Wyoming Rural Electric News February 2020

WYOMING

FEB 2020

Stepping off the Cycle Trading in coal dust for chalk dust and other opportunities

RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

 DONNA GEWECKE

Getting Workers Back to Work

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THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 66, number 1, February 2020 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per year by Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER – Send address changes to: The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 223 S. Howes St., Fort Collins, CO 80521, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code. WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 40,985 for 11 months ending September 2019. WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the entire state of Wyoming and the nation. Acceptance of advertising by WREN Magazine does not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.

WREN STAFF Publisher: Linden Press, Inc. • Editor: Maggie York

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Dick Clifton, President Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith, Vice President Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix, Secretary/Treasurer Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker Big Horn REC, Basin – John Joyce Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees Carbon Power, Saratoga – Kenny Curry High Plains Power, Riverton – Hearley Dockham High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Michael Lerwick Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog Niobrara, Lusk – Andy Greer Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Wheatland REA, Wheatland – Sandra Hranchak Wyrulec, Torrington – Dewey Hageman

ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO WREN Magazine • 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 772-1968 wren@wyomingrea.org

SUBSCRIPTION RATES $12 per year, Single copies $1.50 each

ON THE COVER 15 CENTERPIECE

Stepping off the Cycle STORY BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

On the cover: PRECorp member Donna Gewecke keeps nine horses on her ranch. “I can understand buying a horse, but I have no idea how people sell them,” Gewecke said. Read about Gewecke's work on pages 15 and 22.

ADDRESS CHANGES

sure to include your name, address and co-op.

ADVERTISING To purchase, contact Dhara Rose: [307] 996-6552 • dhara@golinden.com

OFFICE OF WREN OWNER

FEATURES YOUTH 10 CO-OP B IG H OR N ' S

2312 Carey Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001

Y UL IS A M E N D E Z

OFFICE OF WREN PUBLISHER

SPOTLIGHT 22 CO-OP B ACK T O W O R K

Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK

06 GRASSROOTS NETWORK 12 THE CURRENT 13 COWBOY STATE BUZZ 30 WHAT'S HAPPENING

PHOTOS BY RHIANNA GELHART

To change, contact Jean Whitlock: [307] 286-8140 or jean@golinden.com. Please make

STATE NEWS & EVENTS FROM OUR READERS COOKS 27 COUNTRY C H I C KE N TO PAPER 29 PEN SNOW

ESSAYS & ANECDOTES

PICTURE IT 32 JUST SNOW

NOTES 04 WREA GRASSROOTS FORCE

JUST FOR FUN

BY SHAWN TAYLOR

ON THE RANGE 25 HOME E X T R A L AY E R S BY GINA SIGEL

US 36 ENLIGHTEN C A B I N FE V E R BY CHUCK LARSEN

CORNER 20 KIDS' W H AT D O T E AC H E RS D O ?

21 TPUZZLE E N - DO LLAR WO RD S BY KENDRA SPANJER

REVIEW 24 BOOK N O G OO D D E E D : A S A M DAWSO N M Y S T E RY BY STEVEN W. HORN

WREA NOTES

May the (Grassroots) Force Be With Us … Always. I’m going to admit up front that I am a Star Wars nerd, living in a household of fellow nerds. Not quite to the point where we dress up as a character from the movie and wait in line to see the newest release, but I did see "Return of the Jedi" six times and my wife and daughter have already seen "The Rise of Skywalker" three times in one week! So, be forewarned that my columns this year may have a reference or two … or three from this series of theatrical wonder. Back to the real world – I do want to point out that the rural electric grassroots network both in Wyoming and nationally really is a force, and one that can’t and shouldn’t be ignored. Late last year there were a number of issues of importance to the electric cooperatives that needed to be addressed before the end of the year. One issue impacted our employees and their health care, another was an obscure tax issue that, if not fixed by Congress, would have had a drastic impact on cooperatives and you, the member-owners of the cooperatives, and your rates. I don’t want to get into the weeds on the issues but I would like to show how the force of the grassroots played a major role in keeping rates low. A couple of years ago there were changes made to the U.S. tax code. One change would have impacted the tax-exempt nature of the cooperatives. As a tax-exempt entity, cooperatives and all tax-exempt organizations have to adhere to the 8515 rule. That rule states that tax-exempt 4

FEB 2020

entities must collect at least 85% of income from member dues (or in the case of a rural electric cooperatives, utility bills) and no more than 15% of income from non-member dues. Cooperatives across the country routinely have to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA funds to help them recover from natural disasters. Furthermore, there is a push from the federal government to expand broadband or connectivity to rural America, and as such millions of dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are available to cooperatives to help in this effort. Unfortunately with the change to the tax code, these funds would have counted as “nonmember dues or income” and therefore would have changed the cooperatives to a taxable entity, which as you can understand would have had negative rate impacts on cooperatives members. Suffice it to say that Congress had known about this issue, and that it would have gone into effect at the beginning of 2020 for a year, if not longer, but hadn’t done anything about it. As the clock was winding down on 2019 it became clear that the senators and representatives in Washington had to hear from the people back home, including the Wyoming delegation. Collectively the cooperative grassroots network across the country were asked to reach out to their elected officials and tell them that this problem had to be fixed before the end of the year.

