At Basin Electric, we understand that life doesn’t stop when the going gets tough. No matter the season or storm our members face, reliable and affordable electricity for our members’ homes, schools, and businesses is our mission. We’ll do everything we can to keep fans running, the lights on, and the coffee brewing. RELIABILITY BASIN ELECTRIC
STORY BY WREN STAFF
It’s
Let’s
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The wood snake, to be more precise, and while I’m not a fan of any kind of snake, wood or rattler, this year is meant to represent wisdom, transformation and personal growth, with the wood element adding flexibility and renewal. These all seem like pretty positive attributes to look forward to in the coming year, and by the time you read this we will already be a month and a half into 2025 and fully immersed in the 68th session of the Wyoming legislature.
The jury is still out as to how much wisdom, flexibility or personal growth has been gained both within the state Capitol and around the country, but needless to say a lot has changed since my column in December of last year.
Leaving politics aside I thought I’d write about our top priority this legislative session. If you would like to help us in this endeavor, I would encourage you to visit voicesforcooperativepower.com and sign up to become part of Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives grassroots army.
House Bill 192 Wildfire Liability Relief – Wildfires in Wyoming and the west have always been a threat to public safety. However, with the population continuing to grow in what is called the wildfire urban interface, the threat to the public and property grows as well. With this increased threat it is incumbent on the cooperatives to maintain their rights-of-way and mitigate as much as possible the threats that wildfire could be caused by the co-op.
What has also increased are lawsuits against utilities alleging that the utility was, or is, the cause of several of these fires. In some instances that has been the case and in others not. Some of these lawsuits have been in the millions, and in a few cases billions of dollars levied
against a utility. Not only does this cause financial problems for the utility and therefore the ratepayers, it has also made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for utilities to acquire proper levels of insurance. If a utility can get insurance, the premiums have increased exponentially while coverage has decreased.
Cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities owned by those they serve. Cooperatives do not have the “deep pockets” of the investor-owned, for-profit utilities. And with the increased threats of wildfires and the resulting lawsuits, we often say that we are one wildfire away from bankruptcy; then who would provide service to rural Wyoming? HB 192 would accomplish the following:
• Requires all public utilities to file a Wildfire Mitigation Plan with the Public Service Commission for the PSC’s approval and outlines the minimum standards of what needs to be included in a plan.
• If the Commission approves the plan and the utility follows the plan and can properly document that they are following the plan, then the utility would be protected from frivolous lawsuits.
Please ask your Senators and Representatives to support this bill and support the cooperatives.
SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS DURING HEATING AND COOLING SEASON
When paired with proper insulation, energy efficient electric heat pumps can save you over 30% on your heating and cooling bills compared to conventional HVAC systems.
LEARN MORE AT: TRISTATE.COOP/ELECTRIFY-AND-SAVE
A power outage is never ideal, especially during cold weather months or in times of extreme weather. But it’s important to remember that outages can be caused by several factors outside of Mother Nature, and that the length of a power outage depends on the cause. For example, removing a fallen branch may be all that’s needed, while replacing a pole that was blown over may take longer for the crews to repair.
IT’S TIME FOR THIS YEAR’S DRAWING CONTEST FOR ELEMENTARY-AGED KIDS!
Cody Hotline School is looking for drawings from elementaryage children’s perspective, depicting line workers performing work safely. The first place winner receives $200 and their drawing is featured on the Cody Hotline School T-shirt. The second place winner will be awarded $100 and the third and fourth place winners receive $50 each.
The instructions for children who wish to participate are:
Please draw your ideas of a person safely working on your electric lines and power poles. Use whatever drawing material you like. Write your name, address, age and phone number, as well as your service area or power supplier’s name, on the back of your drawing.
YOUR DESIGN HERE
DRAWINGS NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 14, 2025.
Mail drawings to Cody Hotline School, LLC PO Box 697, Lusk, WY 82225 or turn them in to your local electric cooperative.
BY WREN STAFF
As you know, if you get your electricity from a rural electric cooperative, you have an ownership stake in that co-op. And as a member-owner of your rural electric cooperative in Wyoming, you are part of a family that was created to power and empower our communities.
The 2025 edition of Wyoming Rural Electric News will spotlight the cooperative spirit, which refers to the ways individual co-ops, co-op members and communities collaborate and cooperate to support and strengthen the greater cooperative family.
In the stories you will read throughout the year, you will encounter the Cooperative Principles, which are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others; endeavoring to participate in your community with actions that are tethered to these values is what it means to be Living the Cooperative Spirit.
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use the co-op’s services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of cooperatives.
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SAW A NEED TO ELECTRIFY THE RURAL AREAS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF WORK AND THE COMFORTS OF LIFE AT HOME.
