82717 June/July 2018

TRAIL WEST: OLD BLACK AND YELLOW TRAIL

Photos courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum JUNE / JULY 2018

A Westerner’s

WAY OF LIFE

Tom Ford: Winning the West

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82717 Features

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ART SCENE: Tom Ford: Winning the West Gillette artist Tom Ford is throws the conventions of western art to the wayside, challenging visitors and locals to think beyond the obvious and exist within the moments he’s created. Meet the man inside his artist’s studio, Untamed Designs.

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MARK’S THOUGHTS: Local Public Servants

FAMILY: A Westerner’s Way of Life

EDITOR’S NOTE: Humble Roots, Clear Vision

Is a meager pay scale to blame for attracting only the wrong kind of candidates for public office in Campbell County? This month, Mark’s Thoughts focus in on the importance of proper, or at least adequate, compensation for local public servants.

Meet local rancher Steve Bricker: His handshake is firm, framed by the rough calluses built up over a lifetime of hard, honest work. He believes in family dinners. Here, he talks lost values and life lessons with a stranger.

82717 is on a mission to be a network node for everything hyper-local and relevant. In her intro to our first-ever Western Issue, Steph talks about modern values, what’s lacking in today’s 20-somethings, and what makes this place — we love to celebrate — so doggone great.

JUNE / JULY 2018

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82717 Features

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CULTURE: Trail West: Old Black and Yellow Trail Discover how the historic Black and Yellow Trail brought tourism to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Yellowstone National Park, and how it helped shape the history of Wyoming highways.

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Campbell County Fair

Ranch Rodeo Gillette looking east from Wagner's House, taken in 1935.

Photo courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum - 1991.100.0606

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August 2nd Cam-Plex Morningside Park

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Photo by Addison Photography

2,500 Added EVENTS: Campbell County Fair 2018

FOOD + DRINK: Best in the West

Strong communities are built through fun, entertaining, 6 Creative Mocktails so smooth your Midwest and educational experiences that instill and boost summertime soiree’ers won’t know what hit ‘em! % character in local youths and support vital industries.

Everything you need to impress guests all summer What’s in your kid’s plans for summer fun in 2018? long – no alcohol included — is right here!

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8 JUNE / JULY 2018 Calcutta Begins at 5pm Photo by Addison Photography

HEALTH: Can Psychotherapy Alleviate Trauma?

Dale and Ginny Oedekoven help people who suffer from traumatic experiences to move past the pain through EMDR therapy. What’s EMDR? Find out inside.

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Editorial CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Erika C. Christensen MARKETING DIRECTOR Stephanie L. Scarcliff CHIEF OF STAFF Lisa A. Shrefler MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Megan E. Benton newyo@mcllc.net EDITOR Bailey I. Knopp CONTRIBUTORS Kevin M. Knapp Ryan R. Lewallen Sarah H. Ferguson ART DIRECTOR Richard W. Massman DESIGNER Candice E. Schlautmann PHOTOGRAPHERS Adriana J. McCauslin Christina S. Lacek

Inquiries & Customer Service Outliers Creative, LLC P.O. Box 3825 • Gillette, WY 307.686.5121 • 82717@mcllc.net

ON THE COVER 1993.006.0007 - Black and white photo of the west side of Main St. in Gillette, WY taken about 1921.

1991.100.0505 - Black and white photo of the old Spotted Horse Store, Post Office, and Dance Hall taken in the late 1920s.

Photos courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum

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82717 is a publication of Outliers Creative, LLC © 2018, all rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited.

This magazine accepts freelance contributions. 82717 is not responsible for loss, damage, or any other injury to unsolicited manuscript, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any other unsolicited materials.

Outliers Creative, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The MC Family of Companies, LLC.

Humble Roots, Clear Vision.

T

he best is yet to come. Since its November inception, this magazine has had its finger on the pulse of current events and popular culture in Gillette, and the creatives shaping it.

Our mission: To be a network node for all of the indispensable information relevant to our community.

It follows, that each month we present smart, timely stories with arresting photography and design, stories we hope deliver tangible, one-of-a-kind insights into what makes Gillette such a unique and vibrant place to live.

It’s June, and that means the 82717 is where to be for summer fun, and with a western-infused flair — we’re talking trips down backcountry dirt roads, top-notch rodeos, music and booze festivals galore, and countless other opportunities to explore the great outdoors (no screens or batteries required)!

To the uninitiated, Gillette — the Nation’s Energy Capital — may seem like just that: a boomand-bust town whose best-known landmark was once (quite literally) a pile of rocks. But, we know better.

Beyond coal, our city’s energy is defined by its people.

We are the descendants of pioneers and frontiersmen who travel paths blazed by Wyoming’s true legends: cattlemen, ranchers, and outlaws like Tom O’Day, Butch Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid — the real cowboys and cowgirls of the West.

Still, we exist in an age overtly and unapologetically obsessed with excessive individualism. Kids today are incessantly lazy, wrongfully entitled, and lacking in both ethic and respect. Shortcomings are being all but swept under the rug, and with blatant disregard, alongside

relationship-building skills and interpersonal communication acumen also put out to pasture.

Much to our parents’ and grandparents’ dismay, we’ve coddled a new-age millennial and postmillennial cohort plagued with increasing incidences and prevalence of divorce, suicide, and permissive, transient behaviors and unions — both heterosexual and homosexual. It appears now, perhaps more than ever, a focus on Wyoming’s western roots and values is especially fraught.

With pride, I introduce to you the first-ever June / July 2018 Western Issue, a celebration of our community’s western heritage and deeply-seated rural values, which seem to be remiss elsewhere lately.

Inside, you’ll find stories about local history, western art, lifestyle, and trends, in a voice saturated with desire to return to a more traditionalist westerner’s way of life. There’s a particularly moving piece by Ryan which echoes the same sentiment through a conversation between a stranger and Gillette ranchers Steve and Linda Bricker, “... somewhere along the path to progress, values and idealisms are being tossed aside....”

Born Wyomingites and transplants alike understand a few universal, if unspoken, truths: In the Cowboy State we mind our own, exercise judgement, and show respect. Like us, our neighbors work hard, play hard, open carry, and strive to put God, family, and country first. Whether you’re working a homesteaded ranch, the swing shift at a coal mine, or for a blue-collar

outfit in the secondary or tertiary sector; you’re an important part of what makes this place — Campbell County, Wyoming — so doggone great.

Recently, a reader posed the question: What makes 82717 awesome? Simply put: It’s the people.

You’re the reason we work so hard to be the best and most responsible conveyors and placemakers: We strengthen connections between the people, places, and businesses that bolster our public realm.

Sure, we love Wyoming’s pristine landscapes and unparalleled access to rather remarkable national parks, trails, and historic landmarks, too.

But, it’s the stories, the livelihoods of the fine folks of Campbell County, people like Steve and Linda — who know the value of a hard day’s work, have worked to make their family dynamic work, and have never met a stranger — that set the standard for how America should (and can) be again.

What if all that’s really needed is a healthy dose of getting back to the basics, the more moral and spiritual values and western traditions whence we came? Can we go back? You’re darn tootin’ right we can!

Bless Your Heart,

Stephanie L. Scarcliff, Production Editor JUNE / JULY 2018

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82717Life.com

National Weather Service Photo: Modular home on concrete foundation located on Cloud Peak Rd.

More 82717 online at 82717Life.com Though 82717 Magazine may only be published once a month, don’t forget to go online to 82717Life.com to keep up with our local community. You can re-read our print stories, find a full calendar of local events, additional features from our team of reporters and community mavens, and video discussions about the stories you see here in print.

facebook.com/82717Life

This Month > Long-Term Recovery For Oriva Hills > Two Poaching Cases Solved, Buffalo Juveniles & Florida Man Found Guilty > Public Health To Offer Tetanus Shots During Tornado Cleanup

@82717Life

#InGoodTaste We’ve got the best selections of stylish local living just for you! From what you wear or where you eat, to how you decorate and personalize your home, we’ll be your go-to guide for living #InGoodTaste.

