Destination Sheridan Fall 2016 by Kristen Czaban

FALL/WINTER 2016

Continuing Culture

FEATURES COLLECTION Native American artifacts on display at The Brinton Museum

POWWOW The tradition of powwow in the Crow Nation and Northern Cheyenne tribes

MUSIC THE GREAT

OUTDOORS 28 29 30 32 32 34 36 38 42

Sledding Ice ﬁshing Bighorn Mountains Snowmobiling Bighorn Mountain lodges Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing Winter bicycling tips Sheridan County hunting outlook Hunting violations to avoid

ALSO INCLUDED: 92 City of Sheridan map 94 Community of Big Horn 96 Community of Story 97 Town of Clearmont 98 Town of Ranchester 100 Town of Dayton 102 Wyoming Information Center 104 Advertising directory 106 Sheridan County Census Data 4

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ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT 64 66 70 72

The Brinton Museum Winter day trips Whitney Rink Local breweries 6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT EACH

74 Sheridan theater scene 76 Sagebrush Community Art Center 77 Sheridan County Public Library System 78 Community holiday dinner 80 Christmas stroll 82 Craft bazaars 84 Sheridan County Museum 86 Trail End Museum 88 Area battleﬁelds 90 Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area BY THE NUMBERS

ABOVE: A dancer competes in the middle of the arbor during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair in August 2016.

Fall/Winter 2016

Mixing tradition with modern hip hop

ICONIC Key ﬁgures in local Native American history

LEGEND The Elvis Old Bull story

INTRICATE Traditional Crow tribal beading of Birdie Real Bird

50 CONTINUING CULTURE

54 SPOKEN The diversity of Native American languages

60 WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

WELCOME TO

SHERIDAN! From the Mayor From the Chamber I’m excited to be a part of the team at the city of Sheridan. The quality of life here is second to none. We will continue to protect and enhance our quality of life while working to diversify our economy. Agriculture, tourism and energy will always be our mainstays, but we’re working to bring in other businesses that will be a good ﬁt for the community. We want our kids to be able to stay here and prosper if they so desire. We value our senior citizens and a healthy local economy is critical to providing the services to make those golden years enjoyable and comfortable. Sheridan is a fun place to live and visit. We want to keep it that way. Parks and pathways, street festivals, the world famous WYO Rodeo, First People’s Powwow, the Suds N’ Spurs Brewfest, the Best of the West Barbecue Festival — the list goes on and on. We are the midpoint between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. Building upon these events will keep folks here for a couple days and keep them coming back. Sheridan has a true pioneering spirit, and the people of this community are generous in nature. I feel blessed to live here in such a beautiful area surrounded by so many wonderful people. My door is always open and I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Building a better tomorrow,

John Heath, Mayor City of Sheridan

of Commerce Welcome to Sheridan and the surrounding area. While here, we invite you to discover Sheridan and explore Sheridan’s rich heritage along with its varied activities and cultural offerings, such as museums and battle sites, concerts and art galleries, world renowned hiking, ﬁshing, golf and a wide array of winter sports. Escape to the solitude of the Bighorn Mountains to see for yourself why Sheridan County is an outdoor lover’s dream. Stroll the streets in our historic downtown and bedroom communities to discover our quaint shops, restaurants and art. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors, while relaxing in our beautiful town. Sheridan has it all, from quality schools and medical facilities to safe streets and friendly neighbors. Businesses here enjoy a taxfriendly business climate, low property taxes and no state income tax, as well as access to a well-trained and ready workforce. In fact, the Sheridan area is the perfect place to start and grow your business. I invite you to stop by the Chamber of Commerce, located on our Historic Main Street, to learn more about the tremendous opportunities awaiting you in Sheridan and the surrounding area. We will connect you to the resources that will certainly enhance your stay in Sheridan. It is our pleasure to welcome you for a day, a week or a lifetime!

Dixie Johnson, CEO

Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce

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DESTINATION

SHERIDAN VOLUME 5 NUMBER 4 Published October 2016 Destination Sheridan is a lifestyle and tourism magazine dedicated to serving the greater Sheridan area. Its circulation reach is into visitor centers, places of hospitality, motels, local businesses and other establishments in the greater northern Wyoming area, South Dakota, Montana and Colorado, and home delivery customers of The Sheridan Press. It is also available online at thesheridanpress.com and destinationsheridan.com. Stephen Woody Publisher Phil Ashley Marketing director Kristen Czaban Managing editor Jon Cates Art director Nicole Scoﬁeld Graphic designer Cammry Lapka Graphic designer

CONTRIBUTORS Janea LaMeres, Sales Lisa Marosok, Sales Maureen Legerski, Sales Chad Riegler, Operations Becky Martini, Ofﬁce manager Justin Sheely, Photojournalist Mike Pruden, Journalist Kristin Magnusson, Journalist Mike Dunn, Journalist Shawnie Detavernier, Journalist All photos in Destination Sheridan are by Justin Sheely or are ﬁle photos from The Sheridan Press archives unless otherwise noted. Copyright Sheridan Newspapers, Inc.

ON THE COVER Feathers and ribbons ripple as dancers compete in the middle of the arbor during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair at Crow Agency, Montana in August 2016. Crow Fair started in 1904 and is currently the largest gathering of Native Americans of the great plains tribes. All uncredited stories are from Shawnie Detavernier.

From Sheridan Travel & Tourism

From the county commissioners

Howdy, stranger. Welcome to Sheridan. A breathtaking vision of the New West, Sheridan is Wyoming’s emerald city. Historic downtown doors swing wide open to extend a warm hospitality as legendary as the icons and outlaws that once roamed these parts, while fabled history and dramatic mountain vistas meet Western graces and the serenity of wide-open spaces. Gaze at the neon signs lining Main Street in our historic downtown, embrace Native American history at the remarkable Brinton Museum, ride out into the ranches that dot the foothills and hike the endless canyons that bookend the Bighorns. This is Wyoming the way it was always meant to be. Welcome to the thrillseeker’s wonderland. The Wyoming experience lives in every ponderosa pine, alpine lake, worn-out saddle and secret canyon in Sheridan. Summit the legendary peaks of the Bighorn Mountains, crush fresh powder on skis or sleds, sing your heart out at a Third Thursday Street Festival and unwind on a patio with a pint of local liquid gold in hand. Epic events, live music, wilderness hikes, world-class museums, remarkable ranches and hotels, Indian battleﬁelds and more live at the base of the Bighorns. This is a place where cowboys convene over craft beer and coffee, where pronghorn spring over canvasses colored with Indian paintbrush, and where the majestic peaks of northern Wyoming stand forever proud. Fabled cowboys once kicked up their boots at the Sheridan Inn, while modern mavericks revel in Old West charm at Sheridan’s bistros, cafes and brewpubs. Whether you’ve come exploring in winter, summer, spring or fall, now is the time to discover Sheridan. Outdoor opportunities are near limitless when you’re roaming the open range on horseback, backpacking unchartered territory or ﬁshing pristine mountain waters. Ski some of the country’s most remote backcountry, climb to unfathomable heights in the Cloud Peak Wilderness or Tongue River Canyon or bike miles of country trails as you close in on the mountains. Sheridan is the trailhead to Wyoming’s boldest outdoor experiences. Sheridan’s calendar features epic summer events like the WYO Rodeo, Big Horn Country USA and the Wyoming Theater Festival, while the Suds N’ Spurs Brewfest, Don King Days, Biketoberfest (and more) round out the year. From the stage of the WYO Theater to the history housed in The Brinton Museum, to the statues lining the streets of downtown, arts and culture are alive and thriving throughout Sheridan. “Howdy, stranger,” isn’t just a greeting around here – it’s also an invitation. This is Sheridan, Wyoming. We hope you’ll love it out here, naturally.

The Sheridan County Board of County Commissioners welcomes you to Sheridan County, which was established in 1888. We are justiﬁably proud of our Western heritage and culture embodied in the ﬁne people who choose to live, work and raise their families in Sheridan County. They make the area the special place that it is. Area residents are known for their hospitality, community spirit, volunteerism and generosity. They are the county’s greatest resource. The main role of Sheridan County government is to ensure that Sheridan County continues to be a wonderful place to live and that conditions and services maintain pace with public need. Foremost among these efforts is comprehensive land use planning that strives to maintain the existing quality of life for current and future generations balanced by a healthy respect for individual property rights. This planning process depends on public input and participation. Sheridan County is fortunate to have so many stakeholders willing to participate in the planning process. Sheridan County as a destination, whether for recreation, vacation or relocation of your home or business, has much to offer — its people, its landscape, its diversity, its quality of life. We are protective of what we have, but we are willing to share it with others and welcome new people, new businesses, new ideas and a shared interest in our wonderful heritage. Come and see us. You’ll be more than welcome.

Shawn Parker, executive director Sheridan Travel & Tourism 8

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Sheridan County commissioners

PICTURED, from left, are Bob Rolston, Steve Maier, Terry Cram, Mike Nickel and Tom Ringley.

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TALENTED

CONTRIBUTORS KRISTEN Czaban

STEPHEN Woody

Kristen Czaban has been with The Sheridan Press since June 2008 and has covered the entire gamut of beats including government, crime, business and the outdoors. Before heading west, she graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s in journalism.

Stephen Woody ﬁrst began visiting Sheridan and the Bighorns in 1976. Over time, with children along for the ride and now with grandchildren, he’s visited mountain lakes and streams, city parks and most often, golf courses.

KRISTIN Magnusson

MIKE Pruden

Kristin Magnusson grew up in a rural town near Louisville, Kentucky. In 2003, she moved to Denver to earn a bachelor’s degree in multimedia studies and broaden her horizons. In 2009, Kristin moved to Sheridan, where she worked in video, as a ranch hand and veterinary assistant. In April of 2016, she started a new adventure at The Sheridan Press.

Mike Pruden moved to Sheridan by way of Indiana to begin working as sports editor at The Sheridan Press in June 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from Ball State University and an unhealthy obsession for sports.

MIKE Dunn Mike Dunn has been with The Sheridan Press since January 2015 and covers general news and sports. A native of eastern Washington, he moved to the Equality State to attend the University of Wyoming, where he graduated in December 2013. When he is not watching Wyoming Cowboy football or Seattle Mariners baseball, he enjoys taking walks with his dogs on the many paths throughout Sheridan.

ONLINE AT: www.thesheridanpress.com

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JUSTIN Sheely Justin Sheely came to Sheridan from his hometown of Billings, Montana, in 2008 and later joined The Sheridan Press in 2012 as a full-time photojournalist. He is involved with his local church and supports a photography club in Sheridan.

ART DIRECTOR JON Cates Jon Cates has worked in the Creative Services Department at The Sheridan Press since early 2010. He is an alumnus of Northern Michigan University. On any given evening most of the year, he can be found taking in a hockey game on TV.

COLLECTION Native American artifacts on display at The Brinton Museum by Mike Dunn

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LEFT: In the John and Adrienne Mars Gallery of American Indian Art “To Honor the Plains Nations” Gallery at The Brinton Museum, the display cases do not have tops, maintaining the theme of the open sky the Plains Indians lived under.

heridan County is surrounded by Native American culture. The Crow call the Bighorn Mountains “Basawaxaawúua,” or “our mountains.” One of the most famous battles, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, was fought only one hour’s drive away. To the east of Sheridan, a half dozen tribes revere the Black Hills and Devils Tower as one of the most spiritual areas for their people.

So in the heart of Native American culture, it makes sense that a Sheridan museum would have one of the most impressive collections of Indian artifacts in the American West. Only 12 miles south of Sheridan, The Brinton Museum holds an array of historical art and artifacts from various Native American tribes. The John and Adrienne Mars Gallery of American Indian Art on the second ﬂoor of the museum holds an exhibit called “To Honor The Plains Nations.” The exhibit has more than 80 pieces of art and authentic relics from American in-

digenous people. “This is really a strong collection of American Indian art,” Kenneth Schuster, the director and chief curator of The Brinton, said. “It’s really one of the best collections you can ﬁnd anywhere.” Schuster reveres the exhibit as one of the more important rooms in the building. In some ways, the exhibit is treated more as a church than a room in a museum. The exhibit was designed under the inﬂuence of Father Peter J. Powell, a wellknown Native American scholar and an adopted

LEFT: A display with Kiowa leggings, shirt and a girl’s dress are seen in the John and Adrienne Mars Gallery of American Indian Art at The Brinton Museum.

RIGHT: A Crow baby cradle is displayed in the John and Adrienne Mars Gallery of American Indian Art at The Brinton Museum.

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Collection member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Under his vision, the exhibit highlights the spiritual aspects of the Plains Indians’ art and the work they put into their crafts. “We treat the things in here with the idea they were created from a spiritual nature,” Schuster said. “We want to not only display the beauty, but the spiritual aspects, and why the American Indians put so much craftsmanship into them.” While the number of artifacts is enough to keep history enthusiasts busy, perhaps it’s the variety that makes the exhibit most impressive. Included are robes, war bonnets, painted war shirts, dresses, jewelry, horse gear, blanket strips and much more. All of them are 100 percent authentic. Original pieces are not cheap. Often, the museum has to shell out six-ﬁgures to obtain a Native American artifact or piece of clothing. Many of those items were purchased by Forrest E. Mars Jr., the late business man who donated millions of dollars to build the new museum facility. “Without him, we wouldn’t have many of the artifacts we have today,” Schuster said. Native American art and artifacts have long been a cornerstone of The Brinton Museum. Bradford Brinton himself col-

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lected American Indian artifacts from all regions of the country; from the Plains Indians and the tribes of the southwest to the indigenous people from the Paciﬁc Northwest.

Recently, The Brinton Museum received several artifacts from the Goelet and Edith Gallatin Collection of American Indian Art and Artifacts. The collection, which was on loan to

the Art Institute of Chicago for the past 40 years, was gifted to the museum by the Foundation for the Preservation of American Indian Art and Culture, of which Powell is the president. “It’s a testament to Father Powell’s dedication to the Plains Indians people,” Schuster said. Sam Weis, a museum enthusiast from Islamorada, Florida, has seen many museums containing Native American artifacts but said that The Brinton’s collection may take the cake. “The way that it’s curated ... the way it’s lit and displayed — you certainly don’t feel like you’ve stepped too far outside,” Weis said. “It just feels alive (in the exhibit).”

‘‘

We want to not only display the beauty, but the spiritual aspects, and why the American Indians put so much craftsmanship into them.

ABOVE: Various Native American artifacts in the John and Adrienne Mars Gallery of American Indian Art at The Brinton Museum.

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”

Kenneth Schuster

ABOVE: A dancer competes in the

middle of the arbor during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair at Crow Agency, Montana, in August 2016.

POWWOW The tradition of powwow in the Crow Nation and Northern Cheyenne tribes by Kristin Magnusson

powwow is a celebration and a gathering that allows Native Americans to show off and share their heritage and culture. The songs and dances are based on stories and traditions that have been followed and passed on for hundreds of years. It is a time to come together, have a good time and heal the soul. According to the American Indian Heritage Foundation, powwow is the white man’s word for the Indian word “pauwau,” which originally referred to a heal-

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-ing ceremony conducted by the spiritual or religious leaders of various tribes. They were held to celebrate a successful hunt and to to thank the spirits for a bountiful harvest. They also prepared warriors for battle. According to Sheridan Travel and Tourism Executive Director Shawn Parker, powwows are an important part of Native American heritage and that heritage is deeply rooted in Sheridan’s history and the history of the Bighorn Mountain region. Events like powwows are culturally

Powwow

TOP: A dancer performs during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair 2016.

ABOVE: A young dancer shades her face during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair.

BELOW: A young dancer pauses during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair.

signiﬁcant. In an ever homogenizing society, it is important that Sheridan supports efforts to keep those traditions alive. “It’s good to be able to display the tribes that neighbor each other,” Northern Cheyenne tribal member Benji Headswift said. “To be able to explain the differences between how they dance and celebrate and how we dance and celebrate, and help decipher a little bit of the powwow meaning.” According to Richard West, director of the National Museum of the American Indian in an article for North Carolina State University, “One of the things the federal government did in the dog days of adverse Indian policy was to separate Indian communities from one another. Powwows are a powerful contemporary device for Indians to get together. In that respect, powwows are a potent cultural and social connector among contemporary Indian communities.” Each tribe has its own interpretation of powwows. Powwows are used for war party celebrations upon successful return from battle. Other powwows are used to honor loved ones, returning veterans or new dancers to the circle.