SH AWN TAY LOR

EX EC UT IV E D I R E CT O R

Congressional members were asked to co-sponsor legislation and implore the leadership of the House and Senate to get this done. Many of you may have received a similar message from your cooperative asking you to do the same thing, and for those of you who took action, I want to express my sincere gratitude and let you know that, within 24 hours of the message/email being sent out asking you to contact our Wyoming delegation, all three members, if they hadn’t already co-sponsored the bill, signed their name onto the bill supporting the cooperatives. A few days after that the bill was passed in both the House and Senate and sent to the president who signed it into law and saved us all from a financial catastrophe. Now this may not sound like that big of a deal to you, but in the world of politics and grassroots engagement, it is this collective effort by rural Americans that allows us to continue to punch above our weight class in Washington. So to close with another Star Wars reference, if you all want to join the Rebellion and become a part of the grassroots force, please visit wyomingrea.org and click on the “Grassroots Network” to sign up. Thanks again for your support and may the Force be with us … always.

Tough training. Safe & reliable power. Linemen play a critical role in our mission to provide reliable, affordable electricity. Tough training and a focus on safety is behind everything they do. Simulated field operations and emergency-response training are ways Basin Electric invests in their safety and in providing reliable power to you.

Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com

GRASSROOTS NETWORK

A PARTNER & TRUSTED SOURCE Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are part of a much larger network of cooperatives that strive to provide the safest, most reliable electricity possible to their members. The cooperative difference is that you, the members, own your electricity provider, and your needs drive the cooperative. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) recently commissioned a national telephone survey to find whether cooperative members are satisfied, and engaged, with their cooperative. This month, we’ll look at survey results regarding electric co-ops’ importance in sustaining the local economy. During the next few months, WREN magazine will publish more results of the survey, including member political engagement and satisfaction with electric rates.

FROM THE NRECA

Consumer-members across the country are increasingly satisfied with the performance of their electric cooperatives and more than ever before see them as trusted information sources and partners in keeping energy costs low. These are among the key findings of a recent national survey commissioned by NRECA and conducted by Frederick Polls. “We hear a lot of stories about how Americans are losing faith in institutions like big companies and government, but that’s clearly not the case with electric cooperatives,” says NRECA Communications Senior Vice President Scott Peterson. “The positive view that members have of co-ops is a testament to their reputation as honest brokers and entities who truly care about their communities.”

POLL RESULTS The 2nd annual Sheridan WYO winter Rodeo FRiday, February 14, 2020 fat bike + Nordic ski registration Paul Bogart Concert Saturday, February 15, 2020 fat bike + NORDIC ski registration nordic ski races fat bike races Sunday, February 16, 2020 trail end family sled + BBQ Friday, February 21, 2020 skijoring registration winter rodeo ice breaker Sheridan Hawks Hockey Game saturday, February 22, 2020 DOWNTOWN Skijoring races 90TH WYO Rodeo Ticket Sales LIVE Sheridan Hawks Hockey Game skijoring calcutta Sunday, February 23, 2020 DOWNTOWN Skijoring races *SKIJORING REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 12PM-7PM AT BLACK TOOTH BREWERY. ALL ATHLETES MUST REGISTER IN PERSON BEFORE COMPETING IN SKIJORING RACES. *More than $5,000 in added purse

6

FEB 2020

New Report

MEMBERS THINK THEIR CO-OP MAKES A DIFFERENCE

RANKING: ENTITIES THAT SUSTAIN THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Co-ops placed first, above credit unions and hospitals, for importance in maintaining the economic health of the community.

Your electric co-op

43%

27%

21%

4% 3%

27%

21%

6% 3%

70% HIGH Local banks or credit unions

43% 70% HIGH

Local doctors and hospitals

43%

23%

21%

8%

6%

25%

23%

6% 4%

25%

22%

6% 3%

66% HIGH Locally owned small businesses

41% 66% HIGH

Businesses that support farmers and agriculture

41% 66% HIGH

Big national retailers like Dollar General and Walmart Cell phone companies

33%

29%

23%

8%

7%

66% HIGH

26%

26%

29%

11%

5%

52% HIGH Local landline telephone companies

24%

18% 42% HIGH

27% 5(Highest)

4

13% 3

2

1(Lowest)

12% DK/Refused

Note: Rounding means some lines don’t add up to 100.