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My thoughts

with

Mark Christensen

My monthly take on Our Community, Our State, Local Events & Politics the people for another four years. Given that, you As we start ‘election season’, and in response to an should know that when I advocate for a raise in pay editorial in the Gillette News Record a few weeks ago, I for commissioners, I am approaching the subject in wanted to take on a topic that always frustrates me and an unbiased manner. Same goes for the other elected a large number of the voters who see headlines, but officials, many of whom are still underpaid for the jobs don’t have all of the information – elected official pay. they are performing.

A few months ago, the Campbell County You might ask why my mind has changed.

Commissioners, in a process that is also done by all Mostly, because I underestimated the amount of 22 other county commissions in the state, set the time the position would take. You may think that elected official pay for the next four-year period. In county commissioners attend two formal meetings Campbell County, with the exception of the county and a few other things each month. commissioners, all of the “full time” You would be wrong. If your county elected officials are paid commissioners are only spending $100,000 per year. In Campbell that much time on county business, County, commissioners are your commissioners suck. The ones currently paid $37,500 per year. in Campbell County, spend much As a citizen, I was one of the more time, and have proven quite ones who defended the then current successful (much of the time with commissioners when they raised the issues of huge importance to you pay for all of the “full time” elected and our economy that you may not officials twelve years ago. At the be aware of ). time, I thought the commissioner The second year I was elected pay was reasonable, but I also had a I kept track of my time on an belief that the county commissioner Outlook calendar…some weeks I role was one that could be done averaged twenty hours, some weeks on a part-time basis and for which forty, and some weeks as much as pay wasn’t really necessary. In fact, sixty or more. When I averaged out I looked at serving as a county the whole year, it was roughly forty commissioner as part of my personal hours per week. Could I have done civic responsibility. I was aware of a Photo: Jenny Lee Lorenz/Jenny Lee’s Photography less, probably, but then I wouldn’t lot of the meetings commissioners have been a good commissioner – went to, but after five and a half and our elected officials should be the best possible. years, my mind has changed.

In my own life, my elected service has always taken Before you say, “he just wants paid more”, you precedence over my business and my family. You should know that when the salaries are set, they do should ask if you would be willing to do the same… not take effect for any elected official until they stand I doubt most would. If as a public servant you are for election again. In my own case, I would stay at not, then you shouldn’t be in public service. That is the $37,500 rate through the end of my term even if much of the reason I do not want to do another term. my fellow commissioners had received a raise (those And if, as a voter, you’re not expecting that of your who would be elected this August/November). candidates, then you’re part of the problem. When we Additionally, as I have made abundantly clear a elect losers, we get loser results. number of times, I do not plan to run for reelection.

In addition to the two regular Tuesday meetings Public office is a public service and I feel that after each month, commissioners also have a number of having done my time, others should step in. And, to individual meetings with landowners (average five per be quite frank, I don’t want to have to continue with month), meetings with elected officials (at least the misconceptions, time commitment, and some of JUNE / JULY 2018

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one per month, average four per month), meetings with department heads and directors (two formal per month, at least ten to twelve per month), meetings with businesses and industry – especially due to advocacy for our energy industries (average three per month), a review of every county payment/invoice (one per month plus hand warrants as needed), morning workshops (two per month), meetings with other local governments (average three per month), quarterly meetings with county-appointed boards (at least 44 per year), public appearances (ITC Grand Opening, Wyoming Reads, etc. – average three per month), special meetings when citizens need something approved that they didn’t submit in time (average one per quarter), at least 20 to 25 countyrelated emails per day (most of which need a response), at least ten county-related phone calls per day (most of which are not short calls), plus appointments to other boards that commissioners serve on or are direct liaisons to (Sixth Judicial District Child Support Authority Board, Conservation District Board, Fire Board, Public Land Board, Energy Capital Economic Development Board, Audit Committee, Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA), Public Health Board, Juvenile & Family Drug Court Board, Compensation Committee, Adult Treatment Court Board, CARE Board, and Senior Center Board – average three per month), statewide related service (in my case, service upon the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) Executive Committee – at least two to three full days per month, plus travel time), WCCA Meetings (at least eight full days per year, plus travel time), required travel for testimony at the state and national level (at least five full days per year), advocacy work at the Wyoming Legislature (at least five full days per year), meetings with federal agencies and departments (at least five per month), appointed board interviews (at least seven full days per year), budget meetings (at least five full days per year plus all of the follow-up and finalization meetings), regular financial updates on county investments (one per quarter), and much, much more. This was the short list I was able to come up with in five minutes. You add in additional responsibilities like spending some time on county roads and in county subdivisions so you know what is going on day-to-day, dealing with regular issues at the fire department (don’t ask), and a few others and it starts to look like a whole lot more. When you serve as the chairman of the board for any particular year, you can easily add at least ten additional hours

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per week just to deal with additional responsibilities, regular trips to the courthouse to sign documents, and much more. There’s also at least one or two forms of site visit or other local or statewide conference that commissioners attend each month (think committee meetings of the Wyoming Legislature, meetings related to state programs and funds that impact county operations, etc.), with many of these also requiring travel. I should note that most of these meetings are a minimum of two to three hours. If you don’t believe me, you should know that the young man who covers the commissioners for the paper regularly has to miss some of our meetings because he has already hit forty hours in his week – and we’re the primary board he follows.

Am I whining about all of these meetings? No. If we didn’t have most of them, we wouldn’t be doing a good job. Is there some amount of micro-management that is happening? Yes, I believe that we could probably shed two to three hours of meetings per week, but it’s hard to get agreement amongst all five commissioners as to which meetings those are. I proposed that we cut back from quarterly meetings with our appointed boards to semi-annual meetings… problem is that most of the appointed boards wanted more time with the commissioners, not less. I’m currently looking to see if we can eliminate some of the official meetings and just have one commissioner attend a few more of their other meetings (a mix of periodic meetings with the whole board and meetings where they simply have a liaison)…

Though the editor at the paper attributed a lot of the time to micro-management, the real issue is the sheer number of meetings with outside groups, federal agencies, and on other committees. The only way to cut back these meetings is to hire more staff – and the public doesn’t seem to have much of an appetite for more employees.

Our commissioners could also stop serving on state and governor-appointed boards and committees, but unfortunately, those committees are where a lot of the business of the state and the state interaction with local government gets done. Campbell County Commissioners not participating will simply open up space to other commissioners who aren’t looking out for the best interests of Campbell County – and we can’t always count on our local senators and representatives to look out for us.

So what should we do?

At least in the interim, we need to make sure that our current commissioners keep doing what they’re doing.

Long term, we need other people to take up the fight for some of these causes and to address more of the issues at the state and federal level.

The issues confronting the energy industry are huge – and the local effort and fight at the federal level has to be waged by more than just the county commissioners.

We need help, and more staff may be necessary.

Unfortunately, it is most important to be at the table and have representation when you’re under assault and the funds are limited, the problem is that during those times the funds are often limited.

The other alternative?

To make sure we pay our commissioners enough that they’re not losing huge sums in order to serve the public (that’s cheaper than hiring more people to take on all of these responsibilities). As a public servant you don’t plan to get rich…but you don’t want to spend/lose a huge sum of personal money in order to serve the public. If you don’t properly address the pay, you’ll never attract young and talented individuals to run for office. Have you looked at the current slate of commissioners for Campbell County? I don’t think you can find anybody on the list running who is under 40 – and it is important that the Board of County Commissioners reflect the population they represent.