MARCH 4, 1933
Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States, and the idea of providing federal assistance to accomplish rural electrification gained ground rapidly.
MAY 11, 1935
Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 7037 establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA).
MAY 20, 1936
Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act which was one of the most important pieces of legislation passed as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal.
Co-op territories are typically established by state regulatory agencies, which designate specific geographic areas where a particular cooperative can provide services, often based on existing population density, infrastructure and the need to avoid duplication with other utilities like investorowned companies, ensuring
each area is served by only one primary electricity provider; these boundaries are usually clearly marked on maps and protected by state laws to prevent overlap and competition within the service area. And while some co-ops service the counties, their territory lines are separate.
Most of Wyoming’s cooperatives were formed in the 1930s and 1940s. High Plains Power was formed in 1998 when the
memberships of the former Riverton Valley Electric Association and Hot Springs Rural Electric Association voted to consolidate.
“Meters served” in the context of a co-op territory refers to the total number of individual electricity or utility service connections (meters) that a cooperative provides power to within their designated service area; essentially, it represents the total number of customers the co-op serves within their territory.
1937
The REA drafted the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act, a model law that states could adopt to enable the formation and operation of not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives.
The state’s rural electric cooperatives formed the Wyoming REA to represent them and their rural electric consumers.
Within four years following the close of World War II, the number of rural electric systems in operation doubled, the number of consumers connected more than tripled and the miles of energized line grew more than five-fold. It is estimated that by 1953 more than 90 percent of U.S. farms had electricity.
Year Organized: 1941
Meters Served: 6,698
Miles of Territory: 4,500
Counties: Albany, Carbon
Year Organized: 1937
Meters Served: 11,011
Miles of Territory: 4,228
Counties: Albany, Laramie
Year Organized: 1945
Meters Served: 26,783
Miles of Territory: 15,660
Counties: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan, Weston
The origin story of co-ops begins with neighbors banding together for the common good; it was the only way the community could bring electricity to an area where there was none. In doing so,
Year Organized: 1937
Meters Served: 4,028
Miles of Territory: 3,100
Counties: Big Horn, Johnson, Park, Sheridan, Washakie
Year Organized: 1937
Meters Served: 2,327
Miles of Territory: 170
Counties: Big Horn, Park
Year Organized: 1937
Meters Served: 35,975
Miles of Territory: 5,616
Counties: Lincoln, Sublette, Teton
Year Organized: 1936
Meters Served: 4,247
Miles of Territory: 4,182
Counties: Albany, Goshen, Laramie, Platte
your electric co-op helped communities thrive. That mission-driven heritage is the golden thread that is woven throughout our history.
Wyoming’s rural cooperatives have continued to show that through collective action and community-driven solutions, we have a voice. As rural communities
Year Organized: 1938
Meters Served: 6,985
Miles of Territory: 3,555
Counties: Lincoln, Sweetwater, Uinta
Year Organized: 1998
Meters Served: 13,815
Miles of Territory: 12,500
Counties: Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, Washakie
Year Organized: 1941
Meters Served: 3,381
Miles of Territory: 5,400
Counties: Converse, Goshen, Niobrara, Platte
Year Organized: 1936
Meters Served: 5,670
Miles of Territory: 3,356
Counties: Goshen, Laramie, Platte
Data is as of January 2025.
advance, and as today’s energy landscape and consumer expectations become far different than they were decades ago, these core values remain integral components of our electric cooperatives and continue to play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and sustainability efforts to keep our grid strong, and to power your life. W
Coyotes and badgers seem like they’d be tough competitors, if not even predator and prey! And indeed, sometimes they do hunt each other – coyotes have been documented preying on badgers, and badgers have been documented preying on young coyotes. But other times, these two animals decide to hunt together instead, and use each other’s unique strengths to benefit them both.
American badgers (Taxidea taxus) are members of the mustelid family, a group that includes otters, weasels and wolverines. Badgers have flat and long bodies with thick gray fur, a black and white triangular face and very short legs. They live in the prairies, grasslands and sagebrush steppes of Wyoming, where their stout physique and strong legs help them excel at digging out deep, large dens to raise their young, hide from predators and protect themselves from harsh weather. Badgers are generally solitary outside of their reproductive season. They are fierce hunters and predators of ground squirrels, pocket gophers and other small rodents.
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are members of the canine family, a group which also includes foxes, wolves and domestic dogs. They are about two feet tall with thick gray or tan fur. Coyotes can be found in nearly every habitat in Wyoming, including sagebrush steppe, grasslands and prairies. Coyotes generally hunt alone and eat a variety of items including small mammals like rabbits and ground squirrels.