Disagree

8%

Don’t know

4%

DO ELECTRIC CO-OPS PLAY A “CRUCIAL ROLE” IN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY?

Agree

88%

93%

rate the overall performance of their co-op positively.

Source: Survey of 750 electric co-op members, July 2019, margin of error +|-3.6% by Frederick Polls

FEB 2020

7

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2020 CENSUS

The census data provides monetary funds for Wyoming. Wyoming towns and counties each received about $600/person from state tax distribution based on census data in the 2019 fiscal year.

CENSUS INFORMATION IS USED IN WYOMING FOR PLANNING AND FUNDING

NEW SCHOOL CONSTRUC TION

MEDICARE DISTRIBUTION

ROADS AND BRIDGES

POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT LOCATIONS

LIBR ARIES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS

THE CENSUS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

THE CENSUS IS SAFE

The census will not be mailed to P.O. Box addresses. Instead, a

The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to keep your

census worker will bring a postcard or questionnaire to your home.

answers strictly confidential. Data cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine personal

How to identify a census field representative:

eligibility for government benefits.

The representative must present

The representative

an I.D. badge with:

The census will NEVER ask for:

will have a letter from the director of the

THEIR PHOTOGR APH

SOCIAL SECURIT Y NUMBERS

U.S. Census Bureau and can provide the

A DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE WATERMARK

BANK OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

number for the regional office for verification. Wyoming residents can

AN EXPIR ATION DATE

MONE Y

also call 211 for census information.

ANY THING REL ATED TO POLITICAL PARTIES

CENSUS TIMELINE 2010

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JULY 31

The last census took place 10 years ago.

You will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 census. Some households will receive a postcard, others will receive a questionnaire.

If you haven’t responded yet, you will receive a reminder letter and paper questionnaire.

Census workers begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to make sure everyone is counted.

Census closed.



MAKE SURE YOU COUNT!

2030 The next census will take place 10 years later.

Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives encourage you to participate in the 2020 Census.

For more information call 211, log onto 2020census.gov or visit your local library.

Sources: Wyoming Department of Administration & Information Economic Analysis Division, Wyoming State Library.

As a cooperative we are changing together. We are committed to delivering responsibly generated electricity while working to ensure your power remains reliable and affordable. Because whatever the future holds, we’ll power it.

To learn more about our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop

PHOTO BY GERRY MYERS

CO-OP YOUTH

WREN: Tell us about your studies and interests. YM: As I plan to study business

CO-OP YOUTH

management and marketing, I was hoping to attend a highly ranked business school with a community feel, and Villanova gave me just that. I chose these majors because they let me delve into my creative side while also improving my interpersonal skills. Some of my interests are volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and tutoring elementary students. I’ve gotten involved

Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are proud to

with several business societies, Belle Aire

support our youth, giving

Yearbook and Inter-Hall Council to name a

college scholarships and

few clubs.

lineman scholarships. In addition, our co-ops sponsor high school

WREN: How have your hometown, family

students on the D.C. Youth

and/or friends influenced you?

Tour in June and Youth Leadership Camp in July.

THIS MONTH: Big Horn Rural Electric Company nominated Yulisa Mendez, who attended Youth Leadership Camp and the NRECA Youth Tour. She was selected as the Wyoming delegate to the Youth Leadership Council during the Youth Tour. She was a Daniels Scholar and is now attending Villanova University.

YULISA MENDEZ

YM: The community in which I grew up helped me realize that I am capable of so much more than I believed. They had faith in me and pushed me to be the person I am today. It was this community feeling that I hope to get out of a university. Additionally, my family played a huge role because they have been my No. 1 supporters

HOMETOWN: Burlington

in every decision I’ve made, including moving across the country. They taught me to be hardworking and to seize every opportunity.

HIGH SCHOOL: Burlington YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2019

WREN: What are your plans for the future? YM: I hope to be a marketing manager for a successful company, and to continue enhancing my skills throughout my career

Interested in applying for a scholarship, D.C. Youth Tour and/ or Leadership Camp? Contact your local rural electric cooperative! See the insert in the center of the magazine for contact information.

10

FEB 2020

COLLEGE: Villanova University

as it is vital to keep improving. Holding this leadership role, I believe that I can use my expertise to mentor others. With a successful career, I wish to give back to my

MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: Business Management and Marketing

family, community, and organizations that have helped me not only financially but socially as well.

LINEMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A GOOD PROBLEM IS STILL A PROBLEM, BUT WITH YOUR HELP, OURS CAN BE FIXED.

Due to its popularity and the generosity of our board, and increased interest in the trade, WREA’s Lineman Scholarship Program is in danger of running out of funding.

WHAT IT IS

SCHOLARSHIPS RECEIVED

The WREA Lineman Scholarship offers

Over the past several years the board has awarded many scholarships,

scholarships year-round to one or more

donating a total of $146,540.00 since 2015.

individuals, including recent high school graduates who are interested in a career as a lineworker and plan to attend an approved regional lineworker training program.