We have a similar issue at the state level. Most of our local senators and house representatives are paid $150 per day for session and meetings throughout the year, and during session they also get $109 per day for expenses. During legislature, the twenty-day budget session is really like thirty-days, with only twenty paid, the math looks like this: ($150 per day x 20 days) + ($109 per day x 20 days) – ($100 per night for hotel x 30 days) – ($35 per day for food x 30 days) = $1,130 We all know my example expenses are low, because there a number of expenses that have not been covered.

Assuming 20, eight-hour days, this is $7.06 per hour.

Knowing a lot of legislators, that is nothing close to the length of days during session – nor does it include meetings in your local community, reviewing email each day, talking with citizens, and many of the other tasks that performed by a good representative or senator.

You can also add the lost wages and income for a person’s regular job, assuming it is not somebody retired. If we assume that many of our legislators should be of an executive caliber, we can figure $100,000 per year in earnings. That’s an $8,400 loss to our legislators to serve their constituents.

When you don’t at least offset a public servant’s costs, you either end up with those that are independently wealthy, retired, losers, or caring so much about their own community they are sacrificing themselves and their family. In Campbell County, we have a few representatives at the state level that look like the latter.

We need more of the best and brightest in all levels of government. To get that, we need to address elected official pay and we also need to create an environment where the citizenry remains civil. We have 200 years of U.S. history that includes civility and engaging dialogue and conversation. We have had about 18-months of all out hell in Campbell County. It is up to all of us to right the path and restore civility to our politics and to encourage our best to represent us.

Mr. Christensen is a Gillette real estate developer, owner of a holding company which owns this publication, and member of the Campbell County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Christensen is married with two children and lives in Gillette.

He has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Wyoming and M.S. in Real Estate and Construction Management from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.

Mr. Christensen’s opinions do not reflect the opinions of this publication, the boards upon which he sits, or any organizations or agencies referenced within his comments.

JUNE / JULY 2018

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Imported all the way from Kirby, Wyoming: home of the first legal distillery to open in the state when Wyoming Whiskey first opened in 2009, Small Batch Bourbon is a wheated variety described as having prominent notes of brown sugar, caramel, slightly spicy oak, and vanilla. To the nose, the heat of the 88 proof bourbon can be surprising, but on the palate the heat isn’t nearly as prominent. The palate produces a significant sweetness pertaining to butterscotch, and some baking spices which further back up hints of grassy or floral flavors.

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Reviewers emphasize Box’s masterfully-developed characters and tightly-crafted storytelling with surprising twists and turns in the most recent installment to the Joe Pickett series. According to cjbox.net, “Wyoming’s new governor isn’t sure what to make of Joe Pickett, but he has a job for him that is extremely delicate.” The 18th addition to the series, its environmental themes persuades fans that in The Disappeared Box takes his readers back to the earliest Pickett books. You can find this roots novel at downtown Gillette’s finest art gallery and bookstore, Rapport, owned by 82717 Contributor Sarah Ferguson!

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Tom Ford: Winnin estern art culture is something we in Wyoming are most familiar with, however keeping that style authentic while staying relevant can be a challenge. One artist searches out to tell a story, his story, of western heritage and breaking through stereotypes of traditional western art. Artist Tom Ford describes his artwork as contemporary, with a loose interpretation. “The work I do is the story of Tom Ford”. This all-American cowboy revives the western art scene with his figurative sculptures, contemporary metal creations and detailed illustrations, showing how he has won over the West.

On my quest to search out star artists in the 82717, I came across a few who consider themselves western artists. Artist Tom Ford, however, defines his work as something a little different from traditional western art. His mission is to create work which speaks to the viewer and gets them to think past the obvious, to think about the story, while injecting a modern twist.

I had the chance to interview Ford at his studio, asking how he finds his inspirations, his own history with art, what he does to stay relevant, his technique for creating his works, his viewpoints on where he thinks the art culture is going, and learning what this cowboy artist does to create monumental artwork.

Tom Ford began his trek of creating fine art 40 years ago. He spent most of his time growing up amongst machinery and idolizing artists like Charles Russell, Fredric Remington and Carl Rungius. From this background developed a young, hungry artist looking to prove his worth.

These artists inspired Ford from an early age to pay attention to detail, Ford explains, “How they play with light and the accuracy and composition these guys had is amazing.”

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When Ford was 13 years old he was found at an art market by a total stranger that would later cast his small woodland beaver wax sculpture in a bronze realization. This was Ford’s first bronze. Later, he went on to create a monumental sculpture in 1995, titled “Pulling Leather”, now displayed proudly greeting Gillette visitors at the CamPlex Heritage Center. This was a tribute Ford created to honor the men and women in the west of the past, preserving a western way of life.

NEW STUDIO, NEW IDEAS When I asked who is most influential in his life, he answered, his wife, Beth. She has not only supported his love of art, but joined him in creating artwork together in their studio, Untamed Designs.

As the custom sign out front of his studio states, “Your imagination is my palette.” He gives much of their creative design credit to her, as they have developed many home décor items and keepsakes.

“She understands and supports while pushing me to be better, it’s a good balance.”

Beth encouraged Tom to try more contemporary styles and work with recycled materials.

This encouragement led to Tom not being so tied down with absolute detail, but express more and loosen up his style.

That approach has seemed to work well for Ford, as he has created over 40 monumental sculptures and over 10 of those are contemporary pieces. In addition to large scale

sculptures, Ford has tackled more than 2,000 stone pieces throughout his career, much of which play an essential role for his new studio/shop. He seems excited when new challenges come his way, after mentioning the new shop has been well received and has a good amount of walk-in traffic.

A WORKING ARTIST FOR THE COMMUNITY Ford has made it a priority to stay involved with community programs dedicated to the arts. His long-term service with the Mayor’s Art Council has allowed him to make lifetime connections and show his support to other artists. He has had an essential role in the development of the Avenues of Art program which rotates large sculptures in the Gillette area to beautify our public areas. In 2015, Ford submitted and was accepted into the Avenues of Art with one of his contemporary abstract pieces titled, “It Starts with Three”. The piece is vibrant in the primary, red, yellow and blue colors and celebrates connection by the surrounding disc. In 2014, Tom also produced another for the same event and resulted in a sale of “Peace Offering”, which is now in front of the Rib & Chop House on Douglas Highway.

Recently Ford has been consulting another board to help beautify the cemetery with sculptures by a variety of artists. It is important he told me, that he is making a mark in the art community by showing his support and giving his time where he can. The artist also stays busy with work that walks into his shop. He has been collaborating with local businesses, as well as larger corporations, such as Ruby Tuesday, designing interior and exterior signage, railings,

g the West and other decorative accents. One project Ford has been particularly excited about is the custom metal American flags he creates, which honor Veterans. These are made right in his studio and each piece is unique and celebrates what this cowboy holds dear, his country.

As we wandered the Untamed Designs studio and shop, Ford pointed out the latest sculpture he has been working on. Impressively detailed with layers of machined metal headdress and meticulously crafted feathers, a dancing Native American sculpture is beginning to take shape. Begun in February, the

perspective is another component Ford considers with his creations. Special attention is paid to how his artwork will display, which is typically outdoors.

Ford studies how the light will travel across his pieces and not just in one season, but in all. These factors play a big role in telling the story of each work. Contemplation over how the artwork will be seen by each viewer is Ford’s dedication to the craft.

It is apparent Ford is passionate about preserving his western heritage and pouring new life into his work by his use of contemporary styles.

Building the large-scale sculptures that Ford does requires a lot of hard work. It can be labor intensive to move massive metal pieces into place or constructing the wax sculptures to prepare for bronzing. Although he does rely on a few helping hands to manage larger projects, Ford keeps all design ideas intact to create forms true to his contemporary western style.