“

According to Indian Education for All — Your Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Powwows, developed by Murton McCluskey Ed.D. and published by the Montana Ofﬁce of Public Instruction, most religious ceremonies, such as naming ceremonies, are no longer part of the powwows. They are now more often conducted in the privacy of a family. Honoring ceremonies and ceremonies for a dropped eagle feather remain today. “The only thing that brings two tribes together is that drum,” said Truman Jefferson Ropes Good, a Crow leader. “The beat and the rhythm, both tribes understand that and they dance to it, but in their own different style.” According to West, the drum is one of the most important things to the Native American culture, because the culture centers around the drum. If there were no drum or singers, there would be no powwow. The drum is the heartbeat of the Earth Mother, and drumming brings everyone back into balance. Through dancing, singing and listening the people around the drum can connect with spirits. The fast dance for the Crow is called the

To be able to explain the differences between how they dance and celebrate and how we dance and celebrate, and help decipher a little bit of the powwow meaning.

Benji Headswift 18

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”

Powwow

“

Powwow keeps the tradition going and you see the young dancers getting better and better.

Butch Jellis

”

Chicken Dance. The Northern Cheyenne counterpart is called the Fancy Dance. The Crows dance as a large group and the Northern Cheyenne dance in groups of two or three so individuals can display their talent. The Crows are audibly louder with bells on their legs and feet, while the Northern Cheyenne are visually louder with bright, flashy outfits. According to the American Indian Heritage Foundation, powwow ceremonies were conducted to celebrate the circle of life and all things living and spiritual. Ancient stories handed down through generations are acted out, keeping history alive. “The origins of a dance might come from a vision, might come from a story, might come from lineage that has come down through the family histories,” Headswift said. According to Ropes Good, the Crow’s Chicken Dance is derived from the mating dance of the sage grouse. “It was a time of mating,” Ropes Good explained. “The rooster was out there dancing, going around in circles, watching the female and then he stopped and vibrated. Traditionally, that’s how the dance started. The bustle on our outfits was copied from the prairie chicken. The feathers come up on the bird’s head when it is dancing, which inspired our headdresses. We are the only ones that use the bustle, bells and the porcupine roach.” The traditional clothing that their ancestors wore every day inspired the outfits of the Northern Cheyenne. The modern generations took the traditional styles, colors and leggings from the past and added long fringed capes, multiple bustles and bright colors to accentuate the pageantry of the dances for competition. “The women’s dress is a traditional dress,

LEFT: A dancer carries the U.S. ﬂag into the arbor during the grand entry powwow during Crow Fair at Crow Agency, Montana, in August 2016. Crow Fair started in 1904 and is currently the largest gathering of Native Americans of the Plains tribes. The week-long celebration includes parades, powwow dance competitions and rodeo. Year after year Crow Fair has imparted the cultural heritage and language of the Plains tribes on to the next generation. 20

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what they wear every day,” Headswift said. “A great-grandmother might have worn a dress for her wedding and passed it on. That is why the dancer wears it today.” Each tribe has a different approach to song at the powwows. According to West, songs are started with a lead line sung by the head singer to let the drummers and dancers know which song is coming up. A drummer will then take up the lead line and the rest of the drummers will join in. At that time, the dancers join in. Loud beats during songs are sometimes called “Honor Beats” and are meant for the dancers to honor the drum. In northern tribes these beats are generally during the verses and in southern tribes they are between verses. “There are words that say it’s a good day today that we are here together dancing,” Ropes Good said. “Each song has a different tempo. There are words that portray how they feel. The words are celebratory and they are in Crow.” The Northern Cheyenne reserve songs with words for memorial songs,

honor songs, veterans songs, ﬂag songs tots and now they are champion dancand victory songs. According to Head- ers. Some of the guys that are drumming swift, language is appropriate for those and singing, same thing. Now they are times because the songs require a certain major singers in competition. Also, meaning. Those songs are not used in nobody parades better than the Crow. the powwow atmosphere. That’s when they strike out single ﬁle, “The sounds that we make with orig- Crow style.” inal style singing is representative of the old way of how they used to sing,” Headswift said. “The majority of the sounds we make with our songs are considered vocables, sounds without meaning. It’s the way that sound comes out and it moves you.” According to Butch Jellis, an adopted member of the Crow Tribe, different tribes are invited every year to powwow in Sheridan. Arapahoe, Shoshone and Blackfoot have come as well to RIGHT: celebrate their cultures. The Crow A dancer powwow in Sheridan because this competes is Crow country, Crow land, Jellis during the said. grand entry “Powwow keeps the tradition powwow going and you see the young dancduring ers getting better and better,” Jellis Crow Fair. said. “I’ve been watching some of these dancers since they were tiny

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Supaman by Mike Pruden

T All photos in this story are courtesy of Supaman.

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here’s a stigma that comes with hip-hop music. It’s a stigma that aims a negative light on the culture of rap music. Rapper Killer Mike and University of Richmond assistant professor Erik Nielson co-penned an op-ed for USA Today in 2015 discussing the issue. “No other fictional form — musical, literary or cinematic — is used this way in the courts, a concerning double standard that research suggests is rooted, at least in part, in stereotypes about the people of color primarily associated with rap music, as well as the misconception that hip-hop and the artists behind it are dangerous.” It’s a stigma that many rappers are trying to break away from or more so disprove altogether. “It is true that hip-hop has been scarred by violence,” the op-ed reads. “Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., for example, two of rap’s most important and inﬂuential artists, were killed in the

prime of their careers. But for each instance of violence, there are countless examples of lives saved or made stronger. Trust us on this: The kids spending hours per day writing rap songs aren’t a threat to society; they are often trying to escape the threats from society.” Christian Parrish Takes the Gun, who goes by the stage name “Supaman,” is right at the forefront of the group of emcees using the genre for good. Supaman has combined that aspiration for spreading positivity with his Native American upbringing — he’s from Crow Agency, Montana — to break the mold on two separate stereotypes. The WYO Theater is in the process of bringing the rapper to Sheridan as he continues spreading his messages of positivity through music and dance. But before he graces the Sheridan stage, The Sheridan Press dove into the mind of Supaman and the creation of a fan base that’s reached nearly 100,000 likes on Facebook.

When did you become Supaman?

SUPAMAN:

Before I started being an emcee or a rapper, I was a DJ. I never did have a DJ name. I was just going by DJ Chris. Not too extravagant there. We were going to a DJ battle in Billings, and one of my friends was like, “Man, you need a different name.” And he was just like, “Just use a comic book character.” So we went through some different comic book characters and he says, “Just use Superman, because you’re drug and alcohol free, you try to do good, but you still want to be dangerous.” So I ended up using that name and ended up winning that battle, so it’s kind of stuck with me.

How did the DJing transition into rapping?

SUPAMAN:

We started liking it early on when the B-boying and the breakdancing were really popular, so we started doing that ﬁrst, actually. Coming from Crow, growing up we always thought, yeah this is a cool music style, but it’s really not our culture. It’s cool to play around with and be involved in, but it’s kind of like we didn’t have the right to be an emcee. We weren’t really fully serious until we saw some other Natives doing it. There were some other Native Americans that were kind of really using it as a voice for the people. We were like, “Oh, these guys are doing it. Cool.” They were embraced by the people. It kind of encouraged us, kind of empowered us to be serious about it.

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SUPAMAN

How does the miseducation of Native culture tie into the hip-hop culture?

SUPAMAN:

MORE INFO: Supaman hopes to release his new album later this year. To keep up with the Crow rapper, you can like his Facebook page, follow him on Twitter (@supamanhiphop) and Instagram (billyills). You can check out his music at www.soundcloud.com/greasyface.

There’s always people who don’t agree. On the hip-hop side, it’s “No, no, you can’t do that.” And on the Native side it’s, “You need to stick to our traditions, and our songs need to be kept this way.” That was just a normal life to be part of Native, powwow culture. And then we had hip-hop culture, and we always kept those separate. We never put them together, because I knew that that was like taboo. Early on it was like, “Nah, I don’t want to do that or I’m going to catch some heck.” Now, I feel like as I’m growing older, and I’m a man and more mature, as long as the heart’s in a good place, it’s good to do that. As long as you know where you come from, and you’re keeping those things pure in the Native culture, you can put them together as long as your intentions are good. We have to walk in these two worlds. To put them together in hip-hop form is awesome. It’s a good thing, especially when you’re tying to give the good message, and you’re heart’s in the right place. In my music, I don’t cuss; I don’t talk about drinking or doing drugs. I’m always trying to empower the listener and touch them wherever they are and highlight different issues that are going on in life.

So what’s on the horizon for Supaman?

SUPAMAN:

Since I started doing my videos in my outﬁts, that’s what people wanted to see. That has become Supaman. They want to hear the instruments and the production leaning more toward the Native side, so I’m trying to ﬁnish an album kind of in that lane. I’ve been touring like crazy; bookings don’t stop. I’m blessed to be able to go out and perform and share at schools, conferences, all types of venues. It’s been really a great blessing. 26

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THE GREAT

OUTDOORS SLEDDING

or young and old alike, sledding remains a favorite pastime in the Sheridan area.

While there are numerous hills that lend themselves to the downward slide on snow, three in particular have gained popularity amongst Sheridan area residents. One, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arrowhead Bowl,â&#x20AC;? is located in the Bighorn Mountains just past Arrowhead Lodge on U.S. Highway 14. On any given winter day, especially on weekends, enthusiasts can be found parked on the side of the highway unloading their sleds. Often, parents and friends on snowmobiles haul the sledders back to the top of the hill to prolong the day of fun without running out of energy. Two other popular hills are located in Sheridan city limits. The first is located in west Thorne-Rider Park across from the Goose

Creek pedestrian bridge. Parking is available off of 11th Street on the north end of Madia Field. The sledding hill is steep with a berm at the bottom to slow recreationists down before they enter the creek. Linden Hill has also been a popular sledding spot in town for years. In recent years, the fence at the bottom of the hill was moved and city staff repaired boards on the stairs that make their way to the top. Linden Hill is located behind the Child Development Center, but sled at your own risk. The hill can get pretty icy.

ABOVE: Gabe Frederick launches off a snow-packed ramp at the bowl between Dayton and Bear Lodge off Highway 14.

To obtain ob copies of Destination Sheridan, contact The Sheridan Press at 307-672-2431. con 28

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ICE FISHING

hen it comes to ice fishing, staying warm might test your patience, but the activity is definitely worth a try for those willing to brave it. Sibley Lake and Lake DeSmet provide easy access from Sheridan for ice fishers. With a wide array of wellkept secrets and some longer drives, there are plenty of opportunities to try the popular winter activity in the area. When it comes to treading on ice, safety is always important. “Ice conditions often fluctuate throughout the winter months as water levels in lakes and reservoirs change, and freezing and thawing weather patterns come and go and can contribute to unstable ice

conditions,” according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Four inches of clear ice is usually safe for fishing, according to the WGFD, and they recommend that ice be checked every 100 to 150 feet. Ice on rivers, in particular, can prove dangerous as moving water underneath can change conditions quickly. For this reason, the state recommends that anglers stay off rivers. Other recommendations from the WGFD include not driving ATVs or vehicles on the ice and always fishing with a buddy. Always bring a floatation device and an ice pick in case you fall in. Be sure to get your fishing license and stamp before heading out on any fishing adventure.

ABOVE: Joe Reed, left, waits by his ice hole as Dave Debban baits his line for ice ﬁshing at Sibley Lake in the Bighorn National Forest. Despite the cold conditions, the ice ﬁshers said they love the activity because it gets them outside and among friends and family. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

BIGHORN MOUNTAINS

he opportunities in the Bighorn Mountains for enjoyable day hikes are endless – whether adventurers choose to follow established trails or blaze their own. The following is a list of some well-loved trails in the area. A complete list of trails and a map of the Bighorn National Forest is available from the U.S. Forest Service Ofﬁce located at 2013 East Second St. in Sheridan.

TONGUE RIVER CANYON To reach this trailhead, head west on U.S. Highway 14 to County Road 92 just before Dayton. The trailhead begins at the end of County Road 92 and continues 11.2 miles to Forest Service Road 196. It is not necessary to hike the entire distance, however. Many locals make

Tongue River Canyon a short day-trip to enjoy the sounds of the Tongue River and enjoy the beauty of high canyon walls towering above. Those willing to trek up the canyon are rewarded with an open meadow ﬁlled with wildﬂowers in the spring.

BLACK MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT This trail will take you to the historic Black Mountain ﬁre lookout built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The elevation of the lookout is 9,500 feet, and it provides spectacular views south toward Black Tooth Mountain and east toward Steamboat Point. Black Mountain lookout is a rewarding but relatively short day hike, clocking

in at approximately 2 miles from the camping area off of Black Mountain Road. There is a two-seater outhouse at the top before the last rocky jaunt to the lookout. To reach the trailhead, travel west on Highway 14, turn onto Forest Road 16 (Black Mountain Road) and then head east on Forest Service Road 222.

MEDICINE WHEEL NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK While the drive from Sheridan to this historic landmark takes time, the impact of the site on visitors is signiﬁcant. Constructed approximately 700 years ago, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is believed to have been built by a member of the Crow Tribe before the tribes that now occupy the area arrived. The landmark is made of rocks gathered in the area and arranged into a “wheel” with 28 spokes about 8 feet long that radiate from a center pile of stones. The piles of rocks at the end of

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each spoke line up with stars to mark important dates in Crow culture. The walk to the landmark from the parking area is approximately 2 miles. To ﬁnd this important piece of Wyoming history, follow Highway 14 west and turn onto Highway 14A. Turn onto Forest Service Road 12 and travel 2 miles to ﬁnd the parking area, which also offers restroom facilities.

Note: Highway 14A closes for most of the winter.

STEAMBOAT POINT A breathtaking landmark in the Bighorn Mountains, Steamboat Point is visible from U.S. Highway 14 and resembles the bow of a steamboat, especially during a fogfilled morning. Hikers can make the trek to the top of Steamboat Point

for 360-degree views of the Bighorns and surrounding valleys. The hike is just under 1 mile but is a steep climb. Parking is available at the base of Steamboat Point, approximately 19 miles up Highway 14 from the town of Dayton.

SIBLEY LAKE This oft-traveled trail boasts two picnic areas, a campground and the lake with ďŹ shing and boating access. The trail system in the area provides hiking options in the summer and Nordic ski and snowshoe trails in the winter. The trail includes several miles for exploration around the man-made

lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and also winds into mountain meadows and back to a warming hut west of the lake. To reach Sibley Lake, travel west on U.S. Highway 14 past Steamboat Point and Black Mountain Road, following signs to Sibley Lake.

Looking for more? Find more outdoor adventure options online at: www.destinationsheridan.com www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn www.sheridanwyoming.org www.sheridanclt.org WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

The Great Outdoors

LODGES L

SNOWMOBILING The Bighorn Mountains boast 193 miles of well-marked and groomed trails, an additional 22 miles of ungroomed trails and thousands of acres of unbroken powder meadows. The Wyoming Department of State Parks, the Bighorn National Forest and local snowmobiling clubs work cooperatively to maintain the area’s trail system. Riding seasons span November to April with elevations varying from 7,500 feet to

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10,000 feet. Wyoming law requires that snowmobiles have a resident or nonresident user fee decal on the machine, according to the Bighorn National Forest. For those unfamiliar with the area, a tour guide is recommended. A list of the many trails can be found under the recreation/ winter sports section of the Bighorn National Forest website. Also, a full list of rules and safety tips can be found in the Northern Wyoming Snowmobiles Trail Map.

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odges in the area offer sanctuary for travelers and locals after they participate in the many activities that the mountains and landscape of Wyoming offer year round.

Fall and winter months offer different activities and attract thrill seekers from all around the country. The Wyoming High Country Lodge located in the Bighorn Mountains welcomes guests for fall activities such as hunting and ﬁshing in the area. Matt Edwards, the lodge maintance manager, said that the lodge usually gets snowed in for the winter and sends snowmobiles to pick up guests planning to stay at the lodge. “We offer ATV tours up through November with guided tours as well,” Edwards said. “The tours last four hours; we pack a lunch and go up to the Bighorn Mountains, which you can’t access without an ATV.” Additional activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow kiting with winter vehicles such as snowmobiles also available to rent. The lodge also offers meals for hungry winter recreationists. The Bighorn Mountains are home to several lodges; four of those lodges are owned by Wayne and Holli Jones. Their lodges include South Fork Lodge, Meadowlark Ski Lodge, Meadowlark Lake Resort and Deer Haven Lodge. The fall season brings hikers, fishermen and hunters visiting the lodges in the Bighorn Mountains. Kayaks and paddleboats are also available for an afternoon at Meadowlark Lake Lodge. “We see a lot of hunters in the fall that use our lodges and visit the restaurants that are open seven days a week,” Wayne Jones said. In the winter, the Meadowlark Ski Lodge sees more than 8,000 visitors annually. “We have a lot of locals come and see us. But we’ve had skiers from many other

countries come as well. It surprises me when we get skiers from other countries, but they are usually visiting friends or family that live locally,” Jones said. The ski area offers new opportunities for those who haven’t utilized the area in years. “This summer the Forest Service approved us to reshape the beginners ski trail,” Jones said. “We did a lot of dirt work. Moving and reshaping an entire run from a double fall line, which would make it difﬁcult for beginners, removing that double fall line and putting in a gradual gentle slope which is more consistent all the way down.” Many additions could make the ski slopes almost unrecognizable to people who visited years ego. “The number one thing I still struggle with the Sheridan market is people don’t realize they skied our runs years ago,” Jones said. “We have a new slope lift, added 300 feet of vertical to our runs and have 15 more runs, and so the problem is if they skied at Meadowlark 20 years ago, it’s nothing like 20 years ago. People don’t know how big we are.” Winter activities at the lodges of the Bighorns will get underway with the opportunity to rent snowmobiles and travel the trails around the Bighorn Mountains. The Bighorn Mountains offer visitors and locals beautiful scenery and numerous activities year round. Lodges on the northern half of the Bighorns include Bear Lodge, Elk View Inn and Arrowhead Lodge. The lodges offer opportunities for hunters and winter enthusiasts looking for a place to rest after a day of exploration and adventure. Snowmobiles are also available for rent.

