2018 Free Travel Guide to Powell and the Greater Yellowstone Area
to Yellowstone
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ON THE ROAD
What’s
INSIDE
Freedom Rock PAGE 16
Going Boating or Camping? Call ahead and order Chester Chicken plus all the good stuff from our deli to make a complete picnic!
True to the super market concept —
WE HAVE IT ALL! Many shops in one giant store:
Famed Grizzly Clubs PAGES 18-19
Museum of Flight PAGE 26
Cody is Rodeo PAGE 33 Powell Tribune Publication 128 South Bent, Powell, WY, 307-754-2221 www.powelltribune.com
Come check out our BRAND NEW entire refrigeration remodel and the UPDATED DELI.
MANY SHOPS IN ONE GIANT STORE!
If you need: • Pillows • Bedding • Washcloths • Socks • Underwear or Automotive Supplies WE’VE GOT THEM! • A Baby Section • Clothes • Toys • Cards • Magazines • Picture Frames • Rubbermaid items WE’VE GOT THEM • School Supplies • Office Supplies • Shavers • Wedding Gifts • Crafts for the road or home • Flowers • Kitchenware • Hardware ... WE’VE GOT IT ALL!
• Produce • Groceries • Meat • Bakery • Hot & Cold Deli • Picnic Supplies • Ice/Soda • Crafts • Sundries • C.R. Package Liquor • V&S Variety • Western Union • Stamps • Fax Machine • Redi-Cash • ATM Plus ** Also try out our new photo kiosk capable of making prints from Facebook
~ About our cover
This photo of two cubs leaning against a guardrail in the Beartooth Mountains became an online sensation last spring. Michelle Giltner, a fifth-grade teacher at Southside Elementary School in Powell, captured the image during a class field trip.
Photo courtesy Michelle Giltner
9 EAST MAIN LOVELL, WY • 307-548-2224 STORE HOURS: Mon - Sat. 8 am to 8 pm | Sunday 9 am - 6 pm ON THE ROAD » PAGE 3
Creating candy from local honey Making a myriad of honey-sweetened candies starts with tiny bees buzzing around local alfalfa fields. The hardworking honeybees help Queen Bee Gardens in Lovell create millions of candies each year. Using honey as the main ingredient, the possibilities abound: Caramel, almond coconut, creamy fudge, pecan pearl, strawberry lemonade and flavors still in the works.
Like bees in a hive, members of the Zeller family each have specific tasks in operating two businesses — Zeller & Sons Honey Company, which oversees beehives and honey production, and Queen Bee Gardens, which makes and distributes honey candies. Queen Bee Gardens is located at 244 East Main St. in Lovell. From the base of the Bighorn Mountains to the North Fork of the Shoshone River, the Zellers have
Gene Zeller explains how a machine works at Queen Bee Gardens in Lovell during a Powell Valley Community Education Tour. The Zeller family has operated the business for decades. Tribune file photo by Carla Wensky - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
“Get Real!”
about 3,000 colonies of bees in the region. The family’s honey business began in the 1940s when Clarence and Bessie Zeller started producing honey on their farm near Lovell, using the wild bees Clarence’s father gathered from the Shoshone River bottoms. Using an old family recipe from Bessie’s ancestors in Scotland, the Zellers started making honey candy in 1976. Soon the family was developing new candy recipes. Today, the business has grown to include dozens of candy varieties, shipping to all 50 states and a few international countries. In the field of honey-sweetened candies, the Zellers are pioneers. “We make everything with honey,” said Jason Zeller, who works at Queen Bee Gardens. Clarence and Bessie have passed away, but their descendants continue to operate the family businesses, each taking on different responsibilities. Von Zeller works as a beekeeper and Gene Zeller leads the operation of the Queen Bee Gardens. Working together, the Zellers keep family business traditions alive while also trying new methods for flavors of honey. “We’re always experimenting,” said Jason Zeller. The biggest part of the business is selling to stores that re-sell the candy. With honey as the main sweetener, the candy often appeals to health food stores.
HONEY | CHOCOLATE | INGREDIENTS
TAKE Honey Candy 10% OFF of $10 or more Factory! with coupon. Visit Wyoming’s Only
Celebrating 42 years ~ 1976 - 2018
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Lovell, Wyoming PAGE 4 »
ON THE ROAD
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On the Road
TO YELLOWSTONE
One of the best things travelers will find on their 14-A adventure between Burgess Junction and Yellowstone National Park are two especially enjoyable stretches of the highway itself. On the east end, from Burgess Junction across the top and down the Bighorn Mountains’ west face switchbacks to the bottom, is a drive that offers among the most breathtaking vistas to be found anywhere. But equally appealing — to driving enthusiasts and especially those in a sports car or astride a motorcycle — is the design of the road itself. Initially named Wyoming Wonderland Way, a moniker that earned Powell resident Pat Deming a hundred bucks in a naming contest, the mountainous east end of U.S. Highway 14-A opened with a dedication ceremony on June 24, 1983. During construction, all 57 miles of the route from Burgess Junction to Lovell, which took 19 years from start to completion, required 17 separate highway contracts and came with a price tag of $23.5 million. By itself, the 5.5 miles from bottom to top of the west face of the mountain near Lovell cost $11.5 million. In the time it took for this marvelous feat of engineering and construction to be completed, three different governors had served the citizens of Wyoming. The marvelous curves and grades make for a great driving experience — within the confines of the liberal speed limits, of course — whether going up or
coming down. Signs on the serpentine downward course suggest lower gears and it’s solid advice. The brake pedal is best left alone on the descent except for a tap or two from time to time as needed. Let the transmission hold you back when descending and save the brakes in case you really, really need them. Awaiting 14-A adventurers on the west end of their journey to Yellowstone National Park is a wide and smooth North Fork Highway. Beginning at the Shoshone National Forest boundary west of Cody near the community of Wapiti, and continuing from there to Yellowstone’s East Gate, is a highway that required three independent phases of construction. This piece of road is far less vertical and winding than its counterpart on the west slope of the Bighorns, and in fact climbs gently uphill to the East Gate of the park. People, campgrounds and guest lodges are much more in evidence, too, but don’t be fooled: the drive through Wapiti Valley to the tiny community of the same name, then on west through the Shoshone National Forest to Yellowstone, is home to fascinating rock formations, mountain river views, world-class wild trout fishing and an abundance of wildlife — from mountain blue birds to moose and grizzly bears — that are all second to none. Enjoy the drive. U.S. Highway 14-A country has it all.
U.S. 14-A offers two great drives
SPECIAL:
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Just $49! This challenging 18-hole layout is labeled a “must play!”
Northwest Wyoming’s
Dine in or take out.
Have an Ice Cold Cerveza and enjoy the
Best Authentic Mexican Food in Yellowstone country! Atendidos Por La Familia Acevedo
112 North Bent Street ~ Downtown Powell ~ 307-754-8085
600 HWY 114 - 6 MILES EAST OF POWELL, WY 307-754-7259 - WWW.POWELLGOLFCLUB.ORG
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 5
Tribune file photo by Toby Bonner - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
Powell Golf Club Up to par
What better way to break up the days in the car than a few whacks on the local golf course? At Powell, golf is more than just another “local” layout. It’s golf designed to challenge and entertain the aficionados of the sport with two entirely different sides of an 18-hole course. The back nine was redesigned and rebuilt in a massive makeover in 2003, and the vastly enlarged greens are a prime feature. But the big greens are the singular distinguishing characteristic. Putting is a challenge. The huge, undulating greens have three-putt written all over them. If that’s not enough, the well-placed and plentiful sand traps give the
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ON THE ROAD
golfer plenty to think about. On the other side of the course, the front nine layout was completed in the mid-1990s and reflects the influence of present-day golf architecture. It’s clearly a case of “welcome to target golf” on the front side, an outward circuit into desertlike sagebrush and rock country. Even though water is very much at a premium in the upper rim of the valley, the course’s signature hole, No. 4, brings the wet stuff into play on a dramatic par 3. Golfers better hope the wind isn’t blowing. The front side finishing hole, No. 9, is another
Open daily 8 a.m. to dusk
www.powellgolfclub.org • 307-754-7259 tantalizing test. A wide, usually downwind fairway beckons off the tee on this par 5. But to get to the large ninth green, the golfer is faced with a second-shot decision. A wide drainage ditch lurks some 140 yards from the green. Golfers must pick their poison: let ‘er rip and try to carry the ditch on the second shot, or play it close to the vest and lay up short. The Powell Golf Club is a public course and welcomes non-member, green fee players. The complex includes a clubhouse, pro shop and a fleet of carts. The Powell Golf Club sits 7 miles east of the City of Powell off Wyo. Highway 114.
Powell is the American town,
built on a bold vision, in a wild landscape. Founded on a promise of land ownership through hard work and sacrifice, families cultivate and sustain our land for the next generation. The values that we hold dear bind us, and propel us, to look forward to investing in our education, our infrastructure, our products and services. Civic responsibility runs deep. We are a wholesome community, with an idyllic downtown. Sidewalks and little traffic make it easy to enjoy a pedestrian stroll to city parks, restaurants, and shops. Northwest College is nestled in town with beautiful mountain and agricultural views. Powell is in #ParkCountyWY which also includes a large part of Yellowstone National Park. Park County is surrounded by mountains on all sides. We are lucky to have 360 degrees of epic recreation for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. We inspire artists from around the world. Four seasons of endless adventure await!
We are an active community with unique events for the highlight of your one-of-a-kind travel experience.