$

$

2015

2016

14.9K 27.5K

$

30K 2017

$

45K 2018

$

35K 2019

CANDIDATES

FUNDING

To be considered, applicants must submit

For over a decade, the

the application form, a resumé describing

scholarship’s main source

Because of the board’s generosity,

their education and work experience, three

of funding has come

and due to the fact that distribution

letters of recommendation and a transcript

from a fundraising golf

systems statewide have done a good

of grades. (If the candidate has not attended

tournament during the

job promoting the lineworker trade,

an educational institution in the three years

Cody Hotline School.

schools and scholarships, the fund is

prior to submitting the application, the

Vendors, cooperatives and

beginning to run out.

transcript is not necessary.)

others who do business with cooperatives have been

Candidates must submit their scholarship

solicited for donations to

application to the Wyoming Rural Electric

the fund. It has been very

Association; they are then passed on to the

successful, raising as much

WREA board for consideration.

as $20,000 in some years.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE BY:

Calling the WREA Office Manager, Robin Feezer: (307) 634-0727

A GOOD PROBLEM IS STILL A PROBLEM

In 2019, the WREA board agreed that we should start to look at other sources of income for the scholarship fund by reaching out to our membership and others who may want to make a contribution.

 Mailing a check to the WREA Office: 2312 Carey Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001 Make check out to WREA Lineman Scholarship

THE CURRENT

CONTEST CODY HOTLINE SCHOOL

T-SHIRT DRAWING CONTEST It’s time again for elementary aged kids to enter the drawing contest. The Wyoming Rural Electric Association and the city of Cody are looking for pictures to show off at the annual Cody Hotline School.

Last year’s winners are: first, Emmalee Guymon of Dutch John, Utah (above); second, Annalene France of Lyman; and third, Bella Gardiner of Mountain View.

The first place winner will receive $200 and their drawing will be featured on the Cody Hotline School T-shirts. The second place winner will take home $100 and both the third and fourth place winners will get $50.

TO ENTER: Draw your ideas of a person safely working on your electric lines and power poles. Write your name, address, age and phone number on the back of your drawing. Turn it in to Niobrara Electric Association, P.O. Box 697 by March 1.

Questions? Call the Niobrara Electric Association at 307-334-3221 and ask for Twyla Barker.

Morton_WREN_2.20.qxp_Layout 1 1/17/20 11:26 AM Page 1

A ride preserved for generations. IN THE BUILDING made for generations.

HEATING HELP IN WYOMING

You can help keep Wyoming warm this year by donating to Energy Share, a nonprofit organization that helps residents whose other means of assistance have been exhausted. Last winter, the program paid $78,256 to help 277 Wyoming households with utility bills.

Your dream garage begins with limited-time savings when you commit during Building Value Days. Now through February 29.

800-447-7436 | MORTONBUILDINGS.COM ©2020 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. Certain restrictions apply. Ref Code 618

12

FEB 2020

Those in need may contact the local Salvation Army to apply for assistance. TO DONATE Energy Share, c/o Align Team 1401 Airport Pkwy Ste. 300 Cheyenne, WY 82001

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

PHOTO COURTESY WYOMING GAME AND FISH

WOMEN DRIVING HUNTING, FISHING NUMBERS Wills, Trusts & Probate Land Use GAY WOODHOUSE TARA NETHERCOTT HOLLI WELCH JEFF VAN FLEET



Ashley Clark of Cheyenne hunts pheasant near Torrington

 

DEBORAH RODEN JOANNE SWEENEY KATYE BROWN CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

1912 Capitol Avenue Suite 500 Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 432-9399 WRNLawFirm.com

Assisted Living IN DUBOIS, WYOMING

FROM THE WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

More women are hunting and fishing in Wyoming, according to recent Wyoming Game and Fish Department license trend data. Over the last ten years, women’s participation has increased 30.5% in hunting and 14.4% in fishing. It’s a trend Game and Fish has been nurturing, reaching out to women who are interested in learning more about the outdoors and conservation. Game and Fish Hunter and Angler Participation Coordinator Kathryn Boswell organized two Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) camps this year to teach women outdoor skills and activities. The traditional BOW camp covers topics like local plants and wildlife, canoeing, maps, orienteering, fishing, archery, shooting

sports and photography. Beyond BOW, a new hunting-focused camp for 2019, specialized in hunting ethics, firearms, archery, gun cleaning, optics and a simulated hunt with a mentor. Boswell notes the camps have been popular and in step with the trends. In the past two years, 119 women attended either a traditional or Beyond BOW. In survey results following the huntingfocused BOW, all the women who participated felt they had the resources and knowledge to hunt. “I think women are starting to see hunting as an activity that is accessible to them,” Boswell said. “And, it comes with a certain pride in putting healthy food on the table and knowing exactly how it got there– something I think all hunters regardless of gender can relate to.”