LOOKING FORWARD piece was intended for an upcoming show in Sioux Falls, celebrating and honoring the traditions of the Native American culture. His passion about his work shows, along with his love of the western heritage he lives. In the studio portion of the shop that he and his wife designed, hangs original illustrations of Ford’s western interpretations, range worn horses, galloping antelope, and bronco cowboys.

In addition to Ford’s busy schedule at the studio, he has projects spread around the United States. One that is closer to home is the new Gillette College campus where he has some of his work with a new sponsor sign and will have a set of antelope set in bronze, as well. Ford continues to tackle monster projects, it seems, with ease, while infusing his combination of contemporary and old west styles.

For Ford, his biggest accomplishment has been when he creates work that speaks to the client and reflects and captures a moment special to them. This has been an important element that Ford infuses into his custom designs. Keeping

The future for Tom Ford gains momentum with his artwork, and with a constant desire he possesses to capture a moment for someone else to appreciate.

When asked about the future of his career and western art, he keeps it simple: keep creating.

Since leaving his coal mine job to pursue his passion for creating art, Ford has gained a successful and thriving art business while also lending the community—and its growing art scene—a helping hand. Tom, his wife, and their family live the true cowboy way, and art plays a big role. Artists like Tom are inspiring to watch, because they wash away stereotypes and give way to new ideas—showing others that if you want something bad enough, go for it.

To find out more about Tom’s work you can visit his website, www.untameddesigns.net. For more from me on artists and other art happenings, grab the next issue of 82717 Life Magazine, or stop

by Rapport on Gillette Ave. By: Sarah Ferguson of Rapport for 82717

LLC

GILLETTE, WY

Gillette’s only art gallery, new & used bookstore, and design studio

217 S Gillette Ave. Located in Downtown Gillette, Wyoming store hours T-F 10-6pm Sat 10-4pm @rapportartbooksdesign @therapportstore therapportstore@gmail.com www.therapportstore.com JUNE / JULY 2018

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A Westerner’s Way of Life esterner. The word brings to mind a tall, broad-shouldered man wearing the famed cowboy hat and boots, and riding a horse across the horizon in front of a setting sun. Hollywood has idolized the westerner—whether they be cowboys, ranchers, or frontiersmen — in epic films about survival, loyalty, and honor. Large-scale rodeos have solidified the image of the cowboy riding bucking horses and bulls, and wrestling steers to the ground while hundreds and thousands of people cheer them on. But for many, the true westerner seems to be no more than an entry between the dust-covered pages of an old history book. With every revolution of the earth, mankind takes another step forward. But somewhere along the path to progress, values and idealisms are being tossed aside as the true westerner fades into legend and myth.

W

Wyoming is a staple of the American West and the original westerner, having served as territory to famous cowboys and outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Here, cowboy hats and boots are as common as a blade of grass on the Great Plains. Here, the westerner’s way of life is more than a story told to children and read about in books. It is real, and it is less than a stone’s throw away if one would only take the time to seek it out.

Steve Bricker and his wife, Linda, live a quiet life on a 2,000-acre ranch just outside of Gillette, near the Freedom Hills subdivision and the massive Wyodak Power Plant. When Steve approaches, he moves in long, determined strides. He is dressed in a plain button-up shirt, dusty ball cap, blue jeans, and a pair of worn cowboy boots. His handshake is firm, framed by the rough calluses built up over a lifetime of hard, honest work.

Linda is motherly in appearance with kind, welcoming eyes. Everything about her, from the way she smiles warmly and offers her greeting to the way she stands, is inviting. She doesn’t even have to do it, but she does anyways — she invites a stranger to sit and stay awhile with her and Steve.

In other parts of the country, hospitality is difficult to come by. With so many untrustworthy people lurking in the shadows, most homeowners are hesitant to invite a stranger into their homes. But at the Bricker Ranch, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Steve pulls up chairs onto their patio, beneath the shade of a large tree and several umbrellas. Once the stranger is seated amidst the peaceful singing of several song birds, Steve offers him a glass of iced tea or water. He ducks into the house and returns a few minutes later with the beverages, including one for himself, and settles in with a satisfied sigh. But JUNE / JULY 2018

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within a few moments, the song birds are crying out in alarm — there is something sinister lurking in the soft green grass.

In an instant, Steve springs to his feet while hollering, “I know what they’re making a fuss about!” Quick as a cat, he scoops up a garden shovel and darts around the side of the deck. The snake seems to have just started contemplating the best route to climb the side of the house when Steve descends upon it.

With practiced movements, Steve thrusts the head of the shovel forward, killing the snake almost instantly. Meanwhile, the stranger sits in his chair, blinking several times in surprise as Steve nonchalantly carries the dead snake to the nearby trash bin.

“I don’t like any kind of snake in my yard,” Steve explains, perhaps taking in the stranger’s surprised expression.

While killing snakes, wearing the clothes, running cattle, and riding horses are certainly a significant part of the westerner’s way of life, there is so much more to it than that. From Steve, the stranger learned that the westerner lives his life as part of a heritage, a culture, awash with cherished values and hard-learned lessons.

HERITAGE The westerner’s way of life has been handed down through multiple generations filled with wonderful people.

“I feel like I’ve been very blessed to be a part of that, to be associated with a group of people that founded this country, and that raised meat for this country,” Steve said. According to him, westerners were among the first people to settle Wyoming.

Steve was born a westerner, saying that his mother carried him in the womb while riding on horseback, her swollen belly resting on the saddle horn. When he was born, on the very ranch he calls home today, Steve learned the way of life from his father, who had learned it from his father before him.

The circle of life moves in a never-ending cycle on the Bricker Ranch. As one generations enters and works the ranch, another generation leaves it.

Steve said that his parents lived out their last days on the ranch while he alone ran their cattle and saw to the everyday demands.

Time may have moved on from the early

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frontier days and the original cowboy may be fading from history, but the way of life continues to live on in people like Steve and Linda. Though what may happen to their ranch when they move on from this world remains to be seen. Steve said that the market’s prices have made it difficult for his way of life to continue in his children and grandchildren.

“For them to make a living at that way of life, it’s getting so hard that they can’t do it,” he said.

All of their children have moved on from the westerner’s way of life. They attended colleges and sought employment away from the ranch.

Four years ago, Steve and Linda sold most of their cattle and followed the example of their neighbors by leasing portions of their lands to others. But even with the difficulties of running a ranch, Steve wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s been a good life,” he said with feeling.

CULTURE A westerner’s culture is unique. It is filled with trials, errors, love, passion, and is built upon the foundation of the past. Growing up, Steve realized that the westerner’s way of life was a simple one, dominated by two things — work and school.

From the moment he woke up, he had a number of chores to complete. Once complete, he went home, changed into his school clothes, saddled his horse, and rode to the old school that once stood in the shadows of the Wyodak Power Plant.

After the school day was over, Steve rode back home to complete more chores. But no matter what, Steve never did his chores alone.

“Families were together and families did the chores together,” Steve said. Even his mother, when she was pregnant with him, helped his father defrost the cattle gates so that the cattle couldn’t escape.

Back then, the school year was shorter as well, running from sometime after Labor Day to May 1st.

After which, Steve’s father would tell him that school was done and it was time to tend to the fences.

“We worked hard,” Steve recalled. “You get out there on the fence line like we were this morning, it’s hot. There’s no easy part to it, but we were together.”

Steve was raised to be a problem solver for the equipment and buildings on the ranch.

“You didn’t run to town, you figured out how to fix it,” he explained. Living so far from town, it

just wasn’t realistic for any of Steve’s family to head in to find someone to fix a piece of equipment.