U P C O M I N G
ANNUAL PHS ALUMNI REUNION JULY 6 – 7, 2018 Powell High School Alumni have been celebrating their graduating classes for over 100 years. Alumni Reunion weekend has moved to July 6th and 7th. Join your class for the festivities on Friday night. If you want to hang out or be active there are plenty of options on Saturday: breakfast at the Fairgrounds, run the Rec de Plaza 5K, Panther Open Golf Tournament, swim meet at PAC, Bands/ Beer/ Bonfire at the Fairgrounds. Contact the Powell Visitor Center for details 307-754-3494. PARK COUNTY FAIR JULY 24 – 28, 2018 Since Powell’s incorporation in 1909 we have been an agricultural town. Park County, Wyoming is known for our beans, beets, barley and cattle. We celebrate our rich heritage of working the land and livestock that feed our nation the last week in July, fair week. Experience our exhibits, livestock, live music, yummy food, and rides. For more information parkcountyfair.com HEART MOUNTAIN PILGRIMAGE JULY 26 – 28, 2018 The Pilgrimage is an annual event hosted by the Heart Mountain WWII Japanese American Confinement Site in Powell, WY. This year you will be able to choose your experience from a variety of programming and discussion topics. To Register heartmountain. org/pilgrimage WINGS N’ WHEELS & RENAISSANCE FAIR AND ARTS FESTIVAL AUGUST 18, 2018 Fun-filled family day in Powell, Wyoming. Start off your morning with the Wings N’ Wheels national-class airshow (pcwingsnwheels. com) and car show at the Powell Municipal Airport. This year
E V E N T S
Wings N’ Wheels honors Women in Aviation in the Big Horn Basin with special female flight acts Julie Clark and Dagmar Kress. Then head to downtown Powell at Plaza Diane for a Renaissance inspired art festival. Local artisans sell one of a kind creation, live music, food trucks, and lots of hands-on activities for the kids. Find out more plazadiane.org or contact the Powell Visitor Centerfor details 307-754-3494. HOMESTEADER DAYS SEPTEMBER 7 – 8, 2018 Enjoy a Friday evening of Bag Toss and Bourbon at the Homesteader Museum’s Homesteader Days farm to table dinner. Live music, cocktails and good food are at the core of this fundraising event for our Homesteader Museum. This is followed on Saturday by a family street festival that honors our homesteading and agriculture heritage featuring live blacksmith demos and antique tractors in action. Mark your calendars for a weekend full of local flavor in Powell. For more information homesteadermuseum.com COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Experience a small-town Christmas celebration in idyllic Powell, Wyoming. When the weather cools off, the twinkle lights are illuminated and Powell comes alive with activities. Join us for one of our many memorable Christmas celebrations. • Country Christmas Sample the Season November 15 • Country Christmas Santa’s Workshop November 23 • Country Christmas Gift Show November 30 & December 1 • Country Christmas Lighted Parade December 1 • Country Christmas Twilight Tour of Homes December 1 • Country Christmas Tour of Homes December 2
For times and locations of any of our events please contact the Powell Visitor Center, 307-754-3494 info@powellchamber.org or powellchamber.org
Powell VISITOR CENTER
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 7
Locals tapped for new staff There’s something new at the WYOld West Brewing Company. The entire management team. “Having a great team is key. You’re only as good as your team members,” said one of the owners of the 4-year-old enterprise. The owners looked for local talent in their search. The new front team is Jessica Laughlin, general manager, and Ryan Gutierrez, executive chef and kitchen manager. Laughlin attended kindergarten through college in Powell and has deep roots in the small community. Gutierrez attended kindergarten through middle school in Powell, high school in Byron and college in Powell. He has built a great reputation and following in the area. Rick Diaz, the head brewer, is the only transplant, earning his brewing stripes in the Denver area, but has been in the area long enough to master the high-end brewing setup. “It’s important that they want to be in Powell,” the owners said. The team has been turned loose to make dramatic improvements to the popular brewery. Gutierrez has added new items and revamped the menu at the beginning of May. He also showcases his culinary creativity with weekly lunch specials and a Saturday
night dinner special. Diaz is perfecting brewery favorites and adding new tastes to the selections. Laughlin was tasked with keeping WYOld West the favorite local hang-out by increasing the customer service standards, creating weekly events as well as bringing in live entertainment all while keeping the relaxing brewery style atmosphere. She is also the lead for promoting not only the restaurant, but distributing their local craft beer throughout Wyoming. “We have a variety of weekly events now including Tuesday night trivia, bingo on Wednesday nights and acoustic night on Thursday,” Laughlin said. Along with the acoustic sets, Laughlin did bring in two local bands, FourPlay and Steel VanHawking, this past St. Patrick’s Day. In the band, Fourplay, was a familiar face. Diaz not only is the head brewer, he also plays in the band. “We do classic rock, blues and a little bit of country,” he said. Looking forward, Diaz is putting the finishing touches on a lemon-drop saison and the new Trapper 2.0 IPA, wet-hopped this year using over 10 pounds of Powellgrown hops from the variety trials at Northwest College. This year’s » Cont’d
WYOld West Brewing Company in downtown Powell is dedicated to creating quality craft food and delicious craft beer. Tribune photo by Mark Davis - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com PAGE 8 »
ON THE ROAD
Tribune photo by Carla Wensky - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
» Cont’d harvest included Chinook, Columbus, and Galena hops. Last year, using pellets, the brewery used local grown Cascade and Centennial with Columbus hops. Initial tests of the new Trapper 2.0 IPA have shown it to be bright tasting, not too bitter and full of flavor. He’s also working on an amber ale. “We’re listening to our customers,” Diaz said. He has been brewing for more than a decade and began at WYOld West as the assistant brewer last summer. “It took a while to learn the system here. Each one is different,” Diaz said. Diaz has been kept busy brewing new batches. Heart Mountain Hefeweizen, the brewery’s most popular pour, is brewed fresh every month, Diaz said. Gutierrez has been adding new menu items in his short time as executive chef and his creativity is paying off. New to the menu are two fabulous burgers. The Brisket Burger, prepared with hardwood-smoked brisket, pepper-jack cheese, a spicy WWBC Sriracha BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and raw onion is a spicy delight. The Dr. Frickle Burger — complete with fried pickle spears, Swiss cheese, house fry sauce, lettuce, tomato and raw onion — is quickly catching on. Available every Friday after 5:30 p.m., Gutierrez now serves fish and chips. The entrée includes three pieces of fried Atlantic Cod hand dipped in tempura batter using their own WWBC beer complete with fresh-sliced house-seasoned potato chips. Pairing with acoustic night, Gutierrez introduced “Thick cut Thursday,” a steak night at the restaurant. Fresh cuts of Certified Angus Beef are the specialty. In the future, the brewery is looking to expand beyond the totally redesigned brick and mortar walls of what was once Powell’s bowling alley and later an appliance store. While Laughlin recently traveled the state to spread the good news of Powell’s only brewery, she was able to schedule a tap takeover, multiple tastings and a beerfest in Casper for a four-day tour in the middle of May. “We need to get out across the state and into Montana,” owners said. The out-of-town party starts with a tap takeover at the Liquor Shed, in Casper on May 16 to celebrate American Craft Beer Week. Diaz will be present with a couple of specialty brews for a greet and taste from 4-7 p.m. and the Liquor Shed will have four WWBC craft beers on tap for purchase. It’s a great place to be for parents arriving in town early for state
Ryan Gutierrez, executive chef and kitchen manager, Jessica Laughlin, general manager, and Rick Diaz, the head brewer for WYOld West Brewing Company in the brewery. The three are the new management team for the Powell restaurant and brewery. Tribune photo by Mark Davis - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
track. Wrapping up the tour, Saturday, May 19, you can find the brewery crew representing Powell’s finest craft beers against local and regional breweries at the Harmony, Hops and Hope Brewfest. Diaz will also be experimenting with small batch specialty beers when the brewing facility is fitted with new equipment. He plans to limit the specialty beers to two-barrel batches. The brew crew will also be at the Yellowstone Beer Festival in Cody, Saturday, July 21, sharing tastes of their best brews. For more information on menu specials, lunch specials, releases of fresh brews and new events, follow them on Facebook at: WYOld West Brewing Company or their website at: www.wyoldwest.com.
Nightly Happenings:
Monday 4x4ers
$4 Burger & $4 Be
ivia Tuesday Tr7p m Teams of 4 at
Wednesda
y Bingo
Beginning at 7pm
Acoustics Thursday ak Night
6:30-8:30pm & Angus Ste
& Chips Friday Fish
Beginning at 5:30pm
f’s Special Sat. Che m
Beginning at 5:30p
$4 Draft Beer Monday-Friday 2-6pm Weekly lunch specials 11am-4pm See Our Facebook Page!
307.764.6200 • 221 N Bent Street in Downtown Powell
Mon-Sat 11am-10:30pm • Sunday 10am-3pm • www.wyoldwest.com ON THE ROAD » PAGE 9
Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
Powell Aquatic Center Features fun for the family
Located in Homesteader Park just off U.S. Highway 14-A, the Powell Aquatic Center features two pools. The new facility, completed in 2010, has a leisure pool with a beach entry, splash pad, continuous river, PEPSI water walk, mountain slide and bench area for relaxing. An eight-lane pool
Dive in!
ranges from 4 to 12 feet deep with plenty of room for exercise and enjoyment. The aquatic center is open from 5:30 a.m.8 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Daily admission to the pool is $6 for adults
Pool Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5:30am to 8pm Sat & Sun: Noon to 5pm
(22-59), $5 for seniors (60 and over) and $5 for youth (3-21). Punch passes and memberships also are available. For more information, visit the center’s website at www.powellaquatics.com or call 307-754-0639.
Accommodations & Fine Dining!
Lily Pads • Leisure Pool • Lazy River • Lap Pool
Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm Dinner Hours: Monday-Saturday, 5pm-close
JUST OFF HWY 14A IN HOMESTEADER PARK IN POWELL WWW.POWELLAQUATICS.COM • 307-754-0639
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ON THE ROAD
“The Best Steak in Town!” First & Clark Streets • Powell, Wyoming • 307-754-2226
This photo, taken circa 1930, is one of many historic images in Homesteader Museum’s collection. Homesteader will host ‘The Way We Worked,’ a Smithsonian exhibit, this summer. Photo courtesy Homesteader Museum, Audrey Dugger Collection
HOMESTEADER MUSEUM
Best hidden treasure’
‘
in Wyoming
From the first settlers who vowed to “turn the desert green,” to the modernday residents who populate the valley, Homesteader Museum offers a look through the ages. Built with logs from the Pahaska Tepee area, the Homesteader Museum is located just off Highway 14-A in Powell and houses a collection that chronicles the history of the Powell Valley. Founded in 1968 and encompassing more than 10,000 square feet of space, Homesteader Museum features numerous vintage displays — including a country school, medical/dentist offices, military, hunting and fishing areas, to name a few. This summer, Homesteader will host the Smithsonian exhibit, “The Way We Worked.” An opening reception takes place Aug. 2, and the exhibit will be featured in the Homesteader gallery through Sept. 16. The Homesteader Days Festival on Sept. 7-8 promises fun for the entire family, featuring kids games, pony cart rides, fiddlers and car, tractor and truck show. New this year will be outhouse races! The popular live pie auction will return to this year’s festival. On the night of Sept. 7, there will be a special Farm to Table Dinner. Homesteader Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with many other
celebrations this fall. The museum’s permanent collection of historical memorabilia also includes a photographic history of the stunning U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Shoshone Project, which brought water to the Powell Flat via the Buffalo Bill Dam and an intricate canal system. An exhibit spotlighting the story surrounding the legendary outlaw Earl Durand is a continuing fascination. The museum also features two homestead cabins from 1913 and 1945. The popular renovated buildings offer a firsthand glimpse of the early settlers’ lifestyle. A second museum building is chock full of antique equipment and the bright red caboose on the grounds is a treat for kids to explore. More activities for children are available, including a Hands-On area and “I SPY” games. Folks can also learn more about Powell’s past on a historic walk and see historic machinery and watch a blacksmith demonstration during the festival. This autumn, Homesteader Museum will be home to the Haunted Homesteader during Powell’s Powelloween Halloween celebration. The Homesteader Museum is open, free to the public, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from June through Labor Day.
The Ho Museu pioneer turned fields in homest perseve is respo thrivin commu Shosho the nat The Homesteader Reclam Museum celebrates the establis pioneering spirit that system turned barren sagebrushhomest fields into prospering museum homestead farms. This represe The Homesteader perseverance and fortitude of the 2 Museum celebrates the is responsible for our includin Visit homesteader cabins, climb pioneering spirit that thriving agriculture history turned barren sagebrushcommunity aboard a caboose and explore 10,000 today. The Specia into prospering Shoshone Project, one of square feet fields of exhibits that are sure throug homestead farms. This the nation’s first dryland Activit to bring back many memories! perseverance and fortitude Reclamation Projects, is responsible for our established a water delivery The mu thriving agriculture system to the Powell Valley describ community today. The homesteads in 1908. Theas a “h Shoshone Project, one ofmuseum’s collections not to the nation’s first drylandrepresents the first half Reclamation Projects, of the 20th century, established a water delivery including Powell town system to the Powell Valley history and much more. homesteads in 1908. The Special Gallery exhibits museum’s collections February–May: Tues–Friday 1 throughout the year. represents the first half June–December: Tues–Friday Activities for kids! OPEN Saturdays June–Septemb of the 20th century, Closed January • Private tours by including Powell town The museum has been Free Admission—Donations ap June-December: Tuesday-Friday, history and much more.10am-5pm describedwww.homesteadermuseum by visitors as a “hidden 324 E.treasure 1st St., Powe OPEN Saturdays June-September 10am-2pm Special Gallery exhibits (corner of Clark St., Just off not to be missed!” throughout the year. Private tours by appointment ~ Free Admission - Donations appreciated
Step back in time! Bring your families to explore the past at one of the best hidden treasures in Wyoming!