Living assisted on the Wind River – western style 59 miles from the entrance to Yellowstone Privately owned, non-profit Medicaid approved 10% monthly discount for private pay Veterans Take a tour of our facility at your convenience 7 days a week. “Happy Hour” on Fridays – 4:30 to 5:30pm

Want more information? (307) 455-2645 5643 US HWY 26 • Dubois WY • warmvalleylodgewy.com

FEB 2020

13

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

SCAMS COST WYOMINGITES $3.42 MILLION Phone, text and email scams target anyone, including rural electric co-op members. Recent examples of scams show how prevalent the crime has become. Just last month, a member of Big Horn Rural Electric Company received a fake call threatening to shut off her power. The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reported in January that Wyoming’s senior citizens lost $3.42 million to cyber scams in 2018. The story included an interview with Margaret Pinney of Cheyenne, who said that she realized she had fallen for a text scam after sending the scammer $4,500. Pinney told the newspaper that the scammer used the name of her friend as part of the scam.

The WREA and WREN magazine won a total of eight awards, including four first place awards, at the Wyoming Press Association 2019 Associates Contest in January.

AwardWinning Magazine 1ST PLACE AWARDS

TO REPORT A SCAM TO THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: FTC.GOV/COMPLAINT 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)

THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION OFFERS TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS, INCLUDING:

Land Use



 

1912 Capitol Avenue Suite 500 Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 432-9399 WRNLawFirm.com

METERS PER MILE

26 HOUSEHOLDS SUPPORTED $8,163,359 SALES

$1,587,794 PAYROLL

$7,118,083 INCOME GENERATED

$2, 3

IN THE COMMUNITY: Between 2007 and 2017, Niobrara Electric Association gave more than $2 million back to the community.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARDED AWARDED FROM OPERATION ROUNDUP DONATIONS

IT Y

AT THE CO-OP: The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) recently completed a study of the economic benefits of Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives. Looking at employment and tax revenue data from 2017, the WBC reported that Wheatland Rural Electric Association is an economic driver in the local community.

PROPERTY TAXES PAID

O C OMMUN

$122,000 $116,000 $3,524,076

1912 Capitol Avenue Suite 500 Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 432-9399 WRNLawFirm.com

-OP T

PROPERTY TAXES PAID

GAY WOODHOUSE DEBORAH RODEN TARA NETHERCOTT JOANNE SWEENEY SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS HOLLI WELCH KATYE BROWN AWARDED JEFF VAN FLEET CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN



 

AT THE CO-OP: The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) recently completed a study of the economic benefits of Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives. Looking at employment and tax revenue data from 2017, the WBC reported that Niobrara Electric Association is an economic driver in the local community.

IN THE COMMUNITY: Between 2007 and 2017, Wheatland Rural Electric Association gave more than $5 million back to the community.

PERSONAL

CAPITAL CREDITS RETURNED TO MEMBERS

CO

$740,484

1912 Capitol Avenue Suite 500 Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 432-9399 WRNLawFirm.com

AT THE CO-OP: The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) recently completed a study of the economic benefits of Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives. Looking at employment and tax revenue data from 2017, the WBC reported that High Plains Power is an economic driver in the local community.

Your energy starts here.

IN THE COMMUNITY: Between 2007 and 2017, High Plains Power gave approximately $23 million back to the community. Numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.

basinelectric.com

INFORMATIONAL CAMPAIGN: “Economic Benefits” Numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.

NOV 2019

88 HOUSEHOLDS SUPPORTED $78,239,228 SALES

OM

$1,492,730 $72,000

Y

Drivers in Wyoming are required to move over or slow down for stopped emergency and utility crews.

AT THE CO-OP

45 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

$3,786,480 PAYROLL

IN THE COMMUNITY

T O C OMMUNI T

Land Use

PROPERTY TAXES PAID

 

METERS SERVED

JOBS CREATED IN 109 THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

FR

RETURNED TO MEMBERS

GAY WOODHOUSE DEBORAH RODEN

TARASCHOLARSHIP NETHERCOTT JOANNEFUNDS SWEENEY AWARDED HOLLI WELCH KATYE BROWN JEFF VAN FLEET CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN



6

PERSONAL INCOME GENERATED

Linemen play a critical role in our mission to provide reliable, T O TA L D affordable electricity. Tough training and a focus4on OL L , 51safety AR Wills, Trusts S 34operations is behind everything they do. Simulated field & Probate and emergency-response training are ways Basin Electric CAPITAL CREDITS RETURNED TO MEMBERS to you. Land invests Use in their safety and in providing reliable power $19,672,375

-OP

$1,053,971

$1,859,530

CO

$4,240,759

$34,000

$11,079,304 SALES

13,245

METERS PER MILE

High Plains Power is proud to take part in Operation Roundup. Each month our members who have opted in to “round up” electric bills to the nearest dollar, provide the funds for charitable services within our service territory, providing for food, shelter, clothing, health or educational needs. This small change makes a big change in our community. So far we have donated over $122,000 to individuals and organizations.