Badgers use their burrow-excavating skills to hunt ground squirrels in underground tunnel systems. Coyotes, on the other hand, are built for chasing and capturing prey above ground. When they team up, coyotes will keep an eye out on the surface while badgers dig out squirrels hiding below ground. This temporary hunting partnership benefits both the coyote and badger; badgers spend less energy searching on the surface and can focus on excavating burrows efficiently, while coyotes take advantage of badgers flushing squirrels from burrows and thus spend less energy pursuing ground squirrels over uneven and brushy terrain.
BY DR. BRUCE CONNALLY
On this quiet Tuesday morning I was taking time to enjoy the sun as it warmed me through the big glass door on the front of my clinic. Winter had reluctantly given up her grip on the Lander valley. Now spring was making a delayed, but welcome, return.
This was my first year as a veterinarian and I was a little tired. The cesareans on cows started occurring in January and
continued throughout the spring. Many of those surgeries happened on snowy winter nights with temperatures below zero. The adrenaline that was fueling me during this first calving allowed me to ignore how cold my fingers were during surgery in an unheated barn. The calves born into such frigid conditions seem to not only survive but thrive. Foals and lambs are a little more fragile than calves. They tend to arrive as the snowdrifts melt
away to reveal green grass reaching up toward the sun. I had lost track of how many calves and lambs I helped deliver without surgery this year. The miracle of that new life warmed my heart as the sun was warming my face through the glass.
I let those pastoral thoughts intermingle with pragmatic ones as I stood in the sun. My training was as a veterinarian. Now I was learning to become a businessman. The new life that came each spring
was the lifeblood of our agricultural community. It did not come easily. Ranchers work very hard to produce quality animals for the market in the fall. My business, and many others like mine, would not survive without agriculture. Those animals fed my family and many other families in this beautiful valley.
A two-tone brown Dodge pickup pulled into my driveway, interrupting my contemplations. Two men around 60 years old emerged from the pickup. Their appearance suggested the transition to spring was still ongoing. Heavy coats and Carhart coveralls were gone, but the woolen scotch caps on their heads had not yet been replaced by straw cowboy hats.
“You the Doc?” the first man asked as he pushed through the glass door.
“My name is Franklin,” he announced without giving me a chance to answer. “And this here is my brother Jesse.”
“Pleased to meet you,” I said as we shook hands. “I am Dr. Connally. What can I do for you today?”
“We got a couple lambs needs castrated and docked,” Franklin replied. “We was hoping you would do it like them Basque sheepherders do.”
“Oh?” I replied, having no idea what they were talking about.
Jesse smiled through a short, grey beard at my confusion. Franklin hurried on to explain. “Them Basques are the best sheepherders around. Their families have raised sheep for generations back in their home country. The kids grow up with the sheep. When they come here they get a wagon and a horse and two or three dogs and they just live with them sheep. They move them onto good grass, lamb them out in the spring, and keep the coyotes away. When it comes time to docking the lambs, they twist the tails off instead of cutting them. That kinks the artery so they don’t bleed.”
“Them Basques don’t want the lambs to bleed when they castrate them either so they use their teeth instead of a knife.” Jesse spoke for the first time, a smile partially hidden under the beard.
“Are you kidding me?” I asked incredulously.
“Yep,” Jesse continued, warming to the story. “They wash their mouth out with a little sip of whiskey before each one so it’s sterile. Sometimes they spit the whiskey out and sometimes they just swallow so it don’t go to waste.”
“Sometimes they just swallow everything,” Franklin added to the story. “I’ve known some of them Basque sheepherders to gain 20 pounds in the spring when they’re doing lots of lambs.”
I didn’t know how to respond to the two old men with their outlandish request.
“So, why don’t you guys just do it yourself?” I asked as I tried to grasp the story they were telling me.
“False teeth,” Jesse answered, pulling his lips back and pointing at his mouth.
Franklin pointed at his mouth and nodded in agreement.
“No!” I exclaimed indignantly as I tried to comprehend the situation. “Just no! I spent too many years in vet school to end up with wool between my teeth!”
No! Just no! I spent too many years in vet school to end up with wool between my teeth!
Both men began laughing out loud. My indignant scowl gradually melted into a smile as I understood the joke they had played on the new veterinarian.
“We’ll get the lambs,” Franklin said.
“And I will do the surgery my way with a scalpel and a hemostat,” I said with as much bravado as I could conjure for these men who had played their game with the young veterinarian.
“Probably better that way,” Jesse added. “We didn’t bring any whiskey.” W
Dr.
Bruce Connally practices equine medicine in central Wyoming and northern Colorado from his home in Berthoud, Colorado.