The Great Outdoors

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING

or the winter sports enthusiast wishing to avoid the drone of a snowmobile motor, the Bighorn Mountains offer six cross-country ski and snowshoeing areas.

DOGS WELCOME

“These trails have yet to be discovered by most Nordic skiers and offer plenty of solitude,” according to the Bighorn National Forest. Trails can be accessed from U.S. Highway 14 coming from Sheridan and from U.S. Highway 16 coming from Buffalo. Willow Park and Pole Creek, in particular, offer great cross-country skiing opportunities. Trails are open December through May.

NEAR SHERIDAN 1

Sibley Lake #558: Some loops provide for skate/ski opportunities, snowshoers are also welcome. These trails are track set for classic skiing therefore dogs are not allowed. Trail begins and ends at Sibley Lake parking.

Cutler Hill #552: Cross-country ski or snowshoe with your dog on gentle slopes, spur trails and a meadow loop. From Dayton, take Highway 14 west 19 miles. The parking lot is on the north side of the road. This is a popular trail for Sheridan residents.

Antelope Butte #559: The trail is divided into four loops — providing for a variety of skill levels. The trail winds through lodgepole pine forests and breaks into large open parks offering the skier excellent scenic views. Located about 40 miles east of Greybull on Highway 14, the trail system begins and ends at the ski area parking lot, off of Forest Service Road 244.

SIBLEY LAKE TRAILS 34

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CUTLER HILL TRAILS

NEAR BUFFALO Pole Creek #557: Seven different loops to satisfy any ski level. Nearly 11 miles of groomed trails. Light use. Trail begins and ends at the parking area on Forest Service Road 457. Pole Creek: The area provides opportunities for cross-country skiers and snowshoers to explore loops, hills, ridges and forested areas throughout the winter. From Buffalo take Highway 16 west about 17 miles. Turn right on to Forest Service Road 456. Willow Park #556: Offers 13 miles of groomed trails and a variety of skill levels. Skiers can experience loops, hills, ridges and wonderful scenery.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

The Great Outdoors

WINTER BICYCLING

TIPS

From the Sheridan Bicycle Company

BE PREPARED

Whether it’s commuting to work or heading out for a fat bike adventure, dress appropriately — warm gloves, jacket, proper footware, etc. Keep your bike in good working order.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

You don’t have to have a special bike to ride through winter, there are a few things you can do to your bicycle to make it more winter friendly. Add fenders, studded tires, bar mitts (a big glove that goes on your handle bar), lights and some winter chain lube to keep it running smooth.

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KEEP IT FUN

Don’t talk yourself out of a ride or commute because of the weather, after all you’re riding your bike!

STORE YOUR BIKE

Store your bike after a ride or commute. Store the bike inside if at all possible, this helps melt the snow off and prevent freezing, just don’t put it on the living room ﬂoor — that tactic may not go over well with your spouse.

PACK EXTRA

Don’t be afraid to pack extra! It’s never a bad idea to take an extra pair of gloves, socks, jacket and hat. If your heading out in the backcountry, take a space blanket, hand warmers, coffee, tube and tools. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you don’t have to hydrate; drink plenty of water. Courtesy graphic WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

The Great Outdoors

2016 Sheridan Area

HUNTING OUTLOOK DEER Observations by Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel during harvest field checks and post season classification surveys in 2015 confirmed that mule deer populations are lower than desired in the Sheridan area. However, due to good fawn production and recruitment the last two years, coupled with a mild 2015-2016 winter, some recovery of mule deer populations has occurred. Access to hunt mule deer, particularly buck mule deer, has become severely limited as much of the private land has been leased by outfitters. Several ranches that traditionally accommodated nonresident hunters willing to pay access/trespass fees and allowed limited hunting by residents, no longer allow that opportunity. Conversations by Wyoming Game and Fish Department field personnel with some landowners indicate that hunting opportunities will again be limited in 2016. Even though mule deer populations may be lower than desired, overall buck to doe ratios in Sheridan region herds are quite high because relatively few

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bucks are being tak taken on private land land. Hunter densities on many accessible tracts of public land can be high, especially on opening day and weekends. Hunters that plan hunts later in the season often see fewer hunters. To address concerns regarding mule deer populations and hunter access to private and public lands, hunting seasons have been designed to provide needed ﬂexibility. Seasons will allow harvest of does and fawns on private lands where there are agricultural crop damage concerns while reducing harvest on accessible public lands. Liberal white-tailed deer seasons in the Sheridan area are set with the hope of continuing to maintain or lower the population. In Hunt Area 24 near Sheridan an “unlimited” number of Type 8 doe/fawn licenses will be available, which means hunters and landowners will not have to worry about available licenses selling out. Hunters can again purchase an unlimited number of Type 8 doe/ fawn licenses after the draw in certain hunt areas to address crop damage situations.

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From the Wyoming Game and Fish Department

MOOSE Moose hunting seasons over the past few years have been designed to reduce the population of moose in the Bighorn herd. This was done to address concerns about heavy use of willows and it is expected the 2016 season will likely stabilize the population. Those hunters that were fortunate

to draw a license for either of the moose hunt areas on the east side of the Bighorns will have a good opportunity to harvest a moose and it is expected some large, mature bulls will be taken. Access to hunt is excellent as most moose in the herd unit are found on the Bighorn National Forest.

ELK Elk seasons are designed to give ample opportunity to harvest elk in those areas where populations are over objective, while still considering those hunt areas within herd units that have numbers near desired levels. Limited access to pri-

vate lands for elk hunting has been the primary factor contributing to herds exceeding management objectives. Hunters who gain access to hunt or cross private lands are expected to have high success. Mature bulls are available in all hunt areas and hunters have a reasonable chance of harvesting a trophy bull. Public land elk hunters with a license valid for one of the hunt areas on the Bighorn National Forest will ﬁnd ample opportunity to pursue elk.

PRONGHORN (Antelope)

Northeast Wyoming has ssome of the largest pronghorn herds in the state. However, tthe majority of antelope hunting in the Sheridan are area is on private land. Access to private lands and lan landlocked public lands conti continues to be difﬁcult in port portions of some hunt areas where

fees for hunting access are high. Those hunters who are able to gain access to private land will have good success. Hunter densities on many accessible tracts of public land can be high, especially on opening day and weekends. Hunters that plan hunts later in the season often see fewer hunters.

UPLAND BIRDS Upland game bird hunters should enjoy fair success in 2016, much like they did in 2015. The relatively mild winter of 201516 should have a positive inﬂuence on upland game bird numbers. So far in 2016, blue grouse hunters are ﬁnding a few birds in the Bighorn Mountains. Sharp-tailed grouse and Gray Partridge numbers are expected to be about the same as last year.

Pheasants from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Sheridan Bird Farm will be released on some Walk-In Areas and other public lands in the Sheridan Game and Fish Region in 2016. A youth -only pheasant hunting day will be held Nov. 19, 2016, on the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Buffalo. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

KNOW THE RULES

Planning a hunt this year? Avoid these common violations... From the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Most hunters follow hunting laws and regulations. Occasionally, however, some folks inadvertently or intentionally run afoul of the law. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reminds hunters to carefully read hunting laws and regulations. They are designed to promote safety and conservation of wildlife. The following is a listing of ﬁve common violations that crop up every hunting season:

FAILURE TO TAG Every big game, trophy game and wild turkey license has a carcass coupon attached. Each license has the tagging instructions printed on the coupon. There are four steps to properly tag big game, trophy game or wild turkey. Detach the carcass coupon from the license. Date the carcass coupon by cutting out the entire date and month of the kill. Sign the carcass coupon (but not before harvest). Attach the coupon to the carcass before leaving the site of the kill. The coupon may be removed during transportation to prevent its loss, but it must be in possession of the person accompanying the carcass. SHOOTING FROM A VEHICLE

It is illegal to take any game species from a motorized vehicle. This includes all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. Hunters possessing a handicapped hunter permit issued by Wyoming are exempt from this requirement.

SHOOTING FROM A PUBLIC ROAD It is illegal to shoot

a ﬁrearm or bow from, across or along a public road. A public road is any road that is open to vehicular trafﬁc to the public. The road surface, the area between fences on a fenced public road or highway and the area 30 feet perpendicular to the road surface on unfenced roads is considered the public road. Two-track trails on public land are not considered public roads for this purpose.

FAILURE TO RETAIN EVIDENCE OF SEX Many Wyo-

ming hunting licenses require the taking of a specific sex of animal. There are also season dates in some hunt areas when only a specific sex of animal can be taken. To satisfy the proof of sex requirement the regulation states, “in areas where the taking of any big game animal is restricted to a specific sex of animal, either the visible external sex organs, head or antlers shall accompany the animal as a whole or edible portion thereof.”

TRESPASS It is illegal to enter private land to hunt, ﬁsh or trap

without permission from the landowner or person in charge of the property. The hunting license should be signed by the landowner/ agent or the hunter should have other legitimate proof of permission. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know where they are.

Hunting regulations can be obtained from WGFD ofﬁces or license-selling agents. Hunters can see the Game and Fish website for all hunting and ﬁshing regulations at:

HTTP://WGFD.WYO.GOV 40

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ICONIC Key ﬁgures in local Native American history

Crazy Horse c. 1843-1877 Courtesy photo Library of Congress

According to the Crazy Horse Memorial history of the man, in 1876 Crazy Horse led a band of Lakota warriors against Custer’s 7th U.S. Cavalry battalion. Crazy Horse was a member of the Teton Sioux Tribe. According to the history recorded by the monument, in 1877 under a ﬂag of truce, Crazy Horse went to Fort Robinson. Negotiations with the U.S. military leaders stationed at the fort broke down and Crazy Horse was quickly escorted toward the jail. Crazy Horse struggled and drew his knife. As Crazy Horse continued

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to try to free himself, an Indian infantry guard made a successful lunge with a bayonet and mortally wounded Crazy Horse. Although Crazy Horse is sometimes given credit for killing Lt. Col. George A. Custer, there is no proof that he was the one who took Custer’s last breath. It is known, history says, that without Crazy Horse and his followers the battle’s outcome would have been much different as he was integral in stopping reinforcements from arriving. Crazy Horse was known for refusing to have his photograph or likeness taken. The Native

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American assumed the picture would also take a part of his soul and shorten his life. The Crazy Horse Memorial is located in the Black Hills in South Dakota. The mountain carving was dedicated in June 1948. The project remains in the works, though the carving of Crazy Horse’s face has taken shape. Now the focus has shifted to the horse’s mane and Crazy Horse’s outstretched hand. The ﬁnished product will feature Crazy Horse atop a horse pointing to the lands where his dead lie buried.

Joe Medicine Crow 1913-2016 Courtesy photo | Greg Nickerson Sheridan County Museum’s Memory Book Collection

Joseph Medicine Crow was an acclaimed Native American historian and last surviving war chief of Montana’s Crow Tribe. He died in the spring of 2016 at the age of 102. A member of the Crow Tribe’s Whistling Water clan, Medicine Crow was raised by his grandparents in a log house in a rural area of the Crow Reservation near Lodge Grass, Montana. He spent more than a half-century cataloging Crow history and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009. His upbringing matched his name. Medicine Crow’s maternal grandfather, Yellowtail, raised the boy in the Crow warrior tradition, putting him through a grueling physical education regime

that involved running through snow barefoot to toughen his feet and bathing in frozen rivers to strengthen his spirit. His Crow name was “High Bird,” and he recalled listening as a child to stories about the Battle of the Little Bighorn from those who were there, including his grandmother’s brother, White Man Runs Him, a scout for Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. “Dr. Medicine Crow dedicated much of his life to sharing the stories of his culture and his people. And in doing so, he helped shape a fuller history of America for us all. Michelle and I honor 102 years of a life well lived, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Crow Nation. The ﬁrst of his people to go to college and earn a master’s, he wore war paint beneath his uniform and an eagle feather beneath his helmet during

World War II,” President Barack Obama said in a statement after Medicine Cow’s death. “His bravery in battle earned him the Bronze Star from America, the Legion d’honneur from France, and in 2009, I was proud to honor him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Yet I suspect his greatest honor was one he earned from his people: the title of war chief – the last Crow to hold that distinction.” He attained the title of war chief for a series of deeds performed during combat in World War II, including hand-to-hand combat with a German soldier whose life Medicine Crow spared. During the war, he wore an eagle feather under his helmet and war paint beneath his uniform. He later said that Plains Indian warfare was not about killing so much as leadership, honor and intelligence.

White Man Runs Him 1850s – June 2, 1929 Courtesy photo Library of Congress

White Man Runs Him was a Crow scout serving with George Armstrong Custer’s 1876 battles against the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. That campaign culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

who were later attached to Lt. Col. George A. Custer’s command as the 7th Cavalry rode to Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876 — Half Yellow Face, Whiteman Runs Him (also spelled White Man Runs Him), White Swan, Hairy Moccasin, Goes Ahead and Curley (also spelled Curly).

Man Runs Him used to say that Custer “turned whiter than ever” when he saw how many Lakota had gathered at Sitting Bull’s Camp, according to PBS.

According to the Billings Gazette, among those who volunteered to serve as scouts were six

White Man Runs Him’s descendant, Joe Medicine Crow, said he remembers how White

He is buried in the cemetery at the Little Big Horn Battleﬁeld.

He lived on the Crow Reservation, located north of Sheridan in Montana for most of his life.

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Iconic

Red Cloud 1822-1909 Courtesy photo Library of Congress

Red Cloud was born near the forks of the Platte River, near what is now North Platte, Nebraska. Beginning in 1866, Red Cloud orchestrated the most successful war against the United States ever fought by an Indian nation, which included a series of assaults on forts. The Lakota Sioux Indians led by Red Cloud viewed the building of Fort Phil Kearny in the middle of their sacred hunting grounds as a threat to their very

existence. The Lakota also felt the fort was built in direct violation of an earlier treaty that stipulated the land belonged to them. This fueled a war with the Lakota, Cheyenne,and Arapaho Indians led by Red Cloud that eventually led to Capt. William J. Fetterman’s entire command of 80 men being wiped out on Dec. 21, 1866. This was the worst defeat suffered by the U.S. Army in the West before Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn 10 years later. According to PBS, as a war-

rior and a statesman, Red Cloud’s success in confrontations with the U.S. government set him apart as one of the most important Lakota leaders in history. Red Cloud’s attacks on forts forced the signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty. The peace didn’t last, but Red Cloud didn’t join Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull in the Indian wars of 1876-1877. In the 1870s, he moved to the Pine Ridge Reservation, where he lived until he died in 1909.

Lucy Yellowmule Courtesy photo Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, The Wyoming Room

The ﬁrst Miss Indian America pageant was held in Sheridan in 1953 as part of All American Indian Days held during Rodeo Week. The festival came about after the selection of Lucy Yellowmule in 1951 as Queen for the 1952 Sheridan WYO Rodeo. Local residents and Indian leaders then decided that a new Indian woman should be chosen each year to represent the Indian people. Thus the annual celebration of Indian cultures called All American Indian Days, and its keynote

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1935-1996

event, the Miss Indian America pageant, which ran in Sheridan from 1953-1984, came to be. At its peak, the event hosted thousands of Indians from dozens of tribes, with more than 100 contestants for Miss Indian America. The event moved to Bismarck, North Dakota in 1985 and ended in 1991. Yet its legacy lives on in pageants like Miss Indian World, Miss Indian Nations and others, according to Susan Arkeketa (Otoe-Missouria/Creek), Miss Indian America 1978-1979. It also returned to Sheridan in 2013 and 2015 with reunions of former Miss Indian America titleholders.

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Yellowmule was from Wyola, Montana, and according to historical records exempliﬁed a sign of the times, the integration of Native American presence and culture into the mainstream. At the time that Yellowmule was named Rodeo Queen, signs still hung in shops and restaurants that read, “No Indians of dogs allowed” or “No Indians served here.” As Yellowmule’s story and the history of her tribe were described in local media and in local public appearances, the signs started to disappear.