Step back in time!
Visitors of all ages love climbing aboard the caboose, exploring the homesteader cabins and learning about the struggles of the American West settlers.
(307) 754-948
Activities for kids! 324 E. 1st St., Powell, WY The museum has been Just off Hwy 14A, corner of 1st and Clark
described by visitors
a “hidden treasure (307) 754-9481 ~aswww.homesteadermuseum.com not to beFebruary–May: missed!” Tues–Friday 10am–4pm
Check us out on Facebook,June–December: Instagram and Trip Advisor! Tues–Friday 10am–5pm
OPEN Saturdays June–September 10am–2pm Closed January • Private appointment ONtours THEby ROAD » PAGE Free Admission—Donations appreciated. www.homesteadermuseum.com
324 E. 1st St., Powell, Wyo.
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PARK COUNTY FAIR T U E S D AY T H R U S AT U R D AY, J U LY 2 4 - 2 8
Fun for all ages
at the annual county fair The Park County Fair — filled with crooning country stars, crashing cars, award-winning livestock, spinning carnival rides and an array of delicious food — offers fun for the whole family. Set for July 24-28, the annual county fair in Powell features old-time favorites as well as new entertainment. The 2018 theme is: “Life in the 307, County 11” and fo‘Easton Corbin cuses on the agricultural pride and local has one of heritage, traditions that remain those rare, strong in Park County. He a d l i n i n g t h i s glorious voices year’s fair is Easton who will perthat was made Corbin, form live in concert on — just made Wednesday, July 25, beat 7 p.m. in the — for singing ginning Main Grandstand. country music.’ Lauded for his traditional country sound American Songwriter and authentic lyrics, Corbin has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world. “Easton Corbin has one of those rare, glorious voices that was made — just made — for singing country music,” wrote American Songwriter. Kicking off grandstand entertainment will be pig mud wrestling on Tuesday, July 24. Admission is free for the annual event, which begins at 7 p.m. A ranch rodeo and country dance is the featured entertainment for Thursday, July 26, beginning at 5 p.m. in the horse arenas. Endurocross returns to the fair on Friday, July 27. This year’s event features Octane Addictions, an extreme motorsports company that will bring a freestyle show with the best riders to the Park
American country music singer Easton Corbin will perform at the Park County Fair on Wednesday, July 25. Courtesy photos County Fair. Nate Adams — who is the most decorated Moto X athlete in X Games history with 19 medals — will be one of the featured riders during the Friday night event, which begins at 7 p.m. Closing out the week for grandstand entertain-
With plenty of smashing and crashing, the annual Demolition Derby is a crowd favorite. PAGE 12 »
ON THE ROAD
ment is the demolition derby, an annual local favorite. Cars start smashing at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 28. As always, fair-goers can enjoy a variety of free entertainment throughout the week. This year’s line-up on the free stage includes Matt Henry, who will perform his comedy juggling stunt show, and Tyzen, a comedy hypnotist/ magician. Country musician Tia Ibarra will return to her hometown of Powell to perform at this year’s fair. “We thought that would be fun,” said Teecee Barrett, events coordinator for Park County. Ibarra — known as Tia LeeAnn — is “Park County-based, even though she’s in Nashville,” Barrett said. The Rewinders will return to the free stage this year, bringing a blend of country, classic rock and blues from yesterday and today. Kids of all ages will enjoy plenty of free entertainment throughout the week, including the Big Bubble Show, a roving act that will perform around the fairgrounds. Polestar Outdoors, based in Powell, will provide hands-on lessons in safe archery and shooting. “There’s also going to be laser tag,” » Cont’d
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 13
CONCERT WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 - 7PM ge • Raised R rita igh e H
01
Life in the » 307 « County 11
8
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Pro
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*Ticket includes same day gate admission. Sales tax not included
t•
“It gives those kids another opportunity to earn more money,” Barrett said. “If they win that, they’ll be treated just like any other champion — they’ll get to sell first at the Junior Livestock Sale, which is a huge advantage.” Fair-goers will enjoy free admission until 1 p.m. Wednesday, and the gate fee will only be $3 for seniors and military after that. Admission to the fair is free on Tuesday and until 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Daily admission is $5 per person per day, and weekly admission is $15 per person. Youth 12 and under get in free. The Park County Fair parade will fill downtown Powell on Saturday, July 28, and the ever-popular demolition derby closes out fair week that evening. For more information and tickets to this year’s fair, visit parkcountyfair. com.
2
» Cont’d Barrett said. “That will be some more family fun.” Also new this year: Johnsonville will bring its Big Taste Grill to the fair. Known as the world’s largest grill, the huge semi will stop by the fair on Friday and Saturday, serving delicious brats. Johnsonville will donate $1 per brat back to the Park County fairGROUNDS Foundation, Barrett said. Like all good county fairs, Park County will host 4-H and FFA contests revolving around swine, poultry, sheep, rabbits, goats, cattle and horses. Wednesday, July 25, will be Park County Day at the fair, where local agriculture will be highlighted. Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank, Park County Day includes a bred & fed show, ice cream social and more. The livestock show will feature animals born and raised in Park County.
PA RK
COUNT
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FA
Easton Corbin
Floor Seats $40 - Box Seats $35 • Grandstand $29 www.parkcountyfair.com
Advance Tickets Sales CARNIVAL 00 Buy your Carnival Unlimited Ride
$25 Day Pass NOW and save $10! PIG MUD WRESTLING
Available until 4pm Tuesday, July 24. Tickets $35 after 4pm on Tuesday, July 24. Does not include sales tax.
Tuesday, July 24 - Gates open at 6pm Grandstands - FREE
RANCH RODEO/DANCE* Thursday, July 26 - Gates open at 4pm Horse Arenas - Adults $13 - Child $11
ENDUROCROSS*
Friday, July 27 - Gates open at 6pm Box $25/Grandstand $19/Child $11
DEMOLITION DERBY* The Ranch Rodeo will return to this year’s Park County Fair. A dance will follow the rodeo in the horse arenas. Courtesy photos
You heard right:
Saturday, July 28 - Gates open at 5pm Floor $25/Box $20/Grandstands $18
WORLD’S BIGGEST GRILL!
Friday & Saturday at the Park County Fair!
The fee is gone at Bighorn Canyon Carnival, Exhibits, Entertainment,
New entrance fee schedules are in effect at many national parks and recreation areas in 2018. That includes Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area north and east of Lovell. But Bighorn Canyon stands out from the crowd. The entrance fee has been waived entirely. Motorists will find Bighorn Canyon free to enter starting on
May 25. Analysis by park officials and approved by the Department of the Interior found that money can actually be spent more beneficially to park visitors by removing entrance fees. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area spent $194,892 collecting fees last year and only brought in $95,538 in fee revenue. Admission had been $5 per car.
Food & So Much More!
TUESDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 24-28
For additional information, call the Fair Office at 307-754-8855
WWW.PARKCOUNTYFAIR.COM ON THE ROAD » PAGE 13
agriculture
Tribune file photo by Toby Bonner Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
Powell’s roots are in agriculture and so is its future. As technology advances, its effects on agriculture can affect the whole community. Powell was founded on agriculture from its beginnings as Camp Coulter in the heart of the Shoshone Irrigation Project. Visitors to the area can get a first-hand look at modern agriculture by touring area farms with the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber offers three types of ag experience: A bus tour, community tour and self-guided tour. Tours generally include local farms producing sugar beets, pinto beans, barley and sometimes other specialty or unique crops. Tours are offered for organizations or groups. Group tours are offered for groups of five or more people. Tour prices do not include lodging or meals, but offer a guided tour of farms on the Powell flat. One-day tours include local farms and area attractions. Two-day tours are offered that include one day of farm visits and a second day that includes a visit to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center and the Pryor Mountain Mustang Center. Tours are given
by appointment throughout the summer, but no tours will be given the last week of July during the Park County Fair. The Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce operates a visitor center at 111 S. Day St. (P.O. Box 1258)
Take a scrumptious break Tues-Sat., 10am-2pm
in downtown Powell. The visitor center offers maps, tourist information about Park County attractions as well as Yellowstone National Park. Call the chamber at 307-754-3494 or 800-3254278 or email info@powellchamber.org
Come and enjoy shopping
in our downtown area with lots of convenient parking. Powell’s 9 city parks are unmatched and cover 125 acres.
369 S. Clark Street Powell, Wyoming
Gift Shop Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10am-5:30pm, Saturday: 10am-4pm PAGE 14 »
ON THE ROAD
With open green spaces, picnic shelters and tables, playgrounds, tennis courts, skate park, Aquatic Center, band shell and stage, 1.5 miles of paved pathways, soccer fields, horseshoe pitches, fishing pond, softball and baseball fields. CORNER OF THIRD AND CLARK STREETS • 307-754-5106 • WWW.CITYOFPOWELL.COM
Modern Farming with Homesteading Families Pick your experience take a Powell Wyoming Ag Tour Bus Tour Community Tour Self-Guided
Take a Tour 307-754-3494 111 S Day Street Powell, WY 82435 info@powellchamber.org www.powellchamber.org
Powell VISITOR CENTER
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 15
Out in the back hills off Rig Road southwest of Deaver, a rock etching has stood as a personal testimony to freedom. Tribune photo by Dave Bonner - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
Enduring freedom
Unique rock etchings commemorate 9-11
The rock etchings of a star and the word FREEDOM were carved in a sandstone cliff west of Deaver during the wave of patriotism that swept the country after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. That’s the simple explanation for the rock art south of U.S. Highway 14-A and a few miles west of Deaver. The etchings, not visible from the highway, are on private land owned today by Tom Hagwood. When the carvings were made in 2001, the site was owned by John and Joyce Lorash, now of Greybull. There is no official sanction to the carvings. Powell realtor Eric Loloff, who was involved in the sale of the land by Lorash, learned from Lorash that the artist was a young man who wanted to leave a memorial to freedom. Lorash went up and talked to the man, who apologized when he learned that he was on private land. Lorash gave him permission to finish his cliff etching. In return, the young artist carved Lorash’s brand into the other side of the rock. Many have seen the “FREEDOM” carvings from the dirt track road below. The artist’s message remains a personal statement. John Kellersman, then 33, is the artist. He is an oilfield roughneck who lives west of Powell in the Heart Mountain area. He had already started the work before the 9-11 attacks, and he said later the events of September 11, 2001, lent all the inspiration he needed. It took him about 100 hours over four years to complete the effort. Standing on a 30-foot ladder which he hauled from the road below, PAGE 16 »
ON THE ROAD
Kellersman used a hammer and chisel to chip his design into the rock. He said a lot of people thought the project was “crazy,” but he is happy the work will be around long after he is gone. Kellersman believed at first the site was on public land. He said the landowner was initially “pretty fired up” to find him carving in the cliffs on private land. But when Kellersman apologized and they talked about the artist’s idea to leave a memorial to freedom, permission was extended. In the 9-11 attacks, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were struck by two hijacked airplanes flown by al-Quaeda militants, the Pentagon was hit by another aircraft and passengers of Flight 451 forced additional hijackers to crash a fourth plane in Pennsylvania. Kellersman is pleased his carving is admired. He’d like to one day do some larger scale carvings.
Hea tworks
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We feature stunning items all crafted by local artisans!
107 N Bent Street, Powell (307) 764-1888
OPEN TUES-FRI, 10AM-5PM SAT 11AM-4PM
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Take a step back in time — no phones, frills or hassles.