1 BONELESS PORK SHOULDER BUTT ROAST (3-1/2 TO 4 LBS)
1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED
1 16 OZ JAR SALSA VERDE
2 4 OZ CANS CHOPPED GREEN CHILES
2 TSP GROUND CUMIN
1 TSP DRIED OREGANO
1 TSP SALT
1 TSP PEPPER
1/4 TSP CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES
1/8 TSP GROUND CINNAMON
1/4 TSP FRESH CILANTRO, MINCED HOT COOKED GRITS
SOUR CREAM, OPTIONAL
Place pork and onion in a 4-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine salsa, chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and cinnamon; pour over meat. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until meat is tender. Remove roast; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking juices. Shred pork with two forks. Return pork to slow cooker; heat through. Stir in cilantro. Serve with grits and, if desired, sour cream. Serves 8.
WREN STAFF
1 LB GROUND TURKEY
1 SMALL ONION, CHOPPED
3 TSP CHILI POWDER
2 TSP MINCED FRESH OREGANO OR 3/4 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO
1 TSP CHICKEN BOUILLON GRANULES
1 16 OZ JAR MILD SALSA 1/2 CUP WATER
1 15.25 OZ CAN WHOLE KERNEL CORN, DRAINED
1 15 OZ CAN BLACK BEANS, RINSED AND DRAINED
1 14.5 OZ CAN DICED TOMATOES, UNDRAINED
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: SOUR CREAM, FINELY CHOPPED RED ONION, CHOPPED CILANTRO AND CORN CHIPS
In a large skillet, cook and crumble turkey with onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the next 8 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until flavors are blended, 6-8 hours. Top as desired.
WREN STAFF
6 HOT DOGS
1/2 LB GROUND BEEF
1/4 CUP CHOPPED ONION
1 GARLIC CLOVE, MINCED
1 8 OZ CAN TOMATO SAUCE 2-1/2 TSP MINCED CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE
3/4 TSP CHILI POWDER
1/4 TSP SALT
1/8 TSP PEPPER
6 HOT DOG BUNS, SPLIT
3/4 CUP SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
2 GREEN ONIONS, CHOPPED
Cook hot dogs according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, chili powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, 4-5 minutes. Place hot dogs in buns. Spoon chili over hot dogs. Sprinkle with cheese and green onions.
Mix all together in crockpot. Leave on low for 1/2 day, or 2 hours on high. Or make in big pan on stovetop for supper. Do this before work and have in crockpot on low, then come home to supper! Add jalapeños, green chiles, etc. if desired.
JAMIE WILKINSON TORRINGTON
WREN STAFF
3 CANS BUSH’S CHILI BEANS (2 MILD REGULAR BEANS, 1 BLACK CHILI BEANS)
2 CANS ROTEL TOMATOES WITH GREEN CHILES
1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP (UNDILUTED) 1/2-3/4 CUP RESTAURANT STYLE SALSA
1 LB GROUND BEEF, BROWNED WITH SALT AND GARLIC POWDER
Remember when…
Think about the things you loved to do that are dif cult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep?
As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from enjoying life.
So what’s keeping you from having a better quality of life?
Check all the conditions that apply to you.
Lower
Then read on to learn how a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help.
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A Safe Step Tub can help increase mobility, boost energy and improve sleep.
It’s got everything you should look for in a walk-in tub:
• Heated Seat – Providing soothing warmth from start to nish.
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• Safety features – Low step-in, grab bars and more can help you bathe safely and maintain your independence.
• Free Safety Package
The Journey Air Elite features the latest carbon fiber technology for the ultimate in portability and performance
Mobility issues affect over 1 in 5 Americans. These individuals, and their loved ones, know how decreased mobility can result in loss of independence, pain and falling hazards. They are often stuck at home, missing out on a variety of activities, in a vicious cycle that diminishes their quality of life. In the past, mobility devices like scooters and power chairs were too heavy and bulky to transport easily. Now, carbon fiber material invented for the aerospace program has been used to create the ultimate mobility device. It’s called the Journey Air Elite … and there’s nothing else like it on earth.
At only 26 pounds*, the Journey Air Elite combines lightweight portability with world class performance. It’s simple to use joystick and powerful dual-motor drive system enables you to zip around quickly and safely. It’s easy to maneuver, never tips, fits easily through doorways, and can go right up to a table or desk. Once you are done, just one pull on the seat handle folds it up. There’s a folddown back to make it even easier to stow and store. It features flat-free tires and rear anti-tippers for added convenience and safety.
• Ultra-lightweight yet durable
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• Perfect for dining, shopping, sightseeing and lots more!