Sitting Bull c.1831-1890 Courtesy photo Library of Congress

Sitting Bull was born in what is now South Dakota to a Lakota Sioux tribe. In the 1860s, Sitting Bull became known as one of the most adamant opponents of white encroachment on Sioux lands. The Lakota tribes united behind Sitting Bull, realizing that without unity, they would not succeed in their battles against the settlers moving west. According to PBS, the stage was set for war between Sitting Bull and the U.S. Army in 1874, when an expedition led by George Armstrong Custer con-

ﬁrmed that gold had been discovered in the Black Hills of Dakota Territory, an area sacred to many tribes and placed off-limits to white settlement by the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868.

the Lakota camp like grasshoppers falling from the sky.

Prospectors ignored the ban, though, provoking the Native Americans to defend their land. In March 1874, as three columns of federal troops under General George Crook, General Alfred Terry and Colonel John Gibbon moved into the area, Sitting Bull summoned the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho to his camp on Rosebud Creek in Montana Territory. History recounts that Sitting Bull had a vision in which he saw soldiers falling into

In 1877, Sitting Bull led his band of warriors across the U.S. Canadien border and out of the reach of the U.S. military.

On June 25, Custer’s cavalry attacked the Native Americans, losing and therefore seeming to fulﬁll Sitting Bull’s dream.

In 1885, Sitting Bull joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows, earning $50 per week. The chief stayed only four months, though. After Sitting Bull returned to the Standing Rock Reservation, he had another vision, this time regarding his own death. He was killed in December 1890.

Henry Real Bird 1948Courtesy photo The Brinton Museum

Henry Real Bird is a member of the Crow Nation and grew up ranching on the battlegrounds of the Little Big Horn on the Crow Reservation in Montana. A former rodeo cowboy, he was appointed as Montana’s Poet Laureate in 2009. According to a 2010 NPR article, instead of talking to schoolchildren or promoting poetry through local libraries, Real Bird carried out his duty the true Montana way. He traveled 500 miles on horseback, halfway across the state, handing out books of his poetry along the way.

According to a 2009 Billings Gazette article, Real Bird said the appointment was an honor for the Montana educational system, of which he is a product, from his days in grade school at Crow Agency to a master’s degree at Eastern Montana College and now MSU Billings. A Montana Public Radio segment noted that Real Bird began writing poetry in 1969 after an extended stay in the hospital. He still speaks Crow as his primary language and feels this has helped in writing his poetry. Henry Real Bird served as the Poet Laureate of Montana from 2009-2011, and was named the 2011-2012 Academy of Western Artists Cow-

boy Poet of the Year. His previous collection of poems, “Horse Tracks” (Lost Horse Press, 2010), was named 2011 Poetry Book of the Year by the High Plains Book Awards. The Billings Gazette article notes that Real Bird’s resume includes appearances at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, publishing 12 children’s books, a book of poetry titled “Where Shadows are Born” and a CD called “Rivers of Horse.” He has traveled from British Columbia to Mexico, as well as both coasts. He has served as president of Little Bighorn College and recited his poetry at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

THE ELVIS OLD BULL STORY byy M b Mike ike P Pruden ruden

D E STINAT ION SHER I D A N

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torytelling to ory ryte tell llin ll ing in ng is one of the most im mp po orttaan n elements of Naimportant tive ti ivee American Amee culture. It’s a wa w ay to t pass down history, way heri he riita tag gee aand n ccustoms. nd u to us o heritage It’s a way to p pr res res e errvvee a cculture ulltu t re that was forced to preserve relo re lo oca catte te n u er um erou ou us times. relocate numerous M Ma ryy R a ott aj ottte te w ro for brighthubedMary Rajotte wrote u uc atio at i n. n.co com co m th hat Native Americans ucation.com that “ “u use sstorytelling to tory oryyte telllin ing g to o pass myths down “use to ffuture to u ur ut ure ge g ene n ra rati ation tiion on generations.”

LEFT: Elvis Old Bull drives around a defender during his playing days at Lodge Grass High School. Courtesy photo

One of those myths was that of Elvis Old Bull. The only thing was, he wasn’t a myth — it just seemed that way. Elvis was a celebrity; he was an innovator who inspired plenty of young fans. He died far too young — age 42— and his death struck a chord with his beloved fans across the country. No, not that Elvis. While he may share some traits with Elvis Presley, Elvis Old Bull’s hip movements came in smooth bursts on hardwood courts across Montana. Old Bull was a basketball legend in the state. Actually, he is a legend, even long after his untimely death in 2014. “Mythic status by age 18, and a singular talent,” Bozeman native and Minnesota Twins broadcaster Kris Atteberry tweeted after Old Bull’s death. Old Bull played in an era when sports reporters weren’t tweeting live updates at Lodge Grass High School games. There weren’t Youtube packages of Old Bull slinging behind-the-

back passes or photo galleries filled with the gunner pulling up for shots from Steph Curry range. His legend was driven by storytelling. Well, that and his actual play on the court. The kid could ball. Old Bull led Lodge Grass to three–straight state championships from 1988-1990. He was named MVP in all three title games. He averaged nearly 20 points per game and ﬁnished with 1,984 points for his career. He even holds Montana’s state record with 22 assists in a single game. Sports Illustrated ranked Old Bull 50th on its list of the 50 greatest athletes in Montana history in 1999 — based solely on his high school career. This summer, montanasports.com ranked him the ﬁfth best boys basketball player in Montana history. He was well worth the price of admission. And that was the only way to solidify the stories as true. “The stories of Elvis were everywhere, but the only way to experience

it was to go see him for yourself,” Patrick Sauer said in email with The Sheridan Press. Sauer wrote “The Legend of Elvis Old Bull” for VICE Sports. “There was an excitement around him, and the Lodge Grass team, that took on a life of its own.” Atteberry remembers the stories making their way across Montana before everybody knew who Old Bull was and seeking out any and all truth to those stories. “You’d hear about him, and the tales would spread,” Atteberry said. “There was no social media or anything. It was through box scores and word of mouth.” And while everybody wishes for a storybook ending, that’s not always the case. The legend of Elvis Old Bull faded just as it got going, and those stories from three championship seasons were all basketball fans had to cling to. Sauers points out in his piece for VICE that Old Bull had his demons. “It was well known that Old Bull strug-

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You’d hear about him, and the tales would spread. There was no social media or anything. It was through box scores and word of mouth.

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Kris Atteberry

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Legend

gled with addiction, an all-too-common story of reservation life,” Sauers wrote. Old Bull dropped out of school after the state tournament ended. There was no college career or beyond. His legend didn’t make it too far out of Montana, unfortunately. “My motivation for writing an appreciation was simple, he was an incredible basketball player that few outside of Montana ever heard of,” Sauers said. “Unfortunately, he lived a hard life and died far too young, but that doesn’t change what he did on the court. When Elvis was in the building, it was quite a show. I wanted to acknowledge his greatness.” Old Bull played in recreational leagues and tournaments, breaking noses with passes “only he could envision” as Atteberry put it. But he died in a car crash at the age of 42. He remains a legend, but also a myth. “What could have been?” Montana basketball fans often wonder. It’s the ﬁrst part, though, that legend, that means so much to the sport of basketball — even more so

to the sport of basketball amongst Native Americans. “I don’t know if American basketball fans are aware of how important the game is in many Native American communities,” Sauers said. And while addiction, crime and poverty creep into reservations across the state — and even into onetime heroes like Old Bull — the legend’s ability on the basketball court was a release from all that. “Rezball is a source of pride,” Sauers added. That’s where Old Bull’s legend lives on amongst Native American basketball players. Not only his style of play — run-and-gun, high-octane basketball — but also his success, has been transmitted to the current state of the game. “It was almost like he was some sort of celebrity,” KTVQ sports director Scott Breen recalled of Old Bull. “Little kids, junior high kids, elementary kids, instead of coming over and talking to some of the better players at Shepherd or wherever he was, when he walked into the building, they’d just kind of glom around him like he was

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Elvis Presley. “A lot of us wanted to be Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan,” Breen continued. “Well, on the reservation, maybe they step back and are like, ‘Alright, I’m Elvis Old Bull. Three, two, one, half court, yeah!’ So much on the reservation centers on basketball, and to be an icon like that, he ﬁts in.” Any basketball fan who grew up in Montana in the 1980s and ‘90s seems to be eager to talk about Elvis Old Bull. Sauers, Atteberry and Breen all acknowledged recognizing Old Bull for what he did on the court rather than focusing on his struggles off it. He was a special player and an important player in basketball history. “Even in death, people talk about Elvis as if he just played last weekend,” Sauers said. “It reminds me a lot of how people in New York City, where I’ve lived for two decades, still talk about playground legends from the 1970s.” Old Bull isn’t from New York, far from it. He’s from a reservation in Montana. But he’s still a legend.

“

Little kids, junior high kids, elementary kids, instead of coming over and talking to some of the better players at Shepherd or wherever he was, when he walked into the building, they’d just kind of glom around him like he was

Elvis Presley.

Scott Breen

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INTRICATE

The traditional Crow tribal beading of Birdie Real Bird by Kristin Magnusson

irdie Real Bird is a Crow tribal member in Garryowen, Montana, who works at Crow Agency teaching traditional Crow culture. She also beads every day. She always has a beading project going. Currently, she is ﬁlling an order for special pieces. At Real Bird’s home, a blue pit bull terrier named Josie provides a happy greeting. Real Bird is a fashionable woman resembling a model in a magazine. She wore a sweater and slacks accessorized with a scarf and knee-high leather dress boots. Her home is a pre-fabricated log home with large picture windows that frame the rolling plains outside. The house is drafty but full of color and life. Real Bird does her beading in the TV room in a comfortable chair next to a small round table with a lamp. All of her beading materials are stored in closets and drawers nearby. She uses a round table so that she doesn’t bump her elbow when she pulls the thread. “I turn the lights and the TV on and just bead and bead,” Real Bird said. “The space is not too big. I don’t need it too big. If it were big I would ﬁll it up with things.” Real Bird has been endorsed as a member

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of the Montana Circle of American Masters by the Montana Arts Council in Visual Folk and Traditional Arts. She was raised on the Crow reservation. According to Real Bird, she learned beading from expert beaders: her aunts and her grandmother. No one sat her down and taught her to bead, she learned by watching and then figured it out on her own. She watched her mother, her aunts and her grandmother make dresses and moccasins and bead them over and over. Real Bird’s mother worked in geometric flower designs, and her aunt did freehand drawing. They beaded designs using a single line of beads. Real Bird prefers a different technique. She outlines the design, then fills it in. Real Bird started beading with her grandmother when she was about 12 years old. They beaded medallions together and sold them for gas money. Her grandmother also

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ABOVE: Geometric patterns are a common theme in Native American art as seen in this example of real stitch bead work.

“

Real beading has a sort of a spirit, a spirit or feeling of making something.

helped her make her elk tooth dress when she was 18. She taught Real Bird to use contrasting colors to make the designs visible from a distance. “She said you’ve got to ﬁnd colors that are across from each other,” Real Bird explained. “I didn’t know what she was talking about until I went to college and took art. She was talking about the color wheel. She always put her beadwork up to check if the color combinations and design could be seen from far away, that was her thing.” When Real Bird was 30, her brother inspired her to take her beading more seriously. She set up a beading room in her house with a table and good lighting. She attended the Peabody Museum in Boston and studied the collection of Crow beadwork for a week, spending each day going through drawers and drawers of belts and elk tooth dresses.

Birdie Real Bird

The old way of beading, which she studied in the museum, was very simple. Many of the belts were about an inch and a quarter wide with white edging. Many were solid colors, especially light blue. The stitching that held the beads in place was hidden along the sides of the belts and the beads were laid out in a slanted pattern. “Real beading has a sort of a spirit, a spirit or feeling of making something,” Real Bird said. “Beading is not a craft or hobby, it is an art. I think spending time at the museum is where I got that spirit of not just beading. It’s that kind of feeling you get when you pick up a beaded item, and it makes you feel something.” According to Real Bird, the old way of beading was simple because beads were scarce. Beads, cloth and wool were trade items. Before beads arrived from

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overseas, Indians painted their buckskin or elk skin clothing with earth colors they mixed with water, and decorated them with dyed quills and elk teeth. They also decorate their horses. Decorated clothing was for special occasions and not everyday use. According to the National Park Service, glass seed beads were introduced by 18th-century European traders. The beads were much simpler to work with than quills and eventually replaced the traditional rawhide painting and quillwork. The ﬁrst beads given to the Crows were light blue and white beads. Those colors are considered Crow colors. Real Bird uses Crow traditional designs and colors in her work. There are seven colors of beads that are used in Crow designs. The light blues are used for backgrounds. Then red, green, yellow

LEFT: Birdie Real Bird shows a beaded leather as she talks about the art of beading in her home in Garryowen, Montana.

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Birdie Real Bird

and a rose pink or lavender. Navy blue is used instead of black “because death is the end of things when you use black,” Real Bird said. According to the National Park Service, Crow beaders were selective of color schemes. A popular combination was a light blue with a dusty pink sometimes called “Crow rose.” The beadwork often featured color schemes that were only possible with Italian beads from Murano.

Crow beadwork also projected sacred power and life. Pink symbolizes the early morning glow. Blue represents the sky. Green is the color of Mother Earth. Yellow is the color of the East — the sunrise. Designs came from nature — clouds, plants and whatever they saw. For example, if a beader saw a particularly pretty ﬂower, he or she would copy it in beading. According to Real Bird,

some designs were adopted from Nez Perce work. The two tribes must have been friends, she said, because designs were shared between them. At first, leggings were made of colorful wool that was tied around the leg at the top and had beading around the ankle. As more beads were traded, the designs became more elaborate. They began to exhibit what Real Bird calls “bead-mania.”

ABOVE: Birdie Real Bird shows shows an example of the traditional short stitch work as she talks about the art of beading at her home in Garryowen, Montana.

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Leggings were covered in beading, moccasins tops were beaded, the front of vests were all beaded. Also as beads became prevalent, the designs changed and became more geometric. According to the National Park Service, each design during the “classic” era from 1850 to 1910 worked in harmony with the decorated article. Borders of white beads outlined darker design areas. The hourglass and triangular

shapes created a distinctive geometric style. After her visit to the museum in Boston, Real Bird stopped beading just to make money and started beading with spirit. She worked to ﬁgure out the techniques used to hide the stitches. She has since copied the old Crow techniques that she studied while looking at the belts and elk tooth dresses in the museum. Real Bird copied an elk tooth buckskin dress with heavy beading around the collar that she saw at the museum. She paraded in it at Crow Fair and took ﬁrst place in the beadwork competition. Real Bird also makes dolls that exhibit the everyday dress styles that her mother, Lucy Real Bird, wore. The dolls are in numerous collections including the Smithsonian Museum. According to the National Park Service, most Plains Indians used mainly two methods of sewing beads to skin or cloth. Crow women, however, often used three techniques in beading a single article. The Overlay Stitch was used primarily in beading curved lines or in tacking down the single lines of white beads which outline

darker areas. According to Real Bird, to bead clothing, mostly bands around the neck of dresses, a Lazy Stitch is used to make a line. An odd number of beads, seven or nine beads, are strung on one needle and thread. Odd numbers of beads are needed to make a point in the design. The Lazy Stitch resembles quill work, with lines of beads replacing the quills. These bead lines soon replaced quillwork altogether, making it a mostly forgotten art. There are not many Crow quill-workers left, Real Bird said. “You just work on the top and go back and forth,” Real Bird said. “You pick up the top part of the skin and you come back, string it up, pick it up on the other side — go back and forth.” According to the National Park Service, the third stitch is the Modiﬁed Lazy Stitch, which is used to ﬁll in large areas measuring three or more inches in width. “I love beads; I just kind of feel good when I’m among my beads,” Real Bird said. “You have to have that kind of passion and don’t look at it as labor. It is a therapy that relaxes me.”

“

I love beads; I just kind of feel good when I’m among my beads. You have to have that kind of passion and don’t look at it as labor. It is a therapy that relaxes me.

Birdie Real Bird

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Continuing

CULTURE by Kristen Czaban

he total population of individuals who identify themselves as American Indian or Alaska Natives is just 0.9 percent of the U.S. population.

