pipes 2 to 4 degrees by insulating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Insulating allows you to turn down the heat on your water heater, saving energy and 7% to 16% on water-heating costs.

Insulation kits are available at hardware stores. Start by insulating the pipes coming out of your water heater. Don’t obstruct the pressure relief valve, thermostats or access valves, and if you have a gas water heater, keep pipe insulation at least 6 inches away from the flue. Insulating hot and cold water lines can prevent condensation

FIREPLACE DAMPERS

FROM

Winterization Tips for Energy Savings

NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

AIR SEALING

Air sealing and insulation are a great combination for minimizing home energy use. Insulation is like a warm sweater for your home, and air sealing is the wind breaker. All the cracks, gaps and holes in a typical home can be like having a window open year-round. Air sealing eliminates those leaks. It can be done as a do-ityourself project or by a professional.

WINDOW SEALING AND IMPROVEMENTS

Windows can be a source of drafts and wasted energy. Close windows tightly.

Add weatherstripping around windows to prevent warm air from escaping your home and caulk the gaps where the window trim meets the wall and the window frame. Add curtains to make the room feel warmer.

Storm windows are a lower-cost option for upgrading single-pane windows. They are available with low-emissivity coatings, which insulate better, and are available for installation either from the inside

Your open, wood-burning fireplace adds ambience to your home but isn’t necessarily effective at heating it. A fireplace can draw the warm air out of the house, cooling it down or causing your heating system to use more energy. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, close the damper when your fire is extinguished. An open damper in the winter is an easy exit for the air you paid to heat.

Some gas fireplaces require a damper to remain permanently open so gas can vent out of the home. Check the specifications of your unit to ensure safe operation.

Adding tempered glass doors to a woodburning fireplace can create an extra buffer between the cold outside and a cozy living space.

BEST PRACTICES FOR CLOSING OFF PARTS OF A HOME

If you have a zonal heating system, where individual areas are controlled separately, you can close doors and only heat the areas you use. Examples of zonal systems are wall heaters, baseboard heat, hydronic radiant heat, radiators and ductless heat pumps, also called mini-splits.

Keep areas with plumbing or water lines warm enough so pipes do not freeze.

If you have a central forced-air heating system, leave doors open to all heated areas. Closing doors and/or register dampers forces the system to work harder, uses more energy and can shorten the life of heating equipment.

CHECK YOUR FILTERS

Maintaining a clean filter in your furnace is one of the best ways to keep it running efficiently and prevent costly repairs. Check your furnace or ductless heat pump filter monthly during peak heating season.

ELECTRIFY AND SAVE

ENERGY-EFFICIENCY HELPS FARMERS AND RANCHERS

SAVE

Through time-of-use rate incentives and irrigation motor rebates, our Nebraska members are helping their agriculture customers save thousands on operating costs. Mike Blomenkamp has lived in Wheat Belt Public Power District’s service territory since 1989 and grows corn, alfalfa and oats, among other crops. When he modernized his operations to increase energy efficiency, he saved about $1,000 by using Tri-State and Wheat Belt rebates for new irrigation motors and approximately $25,000 by operating during non-peak hours.

To learn more about rebates and incentives for electrification programs or a reduced cost on-farm energy assessment, contact your local electric utility. Visit us at www.tristate.coop/BE

Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

AT TRI-STATE WE’RE DELIVERING MORE AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY

Agriculture is the lifeblood of Tri-State’s service territories in the rural West. Our ranchers and farmers depend on affordable energy for their operations. With rebates and time-of-use incentives they can count on more money in their pockets when they adopt energy-efficient practices.

Powering community, powering life. That’s the cooperative difference.

BY GAYLE M. IRWIN

Wyoming Writers on Independently Writing & Publishing Books

Wyoming’s pool of authors includes names recognized around the world, including Craig Johnson and C.J. Box, whose book series traveled from page to screen. Poets laureate like Peggy Simpson Curry, Patricia Frolander and Eugene Gagliano bring their creative specialty to the public. Novelists Annie Proulx and Mark Spragg add their voice to the landscape of the written word, and former University of Wyoming professor Nina McConigley achieved prominence upon winning the prestigious PEN Open Book Award in 2014 for her collection of short stories, “Cowboys and East Indians.”

For decades authors could only travel the road of traditional publishing, connecting with an agent or editor. The pathway changed in the past quarter-century with the invention of desktop publishing and the creation of print-on-demand. New and rising authors can now publish works without literary gatekeepers and release books rapidly, thanks to companies like Amazon, Draft2 Digital and IngramSpark, among others, and the development of e-book publishing and e-readers.

Many Wyoming authors ride that independentlypublished train. Travel along and meet four such writers in the state.

Christian Apocalyptic

Finds Amazon Success

Series

Millie Copper didn’t plan to become an author. The Cody area woman began creating stories in her head to entertain herself while conducting tedious tasks. She decided to write them down and shared them with her daughter, who encouraged her to publish.