IN THE COMMUNITY T O TA ,214 L DOLLARS F 05

Wills, Trusts & Probate CAPITAL CREDITS

I T ’ S T H E L AW !

877-201-8553

M

T O TA L ,730 DOLLARS F 28

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

$1,257,095 PAYROLL

PERSONAL

$1,939,974 INCOME GENERATED

IN THE COMMUNITY

W YO M I N G !

23

DRchipper.com TOLL FREE

JOBS CREATED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

2.72

CARBON, FREMONT, HOT SPRINGS, NATRONA, WASHAKIE

FREE SHIPPING 6 MONTH TRIAL

Go Online orHOUSEHOLDS Call for FREESUPPORTED DVD & Info Kit!

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

20 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES JOBS CREATED IN 29 THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

COUNTIES

Assembled in the USA using domestic AT THE CO-OP and foreign parts. USA ENGINEERED and BUILT

Want more information? (307) 455-2645 5643 US HWY 26 • Dubois WY • warmvalleylodgewy.com

MOVE OVER

Check out the full DR® lineup!

electrical safety.

Join us for: Bingo on Tuesdays – 6:30 to 8:00pm “Happy Hour” on Fridays – 4:30 to 5:30pm

RO

7. Don’t deposit a check and wire money back. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. If a check you deposit turns out to be a fake, you’re responsible for repaying the bank.

Tough training. Safe & 17 reliable 26 power.

The Niobrara Electric Association stays involved with our community through volunteering, sponsorships and scholarship awards. We participate in parades, fairs and the Legend of Rawhide. We also visit area classrooms to teach

Wheatland REA is actively engaged in our communities. Each year cooperative 59 miles from the entrance to Yellowstone personnel teach electric safety to approximately 800 school children and owned, non-profit adults. Wheatland REA participates, along with mostPrivately of the other co-ops in Wyoming, in the electric educational booth at the State Fair.approved We are proud Medicaid to award scholarships and send students to Leadership Campfor and thepayYouth 10% monthly discount private Veterans Tour each year, and support worthwhile activities of our local organizations.

AT THE CO-OP

3,036

• Powerful engines spin massive flyto reduce METERS PER MILE wheelsMETERS SERVED everything FAST.

CONVERSE, GOSHEN, NIOBRARA, PLATTE

METERS SERVED

Living assisted on the Wind River – western style

Branches 1A065X © 2019

ALBANY, GOSHEN, LARAMIE, PLATTE

HIGH PLAINS POWER, INC.

Yard & Garden Waste

• Shred yard & garden waste up to 1.5" thick.

1.32

$23 ,4

Wills, Trusts & Probate

GAY WOODHOUSE DEBORAH RODEN TARA NETHERCOTT JOANNE SWEENEY HOLLI WELCH KATYE BROWN JEFF VAN FLEET CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

• Chip big branches up to 5" in diameter.

4,115

Y

6. Hang up on robocalls. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal. Don’t press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls.

DR® CHIPPER SHREDDER!

NIOBRARA ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC COUNTIES

IN DUBOIS, WYOMING

2.28

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

E C O N O M I C B E Yard N E F I Cleanup TS is EASY with a

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Assisted Living WHEATLAND RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION COUNTIES

T O C OMMUNI T

FEB 2020

SHAWN TAYLOR

-OP

14

5. Talk to someone. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert–or just tell a friend.

CO

4. Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in, but some payment methods don’t. Wiring

— OP-ED WRITING —

WREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

M

3. Don’t pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance or a job. They might even say you’ve won a prize, but first you have to pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear.

WREN MAGAZINE

RO

2. Don’t believe your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren’t always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.

— PUBLICATIONS —

money through services like Western Union is risky because it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. That’s also true for reloadable cards and gift cards.

$5, 3

1. Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request– whether it comes as a text, phone call or email.