The number of individuals who identify themselves as American Indian or Alaska Natives in combination with other races is just 1.7 percent of the population. Yet in recent years — and aided by news articles about protests around the Dakota Access Pipeline ﬁlling the airwaves and newspapers — a renewed attention has been given to the cultures and customs of a people often forgotten. Efforts in Montana and Wyoming have included language immersion programs that aim to teach kids in schools on reservations the languages of their ancestors. Efforts more locally have included efforts to include Native Americans in more events. For example, at Fort Phil Kearny outside of Story, site superintendent Misty Stoll often invites members of regional tribes to the facility to tell the stories of battles from the Native American perspective. Area residents, too, have organized reunions to honor former Miss Indian Americas. The ﬁrst Miss Indian America pageant was held in Sheridan in 1953 as part of All American Indian Days held during Rodeo Week. The festival came about after the selection of Lucy Yellowmule in 1951 as Queen for the 1952 Sheridan WYO Rodeo. Local residents and Indian leaders then decided that a new Indian woman should be chosen each year to represent the Indian people as Miss Indian America. Sheridan hosted the pageant until 1984. In 2016, the Sheridan community hosted Native American storytellers, artists, powwow performers and Indian Relay Race athletes. Those events, though, were special and stood out amongst the day-to-day of the Sheridan area.

ABOVE: Traditional Assiniboine Cree tribe dress.

Courtesy photo

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FASHION While local leaders and event organizers have noted the importance of such events, others in the Native American community are working to preserve aspects of their culture every day. Bethany Yellowtail, a 2007 graduate of Tongue River High School, now works as a fashion designer in California. She recently spent time at the protests in North Dakota against a proposed oil pipeline planned for the area. Since moving away from the Tongue River Valley, though, she’s continued to contribute to the preservation and honor of her heritage. Yellowtail helped Matika Wilbur, a widely-exhibited and collected photographer from the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes in Washington, on a mission to record Native American culture. Wilbur’s goal was to visit and photograph each of the tribes in America in their natural state to reveal a realistic image of contemporary Native Americans in the 21st century. “Project 562” is named for the number of existing tribes at the start of the project. Yellowtail brought Wilbur to the Crow Reservation in Montana to photograph members of her tribe. “Growing up, I did not have any Native role models who were present in mass media,” Yellowtail said in a 2014 interview with The Sheridan Press about why she got involved in the project. “Especially in fashion, Native culture is misappropriated season after season with fringed, feathered, beaded and buckskinned clothing and when those images are set in the minds of our youth, what does that tell them? It tells them that they must be what the image is…impoverished, oppressed, stereotyped and yet still not ‘Indian enough.’” For Project 562, to encourage donations, Yellowtail created a line of custom clothing to be used as gifts to donators. She continues to utilize inspiration from Native American cultures in her fashion designs. More recently, she designed T-shirts in support of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and portions of the proceeds went directly to the tribes to support the resistance. Her tagline on her website notes that her designs are “where tradition, beauty and culture meet authentic indigenous design.” The B.Yellowtail Collective is her brand initiative that features art from more than 15 Native American creators primarily from the Great Plains tribal regions.

LEFT: Bethany Yellowtail.

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Continuing culture

TRADITION Birdie Real Bird lives on the Crow Reservation north of Sheridan. She has been endorsed as a member of the Montana Circle of American Masters by the Montana Arts Council. She has beaded for decades and now teaches others to bead. “It’s important to keep it because it is one of our arts,” Real Bird said of the tradition that adorns clothing and other items in Native American culture. “Our ancestors were beaders; I’m a beader now and I’d like to see my grand-

daughter bead. It’s been with us all these years.” Real Bird noted that if anyone attends the Crow Fair parade, the skill and beauty of the art remains on full display. Crow Fair is held each August on the Crow Reservation in Montana. The parade includes a display of horses and art. “There is no other parade like Crow Fair parade,” Real Bird said. “There are about 1,500 horses and people bring their beadwork out. It’s almost like a competition to see who has the best beadwork.

ABOVE: Birdie Real Bird talks about the art of beading in her home in Garryowen, Montana.

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We forget about who has the best horse, it’s more about the beadwork. Real Bird noted that the art is important to her because it is a part of her heritage and a part of her history. She said she used to go to an event at the Pendleton Roundup that included a pageant for Native American girls. The girls, she noted, all wore buckskin dresses with intricate beading. She used to attend the event with her mother and aunts. She stopped going for years, but returned to the event about seven years ago. “I was sad,” Real Bird said. “They were using yarn and plastic. It was lost. There were no more beaders.” Now she takes time, especially in the winters, to host free beading circles. She uses the time to teach younger people the art. If an individual can hold a needle, a thread and tack beads down, he or she can learn, Real Bird said. But it is about more than designs. “You have to have that passion or something about it,” she said. “Don’t look at is as labor. It’s not a hobby. If you start seeing it like that, you lose it.”

Continuing culture

MUSIC Hip-hop culture has a bad rap. Songs about drugs, violence and sex dominate the genre. While some artists have tried to change that image, Billings, Montana, rapper Supaman has taken the challenge to a different level. He takes on topics like deadbeat dads, texting and driving, suicide and other modern issues facing people of all races. But, he uses his Native American roots to do it. Christian Parrish Takes the Gun, who calls himself Supaman and who grew up on the Crow Nation reservation, mixes Native American music and language with English and beats. He started making music when he was 24 years old. He has said that rap and hip-hop appeal to Native Americans because some of the themes of poverty and social injustice are relatable.

He has said that hip-hop influenced him in a negative way when he was young and has wanted to turn that influence around. He wants kids to be proud of their Native American culture. “It’s very important (to preserve Native American culture) because when you look at what was done to the indigenous people of this land, it was all swept under the rug,” Supaman said in a recent interview with The Sheridan Press. He noted that the entire American system was created for non-Natives. “We weren’t looked at as humans,” he added. “We were inhuman to the non-Natives who came over here. That’s the shame of America. America doesn’t want to put that out in the open so people need to be educated still about indigenous people and Native people. “We’re still here, we’re thriv-

ing. We’re doctors; we’re lawyers; we’re fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers — humans,” he said. In his music videos, Supaman dons Native American garb and has included dancers and has performed Native American dances himself. He said showcasing his culture has been important to him. Culture draws people in to ask questions and opens doors for increased understanding. “It shows we’re resilient as a people,” he said. “When we have that platform, that’s where we can educate and let people know the truth about Native people.” Supaman, like Yellowtail, noted that schools, media and movies have painted a negative picture of Native Americans. As an artist, and as a Native American, he said he has the responsibility to re-educate society about who his people are. His music and his art shows the pull Native Americans feel walking in two worlds — one of modern society and one of their own culture. But, he said, he likes that he can bring it all together in the world of hip-hop and with a positive message.

LEFT: Rapper ‘Supaman’ is featured in traditional Crow clothing on promotional material for his Good Medicine Tour.

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SPOKEN The diversity of Native American languages by Mike Dunn

hen driving across the state of Wyoming, you may pass through places like Cheyenne, Meeteetse, Ten Sleep or Medicine Bow. Those towns all vary in location and sizes, but they all have one similar characteristic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they bear names that trace their roots to Native American languages.

Bighorn Mountains:

BasawaxaawĂşua (Crow language)

Courtesy photo

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Courtesy photo

Hawk: While English and Spanish are predominate languages in the United States, the American West — including Wyoming and its neighbors — have thousands of people who still speak the dialects of their ancestors. A common misconception is that there are one or only a handful of Native American languages. Martha Poolaw, a professor of Native American linguistics at the University of Oklahoma and a member of the Kiowa Nation, said sentence structure, vocabulary and phrases are often entirely different from tribe to tribe. The Crow, whose reservation is located just north of Sheridan, speak from a Souian-Catawban root language. This is loosely the equivalent of saying that English and Italian are Lat-

heeyei

(Arapaho language)

in-root languages. Still, it’s unlikely that two Souian speakers using different dialects would be able to understand each other in a casual conversation. Even for the Kiowa, a people who used to live near the Crow and other Souian tribes, there are only a handful of words that are similar between the two peoples. “There are a few words that are similar,” Poolaw said. “(The Crow’s) word for “thank you” is similar to ours ... but, for the most part, they are entirely different.” In many cases, a tribe’s language will have tighter roots with tribes thousands of miles away than its neighbors. This mainly has to do with the migration of tribes over hundreds of years, according to Poolaw. The language of the

Arapaho, a tribe located in central Wyoming, and the Cheyenne, who reside in eastern Montana north of the Crow Tribe, come from the Algec family of languages. As a result, those tribes have more words in common with nations who were originally located along the eastern coast of the United States as opposed to their neighboring Plains Indians. Much like Indo-European languages, Native American vocabulary expanded when mixed it with other cultures. As the ﬁrst white settlers entered the American West, Native Americans were introduced

to new ideas and items. As a result, they developed words in order to interact with traders, many of which have English-sounding pronunciations. Other discoveries led to new words as well. When horses began populating the Great Plains in the 1500s, the Lakota-Sioux described the animal as Sunka Wakan. This can be roughly translated to “mysterious dog.” Language is an important part of Native American culture for the purpose of storytelling. For many tribes — especially the Plains Indians — stories were not written with

LEFT: The Bighorn Mountains. ABOVE: A hawk ﬂies with its prey. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

“

I think a lot of people are realizing that if the next generation doesn’t speak these languages, we might lose them forever.

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Martha Poolaw words but instead passed on orally from generation to generation. According to Dr. Caskey Russell, the head of the Native American Studies Department at the University of Wyoming, storytelling serves as a passage to the sacred for many indigenous people. Storytelling goes hand-in-hand with art, music and dancing rituals to reinforce a connection with ancestors and the spiritual world.

While Native American languages have long been a part of tribal identity, languages from many tribes are disappearing. Approximately 3,000 people speak any type of Crow today. That’s less than half of the members of the tribe. Around 1,700 Cheyenne can speak their language and approximately 1,000 people can speak Shoshoni. This is according to the 2016 Ethnologue, a document that analyzes the

Horse:

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status of languages in the United States. Of the 200-250 Native American Languages in America, only around a dozen are not in danger of becoming extinct by mid-century, according to Russell. There are plenty of efforts taking place to revive these languages. Just north of Sheridan, the Crow Language Consortium, which is a collective of Crow schools, colleges and educators, is working to ensure the members

of the Crow Nation do not lose their language. Additionally, enrollment in Native American language courses at universities and colleges has increased. Russell said many tribes across the country have been pushing total immersion of the language — using English and native tongues interchangeably outside the classroom. “There has been a massive push of revitalization recently,” Rus-

Sunka Wakan

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(Lakota language)

Courtesy photo

Bison:

méhe hotóva’a OR

(Northern Cheyenne language)

sell said. “We are seeing a lot of tribes not only teach it at the college level but at the high school level as well.” Locally, Native American languages are taught at many schools on and near reservations. Schools on the Wind River Reservation teach Shoshoni and Arapaho while high

schools on and near the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations have staff dedicated to teaching their native languages as well. “I think a lot of people are realizing that if the next generation doesn’t speak these languages, we might lose them forever,” Poolaw said.

LEFT: Owen Chief gallops on his horse during the World Champion Indian Relay Races at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. ABOVE: An American bison. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT THE BRINTON MUSEUM

he Brinton Museum was opened to the public as the Bradford Brinton Memorial on June 17, 1961, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2015, a 24,000-square-foot expansion was completed in the form of the new Forrest E. Mars Jr. building. “There is a lot more art to display and a lot more tours have been done and with more space to accommodate

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them,” Dr. Ariel Downing, the curator of museum education, said about the Forrest E. Mars Jr. building. The three-ﬂoor building includes the Brinton Bistro, which strives to provide a changing menu for every visit. “It’s doing beautifully,” said Ken Schuster, the director and chief curator. “[The chef] bought into the goal of preparing food that is farm to table food; it’s right out of the garden and

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continually revolves.” Visitation to the museum has more than doubled since the expansion, with more than 25,000 visitors expected to visit the museum this year. Those visitors come from all 50 states and more than 34 countries. Through surveys, the museum was able to learn that Montana and Wyoming are not the leading states from which visitors are coming. According to the numbers, Midwest travelers lead in visitation to the museum. Exhibits featured at the museum include 19th, 20th and 21st century art and artifacts that are either showcased at the museum permanently or remain on display for a certain amount of time. “The museum’s exhibitions committee carefully reviews potential exhibits as well as artists interested in showing at The Brinton,” said Barbara McNab, curator of exhibitions. Mark McKenna’s landscape and wildlife oils along with Jeffrey Burnham Rudolph’s sculptures will be on display in the Jacomien Mars Reception Gallery Nov. 26 through Dec. 18 for the 26th annual holiday show. Permanent collections at the museum include Western art, American Indian art and the historic Brinton

ranch house. Schuster said that the most popular exhibit is the Brinton house. “It’s the jewel of the Brinton collection,” Schuster said. “The big museum has permanent exhibits to showcase Indian art. The house and Indian art is the greatest attraction.” “The Brinton Museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all walks of life. Guided tours of the exquisite ‘To Honor the Plains Nations’

MORE INFO: Location:

239 Brinton Road in Big Horn

Phone:

307-672-3173

Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

exhibit…outstanding Western art by renowned artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Hans Kleiber, Winold Reiss and others on display…are available for bus and school groups,” McNab added. “The historic main ranch house, Little Goose Creek Lodge and the grounds are also open to visitors. There is so much to see and do at The Brinton you can spend the whole day and come back again.” Schuster said he looks forward to enhancing the education center next year, by adding two components: print making classes and a leather shop that has its own exhibitions. In addition to providing educational resources, staff members said they hope to open archives in the coming years. “It’s where you bring company; it’s a destination,” Downing said of the museum. “When you want to have beautiful scenery, see ﬁrst-rate art and learn about the settlement of Sheridan County, you learn when you come to the museum.”

Admission: Adults: $10 Seniors 62+: $8 Students 13 and older: $8 Bus tours: $5/person Free for: Members, Sheridan and Johnson County students, children 12 and younger, school groups, NARM and ROAM members, active duty and retired military and their families, Indian Tribal members* *All groups need valid ID WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

WINTER

DAY TRIPS

ABOVE: Shadows are cast across the rolling face of the Bighorn Mountains.

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Do you only have one one day to explore the Sheridan area this fall or winter? Here are some suggestions to keep you busy.

CITY Explorers DAYTIME BREAKFAST

Wintertime in Sheridan inspires a number of activities to keep you entertained and, in some cases, out of the snow. Here are some activities to get a taste of Sheridan in one day.

Try breakfast at one of the local coffee shops. Come for the espresso, stay for the cozy, cafĂŠ atmospheres. Fresh bakery items and warm drinks will keep you out of the cold.

SLEDDING

Sledding on Linden Hill is next, so head over to the area near 345 S. Linden Ave. Make sure the kids are well padded and know how to bail! This hill is a local favorite for wintertime fun.

3 2

EVENING 2 For shows and musical performances at the WYO Theater, check:

DOWNTOWN After the sledding fun, head back downtown to one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eateries and for some shopping on Main Street. The shops and boutiques have a lot to offer visitors and residents alike.

www.wyotheater.com 3

For shows at the historic Carriage House Theater, a part of the Kendrick homestead, where many have enjoyed hot apple cider and cookies at intermission, check:

www.sheridanstage.com WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

NATURE Lovers OUTDOORS Stop by one of the downtown outdoor shops ( 1 Back Country Bikes and Mountain Works, 2 Sheridan Bicycle Company or 3 The Sports Stop) to check out their re rentals s, skis, fat for snowshoes, winte bikes and other winter sports gear. There are veral groomed trails in several the area you can check out with the gear they can provide. See page 34 for o op tions. options.

Don’t mind the cold? Here are some ways to enjoy the outdoor paradise offered in the Sheridan area. ICE FISHING 5

Or... Try your hand at ice ﬁshing. If the weather is right, there are several opportunities for ice ﬁshing around the Sheridan area, including:

Sam Mavrakis Pond, located just off Eighth Street in Sheridan, with easy access to Sheridan’s pathway system.

SKIING KIING

Or, head to o MeadowM lark Ski Lodge off U.S. Highway 16, 45 miles west of Buffalo, 307267-2609. This lodge is cradled in the Bighorns and allows for a perfect day on the slopes. For more information on lift tickets and lessons, see: www.lodgesofthebighorns.com

Kleenburn Recreation Area, located just east of the Acme exit of Interstate 90 north of Sheridan and buzzing with rainbow trout, largemouth bass and several other species. Sibley Lake, located on Forest Service Road 188 from U.S. Highway 14. This mountain lake provides the perfect scenery for a day of ﬁshing. Lake DeSmet is likely one of the most popular spots for ice ﬁshing. The large lake located between Sheridan and Buffalo off of Interstate 90 at exits 44, 47 and 51 provides a lot of space and opportunities for a successful day with rod and reel. Dress warm! The area around the lake can get pretty windy!

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ART

Enthusiasts

For those visitors or residents who want to spend the day taking in artistic culture, the Sheridan area has enough to keep you busy for several days. Here are some highlights you can visit in just one day.

THE BRINTON

GET OUT OF TOWN!

Start the day by heading to Big Horn to visit The Brinton Museum. A new building was added recently and it looks great. Spend the morning exploring the galleries and grounds along with a peek into the Brinton Bistro.