“I released all three books of the trilogy on October 25, 2019, which was my 50th birthday,” Copper said. “If I had it to do again, I would have released them a month apart instead of putting them all out on that same day.”

The prequel also released the first day as a free book.

She and her family lived “off-grid” for several years, and she weaves this experience into her futuristic Christian stories.

Copper has written and published nearly 20 books during the past three years. She uses Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for e-books and IngramSpark for the print version. Her works “Havoc in Wyoming” and “Montana Mayhem” achieved Amazon Best Seller status several times.

Becoming an indie author requires a lot of learning, Copper said. She purchased several programs to improve her writing craft and to understand the publishing process, including marketing. Her daughter helps with that aspect of the business.

“She is in charge of putting it together,” Copper said. “She’ll check in with me and say, ‘What do you think about doing this?’”

Copper built her author career using online classes and programs. Programs she said helped her most were “SelfPublishing 101,” recently rebranded as “Self-Publishing Launchpad,” created by Mark Dawson; “20 Books to 50k” developed by Craig Martelle; “Inkers Con” and various workshops run by Alexandra Torre; “Amazon Ads Challenge” operated by Bryan Cohen; and virtual workshops given by Jerry Jenkins, coauthor of the “Left Behind” book series.

She attends various events, including ones geared for people who consider off-grid living. Additionally, Copper has written nonfiction books about self-sufficiency.

She said is happy she stepped into the world of indie authorship.

“I’m glad my daughter saw a spark of something and nurtured it to create more, and not just because it’s been really rewarding to do the author thing, but also because I’m able to spend more time with her,” Copper said.

Cheyenne Author Creates Children’s Books About Character Traits

Another mother-daughter team offers children’s books that subtly weave positive character traits into the story. Mary Fichtner and daughter Roslan are regular faces at Cheyenne Frontier Days, sharing their western stories from their real-life experiences. “Rusty’s Reading Remuda,” a book series about horses and cowboy ethics, came to life about five years ago with Mary’s rhyming words and Roslan’s colorful illustrations.

“I don’t think there’s a better way to write life lessons on kids’ hearts than picture books,” Fichtner said.

To date, 15 books are part of the series, and several have won awards. Earlier this year, “The Heart of a Cowgirl,” published

in 2021, won a silver Will Rogers Medallion Award in the nonfiction illustrated young readers category. “Rusty and the River” was chosen by the Wyoming State Library for the 2019 Discover Great Places Through Reading List, representing Wyoming at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. that year.

Finding success as an indie author comes with trial and error, Fichtner said.

“I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve learned a lot of it by making a lot of mistakes,” she said. “Some of the challenges … were navigating it myself and trying to figure out what the steps were.”

She said she enjoys being an independent author despite the hurdles she’s encountered.

“My biggest challenge … is getting the marketing figured out. You feel like the minute you have some success, [online platforms] change it all,” Fichtner said.

“There’s definitely several reasons that I chose to be an independent author, but primarily because I wanted to choose my illustrator, and you don’t get to necessarily if you get traditionally published. It’s nice to be in control of your work, from how much you’re charging to owning all of your art.”

Fichtner found help early in her author journey through online classes

“There are so many good, free online workshops,” she said. “And having an encouraging, helpful writers’ group … that’s so valuable.”

I don’t think there’s a better way to write life lessons on kids’ hearts than picture books

“

Millie

Fichtner seeks to teach and inspire through her books.

“Readers get lessons about how to live your best life, lessons about character development, and lessons about how cowboys live,” she said. “The Code of the West is in one of my books, and my two cowgirl books describe how a cowgirl lives her life with courage and faith. So, readers will get encouragement, they will get entertainment, and they will get inspiration.”

Futuristic Worlds for Adults and Kids

Another Cheyenne indie author who has found success is Josh Walker. He began writing professionally in 2013, having discovered an enjoyment for composing creative writing while in grade school and submitting work through a Young Authors program. After crafting a book for a traditional publisher that changed focus mid-contract, Walker decided to travel the self-published route and discovered he liked that avenue.

“You have more control over things, more creative control,” he said. “I get to work with artists I know, I get to set my own schedule and my own signings.”

While many independent authors struggle with marketing, Walker said

people that like it and 40 shares, more people come to your website and then you’re just building that audience. Then the next time you have a post that’s about a book coming out or something, the audience is already there and bigger.”

Email lists and newsletters can lead to more book sales, he said.

“If I’m doing a local signing … I have a sheet of lined paper where I ask people for their email even if they don’t want to buy a book,” Walker said. “If they’re interested in signing up for the newsletter, then I can build the newsletter [list] that way.”

His fantasy genre includes the “Luke Cole” monster-hunter series. He’s also released a book for children titled “They Think I Invented Pizza,” a comic-style creation about two youths who meet a talking cat and are transported to another world where pizza doesn’t exist.

A part-time pizza delivery driver, Walker wrote a memoir-style book based on his experiences called “Delivered: True Stories in Pizza Delivery.”