Based in Montana open range “country and cow camps” away from it all! The TX Ranch is a genuine working cattle ranch covering over 30,000 acres including leases straddling the Wyoming-Montana border. It is located in privately-owned, open-range country stretching between the gorgeous Pryor Mountains on down to the Bighorn Canyon and its breathtaking overlook. The TX Ranch has been owned by the Tillett family since 1898, and we take pride in keeping it as authentic as possible. Scenic open-range riding! More than 1,100 head of cattle and over 100 head of horses provide plenty of riding and work opportunities every day of the week for all riding levels. Guests are welcome to participate with as much or as little as desired. Everything from trailing a herd, roping calves, branding, doctoring, wrangling horses — whatever it may be. We want you to feel like a part of the family and one of the cowboys. We are a busy cattle ranch and all of our seasonal livestock and riding activities are very much genuine and necessary. All weeks include cattle drives, working cattle drive activities and exceptional scenic riding. Our weekly all-in-one rate includes: six full riding days, cattle and horses related activities and everything you need for the week.
Our goal is to send you home with a memorable true west experience, more confidence in your horsemanship skills and a renewed outlook on life!
2018 week dates
Colt Starting Clinic
$625 non-refundable deposit
July 7-14 | July 14-21
April-June $1,725
--------------------May 26 — June 2 ------------------------ June 16 — 23 ------------------------ June 23 — 30
July — September $1,775 $675 non-refundable deposit
-------------------------- July 7 — 14 -------------------------July 14 — 21 ----------------- July 28 — August 4 ---------------------- August 4 — 11 --------------------- August 18 — 25 ----------August 25 — September 1 ----------------- September 15 — 22 ----------------- September 22 — 29
2019 dates will be ready soon!
with Sam Wagler
$1,775, all inclusive
Transportation provided from Billings, MT to the ranch on Saturday and back to Billings the following Saturday. Meals and activities included.
For two weeks only, combine your dream ranch vacation with this hands-on learning opportunity! During each of these one week clinics, Sam will personally walk you through building a solid foundation on a young horse, and advancing to full body control.
Hip & Loretta Tillett | www.txranch.com | info@txranch.com | 406.484.6415 | Toll-free: 866.484.6416 ON THE ROAD » PAGE 17
Famed grizzly cubs find a new home Photo courtesy Irene North, Scottsbluff Star-Herald
Nebraska zoo plans to make the orphaned brothers the ‘heart’ of its facility seven other men took it upon themselves to reshape a narrow, treacherous section of Arizona’s Salt River by detonating a large amount of explosives. Stoner — who said he was trying to make the route safer for rafters — later fled the country with fraudulently obtained money and phony documents, prosecutors said at the time. Authorities eventually nabbed him in Australia and filed additional charges. In 1997, Stoner was sentenced to 42 months in prison, plus probation, and ordered to pay more than $260,000 in fines and restitution for seven offenses, federal court records say. People with past felony convictions generally remain able to legally hunt with weapons like a bow or antique, muzzle-loading guns, but state and federal laws prohibit them from possessing modern firearms — such as the rifle used by Stoner. As part of a deal with Wyoming’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, Stoner pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of unlawfully taking a threatened species (the female grizzly) and a felony count of possessing a firearm while a felon. On Jan. 4, 2018, U.S. District Court This photo of the two cubs leaning against a guardrail became an online sensation last spring. Michelle Giltner, a fifth-grade teacher Judge Scott Skavdahl sentenced Stoner at Southside Elementary School, captured the image during a class to five years of supervised probation and ordered him to pay $5,110 in » Cont’d field trip. Photo courtesy Michelle Giltner - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
Two grizzly bear cubs — made famous by a local photographer — are now drawing more attention as the stars of a Nebraska zoo. Michelle Giltner captured a shot of the two cubs last spring, as they leaned on a guardrail along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. When the Powell school teacher uploaded her shot to Facebook, it quickly became an online sensation. In Giltner’s photograph, the bears look inquisitive — almost as if they were out for a day of people-watching. But the truth is the cubs were lost. On May 21, 2017, the day before Giltner snapped the young grizzlies’ picture, their mother had been shot and killed by a Cody man. A CRIME William Kenneth Stoner — also known as Kenneth Stone — thought he had harvested a black bear, federal prosecutors say. But when the 57-yearold went to register the bruin with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Cody, staff informed Stoner he had actually killed a grizzly bear, which was then on the endangered species list. Investigators with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and PAGE 18 »
ON THE ROAD
Explosives would ultimately determine that, not only had Stone wrongly killed the grizzly, prior felony convictions meant he was prohibited from possessing the Savage .270 caliber rifle he’d used to shoot the bear. Stoner previously ran afoul of federal authorities in 1993. That’s when the then-river guide and
‘The bears will become the heart of the zoo.’ Anthony Mason, center’s zoo director
“They would have been euthanized if we weren’t able to give them a place to live,” said Anthony Mason, the center’s zoo director. “It’s a bittersweet story. It’s unfortunate they were orphaned, but we’re glad we had space for them.”
The grizzly bear cubs now reside at the Riverside Discovery Center in Nebraska. ‘It’s a bittersweet story. It’s unfortunate they were orphaned, but we’re glad we had space for them,’ said Anthony Mason, the center’s zoo director. Photo courtesy Irene North, Scottsbluff Star-Herald » Cont’d court fines and fees and $25,000 in restitution for the dead bear. A ‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME’ PHOTO Giltner and a bus-full of Southside Elementary School students — on a school field trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Range — knew none of the cubs’ backstory when they spotted the young grizzlies posing along the highway on May 22, 2017. “I got down on my knees and begged the school bus driver to stop the bus so I could get the picture. He allowed me one step out of the door and I was able to get 11 frames,” Giltner recalled. The last frame was the best. She uploaded the shot to a popular Facebook group for Wyoming photos and it quickly received thousands of hits and comments. Viewers engaged in a contest to name the cubs and many hundreds of comments rolled in, testing the batteries in Giltner’s phone. “It was getting out of hand. I guess I didn’t realize how this would blow up,” she said. The photo captured the imagination of all who looked, including professional photographers who had spent years looking for photos of grizzlies full of personality. But the cubs, meanwhile, were alone in the wild — their lives in jeopardy. The young grizzlies became habituated to humans feeding them along the side of the road, leaving U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials with a tough situation: find the bears a home quickly or the cubs would need to be destroyed. The Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, answered the plea for a permanent home.
A NEW HOME The zoo quickly moved some zebras and began renovations on a temporary enclosure for the two males. The pair lived in large crates until the zoo could take delivery. The brothers, who made an official debut in December, became popular with visitors and zoo staff. They are inquisitive, playful and happy, Mason said. They’ve picked up the nicknames, Big Bear and Little Bear. “Big Bear is definitely a climber and very vocal. He makes lots of different noises and lets everyone know he’s there,” Mason said. “Little Bear is more of a digger and the more shy of the two, even though they’re both very curious.” Riverside Discovery Center staff have been tasked with keeping the bears busy: They bury branches and earthworms for digging adventures. They put a lot of thought into daily interactions so Big Bear and Little Bear are leading enriched lives, Mason said. One thing in particular catches their attention: “When staff move through the area in a golf cart, they both stop what they’re doing, stand up and watch with great interest,” he said. It’s hard to be sure why Photo courtesy Irene North, Scottsbluff Star-Herald they love the golf cart, but it probably signals a meal — similar to those who fed the cubs along the side of the road. Habituating bears to humans, which usually starts innocently with a snack passed through the window of a car, is often a death sentence for bears. Fed bears become aggressive and soon need to be moved or, because the impulse is hard to break, put down. These cubs were saved. But zoos are running out of space for more bears. Riverside Discovery Center hopes to raise $500,000 by next fall to build a new permanent exhibit in the center of the zoo to feature the grizzly cubs rescued from Park County. “The bears will become the heart of the zoo,” Mason said. The center has more than 10 percent of needed funds pledged already and is hoping to find new donors or corporate sponsors. “We’re looking for a big push to tip the scales,” Mason said. Riverside Discovery Center staffers plan to name the cubs soon and are considering ways to get the public involved — possibly a contest. Giltner wants to be a part of the fundraising effort. She’s considering ways to include her “once in a lifetime” photograph to sweeten the pot for the zoo. And she is already planning to visit the yearlings. “I’d love to go see them. Those are my other kids, they’ve been such a big part of my life recently,” she said. “I hope Scottsbluff adores them as much as the people of Park County.” The fifth grade teacher knows her students will start pleading to take their next field trip to see the bears — this time to western Nebraska. “There’s slim to no chance of that long of a field trip,” Giltner said with a chuckle. “The beauty of the moment is we all shared the experience. One day, when my class is grown, they will come back to Southside and … they’ll say, ‘Remember when we saw the bears on our day in Yellowstone?’ Knowing that the cubs are being cared for makes the memory that much sweeter.” For more information about the orphaned grizzlies’ new home, or to donate to their new habitat, visit http://riversidediscoverycenter.org/ bears/.
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 19
GRIZZLY BEAR
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SLEEPING GIANT ZIPLINE--------------------------------------------- 348 NORTH FORK HWY, WAPITI--------------------------------- 1 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT GUEST RANCH----------------- 53 STAGECOACH TRAIL, WAPITI-------------------------------- 1 COPPERLEAF--------------------------------------------------------------- WAPITI-------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISCOUNT LIQUOR & LOUNGE--------- 1820 17TH STREET, CODY------------------------------------------2 BUFFALO BILL DAM------------------------------------------------------ 6 MILES WEST OF CODY--------------------------------------------2 CODY NITE RODEO------------------------------------------------------- 421 WEST YELLOWSTONE AVENUE, CODY------------------2 OASIS MOTEL & RV PARK--------------------------------------------- 1702 STATE STREET, MEETEETSE-------------------------------3 MEETEETSE VISITOR CENTER--------------------------------------- 2005 WARREN STREET, MEETEETSE--------------------------3 ELKHORN BAR & GRILL------------------------------------------------- 1916 STATE STREET, MEETEETSE-------------------------------3 MEETEETSE MUSEUMS------------------------------------------------- 1947 STATE STREET, MEETEETSE-------------------------------3 WIND RIVER HOTEL & CASINO-------------------------------------- 10269 WY-789, RIVERTON------------------------------------------4 BLAIR HOTELS------------------------------------------------------------ BUFFALO, CODY AND RIVERTON-------------------------------4 THE LAMPLIGHTER INN------------------------------------------------ FIRST & CLARK STREETS, POWELL-----------------------------5 GESTALT STUDIOS POLAR PLANT--------------------------------- 440 WEST PARK STREET, POWELL------------------------------5 HOMESTEADER MUSEUM--------------------------------------------- 321 EAST 1ST STREET, POWELL----------------------------------5 LAVENDER ROSE/LAVENDER LEMON EATERY---------------- 369 SOUTH CLARK STREET, POWELL-------------------------5 HEART MOUNTAIN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE--------------- 1539 ROAD 19, POWELL----------------------------------------------5 PEPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT------------------------------------- 275 NORTH BENT STREET, POWELL---------------------------5 PAGE 20 » ON THE ROAD
5
WILD HORSES
MEDICINE WHEEL
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BIGHORN CANYON RECREATION AREA
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ell
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Route U.S. 14A NORTHWEST WYOMING’S ROUTE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND OTHER WESTERN ATTRACTIONS.