Following lunch, pick a direction and head out of town. If you head east, stop into the Ucross Foundation art gallery. The foundation hosts artists in residence and boasts a gallery that features rotating exhibits. Check the organization’s website for details:

BIG HORN

www.ucrossfoundation.org

For lunch, either stay at The Brinton and try the bistro or check out one of Big Horn’s eateries (The Big Horn Smokehouse is a popular spot). You could also head back to Sheridan for a bite.

If you head northwest on Interstate 90, get off at Exit 9 toward Ranchester and Dayton. If you make your way to Dayton, at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, you’ll ﬁnd Gallery on Main. The gallery features everything from the impressionistic paintings of the majestic area scenery to photographs of wildlife and Native American art. The gallery is run by the artists themselves and operates as a co-op of sorts. Following your art adventure, take in some of the culinary treats the area has to offer. Dayton, Ranchester and the lodges in the Bighorns offer several tasty options for dinner. After dinner, head back to Sheridan and explore the night-life downtown. Many of the local bars and breweries host live music throughout the year.

SAGEBRUSH ART CENTER After lunch, stop into the Sagebrush Community Art Center at 201 E. Fifth St. The art center is located in the old train depot and has rotating shows on display in its main gallery. The center will move to a new location downtown this winter, so check the website for details:

www.artinsheridan.com

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

WHITNEY

RINK

ABOVE: The M&M’s Center as seen from Sheridan Avenue. BELOW: Elizabeth Winnop shows Adley Rhodes how

to get her feet underneath her after falling on the ice during skate lessons at Whitney Rink at the M&M’s Center.

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efore the Whitney Rink at the M&M’s Center was built, the usefulness of the ice rink in Sheridan only lasted from the ﬁrst freeze to the last thaw. Now a re-energized layout comes with one major addition: a roof.

The city of Sheridan will have a gathering place to hide from the harsh winter and engage in the heat of competition and fun. The rink will begin its ﬁrst full indoor season at the end of September. It was completed last year, but not in time for the start of the regular season. The new facility will allow use of the ice rink to begin earlier and end later. The indoor facility will be a welcomed sight for those who bundled up to attend free skate at the rink and the athletes that practiced and competed in the frigid conditions. “A lot of kids are getting excited because it will be warmer inside.” said Charlie Whitman, the president of Sheridan on Skates. Rink manager Dan Carlin noted his excitement as well. “To get some of the programs underway and watch what we’ve grown come through for the indoor rink,” is what he’s most excited for, he said. “[The indoor rink] will bring activities and eventually winter events like hockey games and stuff that can be viewed by the public as professional teams or higher level college teams,” Carlin said. “There will be events for the public to watch.”

Whitman added that there are a number of hockey teams around the state that will utilize the rink as well. Hockey teams range in ages from adult to “squirts” with boys, girls and co-ed teams. Excitement for the new facility is putting athletes on schedule to compete. “To have the whole season with the rink and being able to start our skaters off to compete well (is great),” said Lori Thomas, the facility’s ofﬁce manager. “This year we will be able to get ice right when other rinks in the state do.” Ice sports are their own culture and at the rink that culture can be shared with the whole community. Activities offered will include free open skate, ice-skating lessons, hockey and ﬁgure skating. The indoor rink will allow local residents an opportunity to exercise in the cold Wyoming winters without being exposed to the elements. “It’s such a great outlet for the kids and the community and because of our sponsors we are able to offer the public free skating and free skate rental,” Thomas said. “There are a lot of kids and groups that use the rink, it is healthy fun.”

Arts & Entertainment

Luminous Brewhouse 1. Brothers in brew From left, Seth Orr and Cooley Butler.

things to know about (each) of our local breweries LUMINOUS BREWHOUSE 201 Broadway St. (new location to open in November)

Luminous grew from the dreams of a couple of Sheridan born and raised homebrew friends. We have always been a totally separate entity from any restaurant that has shared our building. From the beginning, we hoped and planned to grow and be able to move into our own location, where we will run the show. We are excited to create a relaxed and fun environment that showcases our beer.

2. Moving out We will begin working in the new production space in October and will open the taproom in November, at 504 Broadway St.

3. Mugs and mugs of fun The quality of our products has improved greatly and will continue to do so especially after moving to our new location. We have a new production system that will allow us to make more beer with more consistent quality. We will be taking our Mug Club mugs with us and intend to have more Mug Club parties and events. In our new location, we are working with local restaurants and food trucks to provide delicious food to pair with the beer. Customers will be welcome to bring food in or order from any place that delivers. Additionally, we will have weekly Open Mic nights on our fabulous stage and are excited to provide a new music and art venue to our community.

BLACK TOOTH BREWING COMPANY 312 Broadwayy St.

4. Consistency & reliability Our No. 1 selling beer is the Big Horn Hefeweizen, while our local favorite is the Java Moon Coffee Ale.

5. Quality & service Our primary focus is on the quality and variety of unique ales. We self-distribute to ensure our lines are consistently cleaned and to maintain a personal relationship with each of our customers and wholesale accounts.

6. And moving up... We currently brew 40 barrels per month. On the new system we will immediately double that, over time increasing to three or four times our current production. The new space allows for the potential of brewing up to 2,000 barrels per year.

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Black Tooth Brewing Company

4. Consistency & reliability At Black Tooth we work every day to make sure that our ales and lagers are consistent in taste and always provide you with the reliability that you’re looking for in your craft beer.

5. A sense of adventure

1. We’re everywhere Black Tooth beer is available in many regions of the Rocky Mountain West and soon to be in the Midwest. You can pick up 6-packs at most liquor stores and have yourself a pint at one of your favorite pubs or restaurants. Black Tooth’s distribution includes all of Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and starting fall of 2016, western Nebraska and eastern Idaho in the spring of 2017. So if you don’t see your favorite beer, give it a request.

2. Wagon Box ale In the taproom our most popular beer is our crisp and clean Wagon Box, which is an American wheat ale. In the surrounding areas everyone is enjoying the full bodied, creamy ﬁnish of the Saddle Bronc, our English brown ale.

Black Tooth staff is as varied and adventurous as our beers. We are all outdoor enthusiasts! From rock climbing and biking to ﬂy ﬁshing and horseback riding, we all love being outside. Many of us are homebrewers as well. We all come from many walks of life but are one big family with a love for quality craft beer.

6. All go, no quit With so many different styles of beer being crafted and created at Black Tooth we are a busy group of craft beer lovers. Every month we brew, package and sell 700 barrels of beer, which is more than 9,600 cases of tasty suds. With a recent expansion in the last 18 months of our brewing facility we are prepared and pursing continued growth in existing and new markets.

3. True brewing community Black Tooth currently employs 27 full-time and part-time employees. Everyone who works at Black Tooth believes in being an ambassador and contributor to our communities in any way possible. We hold a Community Pint Night in our taproom in which nonproﬁts come into the brewery and share their passion for their project with hundreds of other patrons and Black Tooth donates $1 of every single beer sold that day! We also work closely with the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce to help bring breweries and festival lovers to the annual Suds N’ Spurs Brewfest and offer events throughout the year where craft beer lovers can meet up and have a good time.

Courtesy photo WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

WYO Theater Location:

ABOVE: Christopher

Schultz practices facial expressions in the dressing room at the WYO Theater for a perfromance of “The Rivals.”

42 N Main St. in Sheridan

Carriage House Theater

Tandem Productions

Location:

307-672-7491

Phone:

419 Delphi Ave. in Sheridan

Online:

307-672-9886

307-672-9084

Phone:

wyotheater.com

BELOW: The Grinch,

Online:

et aside the stereotypes of what a Wyoming town should be and take a closer look at the community and culture of Sheridan, which is anything but typical. Theater has a rich history in Sheridan and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon. “I’ve been in a lot of theater towns and so I’m familiar with [them] and Sheridan is deﬁnitely a theater town,” said DannyLee Hodnett, a Sheridan College theater faculty member. “For generations people have been doing theater here and going to see theater, so it’s becoming an ingrained part of the culture. We like theater. We expect theater and we support theater. It’s a beautiful thing.” For every phase of life, there is a Sheridan theater company. Tandem Productions pro-

SHERIDAN THEATER SCENE I

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Online:

Fine them on Facebook at “Tandem Productions.”

sheridanstage.com

played by Spencer Walters, strikes a pose backstage during the Sheridan College’s Christmas Spectacular at the WYO Theater.

Phone:

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vides opportunities for kids as they start their journey into the arts. “With Tandem, we are starting kids at the age of 8-15 and we are introducing them to theater and to a love of theater,” said Tami Davis, the co-founder of Tandem Productions. “It sparks a great interest in them. It goes with them on to the high school and it’s wonderful.” Tandem Productions is in its 22nd year with Davis and her husband, Richard, as the co-founders. Tami Davis is also involved with the Sheridan YMCA theater camps that take place in the summer as a bridge for kids to continue the art. Continuing with theater, whether majoring in the art or not, is possible in multiple ways for students at Sheridan College. “One thing we try do is a variety of plays over the two years that our students are here so they get exposed to the different types of plays. So hopefully they can act in a drama

Trident Theatre Online:

tridenttheatre.com or on Facebook

Sheridan College

Whitney Center for the Arts Location:

3059 Coffeen Ave. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-674-6446

or a comedy. In something traditional or experimental,” Hodnett said. “We want them to get a range of experience. We don’t have to worry about doing plays that are popular. We just need to worry about doing plays that help our students as they try to ﬁgure out what it is to work in theater and this industry.” An additional Sheridan College student theater club on campus is the Twisted Stair Theatre Company. The improv group is open to anyone that is a student at Sheridan College, not just theater majors. The Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild started in 1957 and has been the place for performers and crew of Sheridan to produce mysteries, dramas, musicals and comedies. “The Civic Theatre Guild is for anyone in the community to participate,” Davis said. “There is a lot of opportunity for theater in the Sheridan community.”

With the opportunity to perform there must be a space provided to accommodate the needs of the community. The WYO Theater has been that space for decades. The theater was once closed, but saved in 1989 when it reopened thanks to intense community involvement and fundraising. “It would be hard to imagine downtown Sheridan without the WYO theater,” said Erin Butler, the executive director of the WYO Theater. “It says that the people who helped save and supported the theater were forward thinking and they saw where Sheridan was going and where it could end up.” In the fall and winter months if one ﬁnds themselves itching with the theater bug, there are many companies to join and plenty of productions to watch. Whether it is the ﬁrst play or the 1,000th, Sheridan will welcome anyone with a love of theater to the stage. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

SAGEBRUSH T MORE INFO:

Location:

201 E. Fifth St. in Sheridan (through December)

NEW LOCATION:

104 N. Main St. in Sheridan (beginning in January)

Phone:

307-674-1970

Hours:

Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ONLINE AT: www.ArtInSheridan.com

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Community Art Center

he Sagebrush Community Art Center gives national and local artists a place to showcase their work in exhibits and provides learners and educators a place to be surrounded by and participate in art. From photography to paintings, the art displayed in the center comes from artists all over the world who want their work to be displayed in the Sheridan community. The art center is operated by SAGE, or Sheridan Artists Guild Et Al, which was founded in 1975 and is supported by a monthly membership fee. The art center has more than 200 members. “Our mission at SAGE is ‘to inspire and build community through the visual arts,’” said Laura Lehan, the president of the SAGE board of directors. The art center has taken up residency at the old train depot on East Fifth Street since 2010, but will soon move to its new and permanent location in the old Montgomery building on the corner of Brundage and Main streets in downtown Sheridan in January. “Moving to our new location in the Montgomery building gives us an opportunity to be in the heart of downtown Sheridan and in closer proximity to other organizations committed to supporting the arts such as the WYO Theater, Downtown Sheridan Association and the Public Arts Council, to name a few,” Lehan said. “We are already partnering with the WYO Theater who is displaying the work of our member artists, and we look forward to helping draw both locals and visitors to share in the experience of a vibrant downtown. “

She added that the move also provides more visibility for the group. “It can be very expensive for artists to maintain their own retail gallery and this space provides artists with a prime retail location to display and sell their art at a fraction of the cost,” Lehan said. “It also provides them with a wonderful classroom space to share their talent and craft with beginning to advanced students.” The Montgomery building will undergo renovations to create a unique atmosphere for the community art center, with intentional design. “The space will have an open and inviting feel with a modern industrial design. The entire layout of the space will be designed to support the creation, display and sale of art,” Lehan said. While construction continues, events and classes are still being held at the old train depot located at 201 E. Fifth St. “We still have to ﬁnish the raw space and that’s going well and then we need to start moving out of the old building and moving into the new building,” said Kate Harrington, the executive director of the art center. Sagebrush Community Art Center hosts many workshops and events that members and non-members are able to attend. Youth classes and summer art camps are also available. “In the new building we plan to expand classes and show more art work in the ﬁne art and member gallery like we always do. We hope to expand our classes and workshops and that they will prosper from being downtown,” Harrington said.

Sheridan County

PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM ONLINE AT: www.SheridanWyoLibrary.org

ibraries have a long history in Sheridan. Before there was a Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, there was the Carnegie Library. After receiving a grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1904 to build a library, on Aug. 1, 1905, the library doors first opened. In 1974, the library was torn down and the Margaret S. Fulmer Memorial Public Library opened at its current location on West Alger Street. After an expansion in 1985, the library grew to its 30,000 square feet. On any given day, more than 1,000 people visit the library. Thousands of books, audio books and DVDs are available for checkout, but the library isn’t just a place for reading. Opportunities to research information on the history and culture of Wyoming can be found within the building. The Wyoming Room holds a collection of Western history; homestead maps and databases; photographs; obituary and birth record files; and Sheridan and Big Horn newspaper collections on microfilm. The Wyoming Room is a hotspot for local research on Sheridan County’s history. Exhibits are constantly changing with new artists every month put on display in the mezzanine, Inner Circle and other areas of the library. Community activities at the

library include reading programs for babies to tweens and specialized programs that focus on different themes or activities. The library also offers weekly book discussions and opportunities to listen to educational speakers that visit the library. “I try to offer things not already offered in the community. Sheridan has a lot of stuff that is going on, so I try to ﬁnd things that are unique,” said Christina Schmidt, library program coordinator. In addition to the programs available at the library, there is a service that reaches those who cannot get to the library. The homebound services program began in the late 1960s at the old Carnegie Library and carried over to Fulmer library. The program serves between 65-75 people once a month by providing resources and materials to those who cannot visit the library. “My motto is ‘We are more than just books.’ Each person gets individualized attention what their likes and dislikes are,” Senior Outreach Manager of Homebound Services Judy Armstrong said. “It’s all really individualized. I think that’s what makes the service unique and welcomed by so many people and they recommend it to others. I really get to know them and get to know what they like.” The library offers exhibits and

events throughout the year that encourage the community to “meet at the library.” “One of the best things is that [the library] is a community gathering place, and you can come in here and check out books and enjoy the materials that we offer, but a lot of people will also use our meeting rooms. There are groups that will use this as a common place and they say ‘Let’s meet at the library,’” library director Cameron Duff said. The library opens its doors for public use without charge, as well. “This library is probably one of the few places in town where you can actually get access to a large meeting room without having to pay,” Duff said. “Then you just have a lot of people that will come in here, especially fall and spring studying for school related stuff. I would say the core of all of this is it’s a community gathering space.”

MORE INFO: Location:

Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library 335 W. Alger St. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-674-8585

Hours:

Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Sunday

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY

DINNER

n 1991, Bob De Fries was president of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. He wanted to bring an event to Sheridan that would bring the whole community together. “We decided to have this dinner at the Holiday Inn,” Bob De Fries said. “When we ﬁrst started out, our mis-

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

sion statement was to get to the people who didn’t have as much as others. We gave tickets to Department of Family Services to give out to people they thought needed it.” De Fries said in the ﬁrst year the event fed 350 people. “After that we said, ‘Well who are we to say who is needy,’ and everybody’s needs are different,” De Fries said.

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“Instead of trying to get it to people we thought needed it, we opened it up to the whole community.” Attendance skyrocketed and for the last five to six years has hit the 1,200 mark each year. The Community Holiday Dinner is in its 26th year and De Fries said he has seen the same faces for years. “Since we’ve opened it up to everyone, we get to see the same faces every year; it’s kind of like your kitchen and dinning room on Thanksgiving day except instead of 10 or 12 people in your dining room there are 1,200,” De Fries said. Making the event a family affair, De Fries’ son has been participating in the event since first volunteering in 1995 and has since served as chair of the event. “I wanted to be involved from the first time I had volunteered to help with the dinner in 1995,” Erin De Fries said. Holiday gift bags are handed out to children and adults during the event. “The purchasing of approximately 6,400 items that we put in the gift bags is quite an undertaking,” Erin De Fries said. Feeding more than 1,000 people for a holiday dinner requires two things: a lot of food and a lot of people to prepare and serve that food. The Wyoming Girls School students volunteer by pulling meat off of 60 turkeys that go to feed the event’s attendees.