“It’s sold over 20,000 copies. It’s a book of human-interest stories, little human interactions of everyday people,” he said. “I think people like to see humanity in humans.”

and publish several books a year. She has 28 books in her portfolio, with number 29 expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Her author career began nearly seven years ago while taking time off work after giving birth.

“I was sitting there with my youngest one day and just felt like, ‘I’m so bored,’ and I sat down, and I wrote 60,000 words and then I deleted the whole thing,” she said.

She rewrote the story, which became her first book, “My Cowboy.”

Although romance is her genre, May’s works are multifaceted.

“I can’t just settle on one subgenre,” she said. “I’ve got cowboys, I’ve got fighters, cupids, bad boys, a firefighter, werewolves, mountain lion shifters, soldiers ... The spice level goes from none to definitely not going to let my mother ever read them. I’m all over the place.”

May, who lives in Sheridan, considers herself “a natural storyteller.” She attends events, such as book signings at Sheridan Stationary, Wild Deadwood Reads, a multi-author event held in South Dakota each June, and various craft-oriented events.

I think people like to see humanity in humans.

“

PHOTO BY JOSEPHINE CARLSON

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH WALKER

Roslan and Mary with their awardwinning book.

Josh Walker signing books at a Comic-Con Convention.

This year, she took part in the Big Sky Book Festival, another multi-author event, in Billings, Montana.

“It was great,” she said. “People love Montana and Wyoming authors and books.”

She believes networking and connecting with other authors are important aspects of an indie author’s life. Through such endeavors, she met the woman who now creates her book covers.

“It’s been a partnership ever since. I’ve gotten my first three books re-covered – she did those too, so she’s done every single one of my books,” May said.

She believes authors should write what they like.

“It needs to be what makes you happy and what you want to share with the world. I don’t follow trends, like what’s new in genres. I just write what I want to write, and if people want to read it, they can read it.”

May has a writing routine and though family or circumstances can sidetrack her goals, composing daily is important.

“It can be just 100 words. That turns into 35,000 words … you can just write a little bit every day and make something.” W

State Writers Group and Community Gatherings Bring Encouragement and Insights for Authors

Wyoming Writers, Inc., the state-wide group for authors, poets and other writers, and those who support writers, began in 1974, following a writer’s workshop. The organization is managed by a board of directors and sponsors an annual conference each June, held in different towns across the state. Cheyenne is scheduled to be the host city in 2023.

According to the Wyoming Writers, Inc, website, membership “is open to anyone for whom writing is important—those wishing to write (whether to publish or not), those who support writers, those who work for writers.” In addition to the conference, the organization sponsors a spring writing contest and presents awards.

The group also maintains a Facebook page and a Twitter account, and the website hosts a page of writer resources.

Community writers’ groups can be found throughout the state. For example, Gillette hosts the Prairie Pens, which meets at the Campbell County Library once a month; Bearlodge Writers, based in Sundance, meets twice a month at the Crook County Library; and Westword Writers in Riverton meets twice a month at the Fremont County Library.

Gayle M. Irwin is a freelance writer based in Casper.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKE MAY

Brooke May

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Butterflies look quite delicate, perhaps not able to withstand the harsh conditions of a Wyoming winter—but they are tougher than they look! Though a few kinds of butterflies—like monarchs and painted ladies— head south to warmer climes, most of Wyoming’s 200+ butterfly species spend winter right here with us.

Butterflies have a number of strategies for overwintering, but all involve increasing the amount of solute (sugars and proteins) in their cells, essentially creating antifreeze, to keep their cells from bursting. Aside from avoiding freezing, their strategy must enable them to find appropriate host plants for their larvae to feed on during the spring and summer.

FALL STRATEGY WINTER PLANS WAITING

One strategy is to overwinter as an egg that hatches in the spring. Rocky Mountain parnassians lay their eggs in the fall, close to sedum, a plant that keeps its leaves all winter. When the eggs hatch in spring, the caterpillars can begin eating right away. Rudy coppers also hibernate as eggs at the base of their host plant, hatching when leaves emerge in the spring.

Other species of butterflies lay eggs in the fall that hatch before winter, overwintering as caterpillars. Caterpillars of fritillaries don’t even feed before they hibernate! They wait until the leaves of violets come up early in the spring to begin their growth. The caterpillars of clouded sulphur butterflies are more than half grown when they hibernate for the winter. That allows them to complete metamorphosis early in the summer; they have time for three generations during the summer, before the next generation has to overwinter.

Another strategy is to overwinter as a chrysalis. An advantage of this strategy is that the adult can emerge in the spring and lay eggs when host plants are young and nutritious. Our state butterfly, Sheridan’s green hairstreak, follows this strategy, as do western tiger swallowtails.

And, as you might expect, some butterfly species overwinter as adults. These species are the ones we often see first in the spring. Mourning cloak, satyr comma and Milbert’s tortoiseshell butterflies have been hiding under bark or in crevices all winter long, waiting for the coming of the longer days of spring.