6

6

SEP 2019

JUNE 2019

BEPC Linemen safety-reliability ad 8-18.indd 1

8/28/2018 2:37:43 PM

WREA

CENTERPIECE

Darby Fox competes in barrel racing in Cheyenne in 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHING

THE RODEO RODEO. IT’S THE OFFICIAL STATE SPORT OF WYOMING. The High School National Finals Rodeo was in Rock Springs in 2018 and will be again in 2019; the College National Finals Rodeo happens in Casper every year; and Cheyenne Frontier Days has long been credited as the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. But it’s a sport anyone can participate in, from kids in gymkhanas all the way up to professional cowboys and cowgirls in the PRCA and WPRA. In between, there are amateur rodeos, big and small, all across the state throughout the summer. Even in the colder months, you can enter team ropings, barrel races, and other events that take place in indoor arenas. Not everyone wants to strap themselves to a Brahma bull or jump off a horse onto a 400-pound steer at 35 miles an hour, though. Most of us get our thrills by watching from the outside of the fence. I tried to ride bareback broncs when I was in college, but figured out early that I was terrible at it. Later, I gave steer wrestling a shot, but again, I realized I’ll never be a champion at that, either. Yet I still wanted to get a little closer to the action than the fence would allow me to get.

BY TY STOCKTON NOVEMBER 2018 W R E N M A G A Z I N E

15

PHOTO STORY: “Photographing the Rodeo” NOV 2018 – TY STOCKTON | WREN

CENTERPIECE

Trading in coal dust for chalk dust may seem like quite a change, but that is just what one former Wyoming coal miner did when he pivoted to a new career as an elementary teacher. Travis Unterseher of Gillette is one of many Wyoming coal miners who has faced similar tough choices after losing their livelihood, but rather than panic, he turned to help from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (WDWS) through the Gillette Workforce Center to make a new path for himself and his family.

Stepping off the Cycle BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

WYOMING AT WORK Each year the editorial staff at WREN magazine plans a common theme for our Centerpiece stories; in past years we’ve featured Wyoming Grit, Wyoming Energy and Wyoming Innovation. For 2020, we are looking at How Wyoming Works; how we find jobs and how we find careers. Work has changed in much of the nation, as baby boomers retire and younger generations embrace the internet, mobility and “gigs.” But that’s not always the case. This year we’re going to travel the state to visit manufacturers, farmers and content creators as we examine how Wyoming works. This month we begin in Gillette, where mining jobs pay well, but have always been volatile. We’ll interview workers who decided to pivot to a new career field, and chat with Wyoming’s Workforce Services about the employment resources they offer. Coming up, we will visit more workers in the state, including scientists competing for the Carbon XPrize, farmers, beer brewers, windmill technicians and more. You’ll also find our regular features in the magazine, Co-op Spotlight, Home on the Range, Enlighten Us and Kids’ Corner. We hope you’ll continue to send entries for Just Picture It, Country Cooks, Puzzle, Book Review, Pen to Paper and Events. And we’ll keep you informed on the latest rural electric cooperative news with your local insert in the center of the magazine, along with information in WREA Notes, Grassroots Network, Co-op Youth and The Current.

AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU FOR READING WREN MAGAZINE!

Maggie York, Editor

Kelly Etzel Douglas, Managing Editor

He wasn’t one of the hundreds of people who faced layoffs in July when Blackjewel LLC filed for bankruptcy, but he was part of an earlier mine layoff in 2015.

In both cases, people from the WDWS stepped in to help the laid-off workers get back on their feet and on the road to recovery. Travis Unterseher had worked at a coal mine for eight years when the news of his layoff arrived. He said there had been some talk about possible layoffs, but it was still a surprise when his boss called him while he was on vacation to let him know his job was over. Unterseher said up until then, the company was doing very well and making record production numbers, so it was strange to suddenly be out of a job.

She helped with anything I needed. She had some answers and gave some support that stuff was going to be ok. I still go back and let her know what is going on with me.”

Luckily for Unterseher, he was fairly well prepared for a layoff. He had money saved and had already paid off his house. He also had a year and a half of college under his belt to jump off from, and decided to go back to college to become a teacher. He spoke to Donna Gewecke of the Gillette Workforce Center, and she helped him find federal funds to pay for the last two years of his college training.

Though he misses his work running equipment at the coal mine and the people he worked with there, his new career finds him enjoying the regular hours instead of doing shift work.

“It was really nice,” Unterseher said. “Donna kept in good contact with me.

He worked nights as a custodian for one of the elementary schools in Gillette as he worked both online and on campus at Black Hills State University to earn his degree. Now he has a job teaching special education at Hillcrest Elementary School in Gillette.

That has been especially helpful now that he and his wife Maggie are the parents of a baby girl. He knows that if they had had her while he was working in the mines, he would not have been as available to help and spend

Agency Offers Job Help Statewide

Travis Unterseher teaches special education at Hillcrest Elementary in Gillette.

You might visit a workforce center to find help with: FINDING A JOB. Job seekers can visit the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services website, wyomingatwork.com, to find statewide job listings. Anyone who would like help navigating the website can visit a local workforce center. WRITING RESUMES. People who need help writing or updating their resume can visit any workforce center.

PHOTO BY RHIANNA GELHART

time with her. In his new job as an educator, he received paternity leave after she was born.