• Foldable for easy storage and transport
Just imagine how this chair can improve your life and make it easier for loved ones and caregivers to accompany you to activities and events you would have missed in the past. Don’t spend another day stuck at home. Call today, and a helpful, knowledgeable consultant will help you get a Journey Air Elite of your very own. Don’t wait – call now!
BY MAGGIE YORK
If you add up all the activities Andy and Twila commit to in their community, you may question how much time they have left to get any sleep. From fundraising to running events to operating businesses in town and serving on multiple boards, they stay busy. And they truly enjoy it.
The Barnettes were nominated by Niobrara Electric Association (NEA)’s General Manager Shawna Glendy and Human Resources Manager Twyla Barker to be recognized as Community Heroes.
“Andy and Twila have been in this community for most or all their lives and are involved in anything that is for the betterment of our community and its people, young and old,” Glendy said.
“They are both long-time, active members of their church, have fostered children, host events and raise money for community projects, support any way they can where they see a need, run multiple businesses, raised another generation with their example, serve on numerous boards, and beautify the town of Lusk,” Barker said.
If you talk to the Barnettes, they believe that’s just what you do in small communities.
“I don’t feel like we’re leaders in our community,” Twila explained. “Our community is amazing and we appreciate everything that we are able to do to help anybody or make something better.”
“It’s a small community,” Andy said. “Everybody wears a lot of hats in a small community. I don’t think we do any more or as much as a lot of people … you wear a lot of hats … that’s what makes things happen.”
Andy joined the Niobrara Electric Association board in 2012. “I was interested in serving and learning new things so I was excited to do it,” he said.
“We have gotten to meet a lot of fabulous, amazing people who have dedicated themselves to making electricity and everything possible,” Twila said. “NEA has grown so much in the last few years and it’s wonderful to travel and get to meet some people that are so interested in our community.”
Glendy noted that both Andy and Twila are instrumental to the cooperative.
“Andy is on the board as well as the scholarship committee, and he not only attends the monthly meetings, he attends other meetings and activities that support NEA and its employees. Twila is always there supporting him and NEA employees whenever they have a function,” she said.
“They are on multiple boards and committees, most of which Twila was instrumental in starting, from mentoring teens at the high school to raising money for the community and our fairgrounds,” Glendy added.
One of their favorite projects is working together for the annual Legend of Rawhide event, which celebrates the legend and Western heritage of Niobrara
County. A community performance held in July, it boasts a 400-plus cast and crew of volunteers to reenact the historic clash between pioneers and Native American tribes. The production offers an immersive experience filled with gunfire and an actual fire on the hillside.
Twila has coordinated the event for almost 25 years.
Everybody wears a lot of hats in a small community. I don’t think we do any more or as much as a lot of people … you wear a lot of hats … that’s what makes things happen.
“It’s a big community function,” she said. “I continue doing it because I love it. It’s fun and generations of families come together and it’s so beneficial for our community.”
“It’s a lot of work but it’s a great time,” Andy said.
Both Andy and Twila grew up in Lusk and they now live on Andy’s grandparents’ ranch about 25 miles south of Lusk. They have two children, Taylor and Andrea. Taylor works for Wells Fargo. He and his partner Brandon also live and work on a ranch a few miles from Twila and Andy, while Andrea and her family live in Elizabeth, Colorado, and run a meat business.
Today, Andy manages about a 450 cow-calf operation that also runs yearlings. Part of the property is also leased to run cattle.
Twila has owned her own business for over 20 years. Bloomers originated as a flower shop and now also carries gifts, clothing and even ice cream.
In addition, Twila partnered with Glendy and two other business partners in October of 2024 to purchase another business in town – Legends Bar and Grill on Main Street. Twila works there about two evenings each week and they currently have 20 employees.
“The amount of effort, time and money they put into this community and its people would be difficult to track,” Glendy said. “Anyone knows if they need something, Andy and Twila are there for them.”
“Lusk has faced a lot of adversity over the years … but everyone comes together to help each other. The saying ‘it takes a village’ is absolutely true here. You watch out for everyone’s children, you pick up someone’s check book that they dropped, you go lock somebody’s door, you pick up their medicine, you help wherever you can,” Twila said.
“It’s pretty special and it’s a great place to live,” Andy said. “That does not happen everywhere. But it does in our little state, I know that.”
Through their various activities, the Barnettes embody the Cooperative Principle of Commitment to Community wholeheartedly.
Barker said, “They ‘show up.’ Wherever the need or opportunity presents itself, you’ll find them involved.”
“We don’t do anything for any recognition. We just do it because that’s what you do. That’s being a good person. We don’t think anything we do is out of the ordinary, frankly,” Twila laughed. W
Maggie York is a sixth-generation Wyoming native. She grew up in Lander and has family roots across the state.