Fish Oil Failure Shines a Grim Light on America’s Memory Crisis

America’s top memory M.D. reveals the startling reason why “senior moments” may be caused by fish oil — and the #1 way to fix it fast

More than 16 million Americans suffer age-associated cognitive impairment. And according to nationwide research, these numbers are only rising.

Thankfully, anti-aging specialist and bestselling author, Dr. Al Sears, says there’s an easy way to banish senior moments for good. It’s a safe, natural compound that can grow the brain significantly bigger.

And unlike failed solutions that promise what they can’t deliver, this one actually works — at least, according to studies from Framingham, and other reputable universities.

But in order for it to work, you must avoid using run-of-the-mill fish oil supplements. “The worst thing you can do for your memory,” explains Dr. Sears, “is to supplement with fish oil.”

Dr. Al Sears, a highly-acclaimed MD — who has published more than 500 studies — says today’s low-grade supermarket fish oil is causing the surge in America’s memory crisis. “These cheap oils are no longer as nutrient-dense as they once were,” he explains.

If you want to get rid of embarrassing senior moments Dr. Sears recommends a different approach.

THE SECRET TO A LASTING MEMORY

Research has shown our paleo ancestors were able to grow bigger and smarter brains by eating foods rich in one ingredient — DHA. “Our hippocampus thrives off DHA, and grows because of it,” explains Dr. Sears. “Without DHA, our brains would shrink, and our memories would quickly fade.”

A groundbreaking study from the University of Alberta confirmed this. Animals given a diet rich in DHA saw a 29% boost in their hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. As a result, these animals became smarter.

The same was found in human studies, too. After analyzing more than 1,500 seniors, the Framingham study found that those whose brains were deficient in DHA, had significantly smaller brains — a characteristic of accelerated aging and a weakened memory.

“Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to boost levels of DHA simply by eating more fish or fish oil,” explains Dr. Sears. “DHA in fish oil has plummeted over the years. And it’s being replaced by another compound. One that can cause memory failure and brain fog.”

The ingredient Dr. Sears is referring to is

called ALA — a compound found in cheap, grocery store fish oil. Studies have shown that even moderate levels of ALA can eat away at your memory and make you forgetful.

PEOPLE’S BRAINS ARE SHRINKING AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW IT

Fish farming has caused DHA levels to plummet and ALA levels to rise, according to Dr. Sears.

“In order to produce DHA,” he explains, “fish need to eat a natural, marine diet, like the one they’d eat in the wild.” Without a marine-rich diet, most fish won’t produce DHA.

Dr. Sears uncovered that sometime during the 1990s, fish farmers stopped giving their animals a natural, DHA-rich diet and began feeding them a diet that was 70% vegetarian.

“It became too expensive for farmers to feed fish what they’d eat in the wild,” explains Dr. Sears. “And since more than 80% of fish oil comes from farms, it’s no wonder the country is experiencing a memory crisis. Most people’s brains are shrinking and they don’t even know it.”

“Since fish farmers are depriving these animals of their natural diet, ALA levels in fish oil are going up, while DHA levels are being cut in half.

When asked, what can people do to improve their memory and brain function in the most effective way possible? Dr. Sears replied, “Find a quality DHA that doesn’t come from a farmed source. Only this will help improve memory by growing the brain significantly bigger.”

Dr. Sears and his team have been working tirelessly for the last 24-months developing a unique brain-boosting formula called Omega Rejuvenol. It’s made from the most powerful source of DHA in the ocean, squid and krill — two species that cannot be farmed.

According to Dr. Sears, these are the purest and most potent sources of DHA in the world, because they haven’t been tampered with. “Omega Rejuvenol is sourced from the most sustainable fishery in Antarctica. You won’t find this oil in any stores.”

MORE IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Already, the formula has sold more than 27,000 bottles. And for a good reason, too. Satisfied customers can’t stop raving about the memory-boosting benefits of quality-sourced DHA oil.

“I see a noticeable increase in my brain function. I’m experiencing a noticeable in-

crease in my concentration level and productivity throughout the day,” says satisfied customer, Timothy B.

“It’s great to remember everyone who played in the ‘75 World Series. My memory has never been sharper,” says Mike T.

“After the first time I took it, I experienced mental clarity and focus. I noticed my mental function improve and I could concentrate better and be more productive throughout the day,” raves John F.

And 70-year-old Mark K. says, “My focus and memory are back to age-30 levels.”

These are just a handful of the thousands of reviews Dr. Sears receives on a regular basis thanks to his breakthrough memory formula, Omega Rejuvenol

WHERE TO FIND OMEGA REJUVENOL

To secure bottles of this brain-booster, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-351-4066 “It takes time to manufacture these bottles,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product directly to customers who need it most.”

Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, he is offering a 100%, money-back guarantee on every order. “Send back any used or unused bottles within 90 days and I’ll rush you a refund,” says Dr. Sears.