EL TAPATIO---------------------------------------------------------------- 112 NORTH BENT STREET, POWELL--------------------------5 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOUP & SANDWICH CO-------------------- 119 NORTH BENT STREET, POWELL----------------------------5 PIZZA ON THE RUN------------------------------------------------------- 215 EAST 1ST STREET, POWELL----------------------------------5 CHINA TOWN--------------------------------------------------------------- 151 EAST COULTER AVENUE, POWELL------------------------5 SKYLINE CAFE-------------------------------------------------------------- 141 EAST COULTER AVENUE, POWELL------------------------5 PARK COUNTY FAIR------------------------------------------------------ 655 EAST 5TH STREET, POWELL--------------------------------5 HEARTWORKS CRAFTERS COMMUNITY------------------------ 107 NORTH BENT STREET, POWELL---------------------------5 BLAIR’S SUPER MARKET------------------------------------------------ 331 WEST COULTER AVENUE, POWELL----------------------5 WYOLD WEST BREWING COMPANY------------------------------ 221 NORTH BENT STREET, POWELL--------------------------5 LINTON’S BIG R STORES------------------------------------------------ 455 SOUTH ABSAROKA, POWELL-------------------------------5 NORTHWEST COLLEGE------------------------------------------------ 231 WEST 6TH STREET, POWELL--------------------------------5 POWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE------------------------------- 111 SOUTH DAY STREET, POWELL-------------------------------5 POWELL AQUATIC CENTER------------------------------------------- HOMESTEADER PARK, POWELL---------------------------------5 POWELL GOLF CLUB----------------------------------------------------- 600 HWY 114, POWELL----------------------------------------------5 THE RED APPLE SUPERMARKET------------------------------------ 9 EAST MAIN STREET, LOVELL----------------------------------6 QUEEN BEE GARDENS--------------------------------------------------- 244 EAST MAIN STREET, LOVELL-------------------------------6 TX RANCH------------------------------------------------------------------- CROOKED CREEK RD 20, LOVELL-------------------------------6 MINCHOW’S FOOD COURT-------------------------------------------- 353 EAST MAIN, LOVELL-------------------------------------------6 GREYBULL MUSEUM OF FLIGHT------------------------------------ JUNCTION OF US HWYS 14/16/20, GREYBULL--------------7 ON THE ROAD » PAGE 21 25
Located between Powell and Cody, the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center tells the stories of thousands of Japanese Americans who were interned at the World War II confinement site. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the summer. Photo courtesy Kevin J. Miyazaki, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation
go: If you
The Heart Mountain WWII Japanese American Confinement Site is located between Cody and Powell, on U.S. Highway 14-A. The address is 1539 Road 19, Powell, WY, 82435. The Interpretive Center is open daily in the summer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and children under 12 are free. For more information, call 307-754-8000 or visit www.HeartMountain.org.
PAGE 22 »
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A look inside the internment camp In addition to a beautiful setting, the Heart Mountain World War II Japanese American Confinement Site west of Powell offers both an artifact of World War II-era politics and hysteria, as well as a reminder of the fragility of democracy in times of conflict. Today, the site features an Interpretive Center, war memorial, walking tour and original camp structures, all dedicated to telling the stories of the 14,000 Japanese Americans confined there during World War II. The site is managed by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a private nonprofit that formed in 1996. The Interpretive Center is the focal point of the site, featuring a museum, gallery, theater and victory garden. The area immediately surrounding the Interpretive Center evokes the sparseness of the landscape that greeted the internees when they arrived. Inside, a visit to the center begins with a powerful film created by Oscar-winning documentarian Steven Okazaki. It is titled “All We Could Carry,” and features internees speaking directly about their experiences. The museum is punctuated by interactive exhibits featuring oral histories and original film footage from life in camp. There are also photographs, artifacts and art pieces created by internees. The building also includes two full-scale barracks rooms that have been replicated to provide an authentic portrayal of living quarters in the camp. The pieces are tied together through a narrative that allows visitors to experience life at Heart Mountain through the eyes of those who were confined there. Brian Liesinger, former executive director of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, believes the site is not only significant historically but also for what it can teach visitors about the importance of defending civil rights, even in the
most dire circumstances. “This is not merely a Japanese American story. This is an American story,” he said. “We’re a country of immigrants, and this is one of our powerful immigrant stories — one that unfortunately includes a chapter on injustice.” Yet, within the Japanese American confinement, Liesinger notes stories of perseverance, loyalty and patriotism that inspire his work on a daily basis. “Somehow, they endured incarceration with grace,” he said. “To know these stories is to have a more complete understanding of what it means to be American. By knowing our faults as well as our successes, we know what it means to be better citizens.” The Interpretive Center opened amid a grand celebration in August 2011. Turning out for the event were former internees, their families, and dignitaries including Tom Brokaw, former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., and former U.S. Congressman and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta (who met Simpson as a Boy Scout at the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp). Mineta was interned with his family and a Boy Scout in a camp troop. Simpson was a Cody Boy Scout. “What you are doing here is drawing that line in the sand to say that never again will there be something like what happened at Heart Mountain and other relocation camps,” said Mineta during a grand opening ceremony attended by more than 1,200 people. Since then, the center has established itself as a worldclass facility and was recognized for its excellence with an award from the American Associations of Museums in 2012. “Due to the uniqueness of the history, the quality of the information and, frankly, the haunting beauty of the site, I am of the opinion that this is a must-see if you’re in the area,” said Liesinger.
HEART MOUNTAIN CAMP WA S
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A curious-looking city arose from the barren Wyoming landscape between the towns of Cody and Powell in the summer of 1942. After two months of steady work, it was set to house 11,000 residents — all coming from the West Coast. What made this “city” glaringly different from the rest of Wyoming’s cities was the presence of barbed-wire fences, guard towers and armed sentries. Its “residents” arrived by force — rather than choice — and their arrival came as a result of a complete denial of civil rights. This “city” opened in August of 1942 as the “Heart Mountain Relocation Camp.” One of 10 “relocation centers” built nationwide, its purpose was to detain Americans of Japanese descent who lived on the West Coast. In the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, many feared JapaneseAmericans would conspire with Japan against the United States. Amid the fear and uncertainty, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which paved the way for the forced removal of 120,000 Japanese-Americans — the majority of them U.S. citizens — from their West Coast homes. With that declaration, an exclusion order was made in California, the southern part of Arizona and the western parts of Oregon and Washington. Signs were posted stating that all Americans of Japanese descent in those areas were required to dispose of their property and possessions and report for exclusion. They were not told where they were going or how long they would be gone. And they were allowed a single suitcase each. Internees came by train, and at its peak, the Heart Mountain confinement site held 10,767 people, making it the third-largest “city” in Wyoming. Heart Mountain came to operate much like any other city, with a hospital; interneemanaged fire, police and judicial systems; a post office; water, sewer and electrical systems; two grade schools and a high school; and several cooperative enterprises. There were hobby clubs, theaters and ball games, as well as births, deaths, weddings and festivals. Internees formed active recreation programs and developed a successful agricultural program to provide fresh food. It was all done in the spirit of “shigata ga nai,” a phrase roughly translated as, “it cannot be helped” and expressed in Japanese culture as the need to endure unavoidable hardship or injustice with dignity. With that spirit in mind, the internees attempted to build community despite the barbed-wire that surrounded them. The camp itself was constructed on a large, flat swath of Bureau of Reclamation land, and the project employed a workforce of about 2,500. “It seems
C I T Y
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The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center shares the stories of the Japanese American internees who were forced to live behind barbed wire during World War II. Photos courtesy Kevin J. Miyazaki, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation
that any and all who want work find quick employment in the building of this gigantic relocation center,” wrote the Powell Tribune in a June 1942 edition. “From Powell and Cody and other Big Horn Basin towns the labor supply has been requisitioned as if with a fine-tooth comb. As a consequence, labor for the farmers is scarcer than ever before in the valley’s history.” What rose up in the shadow of Heart Mountain in a period of two months was over 450 barracks, arranged in blocks with communal restrooms and mess halls. When the crew was working full-speed, they could build a barrack in about 60 minutes. Each 20-foot by 120-foot barrack contained six apartments and was constructed of untreated lumber covered with tarpaper. The fear and hysteria that fueled the decision to confine Japanese-Americans from the West Coast followed them to Heart Mountain. Most local residents were not receptive to these new visitors. Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson, a Cody resident, recalls the general concern from Cody at the time: “We were told there were 11,000 people there,” he said. “There were only two cities larger than that in Wyoming … So, people thought, ‘Now, if those people escape, we’ll all be killed.’” The Powell Tribune noted the internees’ arrival in a story that referred to the camp as a “Heart Mountain haven” and, despite evidence to the contrary, stated that “(T)he Japanese themselves get the point. This coming to a peaceful habitation for the duration of the war is welcome and voluntary for the main body of them.” In reality, the internees did not welcome relocation and they were not made welcome upon arrival. Nels Smith, the governor of Wyoming at the time, told the federal government, “If you bring Japanese into my state, I promise you they will be hanging from every tree.” In the shadow of Heart Mountain, Japanese American internees work the land. ‘Heart In the 1943 Wyoming Legislative session, Sen. George Burke Mountain had one of the most successful agriculture programs of all the camps, inof Powell introduced a law barring the residents of the Heart troducing new crops that had never before been grown in the region,’ according to the Mountain Camp from voting in Wyoming. The city » Cont’d interpretive center. Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Okumoto Collection
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 23 25
Japanese Americans confined here in wake of Pearl Harbor » Cont’d councils of Powell and Cody passed a joint resolution. In part, it asked that the Japanese-Americans at Heart Mountain not be permanently relocated to the region and requested that visits to the two towns by camp residents “be held to an absolute minimum,” only “when absolutely necessary.” However, the council members stressed that they still would like to see the Japanese Americans released for work on the area’s farms. That double standard frustrated the center’s employment chief, Joe Carrol. “We are requested to confine them to the center, except to permit them to assist in the planting and harvesting of agriculture. Just what do you want, liquidation or continuance of the center?” he asked at a Powell Club meeting later that May. “Certainly citizens or law abiding aliens cannot be expected to participate in your agricultural work, if they cannot be accorded the same rights as other citizens or aliens, whether they be of Japanese or any other ancestry.” However, Big Horn Basin residents did extend occasional olive branches to the internees. Many did not know what to make of the camp, but that did not prevent area schools from bringing in sports teams to compete with Heart Mountain High School’s teams, for example. Both Cody and Powell Boy Scouts participated in scouting activities and outings with the Heart Mountain troops. In addition, local church groups donated gifts for children in camp and baby blankets for those born in the Heart Mountain hospital. All the while, World War II marched on, and the need for able-bodied soldiers left the War Department scrambling for new recruits. Initially, all internees were declared “enemy aliens” unfit for service, but in 1944, the government decided to make draft-age internees eligible.
More than 800 Heart Mountain internees fought for the U.S. in World War II. Several of them had distinguished careers of military service, and 15 were killed in action. While many answered the call, there were some who refused. Sixty-three of them persisted in their resistance, declaring that their obedience to the draft order was dependent on being released from the camp with their constitutional rights restored. In the largest mass trial in Wyoming’s history, all 63 of these men were found guilty of draft evasion and given federal prison sentences of three years. At the end of 1944, the government announced that it would begin closing the camps. In the months that followed, internees were released with little more than the suitcase they arrived with and a $25 train ticket. Heart Mountain closed in November of 1945, and the camp buildings were soon dismantled, removed by incoming homesteaders or used by the Bureau of Reclamation. Eventually, all barracks were removed from the site, though many can still be seen scattered around the Big Horn Basin today, remnants of homesteads established after World War II. Today, it is known as the Heart Mountain World War II Japanese-American Confinement Site, with the focal point being the Interpretive Center there. The center opened in 2011 to tell the stories of confinement through museum exhibits, a gallery, victory garden and introductory film titled “All We Could Carry.” The site has been declared a National Historic Landmark and also includes a military memorial, walking trail and original camp structures. The site memorializes the experiences of more than 14,000 Americans of Japanese descent who were brought into and out of the camp from 1942 to 1945.