Curious Cat
Jennifer M Pierson, Moorcroft
Recliner Sale at the Store
Rob McIntosh, Torrington
Where Children Once Learned
Johnny Chavez, Torrington
Toll Fee = 1 Carrot Each
Teresa Walling, Cheyenne
Looking at the Past Trudy Craft, Basin
Window Seats and Daydreams
Piper Whitney-Brown, Wheatland
Nolan & Kai Waiting for Brother Jan Kennah, Fort Bridger
Cutest Driver
Karen Henderson, Burlington
Cake Please
Robin Riesland, Newcastle
Room with a View
Cindi Olson, Newcastle
Tall Building In New Orleans
Melody Posey-Harris, Saratoga
Through the Car Window
Karen Henderson, Burlington
Old Dairy Window
Trudy Craft, Basin
Piper Whitney-Brown, Wheatland
A View From the Cabin
Carolyn Droscher, Wheatland
Hungry Cop at Drive Thru Window
Heather McLaughlin, Upton
Lady in Waiting
Jan Barnett, Greybull
Watching for Cows
Robin Riesland, Newcastle
Ribbons in my Window
Tara Seely, Torrington
Winter Window through a Spring Bouquet
Terri Harvey, Laramie
SHERIDAN MARCH 29
Support the WYO Theater with an evening of live music, dancing, food, cocktails, a silent auction and a Paddle Raise. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit theater at the heart of Sheridan’s downtown, the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center.
Tickets available through the WYO Theater.
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Music Begins: 6:30pm
Location: Kalif Shrine Center, 145 W. Loucks St.
Tickets: $125
Information: WYO Theater 307-672-9083
erin.butler@wyotheater.com wyotheater.com
Stop by the box office at 42 N. Main St.
THURSDAY-MONDAY
Nici Self Historical Museum: 12-4pm. Explore museum grounds and exhibits. Free. Info: niciselfmuseum.com.
CHEYENNE
MARCH 1-2 AND 8-9
Delta Kappa Gamma 41st Annual Used Book Sale: 8am-5pm on 1st and 8th; 9am-2pm on 2nd and 10th. The former Big Lots in Cheyenne Plaza, 3501 E Lincolnway, next to the Trampoline Park. Info: 307-630-3682.
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.
THURSDAYS
Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30pm. Occidental Saloon. Free. Info: 307-684-0451.
GILLETTE
THROUGH MAY 10
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites Exhibit: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm. Rockpile Museum. An imaginative book-based exhibit experience for children that we are excited to unveil to Campbell County and the surrounding areas, provided by a grant from Campbell County Community Public Recreation District. Storyland is designed to guide visitors to the discovery that it is never too early to begin the love of reading, and provides adults with tools for cultivating literacy through everyday activities. Free. Info: Heather Rodriguez, 307-682-5723.
THIRD WEEK OF EVERY MONTH
Open Mic Nite: 6-9pm. Thu. or Fri. depending on the schedule. Frontier Auto Museum. Free. All musicians are welcome. We supply the stage, mic and speakers. Bring your voice and/or instrument for an enjoyable evening. Upcoming dates will be posted on facebook.com/frontierauto. Info: Ryan Swanson, 307-686-5667, relics@frontierauto.net.
ONGOING
Ava Community Art Center: Exhibits and workshops. Info: 307-682-9133, avacenter.org.
TUESDAYS
Children’s Storytime: 10:30-11:30am. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5743.
MONDAY-THURSDAY
5 Mile Walking Exercise Class: 4:45-6pm. 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.
ONGOING
Senior Center Events: 9am coffee and rolls on Wednesdays. 9am toenail clinic and 6pm dinner every fourth Thursday. Info: 307-756-9550.
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.
Anna Miller Museum: 8am-4pm. Closed on holidays. 401 Delaware Ave. Free. Info: 307- 746-4188.
MARCH 1
Big Horn Mountain Snomads Lodge Hop Ride: 9am. Bear Lodge Resort. Join the Big Horn Mountain Snomads Snowmobile Club for their 2025 Lodge Hop Ride! Info: Diane Mitchell, 307-752-7645.
MARCH 1
Trailblazing Women of Country: From Patsy to Loretta to Dolly: WYO Theater. Patsy, Loretta and Dolly shaped country music with chart-topping hits, record sales and a celebration of contemporary womanhood, earning spots in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tickets $23-32 at the WYO Theater. Info: 307-672-9084, erin.butler@wyotheater.com.
MARCH 4
Underneath a Magical Moon: WYO Theater. A reimagining of Peter Pan as told by Wendy Darling. Tickets at the WYO Theater. Info: 307-672-9084.