The Hotline is taking orders for the next 48 hours. After that, the phone number may be shut down to allow for inventory restocking.

Call 1-800-351-4066 to secure your limited supply of Omega Rejuvenol. Readers of this publication immediately qualify for a steep discount, but supplies are limited. To take advantage of this great offer use Promo Code OMWREN1222 when you call.

STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY

Why the ‘brain fuel’ ingredient in fish oil is slowly drying up.

He Came a Long Way

BY DR. MEGAN BEAVERS

Not every animal is a fan of coming to see me. Okay, the majority of animals (dogs and cats) find some fear, anxiety or stress with veterinary visits. I don’t like my patients having these negative experiences; they can compound on themselves and soon the animal is consumed with anxiety for the veterinarian, which sometimes makes simple exams or procedures difficult to do, even as my staff and I do what we can when we can to help alleviate these stresses for the pet and owner.

Nail trims are one of those simple procedures that can cause a lot of fear in a dog. They have lots of toes full of nerves and blood vessels that are very sensitive. Often times at home, the owner is unable or unwilling or simply doesn’t know that they can desensitize their dog’s feet to being touched. So then they come to see us, and maybe they are already scared of going to the veterinarian, and now strangers are going to touch their feet and trim their nails … lots of dogs will resist. Some resistance can become aggressive. It’s become a point of mine to make these experiences better for all involved. I have begun implementing low stress options for vet visits

and procedures, oftentimes with medications and lots of time. Many owners are very happy to try these.

Jacob was one of those dogs. A large breed dog, black as coal and as scared of me and the staff as any dog could be. Jacob felt he was backed into a corner all the time and therefore needed time to fight himself out of a nail trim. This ended with him being muzzled and laid on by the staff on the ground, and trimming his nails there. He would get up full of fear and panic then be returned to his owner. The experiences multiplied on themselves and Jacob became horribly resentful to even walk in the clinic door.

The first time I met Jacob he was there for another nail trim. It was not pretty. I asked my staff to stop and I went to talk to his mom.

She is one of the kindest people I have come to know. Jacob was her heart dog and she would rope the moon for him. I explained the problem and how Jacob was not doing well with his nail trims and that we could do better for him. She was so grateful to have an option. We started things at home and slowly at the clinic. I dedicated one staff member to be his person

in the clinic and we would work on nail trims and vet visits premedicated with happy drugs. In time, that tech was able to trim a few nails for Jacob while they both sat on the ground. A few at a time was much better than all of them under distress.

Eventually I left that practice and lost track of Jacob. Life happened for a bit until I started at a new clinic in a neighboring city. One day a dog named Jacob was on my schedule. I wasn’t sure if it was the same dog, but sure enough it was. And sure enough, his lovely owner remembered me as well. I learned that once I left and his favorite tech left their previous clinic, things were back to stressful for Jacob. It was just faster to muzzle and force the nail trim on him. His mom eventually left that practice in search of a new place to better suit her and Jacob’s needs.

It was great to have Jacob back at this new practice. The doctors and staff all understood his needs and history. And his owner was delighted to have that back as well. We took our time and

made his visits as fear free as possible. If things required more than he could handle with minimal restraint, we would move to sedation for his comfort. Sadly, this year we lost Jacob to a valiant fight with aggressive thyroid cancer. He had become a dog we all enjoyed seeing. It broke all our hearts to know he was no longer with us.

Jacob will forever be a remembered patient, as will his amazing owner. He taught me that not all animals can handle a visit and their mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical. He helped blossom the idea of a different approach to how we interact with our patients. He also reminded me how important it is to have open communication with the owner. He came a long way. W

Dr. Megan Beavers is a veterinarian in Farson and Green River.

He taught me that not all animals can handle a visit and their mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical.

ROD SCHUPPAN

An All-Around Cowboy

From the time he was a toddler, Rod Schuppan knew he wanted to be a cowboy. But he had no plans to wait until he grew up.

BY ILENE OLSON

Ijust always wanted to be with my dad [cowboy Ralph Schuppan] wherever he was, whatever he was doing, to be what he was,” Schuppan said in a recent telephone interview from his home.

Over 60-plus years as a cowboy, Schuppan worked on and managed several Torrington ranches, including Thaler Ranch, SS Ranch, Hume Ranch, Hergert

Ranch and the Flag Ranch. His daughter, Heidi Garcia, successfully nominated Schuppan to the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame last year.

In a saddle when he was a toddler, by age 4, Schuppan rode his pony to gather the milk cows before the evening milking each day, his cowboy career already begun. He graduated from a pony to a mare when he

was 9 years old. That spring, he went to his first branding.

Schuppan did chores before and after school, and on weekends. But it was work he loved.

“When it snowed and blowed, we always got to stay home, and we thought it was pretty cool,” he said.

Rod roping during a branding in Cheyenne.