But living the westerner’s way of life isn’t just about working hard, it’s also about playing hard once those chores were finished for the day.

“When he got done, we had iced tea and we went to the reservoir and played and splashed,” Steve said with a smile. He and his siblings armed themselves with BB guns and .22 rifles and set off across the property to see what kind of trouble they could get into.

“We played in the dirt, we made our own fun.

We were turned loose with .22 shells, .22’s! I got in more trouble for shooting mom’s chickens and running them over with stuff. That was the kind of trouble that a country kid would get in,” said Steve.

At night, Steve and his family would sit and eat around the supper table, every meal. It’s an uncommon notion these days, Steve felt, as most families elect to eat on their sofa’s and watch TV.

LESSONS Learning never stops for a westerner from the moment it begins. For Steve, that learning started with his father, who taught him valuable life lessons from a young age.

“I learned a lot about livestock and, I think you learn a lot about life from livestock and dealing with livestock,” he said.

Through the numerous livestock on the ranch, Steve learned about life and death, reproduction, and even the personalities of people.

“You grow up with it, it’s natural,” said Steve.

“Being raised in the country and the way of life I was raised in, you get to see the different facets of life and then you can compare that to people.”

There are good cows and bad cows. Just as there are good people and bad people. Some cattle may be leaders, others will be followers. Livestock have personalities, and Steve learned how important it was for him to understand that.

“I was very fortunate to learn from my dad before he passed away,” Steve said.

But not all lessons were learned from the livestock, some Steve had to learn off the ranch, such as learning not to steal. When he was in grade school, Steve was taken to Sheridan by his mother to visit a dentist. While there, he saw a brightlycolored object that he thought was a pack of Bazooka Bubble Gum at a dime store and asked his mother if she would buy it for him. Of course, she told him no and that should have been the end of it.

Steve said he took it anyways, shoving it out of sight deep in his pocket.

On the way back to Gillette, Steve crouched

in the backseat of the family vehicle unraveling his prize, expecting at any moment to access that delectable piece of candy. What he wasn’t expecting, however, was to have that piece of candy explode in his hands with a loud Bang!

It had been a noise maker and it definitely made quite a racket.

“Mom about had a wreck and boy, did I get a beating,” Steve laughed. “That ended my career on thievery right there. That’s it, no more thieving.

You don’t steal stuff, you get in trouble every time!”

VALUES Perhaps the most important thing Steve took away from his upbringing was an ironclad set of values.

First and foremost, Steve’s father told him that if there was one thing he needed to do in this life, it was to keep his word and to take care of his name.

“He said you don’t have anything else in this life,” Steve said. “You come into this life with nothing and you go out of this life without anything, but he said the in-between time, how you take care of your name is what’s most important in life.”

Steve has spent a lifetime trying to adhere to this important value pressed upon him. If he says he is going to do something, he is going to do it.

“I tell you I’m going to sell you that glass of water for five dollars, and maybe it’s a hundred dollars over there, I’ll sell it to you for five dollars. You honor your word,” he stated.

Another value his father taught him was to respect women, which meant not swearing in their presence and opening the door for them, among other things.

“That’s one thing that I miss about this generation,” he said sadly. “I’m not just throwing these young kids down because I’ve seen people my age disrespect women and things, but we have lost something.”

Steve calls women the fairer sex, and believes that they deserve nothing less than respect and honor.

“It will not change in me,” he said flatly. “If you believe in opening your own door, fine. I’m going to be

standing there opening the door, too.”

A westerner never turns away the hungry. No matter who they are, Steve said, if they come to the house hungry he and Linda will offer food.

“We trusted you until you proved you weren’t trust worthy. That’s just the way we were raised.

Feed them,” Steve said.

Linda and Steve were both brought up with a willingness to do hard work, something that, to them, is notably absent from the younger generations.

“We do not see these young people wanting to put in the work that it takes to make life good,” Linda said. Before Linda met Steve, she had raised three boys into their teens by working several jobs.

Steve, for his part, worked a double career for many years. Whether he was working in the oilfields or in the coal mines, he came home after his shift and worked the ranch — he lived for it.

“I feel really blessed to be in Wyoming, in Campbell County, here,” he said. “There are things, and I’m sure anywhere you’d want to go, there’s going to be things you don’t like. But I love the open space, I love the smells, and I love the families here.”

THE STRANGER AND THE WESTERNER For nearly two hours, the stranger and the westerner sat in the shade and conversed with one another.

The sound of laughter filled the air as they shared stories, experiences, and ideologies. Never once did Steve ever make the stranger feel unwelcome.

On the contrary, as the encounter came to an end and the stranger stood to leave, he found himself wanting to know more. More about the westerner’s way of life, about value, and how to live a life that would hold a light to the many years lived by Steve and Linda Bricker. The stranger wanted to stay, just a little while longer. But the Brickers are a busy couple; they have jobs to do, both in town and at the Ranch.

As the stranger climbed into his car and drove away along the dusty road, leaving the peaceful scene of the Bricker Ranch behind him, he realized that he wanted to return one day and sit beneath a tree with Steve and Linda once again. Perhaps, one day he will. Only time will tell.

By: Ryan R. Lewallen for 82717 JUNE / JULY 2018

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July 27th - August 5th

at CAM-PLEX in Gillette

Free Entertainment

Action Entertainment, Stunt Jump

The Action Entertainment Stunt Jump is the most exciting way to enjoy your time at the fair! Take the chance to feel like a stunt professional by jumping off of either the 11ft or 20ft tall platform.

Jumpers are caught by the Zero Shock stunt bag, which is designed to cushion and cradle when you land. Jumpers must be at least 5 years of age and 40lbs in order to jump off the 20ft platform, with no weight restrictions for the 11ft platform. All jumpers must have a signed waiver to jump, and minors require a parent’s signature. Plaza at the Fair, August 1st - 4th.

Pierce Avenue

One could say Pierce Avenue is in perfect harmony. Made up of husband and wife Tony and Jaime Pierce, the duo has paired their love with their affinity for music, meshing their solo chops to create a soulful, southern-fringed sound unique to most up-and-coming Nashville hopefuls. Embracing their authentic country roots with twang and sass, the high-octane duo delivers highenergy performances laced with flawless harmonies that leave no doubt in the listener the two have become one. Come see them perform under the Free Stage Tent August 1st - 4th!

Freckle Farm Petting Zoo

Since 1984, family owned and operated, the Freckle Farm Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will be the highlight at the Campbell County Fair. Freckle Farm Petting Zoo will keep your hearts captured and your family entertained. Freckle Farm Petting Zoo will be on the Plaza, August 1st - 4th.

Wild Science

Laser Tag Action Entertainment will be providing exciting laser tag course this year! Children as young as 5 can participate. Two teams of 5 compete with 10 provided obstacles that allow competitors to defend themselves from and sneak up on their opponents!

Appearing August 1st - 4th.

Marshall Catch Band

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Marshall Catch set the local music scene on fire with a series of potent, high-energy live concerts that showcased the band’s stage presence and knack for storytelling.

They play music that is both fresh and contemporary-sounding, yet still retained a sense of realism and earthiness that brings a listener back again when the song is over.

The band has garnered widespread acclaim for their ability to play stripped-down and intimately, or full-throttle rock and roll. On Free Stage, Aug. 1st - 4th!

JUNE / JULY 2018

All Aboard Train

All Aboard is a trackless train that will be traveling the Cam-Plex grounds giving rides to young and old alike. This unique train has comfort and style, and features a high quality P.A. system that will keep fairgoers informed about what is going on at the Fair at any particular time and where to find each event. Look for the “All Aboard Train”, August 1st - 4th.