MARCH 5
Outlaw Action Steel: 3:30-4:30pm. Pistol Pits. Come out for a live action, timed course for all ages. Any pistols or 22LR, PCC are okay. Bring hearing/ eye protection. No 223/556. $5. Shoot is weather dependent. Info: Eric Bretthauer, 307-217-9758.
MARCH 8
Fly Fishing Film Tour 2025: 4:308pm. WYO Theater. Proceeds benefit SCLT and help open a new, public fishery at SCLT’s Big Goose Natural Area in 2025! Get your tickets at The Fly Shop of the Bighorns or through the WYO Theater. Info: Sheridan Community Land Trust, 307-673-4702.
MARCH 14
Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue: 7pm. WYO Theater. Tickets $21-26 at the WYO Theater. Info: 307-672-9084, erin.butler@wyotheater.com.
MARCH 15
Saturday Night Fight: 6pm.
Sheridan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. A night of boxing you won’t forget! Tickets available through Harbour Chiropractic Care. Info: David Harbour, 307-672-0007.
MARCH 25
Lunchtime Conversations About Open Spaces | Small Acreage Management: 12-1pm. Luminous Brewhouse. We will explore how small acreage management plays a role in maintaining open space and its contribution to our vibrant community. Bring your questions and join in on this interactive dialogue. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch. Beverages are available for purchase. Info: 307-672-2485.
Dragons & Mythical Beasts: WYO Theater. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Tickets $10-18 at the WYO Theater. Info: 307-672-9084, erin.butler@wyotheater.com.
MARCH 29
Spring Craft and Trade Show: 9am-3pm. Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Free to the public craft and trade show with concessions. Vendor info: thehomeplacechurch@gmail.com. Info: 307-620-0722.
MARCH 30
Encore Performance: Glenn Miller Orchestra: WYO Theater. Enjoy an encore performance by the Glenn Miller Orchestra with proceeds benefiting the theater. Info: 307- 672-9083.
THROUGH APRIL 7
The Art of Linda Pease: Brinton Museum. We are proud to present its 20th Illustrator Show featuring Apsáalooke/Crow artist Linda Pease. Info: 307-672-3173.
SATURDAYS
Landon’s Farmer’s Market: 10am. Landon’s Greenhouse, 505 College Meadows Dr. Info: 307-672-8340.
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.
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 Monday-Friday 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.
Red Onion Museum: 8am-4pm. Closed holidays. 1920 HWY 16. Free. Info: 307-226-2873, redonion@gmail.com.
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.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Greybull Ladies Coffee: Greybull Library. Info: 307-765-2100.
SATURDAYS
Acoustic Music Jam: 11am-1pm. Lander Bake Shop. Info: 307-332-3237.
ONGOING
First Friday: 5pm art show reception. 6pm music. Middle Fork Restaurant. New artist and local musician each month. Info: 307-335-5035, facebook.com/MiddleForkCafe.
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.
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.
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
MARCH 13-15
Central Wyoming Cutting Club: 2pm Thu. 8am Fri. and Sat. Hot Springs County Fairgrounds,
627 Springview St. Cutting is a sport that showcases the special connection between a horse and rider through the precision and skill involved in separating a single animal from a herd of cattle. Membership $35, stalls $20 per night, shavings $12, electric hookups $20 a night. Special $89 “Cutters Rate” at the Hot Springs Hotel if needing a room. Info: 307-921-1219.
MARCH 14
SUBMIT AN EVENT
Send complete information by
Send events occurring in May by March 15!
Be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event.
Photos are always welcome.
Bryan Elija Smith Concert: 5-9pm. William H. Malloy Auditorium. International award-winning American singer-songwriter based out of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with genres ranging from pop to country and blues. Bryan’s song “In Through the Dark” premiered on Season 1, Episode 3 of the Netflix show “Virgin River.” General Admission $25. VIP: $40, limited to 100 tickets with access to the afterconcert gathering. Info: 307-864-3193, thermopolischamber.org.
SECOND SATURDAYS
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.
LYMAN
THURSDAYS
Storytime: 11am. Lyman Branch Library. All ages welcome. Free. Info: 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org.
Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.
QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:
wren@ wyomingrea.org
[307] 286-8140
214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001
wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions
MONDAYS
Cub Scout Pack 7798 Meeting: 3:45pm. Presbyterian Church on 3rd Street. We are always accepting new boys who are in grades 1-5. Info: MarNae, 307-677-2566.
WEDNESDAYS
Storytime: 11am. Uinta County Library. Info: 307-782-3161.
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.
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.
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.
BY LARRY OSTERMILLER
Dad came home from the war in the late spring of 1945 and he and Mom were married the following August. Dad went to work on the Pfeiffer family farm as a farm hand and was employed by this very decent family for eight years. I don’t know what Dad was paid during this time but it wasn’t very much, but I think the Pfeiffers did the best they could with what they had.