“I sure wouldn’t want to trade the way I was raised up,” cowboy Rod Schuppan said. “Yeah, it was tough, you don’t make a lot of money, but I sure don’t regret any of it.

“Honesty, integrity, respect your elders. A handshake was a handshake, and you made a deal, and that’s the way it was.

“My dad taught me that for anybody older than you, you stuck out your hand first, you always spoke to them first … I sure don’t see that as much these days,” Schuppan said. But once in a while, someone reminds him that those days aren’t completely gone.

“A young boy that lives in Wheatland, this young man comes into the sale barn and made eye contact with me. He stuck his hand out and said, ‘Rod, how ya doin’?’ and gave me a firm handshake with a grip. I thought that was pretty neat.”

That isn’t to say it was easy. A blizzard meant going out into the wind-driven snow in bitter-cold temperatures to feed and check on cows and calves and attend to their needs.

One of the worst blizzards occurred during the middle of calving in March 1974.

Because the snow was so deep, Schuppan’s father told him to take the Caterpillar to check on the cattle, which were in a protected area about three miles from the ranch. Ranch hand Gary Johnson went along in a pickup. They fed the cattle, then turned to go back.

The Caterpillar had no cabin, and Schuppan was exposed to the wind and snow as he drove.

“I couldn’t see nothin’,” he said. “I knew I could just follow the creek, and I asked Gary if he could find the way back. He said he could, so I just pulled over where I could watch the trees, and they would lead me back to a fence line,” Schuppan said.

When he got home, Gary wasn’t there. His father said Gary would be okay. He

Schuppan recalled. “It was so cold, you almost had to bust your arm to bend your sleeve.”

Things were looking grim when Schuppan’s dad happened to look south and saw Gary walking toward them. He had left the pickup. Back at the ranch, “Gary was talking about how nice it was to be warm.”

Schuppan’s dad taught him about raising cattle and horses. The horsemanship lessons were useful throughout his years of cowboy life. “Everybody tells of Rod Schuppan’s horses,” Garcia said. “They’ve always been the best horses.”

In high school, Schuppan became an accomplished team roper, going to the Wyoming State High School Rodeo Finals every year. In 1974, he made it to the National Finals Rodeo in Tacoma, Wisconsin.

“After high school, I roped for a year or so, then I ended up getting married, and we had a family,” Schuppan said. “Then I had my nose to the grindstone and kept working.”

Sonny Pulver on the ranch.

5-year-old Rod on his horse Nubbies.

Dr. Sara Hartsaw

Another time, a pipe sprang back and hit Schuppan, breaking several of his ribs.

Blizzards continued to challenge Schuppan and the ranches he worked for. A vicious blizzard in April 1997 started as a soaking rain, then turned to heavy, wet, wind-driven snow.

“We had about 650 pairs [cows and calves] at this one ranch to the east, and another place on the same ranch where I was living,” he said. The cattle on the ranch where he lived had shelter, but “on the other place, we had them cows and calves stuffed in the hills. That ranch is pretty flat, with no place for the cattle to go but with the storm.

“The wind blowed those things seven miles away from us. The cows stopped at a fence, and stood there ’til the snow built up, then they crossed the fence. The calves were crushed underneath.”

That ranch lost 200 calves, 50 cows and one bull.

Garcia said she never heard her father complain about any of it.

“My dad just did what he did,” she said. “Whenever it stormed, he dealt with it. When cattle were on the ground, he dealt with it … He always figured out a way to move on. In any type of weather, he always had a plan.”

Schuppan is back at the Flag Ranch, where some of the cattle he runs are his own.

Garcia said her father is an expert at whatever he does. “He has been doctoring, branding, riding and feeding cattle all his life,” she wrote in her nomination.

“He’s one allaround guy,” she said. Her sentiments echo Schuppan’s recollections of his own father.

“I just thought my dad was the real deal,” he said. “I always did.” W

Ilene Olson is a freelance photographer, writer and editor in Powell.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WYOMING COWBOY

HALL OF FAME Schuppan was photographed on the Herder Ranch for an interview with BEEF magazine.

He always figured out a way to move on...he always had a plan.

JULIE COOK ROZET

The trees have died, and so have I, The mountains have turned stark, and the fountains have dried up, My feet are frozen, and the stars have been chosen, To hang a beautiful sky, and I cry, For God has made all this beauty, and yet it’s in treachery, for the rabbits have gone home, and the bears are all alone,

But I come back, to hang my coat on the rack, to find lights and music, and gifts being given, my Family is here, so there is no fear, There is a fire, for all those who tire Winter is not dead after all, since I have a Family to break my fall, The rabbits have all the family they need and the bears have cubs to feed, So do not fear Winter, for you will find much splendor.

BYRON SMITH FORT LARAMIE

Mix all ingredients in order and mix well. Bake in 9x13 pan on 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done. Great with hot coffee.

JENNIFER

ROBERTS CUBA, MO

PUMPKIN PIE CAKE

Combine eggs, pumpkin, sugar, evaporated milk and pumpkin pie spice and spread into a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with yellow cake mix. Top with nuts. Drizzle melted butter over nuts. Bake 350 degrees 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool.