Wild Science is a 4000 sq. ft. family attraction, which is free to the public, and consists of dozens of highly interactive and entertaining exhibits and activities.

Kids and adults get to use their hands and minds to explore the amazing world of science and technology. See them in the Wyoming Center at the Fair, August 1st - 5th.

Twinkle Time

West Coast Lumberjacks They have been providing family focused entertainment to Fairs for more than 30 years. Event guests can expect to see amazing feats of strength and agility throughout the show - whether it is the loud roar of a Husqvarna chainsaw, a lumberjack standing almost 10 feet in the air swinging his razor sharp axe in the springboard chop, the nimble footwork during the log rolling, or the agile tree climbers racing up the spar trees! On the Plaza, Aug. 1st - 4th.

Twinkle brings you her colorful, high energy pop concert fusing education, language, arts and pop culture into the hottest kids’ phenomenon to hit the Kid Space scene. “I want to be like Oprah for the children’s market! I realized that kids and parents were listening to the same kid songs that I grew up with. I wanted to hear new sounds, you know, change up the vibe of the kids’ market,” Twinkle says.

See Twinkle Time in the Wyoming Center, August 1st - 4th.

Cartoon Bill Cartoon Bill has been a regular at the Campbell County Fair for the past few years. He has spent many hours sitting at his easel drawing Campbell County residents, young and old alike. Be sure to get your free caricature from Bill’s easel in the Wyoming Center, August 1st - 5th.

Special Events

Campbell County Fair

Ranch Rodeo August 2nd Cam-Plex Morningside Park

Photo by Addison Photography

2,500 Added

$

100% PAYBACK GIST Buckles to Champions, Jackets to Reserve Champions

Calcutta Begins at 5pm Final Round at 6pm

Photo by Addison Photography

*Mutton Bustin *Ranch Rodeo *Mini-Bareback & Mini-Saddle Bronc Riding

“Dance in the Dirt”

following the Rodeo with the Marshall Catch Band Admission: Adults $10, Youth (10 and Under) $5

FMI Contact the Fair Office 307-687-0200 4

Photo Credits Lorri Lang Photography

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Gillette looking east from Wagner's House, taken in 1935.

Photo courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum - 1991.100.0606

TRAIL WEST:

Old Black and Yellow Trail Toward the beginning of the 20th Century, a lot of change was coming to the U.S. and its transportation systems. In 1908, the first Model T rolled off of Ford’s famous assembly line; complete with interchangeable parts and efficient fabrication that made it affordable enough to be marketed to the middle class (whereas previous automobile creations were very expensive and impractical). The Model T was produced for nearly 20 years selling a total of 16.5 million vehicles.

With a rise in automobile popularity in 1917, the Wyoming Legislature moved to instill better vehicle registration laws, as well as helping Wyoming join in on federal highway programs. In fact, for the next decade or so, the number of registered vehicles in Wyoming rose from 15,900 in 1918, to 24,800 in 1920, and reached 62,000 by 1930.

Driving an automobile was becoming a rampantly ubiquitous means of travel, but these early highways were hardly the concrete beasts we travel on today. No, these byways consisted of frequently traveled paths that followed along rivers and train tracks, subject to weather and wear. Travel accounts from the time listed dynamite and axes in their supplies, if that tells you anything about an average trip cross-country. “Everyone wanted good roads: the Forest Service to make it easier to fight

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wildfires, loggers to make it easier to harvest timber, stockmen to make it easier to care for their livestock, and local businessmen to make it easier to conduct trade.” wrote contributor Susan Douglas for The Sheridan Press in a December 2016 article.

So, local communities began forming associations, automobile clubs, and ‘good road clubs’.

They began competing with each other to create the most popular roadways. Communities here in the west were competing to make roadways that led travelers to western national parks to promote tourism; parks such as Yellowstone National Park, established by congress and signed into law in March of 1872 by former President Ulysses S. Grant. Hence, one of the most successful of these groups was the Black and Yellow Trail Association.

Highway signs were few and far between, signs like these identified the Black and Yellow Trail to travelers.

The following history, written by Richard F. Weingroff of the Office of Infrastructure, details the history

behind U.S. Highway 14, which approximately follows the old Black and Yellow Trail. The following has been edited for length and style.

U.S. 14 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

In 1925, at the request of the state highway agencies, the Secretary of Agriculture appointed the Joint Board on Interstate Highways to develop a plan for marking the nation's interstate highways. The Joint Board, which included 21 state highway officials and three officials of the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, met with state road officials around the country, developed standardized signs, including the original U.S. shield, identified the nation's main interstate roads, and conceived a system for numbering them. The Joint Board completed its report on the new marking system in October 1925. Within the proposed grid of U.S. routes, the report identified U.S. 14. The original description of the route read: “From Winona, Minnesota, to New Ulm, Brookings, South Dakota, Huron, Pierre, Midland.”

Much of proposed U.S. 14 (Winona to Pierre) was also known as the Black and Yellow Trail, a named trail from Chicago, Illinois, to Yellowstone National Park. The Black and Yellow Trail had been established in 1919 as a rival to the better known JUNE / JULY 2018

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West side of Main St. in Gillette, WY taken about 1921. Photo courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum - 1993.006.0007

transcontinental Yellowstone Trail, which had been established as a regional trail in 1912 but had been extended by its supporter along a route from Boston to Seattle (resulting in the motto: "A Good Road from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound").

The Black and Yellow Trail Association, based in Huron, South Dakota, was conceived to divert Yellowstone traffic to the cities along its line.

The name signified links to the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Park.

The magazine Good Roads for Wisconsin took a dim view of the new trail, reflecting the State's

Even up to the middle of this century, many roads in the United States were unpaved, and after a good rain they were a virtual quagmire. Photo courtesy of fhwa.dot.gov.

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and the magazine's general objections to "trail promoters." (In 1919, Wisconsin became the first State to number its highways.) The November 1920 issue contained an article that discussed some of the magazine's objections to the Yellowstone Trail, then added: But this is not the entire story of the trails.

Another new trail has just "swam into our ken"the Black and Yellow Trail. This is a rival of the Yellowstone Trail. On paper it is a trail from the east gate of Yellowstone Park through Wyoming, South Dakota, and Southern Minnesota to Chicago, entering Wisconsin at La Crosse, and running through Sparta, Elroy, Reedsburg, and Baraboo to Madison. The blueprint of the trail shows it running thence through Fort Atkinson, Whitewater and Elkhorn to Highland Park and thence south into Chicago. A meeting was held at Madison on the matter recently to discuss the matter and no one from Fort Atkinson, Whitewater or Elkhorn appeared, but a representative from Janesville did, and then it was proposed to run the trail southward

from Madison to Janesville and eastward to Kenosha and down to Chicago.

The trail might well be called the "Rectangular Trail." It is now proposed to run it straight north from Chicago to Kenosha on Trunk Highway No. 15, then to verge practically straight east to Janesville on Trunk Highways 50 and 20. Thence it is to run northwestward on Trunk Highway 10 to Madison and on 12 to Baraboo, when it experiences a change of heart and leaves 12 to take up No. 33 which is the direct line to La Crosse. It undergoes a change of mind at Wonewoc, however, and instead of following 33, the first route to La Crosse, turns northward on 94 to No. 21 at Hustler and then turns westward to La Crosse. This purpose of taking this long and roundabout way between Chicago and La Crosse is so obvious that it needs no comment‌ To lay out a trail or main route of travel and determine its layout by the willingness of cities and villages to contribute to the trail fund is fundamentally wrong. As the trail is supported by

OLD TRAILS, NEW HIGHWAYS

The old Spotted Horse Store, Post Office, and Dance Hall taken in the late 1920s.

Photo courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum - 1991.100.0505

funds received from communities on the route, this is the inevitable process of trail-making. If the funds are not forthcoming the trail must be changed or it loses its means of support.