Heart Mountain Stones Unraveling the mystery
Tasked with leveling out what was once the cemetery at the Heart Mountain internment camp, a local worker made an amazing discovery. The year was 1956. When the Heart Mountain camp closed in 1945 at the end of World War II, the land it was built on and the surrounding acreage was parceled off to homesteaders. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation was charged with clearing off what remained of the camp. It was during that work that Bill Higgins and his road grader ran over something definitely not native to the soil. Assuming he’d run over a casket that had been left behind when the cemetery was relocated, Higgins was surprised to instead find a 55-gallon drum buried just below the surface. The force of the impact sheared the top off the barrel, exposing its contents: Thousands of tiny stones, each marked with a single Japanese character. So began the mystery of the Heart Mountain stones. “This story is one that has captivated me since I first started working here,” said Museum Manager Dakota Russell. “I wanted to learn more about it, and that’s how this presentation began to take shape.” PAGE 24 »
ON THE ROAD
THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT In the years that followed the discovery, homesteaders Les and Nora Bovee made attempts to identify the stones and figure out how they came to be buried in the cemetery. Lacking the resources for an intensive investigation, the barrel sat for many years in the Bovees’ farm. As Japanese-American families with members once held at Heart Mountain began to make pilgrimages back to the camp in the 1970s and ’80s, Les Bovee would show the stones to the intrigued visitors. “A lot of times, he would send visitors home with a handful of the stones, which diminished the collection somewhat,” Russell said. After the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) opened in Los Angeles in 1992, the Bovees donated the roughly 650 remaining stones to the facility. Once on display at the JANM, the stones were viewed by Sodo Mori, a Japanese scholar and an expert in Buddhist history. Mori theorized that the stones were part of a sutra, or Buddhist scripture, as he’d seen similar collections in Japan dating back to » Cont’d
TIMELINE ◆ DECEMBER 7, 1941 Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. ◆ FEBRUARY 19, 1942 President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, forcing 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry — most American-born citizens — to move from their West Coast homes to relocation camps ◆ JUNE 1942 Work began on the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp near Powell. “So many carloads of lumber have been taken from local yards — yards at Powell, Cody, and neighbor towns as far as Billings — are almost denuded,” reported the Powell Tribune on June 25. Work was completed by early August. ◆ AUGUST 11, 1942 The first 292 Japanese-Americans arrived at Heart Mountain. At capacity, the camp housed 10,767 internees, making it, at the time, the third-largest city in Wyoming. ◆ MAY 1945 Departures from the camp began in earnest as the U.S. government began allowing internees to return to their West Coast homes. ◆ NOVEMBER 10, 1945 The last train departed from the Heart Mountain Relocation Center. ◆ AUGUST 10, 1988 Sen. Al Simpson, R-Wyo., and Rep. Norman Mineta, D-Cal., sponsored the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, a law that acknowledged the fundamental injustices of the internment of Japanese-Americans. ◆ 1996 The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation formed. Local leaders included John Collins, Dave Reetz and Pat Wolfe. The foundation went on to purchase 50 acres of land at the original camp site, restored the camp’s military honor roll and acquired a significant collection of artifacts, oral histories, photos and historic papers. ◆ SEPTEMBER 2000 Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer and Powell Mayor Jim Milburn sent letters to surviving Heart Mountain internees and their families, intended to “acknowledge the difficulties and hardships faced by internees and the lack of consideration given to those at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center.” ◆ JUNE 23, 2005 A walking tour of the Heart Mountain camp was dedicated, named in honor of Setsuko Saito Higuchi, a former internee who served on the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Board. ◆ FEBRUARY 1, 2007 Heart Mountain camp site officially named a National Historic Landmark. ◆ AUGUST 20, 2011 Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center was dedicated and opened to the public. Hundreds of guests, including former internees, attended the opening of the 11,000-square foot, $5.5 million facility between Powell and Cody.
HEART MOUNTAIN
World War II National Historic Site
Heart Mountain Stones
» Cont’d the 16th century. “Basically what happens is that they will take a sutra, copy one character at a time onto stones and then bury them,” Russell explained. “It’s a symbolic gesture: The stones are buried for when the future Buddha comes to teach mankind the way of enlightenment; the scriptures are preserved.” But questions still remained. In an investigation rivaling any good detective story, Mori copied down all 650-plus characters in the JANM collection. He and his colleagues then wrote a computer program to test the characters against the existing sutras, narrowing the search to the closest matching texts. It was finally concluded the text in question was selections from the first five chapters of the Lotus Sutra, a widely read and revered Buddhist scripture. First translated in the third century in East Asia, the Lotus Sutra is used by the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, Russell said. “So now [Mori] knew he was looking for a Nichiren priest, and a calligrapher,” Russell said. “Fortunately for the search, there was only one in the camp that fit that criteria.”
MYSTERY SOLVED? That one was Rev. Nichikan Murakita, a Nichiren monk. He was sent to the U.S. on a mission to San Francisco in 1933, and he eventually settled in Los Angeles. However, Murakita was detained after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, arriving at Heart Mountain in September of 1942. “He was only in camp about a year — taught calligraphy, preached in camp,” Russell said. “He and his wife eventually applied for and were granted repatriation back to Japan in
1943 as part of a diplomatic exchange. He never spoke about the stones, so they remained for years this total mystery.” Theories abound as to whether Murakita created the stones as part of his calligraphy class or if it was something he did on his own. As he was only in camp for a year, and the stones initially found numbered over 2,000, it represented a rather extensive undertaking. “That’s a lot of stones, so if you think about it, he would have had to go down to the Shoshone River, which means getting a pass,” Russell said. “You have to collect the rocks, bring them up to camp, clean them off and then paint each one. It’s a big project to undertake alone, but if he did it as part of his calligraphy class, how come no one remembers it?” Russell is inclined to believe Murakita painted the stones on his own, a belief shared by Mori. Because no one can say with any certainty that Murakita indeed had help, it may be the one element of the story that will remain a mystery. “You would think that if there were a bunch of people doing this, someone would have some memory of this stone scripture being made,” Russell said. “So that, and the fact that the brushwork on the stones are so consistent, leads me to believe he was doing it alone, in secret.” Since the unveiling of the stones at the Japanese American National Museum, the stones that were given out over time have slowly begun to trickle back to Heart Mountain. The center now has a small collection of the stones that used to hang in Nora Bovee’s ceramic shop on display, as well as a few from different owners that have been donated over the years.
MUSEUM • GALLERY • WAR MEMORIAL WALKING TRAIL • ORIGINAL CAMP STRUCTURES Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, photographs and by walking the grounds of the site, you will experience life at Heart Mountain through the eyes of the 14,000 Japanese Americans confined there during WWII.
Visit the site where more than 14,000 Japanese Americans were confined during World War II.
PHOTO BY KEVIN J. MIYAZAKI
These mystery stones are on exhibit at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. A collection of marked stones was found buried under the Heart Mountain camp after it closed in 1945. Photo courtesy Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation
Located off Highway 14A between Cody & Powell, WY Summer Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily 1539 Road 19, Powell, Wyoming 82435 • 307.754.8000 www.HeartMountain.org • info@heartmountain.org ON THE ROAD » PAGE 25
Greybull H U B
O F
T H E
B I G
H O R N
B A S I N
Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting Greybull is located in the hub of the Big Horn Basin on U.S. Highway 14/16/20 between Yellowstone National Park and the Black Hills. Just 1 mile west of Greybull is the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting. The museum features old military planes that were transformed into aerial tankers to fight forest fires. At the museum, you can learn more about the original pilots who were firefighters in the sky. Visitors can explore the inside of a Fairchild C-119, known as the “Flying Boxcar.” Originally built in 1947, the Flying Boxcars were made to haul cargo and troops for the United States and five other countries. The C-119 was used extensively in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Later, a jet engine was attached to the top of the airplane to help convert the aircraft for firefighting purposes. The two C-119s on display at the Greybull museum are on loan from the United States Forest Service. Other planes on display include two PB4Y-2 aircraft from the World War II era. The PB4Y-2 saw heavy use during the Cold War. Also on display is the Beech 18 or “Twin Beech,” used during World War II as a transport and training aircraft. After the war, the Twin Beech was converted to civilian life, finding use for spraying,
mail delivery and filming movies. The Twin Beech was later used by U.S. Forest Service smoke-jumpers and for cargo transport. The Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting, located at 2534 Hiller Lane in Greybull, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum opened in mid-May and remains open through Oct. 15. The museum is free of charge, but donations are encouraged.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
• The Bighorn Mountains/Bighorn National Forest offer 32 campgrounds, 14 picnic areas, a visitor center, more than 1,500 miles of trails, two recreational lakes and three scenic byways. Shell Falls is located 30 miles east of Greybull in the Bighorn Mountains. • Shell Creek flows over 3-billion-year-old granite rock at 3,600 gallons per second. The scenic view is breathtaking! Call 307-765-4435 for more information. • Devil’s Kitchen near Greybull offers colorful, eerie rock formations. This Cloverly Formation is fascinating and picturesque with spires and weathered multi-colored hills that can be seen from an overlook. For a map and more information, call the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce, 307-765-2100.
Historic airplanes are on display at The Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting just west of Greybull. Photo courtesy Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce PAGE 26 »
ON THE ROAD
Museum of Ancient Life
A visit to the Museum of Ancient Life in downtown ancestors of squid. “Because of its geology, the Big Horn Basin contains Greybull takes you back 150 million years in time — a time when dinosaurs were the dominant form of life on layers of rock older than 2.5 billion years, as well as many, many younger rock layers,” wrote Kirk Johnson, director land and marine reptiles swam in the ancient seas. Unlike most museums, where the fossils and artifacts of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, on display are from other areas around the globe, all fos- in the recent publication “Ancient Wyoming.” “What makes this place so sils, rocks, and artifacts on display amazing is that it has layers of at the Museum of Ancient Life rock from almost every single were discovered and collected geologic time period. If you had locally in the Big Horn Basin and to pick one place in the world to along the western slopes of the tell the story of Earth’s history, nearby Bighorn Mountains. you would pick this place,” JohnThe Big Horn Basin contains extensively documented fossilson said. bearing deposits that date from Visitors to the Museum of 550 million years (Cambrian Ancient Life will see fossils and Period) to the present. These reproductions of the skulls of include geologic outcrops that Mesozoic Era dinosaurs includcontain world-famous dinosaur A nearly complete Red Canyon Ranch ing the allosaurus “Big Al 2,” the bones and tracksites, ancient camarasaurus. Courtesy photo giant camarasaurus “ET,” and the marine reptiles, and primitive stegosaurus “Victoria,” along with mammal fossils. ancient dinosaur trackways cast from a private site near The nearby Howe Quarry, Red Canyon Ranch Quarry, the famous Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, and casts of and Dana Quarry have produced some of the finest di- ancient marine reptiles that swam in the Sundance Sea. Extensive collections of fossils from even earlier times nosaur specimens ever discovered, including the most complete allosaurus and stegosaurus dinosaurs, and the such as corals, trilobites, and stromatolites are also on disrare middle-Jurassic age Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, play. Stromatolites were created by the activity of ancient where 167 million years ago, carnivorous dinosaurs cyanobacteria, which is one of the earliest forms of life. browsed the tidal flats alongside the ancient Sundance Admission to the museum is free but donations to Sea. Ancient marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and the non-profit Bighorn Basin Geoscience Center, Inc. plesiosaurs, swam in the Sundance Sea, feeding on the are greatly apprecited.
DISCOVER
AIRPLANES AMERICA IN SMALL TOWN
Museum of Flight & Aerial Firefighting • Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite • Wyoming Hospitality Fine Dining • Charming Hotels • Local Shops
Greybull, Wyoming • Heart of the Big Horn Basin Junction of US Highways 14/16/20 • www.greybull.com • 1-877-765-2100
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 27
‘Meeting place’
In the Shoshone Indian language, Meeteetse means “meeting place,” and for more than 140 years, it has been just that as one of the oldest settlements in the Big Horn Basin of northwest Wyoming.