I arrived on the scene in February, 1947. My recollection of the house we lived in is one of mixed memories.
At the time everything seemed okay and normal but looking back it lacked a lot of today’s essentials. It had two miniscule bedrooms, a small living/dining room with a fuel oil heater as the house’s major heat source, and a cramped kitchen with a coal/wood stove for cooking. The only water in the house was a hand pump mounted to a counter in the kitchen with one cast iron sink. Nope, no indoor plumbing. Bath time for me was once a week, Saturday evenings, in a metal wash tub listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. Toilet facilities consisted of an outdoor “two-holer” complete with sometimes regular toilet paper and the occasional slick-paged JC Penny catalog.
Now, when young boys need to go number one, they have a tendency to hold it until they can’t hold it anymore and then make a mad dash to relieve themselves. My mad dash got me as far as the enclosed screen porch where Mom washed our clothes with an old wringer washer. Knowing I wasn’t going to make it outside, I dropped my pants and let fly! When one of my quick passes came in contact with one of the electrical outlets in the porch it produced some of the prettiest bluish/ white sparks you ever saw! Much to my Mom’s chagrin and beings I was so fascinated by the fireworks show, I wet down the outlets a couple more times on purpose. Mom reminded me a number of times over the years that it was a miracle I had any children. (We have three.)
I had no siblings at this time and the closest neighbors were two miles away. My constant companions were my black Cocker Spaniel dog, Stubbie, and Hank Williams. Hank Williams came out with “Hey, Good Lookin” in 1951. Somehow Mom managed to get a Silvertone record player produced by Sears & Roebuck and about a half dozen of the old 78 rpm records. I constantly played “Hey, Good Lookin” until I knew the
verses by heart. Mom said she always knew where I was because I was always singing Hank’s song.
Hank was instrumental in helping Mom find me when I fell into the small hole of the “two-holer” outhouse mentioned earlier. When I didn’t return to the house in a reasonable amount of time Mom came looking for me. She heard singing coming from the outhouse and found me stuck in the small hole. I don’t even want to think of what might have happened if I had fallen all the way through!
The farm we lived on had a windmill located behind the machine shed that supplied water to the livestock in the corrals. Like most windmills of the day it was probably 30-40 feet tall and had a ladder that went clear up to the vanes. Well, ladders need to be climbed and I began my ascension while singing my favorite song. A shrill screech from Mom when she saw me go above the ridge line of the machine shed brought “Hey, Good Lookin” to a halt. My Dad and his boss immediately exited the building where they were working. After getting me back on the ground and my mom calmed down, the bottom section of ladder was removed, never to be used again.
We had chickens on the farm but we also had a banty rooster. Whenever that rooster saw me in the general vicinity of the hen house he would chase me and I was scared to death of him. One day when I went to gather eggs, I carried a stick with me that I used to try and hit rocks. We met on the corner of the shed and I screamed like the little sister I didn’t have, blindly swung the stick, and ran for the house. After realizing I wasn’t being chased, I slowly retraced my steps and found the son of Lucifer in a feathery heap. That’s when I found out that Mom also had a very strong dislike for the dead bird. I thought I was going to be in a lot of trouble but all she said was, “Good riddance!”
There are many more stories I could tell. My sister was born after we moved to town and is about six and half years younger than me. I often wondered why my parents waited so long between having kids. But, then again, maybe they weren’t ready for another one like me. W
Larry Ostermiller worked in the oil and gas industry for 18 years and in public education for 17 years, retiring in 2007. He and his wife, Dianne, have been Wyoming residents for over 40 years.
Loaded with vitamin C, natural electrolytes, and probiotics that will boost the immune system, these popsicles are also good for digestion and they provide extra hydration! All while being fun to eat and soothing to sore little throats.
2 Oranges, peeled: Vitamin C Power!
1 Banana: Full of potassium and Vitamin C, bananas give these popsicles a creamy texture.
¼ C Pineapple, frozen: More Vitamin C! Pineapple is also great for little tummies.
¼ C Mango, frozen: A great source for antioxidants and good for tummies, mangoes are also full of vitamin C and Vitamin A.
½ C Coconut Water: Find one without added sugar for a hydrating base that also has lots of electrolytes.
¼ C Plain Greek Yogurt: Probiotics and protein!
1 tbsp Honey: For sweetness and to help soothe sore throats, honey can also be easily omitted.
Blend everything together, then pour it into popsicle molds and freeze for 4 hours.
Get your kids involved by having them measure, pour, press the buttons on the blender, and insert the popsicle sticks. This recipe can be served as a smoothie, too!