Whatever the merits of the Black and Yellow Trail, it provided a footnote to history on January 22, 1924. During a speech to the association, State Historian Doane Robinson revealed his idea of having statutes of historic figures carved into the Black Hills as a tourist attraction. The result, Mount Rushmore, proved as popular as he had predicted.

The Secretary of Agriculture submitted the Joint Board's proposal to the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) for consideration. His action reflected the fact that the roads were owned and operated by the States, not the Federal Government, and the States, therefore, would have to decide whether to adopt the proposal. Over the next year, AASHO acted on requests, many initiated by named trail associations, to change the routes and numbers.

In November 1926, AASHO approved the U.S. numbered highway system. U.S. 14 was retained, with the following description (spellings as in the original):

Minnesota Beginning at Winona via Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato, New Ulm, Lake Benton to the Minnesota-South Dakota State line each of Elkton.

South Dakota Beginning at the Minnesota-

South Dakota State line east of Elkton via Brockings, Huron, Miller, Heighmore, Pierre, Midland to a junction with Route No. 16 south of Phillip.

THE ESTIMATED DISTANCE: 599 MILES

U.S. 14’s route comes into Moorcroft from the northeast and connects with U.S. 16 to become U.S. Hwy 14-16. It then joins with I-90 West to Gillette, departs through town onto 2nd Street and continues north out of Gillette, past the airport as U.S. Highway 14-16.

So next time you’re headed downtown on second street, or if you make a trip over to Moorcroft via I-90/U.S. 14-16, perhaps you’ll think about the history behind the path you travel. The worn down two-track it used to be, laden with Model Ts traveling a whopping 40-45 mph at their top speed. Think of the many people who drove on that byway searching the horizon for a pile of rocks to indicate they had made it to Gillette, which just a few decades before had only been a tent town base camp called Donkey Town, and smile.

Special thanks to Richard Weingroff and the Office of Infrastructure for content used within this work. To learn more about Wyoming highways, visit fhwa.dot.gov.

By: Bailey I. Knop for 82717 SOURCES

In 1933, AASHO approved requests by the State highway agencies to extend U.S. 14 east to Chicago.

The following year, U.S. 14 was extended west to Cody, Wyoming, at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

“Black and Yellow Trail.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_Yellow_Trail.

Douglas, Susan. “History of Roads in the Bighorns.” The Sheridan Press, The Sheridan Press, 29 Dec. 2016, thesheridanpress.com/65563/historyroads-bighorns/.

“Wyoming State Route History.” AARoads, www.aaroads.com/ wyoming/state-highway-history/.

“Yellowstone National Park.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 June 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_National_Park.

Two couples riding in a 1920s automobile. Photo courtesy of Campbell County Rockpile Museum - 1993.006.0006 JUNE / JULY 2018

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Mocktail me crazy... ocktails mustn’t be boring, darlings.

Here’s the proof: Excite your palate and impress your guests— all summer long—with these six funky/fresh mocktail recipes from our resident (ex) bartender on staff—me.

M

Mocktails 101: A History Lesson Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, are on the rise—at my house, at least. It’s a Mocktail

Revolution, people, and it only continues to grow (at mí casa, and beyond) as more restaurant and party-goers—and after-school special snacktime connoisseurs—ask for fun, booze-free libations.

The word, born from a smashing together of “mock” plus “cocktail”, has evolved from its simple origins of Shirley Temples, Roy Rodgers, and frozen piña coladas (hold the rum), to include a vast expanse of sip-worthy liquid concoctions you’re going to want to wrap those sleek, tan hands around this summer!

Not just for kids Clearly, there’s a market for mocktails that goes far beyond pregnant women and the underaged; as top restaurateurs across the nation—from coast to coast and everywhere in between—jump on the mocktail bandwagon, offering mocktail menus and pairings.

This summer, let these six easy, introductory mocktail recipes swipe even your mother-in-law (she is your toughest critic, after all) off her feet!

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6 Creative Mocktails

EASY DOUBLE-BERRY SPLASH A cold, refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from store-bought cranberry punch on ice, accentuated with fresh mint and fresh, sliced strawberries, lime and orange garnish. Refined elegance at its best. Drink this!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NOJO Muddle mint, lime juice, and agave. Pour over ice. Top with a splash of blood orange purée.

Fill glass to brim with soda water. Garnish with mint sprig. Bonus points for optional lime wedge garnish.

SIMPLE SPARKLING RASPBERRY LEMONADE Mix frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate with 3 cups of cold water, or as indicated on package.

Combine equal parts raspberry lemonade mixture and sparking grape juice. Float lemon wheel. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

COOL & SPICY AGUA Sweet cucumber jalapeño mint infused water is fun, flavorful, and healthy. Did you know that cucumbers help to reduce bloating, jalapeños increase your internal temperature and metabolism, and mint can help with digestion and relieve headaches? Add sliced cucumber sans seeds, half a de-seeded jalapeño, and a sprig of mint leaves to a large Ball Jar. Chill for 24-hrs.

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PERFECTLY PINK GRAPEFRUIT VIRGIN MOJITO Admittedly, I’m a little obsessed with pink grapefruits lately. Here’s the best from recent adventures into squeezed pink grapefruit bliss: Muddle a teaspoon of raw cane sugar (or raw honey) with mint and a lime wedge. Add ¼ cup freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice and a half cup sparking water (I like Lacroix), stir, fill glass with ice. Garnish with lime, mint leaf sprig.

HIBISCUS PALMER A fresh, floral, and truly beautiful take on the more traditional Arnold Palmer, which combines lemonade with regular iced tea, this drink combines equal parts lemonade and hibiscus iced tea (in that order) in a pint glass or Collins, over ice (not stirred). Garnish with lemon. Not pictured, but too damn good not to mention.

Summer, well-served Whether you’re in the market for a fun fauxcocktail option for your children, your pregnant best friend, your mother-in-law, your non-drinking buddy, yourself (hey, no shame), or your DD... these tasty non-alcoholic spritzers, blended and mixed drinks are sure to please! Try them, enjoy them!

Cheers, to a spectacular summer in the 82717!

By: Stephanie L. Scarcliff for 82717

... so smooth your Midwest summertime soirée’ers won’t know what hit ‘em.

New Patients Welcome!

OVER

20 YEARS

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EXPERIENCE

417 West Flying Circle Drive Gillette, Wyoming 82716

Call

(307) 682-3353

www.GilletteDental.com

JUNE / JULY 2018

• General & Cosmetic Dentistry • Comprehensive Dental Care • Single Appointment Crowns • Laser Cavity Detection • Digital X-Rays • Single Appointment Root Canals • Nitrous Oxide Available

Delta Dental Provider

Can Psychotherapy Alleviate Trauma? magine experiencing something so terrifying or traumatic that the memory of it seems to stick to the forefront of your mind. But no matter what you do, no matter what you try, you just can’t seem to get it out of your head. Never letting go, never going away, the memory continues to sit there and fester on your mind.

When that traumatic moment happened, your brain’s ability to process information was adversely affected and that moment essentially became “frozen in time”, meaning that it could potentially continue to affect you for years to come. Everything that you remember about that moment — whether it be what you saw, heard, smelled, or felt — would feel no different than the day you lived it.

I

EMDR If you suffer from traumatic, terrifying, or anxietycaused experiences, they do not have to define your life. There are ways for you to let go and move on. One such way is through Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

This form of therapy, which was originally developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is used here in Gillette by Dale and Ginny Oedekoven at Clear Creek Counseling. As the Oedekovens describe it, EMDR therapy is used to desensitize disturbing life experiences and to incorporate adaptive beliefs and behaviors. This is accomplished by connecting eye movements under a therapist’s direction to cause dual hemisphere stimulation of the brain resulting in a re-processing of the memories.