ANNE METZLER RIVERTON

MEXICAN FRUIT CAKE

Add together and mix in order:

Mix well. Add 1 cup chopped nuts. Pour into 9x13 inch greased pan. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cream together and add:

Spread on hot cake as soon as taken from oven. This is very moist and delicious. You will get many compliments! HELEN GRANT LOVELL

WHAT’S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

01 | SOUTHEAST

CENTENNIAL 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 jam session. Info 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.

ONGOING

FEATURED EVENT

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

ENCAMPMENT

ONGOING

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

MEDICINE BOW

ONGOING

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

ONGOING

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.

MOORCROFT

ONGOING

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

ONGOING

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 & 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 WEDNESDAYS

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

UPTON

OSPA WYOMING TOUR

BUFFALO | JANUARY 5-15

The band Ospa will present music of the Basque Country and of the Basque immigrant communities of the American West in a series of talks and performances around Wyoming in January 2023. The programs will focus on both Basque community dance music and the songs and poems of the nineteenth century Basque troubadour Joxe Mari Iparragirre.

Info David Romtvedt 307-217-2812, david.romtvedt@gmail.com.

Supported by Worlds of Music and by a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

02 | NORTHEAST

BUFFALO

THURSDAYS

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

GILLETTE

JANUARY 14

Family Game Day at the Rockpile Museum: Everyone’s invited to join us for a morning of fun and games. Free. Info 307-682-5723, rockpilemueum.com.

JANUARY 20-29

Wyoming Furniture Restorers (NEWFR) Presents 2023 Furniture Rehab: 8a-9p each day except Jan. 29, 8a-5p. Camplex Central Pavilion, Door 3. $90/10 days/space, includes floor covering, 2 tables with coverings. Demonstrations, handouts, experienced refinishers mentorships for new participants. Public is welcome to view or attend this unique winter pastime. Info Karyl Meyer 307-660-6577.

FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Bingo at Upton 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, $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.

03 | NORTHWEST

CODY

ONGOING

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

NORTHEAST

PHOTO COURTESY OF OSPA WYOMING TOUR

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.

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: 6:308:30p, 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.

SUBMIT AN EVENT

SEND COMPLETE INFORMATION BY JANUARY 15!

Please send events occurring in the month of March by January 15 for inclusion in the February issue of WREN.

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

Photos are always welcome.

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.

MEETEETSE

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

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

MONDAYS

Toddler Storytime: After school for kids grades 1 and up, Meeteetse Library. Legos, board games, crafts and more. Any kid not in school. Stories songs, games, crafts and more.

THERMOPOLIS

SECOND SATURDAYS

Great Until 8!: This event showcases the businesses who are staying open until 8p or later in town. Shoppers have an opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate by entering a drawing. They can bring their receipts from the participating businesses, with the date and time of purchase on them, to Discover Thermopolis at 541 Broadway by 8:15p. The $100 gift certificate will be valid at the business with the winning receipt. Info 917-589-7852, mainstreetthermopolis@gmail.com.

04 | SOUTHWEST

LYMAN THURSDAYS

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

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.

Country Christmas Caroling

“hard candy Christmas.”

Dolly Parton, “Hard Candy Christmas”

“where a thousand lights glow.” Alan Jackson, “Let it Be Christmas”

“make it through December.”

Merle Haggard, “If We Make it Through December”

“tender Tennessee Christmas” Amy Grant, “Tennessee Christmas”

“wanna thank you, baby,” “make it feel like Christmas.”

Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, “You Make it Feel Like Christmas”

“a present without a bow.”

Kacey Musgraves, “Present Without a Bow”

“Christmas in Dixie,” “Merry Christmas from Dixie,” Alabama, “Christmas in Dixie”

WREN CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS

CONTACT:  SHAWNA@GOLINDEN.COM  970-221-3232

FOR SALE

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

Pain Balm, best topical for muscle, joint or chronic pain. Resolve your aches, pain, soreness & Arthritis discomfort. Works within minutes. 100% pure essential oils like juniper berry, rosemary, ginger & more! Free standard shipping anywhere in the United States. Call 702.234.3866.

Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnace. Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks and more. In business for more than 75 years. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582.

Vintage Western Movie Posters for Sale. Marquee sized. Great condition. Email electricsignlady@yahoo.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

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

WANTED

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

Antique Collector Looking For Oil Company

Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs. Will pay fair market value! Also looking for general antiques for our antique shop. Please go to our website FrontierAutoMuseum. com. Located in Gillette WY, our passion is to preserve Wyoming history and the nostalgia of the past, especially Parco, Sinclair, Frontier, Husky and any car dealership along with all brands. We are also always looking for WY license plates and WY highway signs and State Park signs. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647 wandlerfrontier@gmail.com or daughter Briana Brewer 307-660-2402 bbrewer@ frontierauto.net.