The meadow of the Double D Dude Ranch lies southwest of Meeteetse on the Wood River. Courtesy photo
Meeteetse: Rich with history
Meeteetse dates its earliest settlements to the 1870s. The town itself dates to the establishment of a post office and the school in 1880. This was 16 years prior to the establishment of Cody in 1896. Meeteetse, in Park County, lies 30 miles southeast of Cody on Wyo. Highway 120. Meeteetse’s history is rich in early day ranching in the upper Greybull River Valley. The Pitchfork Ranch, an icon of pioneer ranch development west of Meeteetse, traces its roots to 1879 and at one time encompassed 250,000 acres. In 1881, Meeteetse was the terminus of the old Meeteetse Trail, built by the Army as a stage and freight road running from Red Lodge (and Billings), Montana, to get supplies to the area. The trail was the first road built in the Big Horn Basin and was eventually extended to Lander and Rawlins. In the 1880s, Meeteetse became the jumping off point for a minor gold rush to the Upper Wood River Valley. In 1885, William Kirwin discovered gold in the valley, and by 1891, the Wood River Mining District had been formed. The center of the mining district was the town of Kirwin, 33 miles to the southwest of Meeteetse at 9,500 feet of elevation. A number of mines were established in the area, and gold was brought out by mules. Snow, and depleting commercial gold, spelled the end of the mining. In a 1907 blizzard, 50 feet of snow fell on Kirwin in eight days, and an avalanche buried the town store, killing three people. With spring thaw, the remaining occupants left town. PAGE 28 »
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Meeteetse even has connection with some of the mystical outlaw history of the West. Butch Cassidy once lived in the area and left his mark on an 1886 petition. In 1894, he was arrested outside the Cowboy Bar. The Cowboy Bar is still operating today. Kirwin is accessible today, and has buildings still standing. Meeteetse is proud of its ranching, mining and cowboy heritage. Today the “meeting place” is the center for many and varied outdoor recreation activities in keeping with Western traditions. The charm of the Old West is preserved in Meeteetse’s wooden boardwalks, watering troughs, hitching posts and historic buildings dating to the turn of the 20th century. Hiking, hunting and fishing, horseback riding, camping and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the Meeteetse outdoor world. For more than 100 years, the cowboy heritage of rodeo has provided a town celebration each Labor Day weekend. The 2018 Meeteetse Labor Day Rodeo and celebration will be Sept. 1-3. For more information, call the Meeteetse Visitor Center at 307-8682454 or visit www.meeteetsewy.com.
Hiking, hunting and fishing, horseback riding, camping and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the Meeteetse area.
Bring this ad to the Visitor Center for a discount in our gift shop.
Take your picture with one of Meeteetse’s Legends located all throughout town. Download the ‘Travel Story’ app to get the complete story narrated by our own Ret. Sen. Al Simpson!
Your base camp for Northwest Wyoming Adventures! ROOMS • SUITES • CAMPING Great event location! Close to Yellowstone and Cody
1702 State Street Meeteetse, WY
Meeteetse Visitor Center
307-868-2454 www.meeteetsewy.com
1-307-868-2551 • www.ommw.net
Where outlaws rode and cattle barons ruled the land.
Where wooden boardwalks, hitching rails and water troughs still line the streets.
WWW.MEETEETSEWY.COM
events Free 2018 New added all year! Tours and Events:
June 9--------------- Legend Rock Petroglyph Tour July 20---------- Gypsy Cowbelle Outdoor Concert
Recently restored First National Bank of Meeteetse.
BEST PHILLY
July 22------------ Historic Double Dee Ranch Tour
With Amelia Earhart Presentation
July 28--------------- Historic Pitchfork Ranch Tour Aug. 11-----------------Ghost Town of Kirwin Tour
IN THE BASIN!
with First Annual Wood River Ecology Tour
Sept. 1-3---------------- Labor Day Weekend Events at Meeteetse Museums
Stop for the food. Stay for the fun!
Under new ownership
includes Chatelaine Quilt Guild Show, parade & more
Sept. 22-------- Celebration of the Black-Footed Ferret Dec. 8-------- Christmas in Meeteetse at the Museum
Like us on Facebook! Package Liquor Drive-up Window 1916 State St. Meeteetse 307-868-9245
6-8:30pm with Clay Gibbons’ Ghost Town of Arland Program, Western food available
includes Cody Chamber Ensemble Music, pastries & more
www.meeteetsemuseums.org
Carl Dunrud of the Double Dee Ranch cutting the hair of Amelia Earhart in 1934.
Open Tuesday-Saturday (Summer Hours 10am-5pm) Call 307-868-2423 for details info@meeteetsemuseums.org
FREE ADMISSION! SEE The Western Photographs of Charles Belden
Little Wahb, the Grizzly Bear, Paleoindian artifacts, and Meeteetse history!
“Home of the Endangered Black-Footed Ferret”
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 29
Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor: biker friendly, community friendly “We’re not just a biker bar. But we are biker friendly.” That’s the bottom line for Julie Harvey, manager of Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor and Lounge in Cody. The message is clear: Everyone is welcome “until they make themselves unwelcome.” That means bikers and construction guys to doctors and lawyers. And Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor has the spacious facilities to pull it off. The establishment has a beautiful bar and lounge that seats up to 100 people in back of perhaps Cody’s biggest selection of liquor products. Of course, there are pool tables and dart machines, and the area can
even accommodate meetings. “It’s really very nice,” said Harvey, who has been manager there for about 15 years. “Everything we do is for the locals. If tourists want to join us, that’s great. We’re big on community from birthday parties to anniversaries. Anything that people want to do, we jump in and do it.” Rocky Mountain Liquor plays a host role in a lot of biker rallies and bike rides. Three bike rallies are on the calendar for Saturdays in June. “We’ve got a really, really big event on June 23,” Julie said. “Different groups come to us and ask if we can help out. We always try to help them out as much as we can.”
The June 23 biker event is a memorial run for a man named Cujo, who recently died. He was hearing impaired, and the proceeds that are raised go to help the hearing impaired in the Big Horn Basin. “We had a celebration of life event last year, and they’ll do a memorial run every year. He was hearing impaired, and we thought the world of him,” Julie said. “We do all kinds of things through the year, “ she added. “We have Throwback Thursday, where we do reduced pricing on our drinks in the bar and 10 percent discount on all of our 750 ml and 1-liter liquor. We have a huge selection in our liquor store, and we’re very competitive.”
Take time to relax! Drive-up liquor store, frozen cocktails to go, huge selection, daily drink specials, pool, darts, games and now virtual reality racing!
1820 17TH STREET ➤ CODY, WYOMING | ACROSS FROM ALBERTSONS PAGE 30 »
ON THE ROAD
BUCKLE UP FOR LIFE, and love.
This WYDOT Family Buckles Up. Randy and Sunny Merritt, and Kali and Kash
#buckleup4lifewy ON THE ROAD » PAGE 31
DINING GUIDE Delectable bites & drinks throughout the Big Horn Basin.
Minchow’s Food Court
-the ice cream hut353 East Main, Lovell Tacos, 100% Beef Hamburgers & More!
307-548-7979
Pizza On The Run
Powell
215 E 1st St 307-754-5720
Cody
Lovell
1302 Sheridan Ave 307-587-5550
490 Shoshone 307-548-2206
PAGE 32 »
ON THE ROAD
Coffee Shop Art Supplies
estalt Studios www.thepolarplant.com 440 West Park St. Powell Wy. 307.764.2389
307-754-4665
275 North Bent Street
Downtown Powell
Great Mexican Food! Sunday, 7-11am • Monday, 7am-2pm Tuesday-Thursday, 7am-7pm • Friday-Saturday, 7am-8pm
The locals favorite!
Art Gallery Studio Space
Serving a variety of Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream, 119 North Bent•Powell•307-754-2625 Malts and Shakes! Monday-Friday, 11am-5:30pm A Great Menu of Tasty Sandwiches and Wraps, plus Homemade Soups and Sides!
DOWN HOME COOKIN’ G O U R M E T C H I N E S E R E S TA U R A N T
LUNCH BUFFET $7.25 DINNER BUFFET $9.99 151 East Coulter Avenue Powell, Wyoming • 307-754-7924 TUESDAY-FRIDAY, 11AM-2:30PM • 4:30-9PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11AM-9PM
Daily Specials! Fresh-Baked Pies! Private dining room available
FREE cup of coffee or iced tea with purchase of a meal! limit one per customer
141 E. Coulter • 754-8052 BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • 7 DAYS A WEEK • 6AM TO 9PM
Cody is
RODEO! Cody, Wyoming
Ty Wallace won the 2017 Xtreme Bulls competition with an 89.5 point ride on the bull Show Off. Gates open at 5 p.m. June 30 for this year’s PRCA Xtreme Bulls, where the top 40 bullriders will be matched against the PRCA’s best bucking bulls. Tribune file photo by Mark Davis
Cody Nite Rodeo
Every night from June 1 to Aug. 31 Cody Stampede Rodeo: July 1-4
CODY IS RODEO Cody is hailed as the “Rodeo Capital of the World” — and for good reason. Founded in 1938, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the longest running and the only nightly rodeo in the world. All summer long, the Cody Nite Rodeo kicks off every night from June 1 to Aug. 31. The annual Cody Stampede arrives July 1-4. From the turn of the century, rodeos and parades have been part of the Fourth of July in Cody. For 99 years, starting officially in 1919, the Cody Stampede rodeo has been held every summer. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the nightly performances. These two events establish Cody as not only one of the longest running successful professional rodeos, but also the only place in the country that has a rodeo performance nightly. Mo Betta Rodeo Company and Tate family have been producing the nightly rodeo for more than 10 years and continue to make history. For the nightly rodeo, gates open
at 7 p.m. with rodeo action kicking off at 8 p.m. All seating is general admission, but purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged. Be sure to arrive early and have your picture taken on the live rodeo bull “Hollywood,” get your face painted by the rodeo clowns, learn to rope like the cowboys and cowgirls, and shop the souvenir store. The Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls takes place June 30. Watch the PRCA’s top 40 bullriders matched against the best bucking bulls to compete for well over $45,000 in cash. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo kicks off at 7 p.m. For the 99th Annual Cody Stampede from July 1-4, gates will open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. On the Fourth of July, gates will open at 3 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.codystampederodeo.com, www.codynightrodeo.com or call 1-800-207-0744.
CODY STAMPEDE & XTREME BULLS JUNE 30 – JULY 4 PLUS: PARADES, ART, MUSIC & MORE!