Various groups set up and tear down, but most of the need is during the dinner itself. Ambassadors serve food and other groups clean tables and help people find seats and carry plates. The preparation for the event begins early in the year, but with the years of experience only a few things are tweaked year to year. The father and son duo explained their favorite parts of the event. “My favorite part about the dinner is walking into the ballroom and looking into a packed room of families and people having dinner and talking and laughing and having a great time,” Erin De Fries said. “It’s like the entire community is one big family over for dinner. Truly the best feeling ever.” For more than 25 years Bob De Fries has organized the Community Holiday Dinner and smiles when he talks about his favorite part of the annual event. “The hundreds of smiling faces that I see. The event itself is so rewarding. Just being surrounded by the fellowship and camaraderie,” Bob De Fries said of the event. “We all know how wonderful Sheridan County is and how giving of a community we are. To see all the people that have come to the event over the years and how much they’ve enjoyed it has really been one of the more beneﬁcial things I’ve ever been involved in in my life.”

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

Arts & Entertainment

CHRISTMAS

STROLL T

he Friday after Thanksgiving is known nationwide as “Black Friday,” but for people in the Sheridan area it is also known as the day of the annual “Christmas Stroll.” For more than 20 years, the Christmas Stroll has been a staple event for the Sheridan community for the holiday season. The 2016

Stroll theme is “Storybook.” “It’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season,” said Ryan Koltiska, Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce director of marketing and communications. “It’s a great time for the community to get together. There are always a lot of people that come and see their friends and family. We also get to celebrate local stores and shop local. That’s one of the reasons

[the stroll] was started, to support hometown stores.” The Christmas Stroll provides an opportunity to shop local and support homegrown businesses. In addition to the shopping, free hot chocolate, live music, trolley and wagon rides are available. Mr. and Mrs. Claus also attend the event to greet kids and hear their Christmas wishes. “The kids, they just want to believe and so they are so excited about the whole thing,” said Judy Taylor, who has played Mrs. Claus since the ﬁrst Christmas Stroll. “I have played Mrs. Claus for more than 40 years, even before the stroll. I have had some kids show me pictures of their folks with me from years ago.” Preparation for next year’s event begins right after the Christmas Stroll has taken place. A way to get the community involved and thinking about Christmas throughout the year is the button design contest. Students work on their designs in April to be entered in the button design contest. The contest put on by the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce is for kids in ﬁrst through sixth grades. They create a button design around

the theme of the stroll to go with the “Get Caught Shopping” campaign. The mayor then presents the winner with a framed copy of the design and $100 in Chamber Bucks. The winner will be announced in November. “The buttons have a number and every business pulls a random number that they will be associated with. The nights between the Christmas Stroll to Christmas Eve, participating stores check numbers and if the shopper has the same number they do the shopper wins a prize,” said Teresa Detimore, the Chamber’s director of program development. “We have elves that go out throughout the holiday season and if they catch you shopping in a store and wearing a stroll button you can win Chamber Bucks, which is money that can be spent locally. Last year we awarded more than $4,000.” The Christmas Stroll was created to keep shoppers in Sheridan to do Christmas shopping and to help promote the Christmas spirit. “It encourages people to stay in town or come into town like people from Ranchester or Dayton, because Sheridan is a great place,” Detimore said.

ABOVE: Sophia Swevello pauses as Alla Sewvello wipes her face during the annual Christmas Stroll on Main Street.

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Arts & Entertainment

F ABOVE: Jodi Smith

shops with her niece Alisha Nelsen during the Christmas Craft Bazaar at the Big Horn Woman’s Club.

CRAFT BAZAARS

all and winter is the season for craft bazaars in Sheridan County. Each year just a few weeks before Thanksgiving the creative gatherings begin to spring up just like holiday lights and decorations. Local organizers have said the events were started by people who made handmade ornaments, wreaths and such. Some of the bazaars still focus on those items, but

ONLINE AT:

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some have expanded, too. For example, several of the bazaars now include homebased businesses like tupperware, Mary Kay items and Scentsy. In Sheridan County, bazaars have become a sort of pre-holiday tradition, but they do take a lot of work. Local organizers say the bazaars take months of preparation that lead up to the selling season. And while some bazaars are

held to beneﬁt organizations, others can beneﬁt the local economy as shoppers visit the craft sales to purchase gifts and home decorations. The events also allow local artists to network and expand their businesses. Keep an eye on the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce website this fall for a full list of times and locations for area bazaars. Events will also be listed on The Sheridan Press website.

w w w . sher i danw y omi ngcham ber.org w w w . thesher i danpr ess. com

Arts & Entertainment

SHERIDAN COUNTY MUSEUM

T MORE INFO: Location:

850 Sibley Circle in Sheridan

Hours:

January-April: gift shop only, 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. May: 1-5 p.m. daily. June through Labor Day: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Phone:

307-675-1150

Admission:

Adults $4, seniors 60 and older $3, students $2, children 12 and younger, veterans and active military free

ONLINE AT: www.sheridanmuseum.org

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he mission of the Sheridan County Museum is to preserve, interpret and exhibit historical materials that relate to the history of the Sheridan area; to provide educational opportunities for people of all ages; and promote and encourage historical entities and programs in Sheridan County. The Sheridan County Museum sees more than 6,000 people each year. “[The museum] gives us a connection to the past with some of the youth programs we do; it provides a link to what we had in the past and link to the present world to make that connection,” said Shawna Michelena, the museum’s curator of education. Programs in the fall and winter include the evening program series in which the museum will host speakers who talk about a topic related to local or regional history. “We have a ‘Tidbit’ program in the fall and winter called Tidbit Saturday, which is the third Saturday. We are also adding another 10 a.m. session and a 1 p.m. session this fall,” Michelena said. Permanent exhibits in-

clude one depicting the Battle of the Rosebud which was fought eight days before the Battle of the Little Bighorn where Cheyenne and Sioux tribes fought against U.S. soldiers and their Crow and Shoshone allies just 30 miles north of Sheridan. The exhibit is called “Before Custer there was the Rosebud” and includes a guided tour and a diorama depicting the battle. John Woodward, the museum director, said that the Battle of the Rosebud is the most popular exhibit that the museum currently houses. “We really concentrate on local history. The people who were important in the town, events that occurred in the area and what we do when people bring things to donate to the museum, we look at them with the eye that they’re a part of Sheridan history,” said Peg Cullen, the collections assistant. “Sometimes when you go to a local museum, they take anything that anybody gives them and throw it into the museum. This museum tells a story and we are very proud about that.” The “Black Diamonds in Sheridan County”

exhibit depicts the more than 60-year history of coal in the area, including the coal towns in Sheridan County that had miners from all over the world. Once the railroad arrived in Sheridan, construction on a network of tie flumes began in 1893. For more than 20 years, wood flowed out of the Bighorns to be used in railroad construction and maintenance. The exhibit includes an interactive diorama that traces the route of the flume network. “January to April we develop new ex-

hibits through the year and programs too. In October, we start creating the new exhibits for the upcoming year. In that time, we are busy locating artifacts that are either in our collection or we have to reach out to ﬁnd the pieces,” Woodward said. The process to plan and execute the theme of the exhibit takes more than four months. “Some museums only focus on local and regional history. Other museums only talk about speciﬁc areas. There is no other institution

that talks about the broader strokes as the Sheridan County Museum,” Woodward said. “We talk about the development of industry in Sheridan and the development of the Tongue River tie ﬂume. We cover a broad area and we keep historical stories alive and open to the public.” He added that the museum bridges the gap between academic research and public research. “To preserve and share stories of Sheridan that would otherwise be in a book or less accessible today,” he said.

ABOVE: A wax statue of Chief Red Cloud stands in the Sheridan County Museum.

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Arts & Entertainment

TRAIL END MUSEUM ONLINE AT: www.trailend.com

T MORE INFO: Location:

400 Clarendon Ave. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-674-4589

Winter Hours:

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily Sept. 1 through Dec. 14

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

he Trail End Museum is a fully furnished historic house that interprets the time period 19131933 in Sheridan. It is the home of John and Eula Kendrick and the Kendricks are the only family to have lived in the home. “It’s kind of like they just stepped out and you’re stepping in to view the home as it was,” Curator Sharie Prout said. More than 90 percent of all items are original; down to Band-Aid boxes and tooth paste. The home became a state historic site in 1982 and more than 17,000 people a year visit Trail End. According to Prout, the ballroom is the most popular thing visitors want to see. “[People] can’t believe it’s up there,” she added. “Carpenters like to see the wood work and people like to see the doors marked ‘open me’ because people get to open them and see the surprise.”

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Resources offered to visitors include self-guided tours, audio tours and an extensive website full of articles with more information that couldn’t ﬁt into the museum’s exhibits, including photos of the families. From Dec. 15 to the end of March, the museum is closed. That time period allows the museum staff to create and install new exhibits and deep clean, which is hard to do when the museum is open to the public. However, before the Trail End closes for the season, a special event is held to celebrate Christmas. For more than 30 years, the museum has hosted an annual Holiday Open House. “The ﬁrst weekend of December we have the whole Kendrick house decorated from one end to the other,” said Cynde Georgen, the site superintendent. “With several 9-foot tall trees decorated. There is hot cider and Figgie pudding, live music in the ballroom and drawing room. With the greenery and poinsettias, the house comes alive.” She added that Father Christmas dresses in a long robe and touts a “European look.” “He sits in the light of the Christmas tree in the ballroom and kids line up,” Georgen said. “Some are scared or apprehensive, but Father Christmas is wonderful with them and after the kids talk with him they get a sleigh bell off of his

reindeers and the kids are delighted.” David Peterson, a Sheridan Junior High School history teacher, became involved with the museum due to the close proximity of the museum to the school. After he took his students on a tour of the historic site, he started volunteering and has for more than 10 years. He volunteers around Christmas during the Holiday Open House. “I play Father Christmas three nights out of the year. I get to be in a warm outﬁt and take Christmas wishes from the children who visit me,” Peterson said. The area residents and visitors receive an important look back in time from the Trail End Museum, depicting how life was lived 100 years ago. “John Kendrick was a big inﬂuence, he built a lot of buildings on Main Street that are still used today and of course being a senator and governor of Wyoming, but also not everybody lived like this 100 years ago in mansions, but it’s a glimpse on how at least one family in Sheridan lived,” Prout said. “We talk about how the family interacted with town. Where they did their shopping, where they did go for entertainment, what kinds of things people living and working here would also be doing and so we are able to branch out and it’s not just on the family but life in Sheridan from 1913 to 1933.”

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Arts & Entertainment

BATTLEFIELD SITES B attleﬁelds are reminders of our past and Sheridan is no exception. These battles shaped the area in ways that still impact the community today.

BATTLE OF THE ROSEBUD Rosebud Battleﬁeld is associated with the lead up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The battle represents the proactive position of the 1,500 Sioux and Northern Cheyenne as they forced the withdrawal of Brigadier General George Crook’s 1,000 troops at Rosebud Creek. The presence of thousands of warriors and soldiers on the ﬁeld on June 17, 1876, made the day one of the largest battles of the Indian wars. Just eight days later, because Crook’s troops were withdrawn from the war zone to resupply, they were not available to support Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his troops at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Location:

Take Wyoming 338 (also known as Decker Road) into Montana. Follow the road until you reach the entrance to Rosebud State Park near Busby, Montana.

Phone:

406-757-2298

ONLINE AT:

www.stateparks.mt. gov/rosebud-battlefield/

CONNOR BATTLEFIELD

Located in Ranchester off of Interstate 90, Connor Battleﬁeld State Historic Site was where the U.S. Army and the Arapahoe tribe met in the Battle of Tongue River. The battle is considered the most important engagement of the Powder River Expedition of 1865. It caused the Arapahoe to ally with the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes at the Fetterman Fight just a year later. The park has picnic areas, a playground, overnight camping facilities, ﬁshing access and historic interpretations. Last year marked the 150th anniversary of the battle that occurred on Aug. 29, 1865. Several people, including town historian Kim Fuka and Sheridan diorama artist Tom Warnke, teamed up to commemorate the anniversary. A diorama created by Warnke and several area res-

idents was dedicated to the town last year as part of the anniversary commemoration. It took more than 500 hours of work to complete and includes more than 500 miniscule pieces including 91 cavalrymen, 30 Arapahoe scouts and 99 villagers as well as teepees, trees and a model of the Tongue River.

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Phone:

307-684-7629

Camping:

There are 20 camping sites operated on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis. The park closes for camping on Oct. 31.

www.wyoparks.state.wy.us/ Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=15

Information Center in Ranchester, a portion of which is shown here.

Two blocks off of U.S. Highway 14 in Ranchester

ONLINE AT:

BELOW: A diorama of the Connor Battle is on display at the Ranchester

Location:

WAGON BOX FIGHT The Wagon Box Fight is known as one of the most unusual battles in the history of the West. Fought on Aug. 2, 1867, about 5 miles west of Fort Phil Kearny near the town of Story, the battle pitted an estimated 1,000 Indians under Chief Red Cloud’s command against a handful of soldiers and civilians under the command of Capt. James Powell. Powell and 26 soldiers and six civilian woodcutters were camped about 5 miles from Fort Phil Kearny when the Indian forces attacked. They took cover inside an oval of wagon boxes used as a stock corral. They were able to hold off the Indian warriors from be-

hind the 14 wagon boxes with their new rapid-fire rifles until a relief force arrived from the fort. Three men were killed and two wounded inside the wagon box corral. Indian casualties were estimated between five to 60 killed and five to 125 wounded.

Location:

Take exit 44 off of Interstate 90 to ﬁnd Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. The Wagon Box Fight State Historic Site can be located from here off of Wagon Box Road.

Phone:

307-684-7629

ONLINE AT:

www.philkearny.vcn.com

BATTLE OF LITTLE BIGHORN Located over the border in Montana, the Little Bighorn Battleﬁeld National Monument and battle site is a good day trip to take from Sheridan. On June 25, 1876, without authorization from his superior ofﬁcer, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer led his men into an ambush that killed more than 250 men, including Custer himself. The battle was a crucial engagement because it was the last

major Indian victory in North America. The site includes a museum and historic interpretation of the battle.

Location:

Museum – Off of Interstate 90 at Garryowen at exit 514. Battle Site – Crow Agency off exit 510 on Battleﬁeld Tour Road 756.

Phone:

406-638-1876

ONLINE AT:

www.custermuseum.org OR AT www.nps.gov/libi/

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BY THE

NUMBERS Fundraising goal:

ANTELOPE BUTTE

MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA

million total including restoration costs & endowment

Amount raised so far:

$815,000

12 years since the ski area was last open

Courtesy photo 90

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

Number of marked ski trails the area will have

162 920 F all/ Win t e r 2 0 1 6

Number of board members, from 2 different counties and 3 towns

Number of months until expected opening (December 2017)

Number of donors who have contributed or pledged thus far

126

Number of volunteer hours put toward the cause in the last year

$45

Number of volunteers in the past year

Expected cost for an adult lift ticket at the facility once it opens

ONLINE AT: www.AntelopeButte.org

OTHER NUMBERS

1,300

attended the third annual Antelope Butte Summer Festival (2017 date is July 21-23, 2017)

705

attended the inaugural Bighorn Mountains Brewfest (2017 date is July 1, 2017)

10,000

average number of skier days at Antelope Butte per season when it was last open

250 inches

average amount of snowfall each winter

9,543 feet

summit elevation of ski area

miles from Sheridan

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Sheridan Travel & Tourism

Black Tooth Brewing Company

Pony Grill & Bar

1517 E. Fifth St.

312 Broadway St.

3 S. Gould St.

3 9 6 8 5

4 92

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

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Kendrick di kM Mansion/ i / Trail End Museum

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saddlery

400 Clarendon Ave.

184 N. Main St.

Mint Bar 151 N. Main St.

7 Sheridan College 3059 Coffeen Ave.

CITY OF

SHERIDAN SOME LOCAL DESTINATIONS

WYO Theater h 42 N. Main St.