We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/Gas Interests producing & non-producing. 800733-8122.

Want to purchase minerals & other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

Every year there’s a Christmas tree hunt, and every year there’s something to remember.

BY WALT GASSON

Our family has never been much for store-bought Christmas trees. Kim and I have been married for almost 50 years, and we’ve only had two Christmas trees that we didn’t cut ourselves. It’s a long-standing Christmas tradition in our family. In fact, it’s the continuation of an even longerstanding Christmas tradition in my family and my father’s family.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir. After some combing of the steep slopes, they found the perfect Christmas tree. It was just tall enough, shapely and pungent, redolent with the gin smell of its needles and berries. They took it home and showed it off proudly to Uncle Henry. No doubt he was impressed. But the thrill of the harvest began to dissipate somewhat as it warmed up in the house. Indeed, a new aroma arose. It became apparent that a male bobcat had been celebrating the season by marking his turf with bobcat urine on their trophy tree. The house smelled like cat pee for days. Uncle Henry thought that was hilarious, Ida perhaps a little less so.

It was no deterrent to Gus, though. Every year, my mom and I could count on a December safari in search of the Gasson Family Christmas tree. Having learned from his earlier mistake, it was never a juniper – always a pine or maybe a Douglas fir or spruce. Sometimes it came from Pine Mountain or Little Mountain or the Uintas. More often, it came from near our place in the Wind Rivers. Sometimes it was combined with a cottontail rabbit or coyote hunt, but mostly it was just an excuse for the three of us to be together out in the wild in the wintertime.

since. Kim was there when we cut our first tree as newlyweds in Laramie. We came home and celebrated the event with friends. We didn’t have a lot of Christmas ornaments, so we did old-school chains of popcorn and cranberries. She was there when her cousin flew in from San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with us at Ocean Lake. Kristine’s plane was late, and by the time we got to Dubois it was darker than the inside of a moose. The moon emerged from the clouds just in the nick of time, and we cut the tree on Sheridan Creek in the moonlight. We were thrilled with the experience until the next day, when we learned that Christmas trees look a lot better in the moonlight than they do in the harsh light of day. It would be forever known as the Charlie Brown Tree of 1977. She was there when we took the son who was lost to us for 46 years to go cut a Christmas tree for the first time in his life, but that’s a story for another day.

Maybe it’s something in the Gasson DNA – maybe old Fred Gasson brought it with him from Germany, by way of Australia and Iowa. That seems odd, since neither the country they fled to Down Under or the plains of central Iowa offer much in terms of harvestable timber –or timber of any kind. But like other pioneer families in western Wyoming, they made do with what was available.

My father Gus told the tale of harvesting a juniper (we called them cedars back then) with his Aunt Ida in one of the big canyons off the east side of what is now

After Gus passed, my mom and I continued the tradition. It was hard without him. It wasn’t the same, and there was a jagged, gaping hole where he used to be in our lives. But we pressed on, as families do, and we cut our trees and drank our coffee in the pickup when it was too cold to stand outside. One year, my mom just couldn’t do it. So Aunt Carol and I cut a Doug fir on the west side of Little Mountain and went home talking about the pretty new girl in my life – Kim.

That pretty new girl in my life has been there for every DIY Christmas tree

Every year there’s a Christmas tree hunt, and every year there’s something to remember. Last year on a Christmas tree hunt, our grandson Connor asked Kylie to marry him and sure enough, she said yes. Heaven only knows what will happen this year, but it will be something. And it will go down in the clan memory and we will talk about it and laugh about it and maybe cry about it a little. Because that’s what we do, and that’s what makes us who we are –a Wyoming family.

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! W

Walt Gasson is a fourth-generation Wyoming native and the director of endorsed businesses for Trout Unlimited.

Dot Sticker Snowflakes

Draw a big snowflake on a piece of paper.

Have your kids cover the lines of the snowflake with dot stickers.

Peeling and placing the stickers works fine motor skills, placing the stickers encourages crossing the midline, and the whole activity works concentration skills.

Fluffy Marshmallow Flakes

Draw a snowflake on a piece of paper using glue.

Have your kids cover the glue lines with mini marshmallows.

Picking up and placing the marshmallows works fine motor skills and encourages patience.

Snowflakes Strung with Beads

Cut pipe cleaners in half; you will need three halves for each snowflake.

Twist the pipe cleaners together in the middle to make six points.

Have your kids string beads on the pipe cleaner points. To finish the snowflakes, bend each end of the pipe cleaners and stuff them into the last beads.

Stringing the beads and twisting and bending the pipe cleaners work fine motor skills. Try incorporating early math concepts by counting the beads together and stringing the beads in different patterns.

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

WY Quality Counts, housed in the Department of Workforce Services, helps Wyoming parents and child care providers identify and create quality learning experiences for children, thanks to the funding of the Wyoming Legislature.

Communication Sense of Self & Relationships Strong & Healthy Bodies Curious Minds