GET TICKETS NOW AT: 1.800.207.0744
CODYSTAMPEDERODEO.COM CODYNIGHTRODEO.COM
June | July | August
Every Nite!• 8pm Since 1938
ON THE ROAD » PAGE 33
Buffalo Bill Dam
Tribune photo by CJ Baker Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
It’s known today as Buffalo Bill Dam in the Shoshone Canyon west of Cody. But it was Shoshone Dam when it was constructed as an engineering marvel between 1906 and 1910. The name was changed to Buffalo Bill Dam in 1946 by an act of Congress. Today the Buffalo Bill Dam is even taller than it was in 1910 when it was initially completed as the world’s tallest concrete arch, then standing 328 feet high. Over a seven-year period between 1985 and 1992, the dam was raised by 25 feet to increase the storage capacity of Buffalo Bill Reservoir by 74,000 acre-feet. Buffalo Bill Dam is now 353 feet high. A modern visitor center has been constructed adjacent to the top of the dam. The visitor center tells the story of dam construction and the story of reclamation of more than 90,000 acres of Shoshone Reclamation Project lands downriver. Powell is at the center of the Shoshone Reclamation Project, where land was opened to homesteading in 1907, even before the dam was
completed. The Corbett Diversion Dam on the Shoshone River some 5 miles below Cody allowed for water to be diverted into the Garland Canal which delivered the irrigation water to the first homestead units near Powell. The Shoshone Project was the second U.S. Bureau of Reclamation project authorized by Congress. Buffalo Bill Dam, registered as a National Historic structure and recorded as a National Civil Engineering Landmark, stands unique among structures of its kind. It was dedicated as a National Civil Engineering Landmark in September 1973. Then Commissioner of Reclamation Gilbert Stamm praised Buffalo Bill Dam as a tribute to the architects, engineers and laborers who built the dam at the turn of the century. Engineers selected the narrowest part of the solid granite Shoshone Canyon for the location of the dam. H.N. Savage, supervising engineer for the reclamation service, called the spot “the perfect granite foundation” for the dam. Before work could begin on the dam, an 8-mile road from Cody to the site had to be
Lives and limbs sacrificed during dam’s construction
PAGE 34 »
ON THE ROAD
carved along the rugged river bank. Much of the drilling for the construction was carried on during the winter, and drillers cursed low temperatures, high winds and anchor ice, as well as the huge granite boulders tightly grouted to smaller boulders resting on the bedrock. The original contract was let for $515,730 on Sept. 5, 1905. Before the dam was completed at a total cost of $929,658, two contractors had gone bankrupt, and the project was finished by a third contractor. Seven workers were killed during construction, three lost limbs, three more lost their eyesight and 28 others were crippled or mutilated. For more information about Buffalo Bill Dam, visit www.bbdvc.com.
Once held record of world’s tallest concrete arch
From Powell to Cody —
it’s a climb
That “flat” road isn’t flat. U.S. Highway 14-Alternate between Powell and Cody is a smooth paved cruise through farmland irrigated with water from the Shoshone River, courtesy of historic waterworks of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Shoshone Project. It’s also uphill. The highway traverses the valley of the Shoshone River, and the laws of gravity generally hold that rivers run downhill. There’s a reason the growing season is a little shorter on upper Heart Mountain farms than on farms closer to Powell.
The numbers are plain. The elevation of Cody is about 5,016 feet above sea level, varying on different levels of the city. Powell’s elevation is about 4,365 feet above sea level. That’s a difference of 651 feet. It calculates to a fall of nearly 30 feet per mile over the 23-mile stretch of highway (actually 28.45 feet per mile). The climb from Powell to the base of Buffalo Bill Dam in Buffalo Bill Canyon west of Cody is even greater. The elevation at the base of the dam is 5,395 feet above sea level — 1,030 feet above the elevation of Powell. That’s closer to 34 feet per mile in fall from the farm fields of Powell to the dam site.
Buffalo Bill Dam — A Civil Engineering Landmark — FREE Admission • Open May-Sept.
First in Wyoming
U.S. 14-A highway named for veterans
Only the state Legislature can name a road or highway in Wyoming. There can be scenic byways or historic trails, noted on highway signs. But not roads or sections of roads designated with an official name, unless by action of the Wyoming Legislature. And it had never happened until 2011. That’s when the section of U.S. Highway 14-Alternate between Cody and Powell — a 23-mile stretch of mostly four-lane highway — was officially named the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Highway. House Bill 139, passed by the Legislature that year, proclaimed 14-A from the city boundary of Cody to the city boundary of Powell in honor of Wyoming
veterans. The Legislature also appropriated $5,000 to install official highway signage at both ends of the designated section. Highway 14-A between the two cities passes through lands on both sides of the road which was homesteaded after World War II as the Heart Mountain Reclamation Project, with preference to veterans. The push to win official state designation as a veterans memorial highway had the strong support of the Wyoming Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association. A National Guard unit, mainly comprised of guardsmen from Cody, Powell and Lovell, was called to active duty in the Korean War.
Area Information – Exhibits – FREE Wi-Fi Theater – Fantastic Views – RV Parking
BUFFALO BILL DAM VISITOR CENTER www.bbdvc.com • 307.527.6076
6 miles west of Cody • On the road to Yellowstone ON THE ROAD » PAGE 35
Yellowstone Cutthroat Guest Ranch
Offering incredible views, quality cuisine Surrounded by gorgeous mountain views near the East Entrance of America’s first national park, the Yellowstone Cutthroat Guest Ranch offers a place to relax after a busy day. Guests can enjoy an on-site bar and new restaurant with gourmet dining offering culinary delights. The Cutthroat specializes in gourmet cuisine for the Western palate, with ranch-hands’ cowboy portions! Open daily (seasonally) for breakfast and dinner. Yellowstone Cutthroat Guest Ranch is located at 53 Stagecoach Trail in Wapiti, on the original highway to the East Entrance of Yellowstone. The gourmet restaurant is open seven days a week for late afternoon and evening dining. For reservations for dining, call 307-272-6982 Guests staying overnight at the ranch will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains or Shoshone River. Certain accommodations include a sitting area, and a flat-screen TV is available in the family cabin. The ranch is located just 20 miles from Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody.
Yellowstone Cutthroat
Guest Ranch
River and mountain view accommodations • Gourmet restaurant and on-site bar •
Rooms for a romantic getaway for two or for the entire family!
Suites • Family Rooms • Double Family Rooms
Just 20 miles west of Cody, Wyoming Less than 35 miles from Yellowstone National Park!
53 Stagecoach Trail, Cody, WY 82414 • Call (307) 272-6982 to make your reservation today! PAGE 36 »
ON THE ROAD
See spectacular views while soaring above Yellowstone country Located just 3 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance, the Sleeping Giant Zipline offers riders the opportunity to see the area from a totally new perspective. Built to blend in with the scenery, the zipline has some of the most spectacular views of Yellowstone, the Absaroka Mountains and the Shoshone National Forest — America’s first national forest. The zipline covers more than 3,520 feet of pure Wyoming air. Dual lines provide side-by-side racing, and the zipline includes five sections, ranging from 360 to 930 feet. Depending on your weight, you can reach speeds up to 45 mph. Riders have raved about their experiences and highly recommend the zipline. “Not only are you zipping across some of the most beautiful country on earth, but you’re also doing it safely and with LOTS of laughs,” wrote one reviewer on Facebook. “Our family had a blast and we would recommend the adventure to tourists and locals ... the icing on the cake was learning the whole setup is backed by a nonprofit organization, with a goal of providing jobs and stimulating the local economy. How can you beat that!?!” The Sleeping Giant Zipline is operated from June 15 through Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
INTO
Located just minutes from the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park
TONE S W LLO
YE
zipline
www.ZipSG.com | 307–587–3125 348 North Fork Highway, Cody, WY
OPEN DAILY | JUNE 15 – SEPT. 15 ON THE ROAD » PAGE 37
The world’s first national park Visitors marvel at Yellowstone National Park
Tribune photo by Mark Davis - Order prints at powelltribune.mycapture.com
The world’s first national park beckons millions of travelers every year, offering exciting adventures, beautiful scenery, wildlife, serenity, geysers, fine food and accommodations ranging from rustic to glamorous. Yellowstone National Park was founded in 1872 after early explorers reported finding dazzling geysers, colorful mineral ponds, rumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. More than 100 years later, little has changed in the park’s backcountry, although beautiful hotels, campgrounds, visitor centers and other facilities dot the park’s 466 miles of paved roads. To leave the beaten path, go to one of the park’s 92 trailheads, leading to more than 1,000 miles of backcountry trails. Come early; come often. An annual pass allowing unlimited access to the park is $70, while a seven-day pass for a private car full of visitors is $35. A visitor riding a motorcycle or snowmobile
W H A T
pays $30. Those walking in or riding a bike pay $20 apiece. An annual interagency pass that covers admission to most national parks and federal recreation areas throughout the United States is $80. Discounted passes are available for senior citizens, U.S. Military personnel, and visitors with disabilities. Fourth-graders also can receive a free park pass. On Sept. 22 — National Public Lands Day — visitors can get into the park for free. Fees also are waived Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Roads are open 24 hours a day throughout the park though the summer, although various road construction projects are planned. Construction crews will be working this year to improve a 3.5-mile section of the East Entrance Road between Fishing Bridge and Indian Pond. Travelers should “should expect 30-minute delays between Fishing Bridge and Indian Pond,” the park said in a news release. The exception will
be the Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends, when traffic will be allowed to travel freely. The East Entrance will effectively close roughly a month early, on Oct. 15, to allow crews to work on Fishing Bridge. Travelers will still be allowed to enter the gate through Nov. 5, but they’ll only be able to go as far as Sedge Bay, leaving them unable to reach any other parts of Yellowstone. For current conditions and road construction schedules, call 307-344-2117 or visit www. nps.gov/yell. Information about Yellowstone is also available at the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce along U.S. Highway 14-A or at visitor information offices in gateway cities like Cody and Cooke City, Montana. (To drive to Cooke City, take the scenic Chief Joseph Highway off Wyo. 120 about 16 miles north of Cody and follow the signs leading to the park’s Northeast Entrance.)
lair hotels H A P P E N S
H E R E
L A S T S
A
L I F E T I M E
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Blair Hotels offers more than a place to stay: we offer warm, welcoming getaways designed for unforgettable experiences. Near iconic natural attractions like Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons and Mount Rushmore. Five resort-style hotels in the Rocky Mountain West towns of Buffalo, Cody and Riverton, WY Restaurant & Lounge, Heated Pool, and Shopping On-site with Free Airport Shuttle
®
PAGE 38 »
ON THE ROAD
w w w. b l a i r h o t e l s . c o m
at the Heart of Powell on 14A!
Car Wash
• Full-service deli • Package liquor department • Open 7 days/week
r! e Cente & Lub
• Fuel Center • Lube Center • Touchless Car Wash
www.blairsmarket.com
331 West Coulter • Powell • 307-754-3122
A ‘Once in a Lifetime Image’ captured
to Yellowstone
4X6 - $10
5X7 - $13
Powell, WY photographer Michelle Giltner captured this image in May 2017. To order reprints visit powelltribune. mycapture.com and look for the “Two Bears” album under “All Albums.” 1 6 X 2 0 C A N VA S $ 2 0 5 5 0
OT H E R S I Z ES AVA I L A B L E U P O N R EQU EST. 8X10 - $20
*Sales Tax and Shipping & Handling additional and varies depending on destination.
307-754-2221 • 128 S outh Bent Street Powell, W yoming • w w w.powelltribune.com ON THE ROAD » PAGE 39
I T T O ! G S ’ R G I B . . . G N I H T Y N A T A L M OS Complete Wrangler Outfitter
Clothing Department
HONDA
EU2200i Generator
$99900
SPORTING GOODS by Federal, Eagle Claw, Daiwa, Ruger, Panther Martin, Outdoor Edge, Leatherman, Smith & Wesson, Remington and Winchester
Tools & Hardware
by Stanley, Allied Tool, DeWalt and Quality Nut & Bolt.
Automotive Parts sku391418
by Fram, Pennzoil, Havoline, Autolite, Quaker State, STP & Turtle Wax.
If you forgot something ... We probably have it!
It’s like ten stores under one roof!
CAMPING SUPPLIES YETI Coolers, Rubbermaid Coolers, Rayovac Flashlights & Batteries, Honda Generators & Much More!
POWELL • 307-754-9521 455 South Absaroka
Hours: Mon-Sat------ 7:30am-6pm Sunday-----------10:00am-4:30pm
VISIT US ONLINE : W W W.LINTONSBIGR .COM PAGE 40 »
ON THE ROAD