City Hall 55 E. Grinnell Plaza

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Sheridan County Towns

BIG HORN

ig Horn has historical landmarks that function as both preservations of the past and current homes and businesses of today. The town lies at the base of the Bighorn Mountains where visitors and locals use the landscape to fish, hike, hunt and explore winter activities in the area. At one time, Big Horn was home to 1,000 residents, a college, brick factory, newspaper, two churches, a hotel, two salons and a mercantile. When the railroad came to Sheridan, Big Horn settled into a slower pace and lower population. The 2010 Census indicates the unincorporated town is home to just 490 people. Today it maintains a mercantile, post office, two museums, historical landmarks, Big Horn Woman’s Club and The Brinton Museum. Nearby polo fields host activities year round including polo games, fireworks and a Christmas ball. One of the town’s two museums is The Brinton Museum,

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

which recently ﬁnished renovations that added 24,000 square feet to the museum in 2015. “The museum is a major destination; it is a destination to spend the best part of the day if you are interested in the West. An awful lot is available,” said Ken Shuster, the director and chief curator of The Brinton Museum. A community meeting place for Big Horn is the Woman’s Club, a social organization in Big Horn with the objective “to bring about mutual and moral social improvement in the community,” said Joyce Coates, president of the club. The club hosts an annual bazaar fundraiser in the fall. “We collect items for Christmas like scarves and wreaths. We have a bake sale and jewelry table. It depends on what crafters will come and sell items,” Coates said. The clubhouse gets rented out all year, as it is a hotspot for family reunions, weddings and the regular club meetings. “I love the Woman’s Club; they are very open and very F all/ Win t e r 2 0 1 6

nice,” Coates said. “They welcomed me with open arms and not just as a president but as a member.” Any woman is welcome to attend the meetings and the cost is $20 a year for membership to the club. “Big Horn has a unique mix of people who have lived and visited here, which include the early Native Americans,” said Judy Slack, Big Horn City Historical Society board member. “Since the settlers came, we have been the vacation ‘home’ to many interesting and famous people including Queen Elizabeth, Ernest Hemingway, Leonard Bernstein and many others.” She added that the area has been home to the rich and famous, but also to the lone

Big Horn community

widow and widower, the cowboy, the teacher and others who found the town a place to live comfortably and safe. “We have had our ‘boom and bust’ cycles like other towns with ranching being the mainstay,” Slack said. “Not many places can say that horses have played a major part in our history since early pioneer days. The economy has been sustained by war horses, polo ponies, racing and rodeo stock.” The Big Horn City Historical Society works to balance the past, present and future of Big Horn for generations to come. “With keeping our history alive and recording it for our future citizens, we hope there to be an ongoing appreciation for the hard work of our early pioneers,” Slack said.

• 490 total residents • Male: 244 • Female: 246 • Under 18: 144 • Largest age group: 50-64: 117

Sheridan County Towns

STORY Story community • 828 total residents • Male: 423 • Female: 405 • Under 18: 118 • Largest age group: 50-64: 280

hick pines cover the community of Story, contributing to the storybook like wonderment residents and visitors have come to expect of the community. The community’s population, according to a 2010 census, was 828 people. “It’s a much more relaxed atmosphere,” Dennis Irvin, the broker and owner of Story Realty, said of what living and working in Story is like. Irvin has lived and worked in Story since 1994. The unincorporated community has ample activities and events throughout the year, including Story Days, which takes place every August and features fun and games for the whole community. The town is known for camping, ﬁshing and other recreational activities that entertain locals and visitors alike.

ONLINE AT: www.StoryWyoming.org 96

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

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The Wyoming Game and Fish Department operates the Story Hatchery and Visitor Center, at which visitors can learn about fish and the water of the area as well as have the opportunity to feed the fish. Story’s location is in close proximity to historic battles including the Fetterman Fight, which was a key victory of the Plains Indians over U.S. soldiers, along with the 1867 Wagon Box Fight the battlefield of which is marked as a National Historic Landmark. In contrast to the historic fights, day-to-day life is quiet among the trees as Story offers simple accommodations such as restaurants, businesses and a library. More than 25 people visit the Story library every day. “It’s a nice gathering place for Story,” said Stephanie Hutt, the library branch manager. The library provides events and activities to involve residents throughout the year. “This library, we’re small in size but big in heart,” Hutt said. “People are shocked on what we have due to the size of the com-

munity. There is not a person who walks in where employees don’t know who they are.” There are three clubs in the Story area for residents to get involved in as well: the Lions Club, Garden Club and the Story Woman’s Club. The holidays offer a time for the community to come together and in Story, it’s tradition. In the fall, the Story Woman’s Club hosts a Thanksgiving dinner. The ﬁrst dinner took place in October 1975 and an average of 400 people attend the event each year. They have a lot of turkey and make 60 homemade pies, organizers said. They have to cook a lot and keep track from one year to the next to keep track of food. Organizers said they are lucky to have a nice family that has purchased the turkeys for seven years. Story brings locals home to a slower pace of life with nature and animal life surrounding the community. To visitors, the community offers the opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air of the Bighorn Mountains.

CLEARMONT Town of Clearmont • 142 total residents • Male: 64 • Female: 78 • Under 18: 43 • Largest age group: 50-64: 40

istory surrounds Clearmont as locals have found a place among the trees, rolling hills and historic landmarks that incorporate the past with the present. “We are a small community, we are pretty tight knit,” said Clearmont Mayor Chris Schock. “Everyone knows everyone.” The sentiment isn’t an exaggeration. The town of Clearmont is home to 142 people, according to the 2010 census. The Clear Creek Stop provides gas and a café to the town. The community also has historic landmarks and a town library. The community library is part of Sheridan County’s public library system and has more than 25 people that visit daily. “It’s a fairly old and small town and everybody gets along together,” said Barbara Carlock, the town’s librarian. “It is nice to have a little library in a town this size. We get the new stuff too, like books and movies.” Historic landmarks also highlight a trip

to the eastern portion of Sheridan County. The Clearmont jail was built in 1922, to combat the growing crime in town. Its main occupants were drunks and bootleggers. On May 14, 1984, the jail was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Remnants of the past are front and center with a one-room schoolhouse that is not currently in use, but serves as a window to a different time. Now Sheridan County School District 3 is exploring ways to honor the history of the Rock School. Despite its size, Clearmont offers opportunities for community events. “The sporting events at the high school are a big social event for the town when the school has [home games],” Schock said about activities in the town during the fall and winter months. In nearby Ucross, the Ucross Foundation is a place for artists of all mediums to come and create in the vast space and open

skies that northeastern Wyoming provides. “Artists are coming from some of the biggest urban areas from around the world and they’ve never experienced the high plains and so when they get here, the vast open space and the silence and the night skies are a really transforming experience,” said Sharon Dynak, the president of the Ucross Foundation. “The wildlife and the birds are tremendous. It’s bringing them deeply into the natural world and it touches them deeply. It’s the perfect place for an artist to be working. The natural world is really important.” The tight knit community of Clearmont embraces its small town mentality, but also looks to future expansion. Mayor Schock noted that “there is property for sale for someone who want to start a business.”

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Sheridan County Towns

RANCHESTER Town of Ranchester • 855 total residents • Male: 432 • Female: 423 • Largest age group: 50-64: 160

he town of Ranchester is just miles from the Montana border and touts a near perfect view of the Bighorn Mountains. Businesses have recently opened in the area, creating more opportunities for the population of 855 people. Aside from local businesses, public accessibility to information and knowledge is made available through the Tongue River branch library. On average, more than 60 people visit the library each day. “We are set up in the town hall building of Ranchester,” said Connie Fiedor, the Tongue River branch library manager. “Sometimes people do not realize they walked into the library and they realize it isn’t the town hall. People will pay their city bill and come check out a book.” Fiedor added that the library is a fun place to be and

DEST I NA TI O N SHERI D A N

will host fall story hours during which volunteers read to preschool students. Ranchester is 12 miles from Sheridan and therefore some of Sheridan’s conveniences, but the town has its own community center. “In Ranchester, it gives a place for all the community members to go,” said Chad Aksamit, the program director of the Tongue River Valley Community Center. “We have cards that are at our location for after-school programs as well that go through September to May. We also have a weight room and weight machines so we can serve those people in Ranchester for their ﬁtness goals without them having to go to Sheridan to one of the gyms.” Aksamit added that many of the center’s activities focus on ﬁtness goals in the winter months and activities offered include ping pong and use of the weight room. Activities are offered for

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all age groups, from children through seniors. The beautiful landscape that is just miles from the Bighorn Mountains provides near perfect scenery that can be enjoyed through a drive or a walk. “I enjoy taking long walks,” said Peter Clark, mayor of Ranchester. “I walk to Connor

Battleﬁeld or to the park and I do that all year round.” “It’s a wonderful town to live in,” Clark added. Ranchester also boasts a new mercantile, which will host farmers markets in the warmweather months and a new child care facility. Additional space is also available for new businesses.

ONLINE AT: www.RanchesterWyoming.com

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Sheridan County Towns

DAYTON

Town of Dayton

100

• 757 total residents • Male: 376 • Female: 381 • Under 18: 192 • Largest age group: 50-64: 197

DESTI NA TI O N SHER I D A N

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ONLINE AT: www.DaytonWyoming.org

ight at the base of the Bighorn Mountains sits the town of Dayton. According to the town of Dayton’s website, Dayton was named in 1882 after Joe Dayton Thorne, a founding father of the community. The town of 757 people, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, was incorporated in 1906 and will celebrate its 110-year anniversary this year. Ahead of the times, Dayton elected Wyoming’s ﬁrst female mayor, Susan Wissler in 1911. Her home in Dayton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dayton has history around every corner and repurposes old buildings for new businesses and opportunities. Dayton’s community center once served as the old high school and now provides a shorter commute for residents going to a gym or community center. “We are fortunate to have the old high school to use, so now that we have a gym, we can offer more programs up here just because of size of facility,” said Chad Aksamit, the program director of the Tongue River Valley Community Center. “The cardio and weight room are bigger. We get more attendance for programs, but again for the people of Dayton to drive to the YMCA or gym in town would take 25 minutes, instead now they can drive 5-10 minutes to the gym and community center in Dayton.” Programs available in

the fall and winter months include adult volleyball leagues and pickleball tournaments. Business owners have also breathed new life into old building. The owners of the Dayton mercantile, Craig and Elaine Stevens, opened the business in 2013. Henry Baker originally constructed the building in 1882, but now the Stevens use it to sell Wyoming products including local food, handmade jewelry and more. “From tourists to local, everyone wants to see what is new,” Elaine Stevens said. “We offer ice cream and sandwiches after Labor Day. Then, when the hunting and fall season comes, everyone will be on their way to the ski areas and every day will be an experiment.” The Stevens’ business saw visitors from all over the United States and more than 27 countries last year. “They are usually heading to Yellowstone or to go camping,” Stevens said. She added that many visitors remark on how great of a little town Dayton is. Gina Donnor owns Gallery on Main, which is a ﬁne art gallery that features the work of local artists, wine tasting and more. Donnor has lived in Dayton for 20 years and chose to start her business in the town. “I didn’t want to see anymore business districts turned into residential,” Donnor said. “We have so many local artists that look for places to show their work and it is beyond anything I imagined how it could turn out.” “We are open year round and open on Sundays,” she added. “You can drink wine and look at art.” For those passing through there is a lot to see and do including the Hans Kleiber museum, local parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

101

INFORMATION

WYOMING

INFORMATION CENTER MORE INFO: Location:

1517 E. Fifth St. in Sheridan

Phone:

307-673-7121

WHAT YOU WILL FIND: • Sheridan Travel and Tourism ofﬁces • 24-hour public restrooms • One-on-one assistance from travel specialists • Brochures on the area’s points of interest • Information kiosk • Dog-walking area • Picnic area • RV waste disposal site • Parking • Panoramic view of the Bighorn Mountains • Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional ofﬁces nearby

102

DESTI NA TI O N SHER I D A N

he Sheridan Information Center was established in 1972 and offers visitor maps, brochures, information and insight on Sheridan from a local’s prospective. “Our information center is an incredible resource for travelers visiting Wyoming and just passing through – and it also serves as a powerful sales tool for the region; we’re often the ﬁrst point of contact for people coming and going in and out of Wyoming, and we have great success convincing people to make Sheridan a part of their travel itineraries,” said Shawn Parker, the executive director of Sheridan Travel and Tourism. The busiest month for the Welcome Center is July. Last year the building had 23,550 visitors in July, or 600-700 people per day. The center is open year

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round, but during summer the center has extended hours and is open seven days a week. The rest of the year the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the slower months, the Information Center continues to stay busy with visitors. “Although we see fewer visitors at the center, we are busy throughout the entire year; the type of traveler we see changes with the seasons,” said Cameron Rapp, the Welcome Center specialist. “During the summer we welcome plenty of road trip folk, history buffs and adventure travelers, while during the winter we see strong numbers of snowmobile enthusiasts venturing into the mountains.” Besides information on how to get to Yellowstone National Park, the Information Center staff is able to assist visitors with questions and give recommendations about the Sheridan area. “I enjoy making activity recommendations for visitors based on their interest,” said Megan Ahrens the head of media for Sheridan Travel and Tourism. “I want everyone to have a memorable and special experience in Sheridan.” Staff members offer different insights and recommendations to visitors based on their interests and passions. “I enjoy opportunities to

tell visitors about my favorite photography locations in and around Sheridan County; I often point people toward the neon signs on Main Street, Tongue River Canyon and Soldier Ridge Trail for sunset views,” Parker said. “I’m an avid photographer myself, and I think photography is a great way to glimpse at life in a new destination.” With visitors from all over the world stopping at the Information Center, staff members get the opportunity to showcase what makes Sheridan special and over the years they’ve had positive feedback from visitors. “Everyone is very impressed with the beauty of the area and the friendliness and hospitality of our community. The general reaction is overwhelmingly positive,“ Ahrens said. “I’m pleased to hear Sheridan is becoming a destination unto itself for travelers; we’re hearing of weeklong stays and repeat visits.” It is important that Sheridan has an Information Center for travelers and locals to learn about the Sheridan area and its attractions. The goal of the information center, according to Rapp, is “to provide current and valuable information to visitors and encourage folks passing through to stop by and spend some time in Sheridan.”

AD DIRECTORY 9

Sheridan Stationery

Holiday Inn

Affordable Autos

106

Hospital Pharmacy/West 14

Alpha Graphics

105

J’Dan Builders

Sheridan Travel

Balanced Living

105

Kosma Heating & AC

& Tourism

Little Goose Liquors

Shipton’s Big R

SSR Construction

State Farm – Jon Oman

102

Summit Realty Goup

Swan Land Company

Tegeler and Associates

100

The Brinton Museum

Sheridan Center

Martinizing

Bighorn Design

Big Horn Smokehouse

MDU Billings

Billings Airport

Memorial Hospital of

Dry Cleaning

Sheridan County

Champions 63

Mountain Inn Bar

Chartwell’s

Northeast Wyoming

City of Sheridan

106

Concept Z

107

Northern Wyoming

Cosner Construction

Mental Health

Country Kitchen

Cow Tran, Inc.

Funeral Home

Pediatric Associates

108

The Clothing Company 99

& Baby Too

The Nest

The Powder Horn

OK Corral

105

The Quilters’ Fix

105

101

Pack & Mail

The Sheridan Press

103

Cowboy State Bank

PB Communications

The Sport Stop

Crazy Woman Saloon

101

Perkins Family

Thompson–Master

Restaurant

Masons, Inc.

Pioneer Realty

Turned Antiques

D&J Coins

Plaza Gallery

Water Products, Inc.

ERA Carroll Realty

& Frame

Excalibur Construction

FAB Conference

Farmer’s Co-op

Custer Battleﬁeld Trading Post & Café

Gary McCoy

Discount Sports

Art Center

First Interstate Bank

Sheridan College

Fly Shop of the Bighorns

Sheridan County

Fremont Ford

53 78

101

& Hearing

WYO Theater

WyoVision

Sheridan Floor to Ceiling

H&R Block

Sheridan Homes

Heritage Woodworks

Sheridan Meat Market

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Wyoming Audiology 105

Good Health Market

DESTI NA TI O N SHER I D A N

Wyoming Life Flight

Chamber of Commerce 31 Implement

Wind River Hotel & Casino

Sheridan County

Gallery on Main & Gina’s Beauty Bar

Sagebrush Community

First Federal Bank & Trust

Roosters

Westview Health Care Center

Rocky Mountain Exteriors

Rocky Mountain

Farmer’s Insurance

Sheridan Motor

Best Western

104

ACT

For information on advertising in Destination Sheridan call The Sheridan Press at 307-672-2431

Support for Destination Sheridan comes entirely from its advertisers.

A BIG THANK YOU

to each and every one of you!

WWW.DESTINATIONSHERIDAN.COM

105

INFORMATION

SHERIDAN COUNTY

CENSUS DATA

SHERIDAN COUNTY • 29,116 TOTAL RESIDENTS

ccording to 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data, Sheridan County is home to 29,116 residents. The city of Sheridan has 17,444 residents. More recent estimates from 2015 indicate Sheridan County has surpassed 30,000 residents.

ONLINE AT: www. Desti n a ti o n S h er i dan. com

106

DESTI NA TI O N SHER I D A N

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• Median household income 2006-2010: $48,141 • Percent of people 18 years and older with a high school diploma: 92.7 percent • Percent of people 25 years or older with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.1 percent • Persons below poverty level: 11.2 percent • Mean travel time to work: 17.9 minutes

CITY OF SHERIDAN • 17,698 TOTAL RESIDENTS • Female: 50.4 percent • Under 18: 22 percent • Persons 65 and older: 15.8 percent