“Sets of movements are continued, following a set of structured protocol, until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs,” Dale says.

Although no one knows exactly how any form of psychotherapy actually works, either neurobiologically

or in the brain, EMDR therapy appears to have a direct effect on the way the brain processes information, restoring it to normal parameters.

“The brain’s set to heal itself,” Ginny says.

“EMDR therapy just knocks a few bricks loose so it can get started.” The way she explains it is to picture the brain as a maze, an incredibly delicate and complicated maze. Rather than having to negotiate the maze in the traditional sense, EMDR kicks down all of the brain’s walls and allows for everything to connect, flow, and process the way it is supposed to.

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCES Every person will process the information in their own way, depending on their own personal experiences and values. While incredible and emotional responses are common amongst those who undergo EMDR, the majority of clients treated at Clear Creek Counseling report a significant reduction in the level of disturbance they feel afterwards.

When Sue McKinsey had to face something challenging and personal several years back, Dale suggested she undergo EMDR. She had never heard of it and figured it must be pretty new, but she agreed.

“After our session, I was able to move on and the hurt and betrayal (I had felt) was left behind,” Sue said. “I walked away with love in my heart and was able to see things in a new light. I am very thankful for the tools that were given to me to get my life back on track.”

Robby Gallob also had some favorable words to share about his experience with EMDR. “If it hadn’t been for EMDR, coupled with my faith, and anger management, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

By: Ryan R. Lewallen for 82717 JUNE / JULY 2018

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Redefining Dental Health

Dr. David Porter GENERAL DENTIST

OUR FOCUS IS ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S TOTAL HEALTH.

Come visit us to see the difference • Modular Periodontal Therapy • Growth & Development

Office Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7:30am - 3:30pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm • Friday By Appointment 501 W. Lakeway Rd., Gillette, WY

307-682-3100

Assessment in Children • Migraine Headache Solutions • Orthotropics • Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Airway Assessment & Solutions

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www.MySynergyDental.com JUNE / JULY 2018

WHC W Y O. COM JUNE / JULY 2018

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JUNE / JULY 2018

GREAT SAVINGS

Community Calendar

For Gillette, Wright & Northeast Wyoming JUNE Wyoming Horse Racing

• Friendly, courteous staff • Huge one, two & three floor plans • Full-size washer/dryer included • Clubhouse, playground & fitness center with all-new exercise equipment • Close to the Gillette Rec. Center • Located at Southern Drive & Enzi Drive • Civil Discount for Select Employees

JUNE Coal Country Rodeo Nights

June 15 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Morningside Park Contact: 307.708.2331

June 21 • 6:30 – 10 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler & Little Levi Arenas Contact: 307.299.3652

Powder Basin Equestrian Assoc. Clinic

Wyoming Horse Racing

June 15 • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Equestrian Area Contact: 307.682.9429

June 22 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Morningside Park Contact: 307.708.2331

Big Horn Mountain Show

Donkey Creek Festival

June 16 • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler Arena Contact: 307.752.0565

June 22 • 3 – 10 p.m.

Gillette College Contact: 307.686.0254

CSI Scholarship Golf Tournament

Taste of Wright BBQ Competition

June 16 • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Gillette Golf Club Contact: 307.682.5153

June 22 • 5 – 10 p.m.

Wright Community Center Contact: 307.464.1222

Concealed Carry Permit Class

FightClub 4: Sanctioned Bare-Knuckle Fighting

June 16 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Legal Heat: 877.252.1055

June 23 • 7 – 11 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Central Pavilion Contact: 331.452.8385

4-H Rodeo/Timed Event

2018 International Rally Golf Tournament

June 18 • 6 – 10 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler & Little Levi Arenas Extension Office: 307.682.7281

June 27 • 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location TBD Klub Office: 877.639.5582

33rd Int. Newmar Kountry Klub Rally

Chat with the Chamber

June 20-30 • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Facilities Klub Office: 877.639.5582

June 27 • 9 – 11 a.m.

Wright Town Hall Contact: 307.682.3673

June Mixer

Coal Country Rodeo Nights

June 21 • 5 – 7 p.m.

HUB International Contact: 307.682.3673

June 28 • 6:30 – 10 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler & Little Levi Arenas Contact: 307.299.3652 JUNE / JULY 2018

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vv

617 E Boxelder Rd • Gillette, Wyoming 82718

Spot Free Rinse Towel Dry Fleet Accounts Credit Cards Accepted Locally Owned & Operated

Making Life EZ!

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JUNE / JULY 2018

Set up a

Fleet Account

307.682.8142

Community Calendar

For Gillette, Wright & Northeast Wyoming JUNE 2018 Master Gardeners Garden Walk

JULY CCPRD 4th of July Fireworks Display

June 30 • 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

George Amos Building Contact: 307.682.7281

July 4 • 5 – 9 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Morningside Park CCPRD: 307.682.7406

4-H Horse Progress Show

Coal Country Rodeo Nights

June 30 • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler Extension Office: 307.682.7281

July 5 • 6:30 – 10 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler & Little Levi Arenas Contact: 307.299.3652

Gravel Grinder Festival

Little Levi Rodeo

June 30 • 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Big Lost Meadery & Brewery Contact: 307.660.3199

July 14 • 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler & Little Levi Arenas Contact: 307.660.5284

Live Music by The Hold-Up

MEGA Monster Truck Tour

June 30 • 5 – 10 p.m.

Big Lost Meadery & Brewery Contact: 307.660.3199

JULY 4-H Rodeo/Timed Event

July 2 • 6 – 10 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Wrangler & Little Levi Arenas Extension Office: 307.682.7281

Volunteer Fireman Pancake Feed

July 4 • 6 – 9 a.m.

Fire Station No. 1, 106 Rohan Ave. Contact: 307.682.5319

4th of July Parade: Celebrating Community

July 4 • 10 – 11 a.m.

1st Street Contact: 307.682.8527

Free Hot Dog Feed & Games in the Park

July 4 • 12 – 4 p.m.

Bicentennial Park & Goat Roper Field Contact: 307.682.8527

July 14 • 7:30 – 10 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Morningside Park Contact: 940.255.1125

Gillette Main Street Brewfest

July 21 • 4 – 8 p.m.

Downtown Gillette Main Street Contact: 307.689.8369

Making Cents of the Real Estate Market

July 24 • 6 – 7 p.m.

Campbell County Public Library Contact: 307.689.6154

The Brewery Comedy Tour

July 26 • 8 – 10 p.m.

Big Lost Meadery & Brewery Contact: 307.602.0002

Campbell County Fair

July 27 • 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

CAM-PLEX Facilities Fair Office: 307.687.0200

JUNE / JULY 2018

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Advertisers Resource 2018 Campbell County Fair

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County 17

Rapport LLC

El Centenario Restaurant

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Exit 129 Storage

therapportstore.com 307.299.2117 remington-village.com 307.687.8000

307.670.1130

Thar’s Feed & Ranch Supply

307.682.8142

Tin Wagon Boutique

EZ Too Auto Wash EZ Towing & Recovery e-ztowing.com 307.679.8595

Gillette College

307-682-9501 tinwagon.com 307.257.2534

TLC Liquor 307-682-6733

sheridanedu.com 307.686.0254

Sheridan Dally

gillettedental.com 307.682.3353

Synergy Dental Center

handosservicecenter.com 307.675.2287

Women’s Healthcare

Gillette Dental PC

Hando’s Service Center

Heaven to Earth, LLC

dallyup.co 307.461.4319

mysynergydental.com 307.682.3100

whcwyo.com 307.682.2233

307.687.0001

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