Workforce Center Locations

Even though help from the Workforce

Cody

Center made his career transition a

PARK

smooth one, completely changing his work has come with some difficulties, and Unterseher wants to encourage other miners and let them know it can be done. “It’s hard to change from working in the coal mines to another job,” he said. “Other jobs are completely different. You have to know that it’s

Sheridan

Powell Lovell

SHERIDAN

Buffalo

WASHAKIE HOT SPRINGS

Dubois

FREMONT

JOHNSON

WESTON

Riverton

NATRONA

CONVERSE

Casper

Glenrock

Lander

SUBLETTE

Lyman

Glendo PLATTE ALBANY

Hanna Rawlins

Rock Springs Green River

Evanston

SWEETWATER

Baggs

Laramie

not going to learn stuff instantly.

Audit

Employment & Training

Know that there are people who

Mines Inspection & Safety

Workers' Compensation

Wyoming OSHA

Labor Standards

Vocational Rehabilitation/ Outreach

Unemployment Insurance

to succeed.”

Lusk

The WDWS is the state agency that facilitates unemployment insurance claims. The program pays temporary benefits to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. To file an initial claim, call (307) 473-3789.

GOSHEN

Wheatland Torrington

CARBON

Saratoga

going to get better. Know that you’re

actually care about you and want you

NIOBRARA

Douglas

LINCOLN

UINTA

Newcastle

CAMPBELL

Worland

Big Piney

Kemmerer

Sundance

Gillette

Thermopolis

Pinedale

Afton

CROOK

BIG HORN

Basin

TETON

Jackson

FILING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE.

LARAMIE

FINDING WORKERS.

Employers can work with the WDWS to list job openings that reach job seekers in the state through the same website.

Cheyenne

Office of the Director

FEB 2020

17

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PHOTO BY RHIANNA GELHART

Kimberly Jones is the owner of Kimberly Anne’s Hair Design in Upton.

ONSTRUCTION AND COSMETOLOGY

Another former coal miner making a major pivot is Kimberly Jones of Upton. Though she didn’t jump directly from coal mining to her new career as the owner of a full-service hair, skin and nail salon, she too utilized the help of the Workforce Center to obtain job retraining. After high school in Colorado, Jones moved back to Gillette and worked in construction. When that work slowed down, she started working in one of the coal mines where she worked for about a year and a half. She stopped working in the mine when she married and had children, but divorce and some other life changes led her to look for a stable career in a field she had always been interested in – cosmetology. She sought retraining funds through the Department of Workforce Services and received a grant to help cover the cost of her tuition at True Colors Cosmetology Training Center in Gillette. Now she owns Kimberly Anne’s Hair Design in Upton and works between 40 and 60 hours every week. She says she loves the opportunity to be creative, and often her clients will sit in her chair and tell her to do whatever she wants to their hair. She loves the challenge of coloring hair, knowing that she has to understand the chemistry of the color she will use. 18

FEB 2020

Even though going from a coal mine to a hair salon is a big change, Jones said her work in the mines leant itself to her current career. She said she learned how to work with others while in the mines, which she noted is very important for working with her clients in the community. She said the safety and infection control required by the Wyoming State Board of Cosmetology are very close to some of the safety standards she complied with while working at the coal mine.

Jones said even though it was a difficult time going through school and completely changing her career, she encourages anyone who needs job retraining to visit a workforce center in their community. “They have an entire list from A to Z that goes through any kind of trade you would want to do,” she said. “They have a lot of programs and grants to change your career.”

“Some have savings, but some – like most Americans – live paycheck to paycheck. The carpet has been ripped out from under them.”

RAPID RESPONSE For the miners who lost their jobs when Blackjewel declared bankruptcy this summer, the WDWS quickly stepped in to help as well. Less than 48 hours after the layoff happened, the WDWS had a full rapid response team in Gillette. According to Andrea Hixon, rapid response program manager, their main goal was to make contact with the dislocated workers to let them know the services available to them – including employment, training, and career services such as resume writing, online job applications and filing for unemployment insurance benefits. “When you attend a rapid response event, it definitely has a very somber feel,” Hixon said. “Some have savings, but some – like most Americans – live paycheck to paycheck. The carpet has been ripped out from under them. We will do whatever possible to make sure we research and find that resource for them and get them headed in the right direction.”

Gillette, Wyoming

According to Rick Mansheim, manager of the Gillette Workforce Center, reports indicate 580 miners lost their jobs when Blackjewel filed for bankruptcy, and 440 of those filed for unemployment insurance benefits through the WDWS. Their latest report showed only four are still filing for those benefits. Many of the miners went back to work in the mine after it was purchased by Eagle Specialty Materials, he said. This large layoff showed the strength of the state’s workforce services. Extra staff came from around the state to help. “Because we had enough staff members we were able to triage clients and get them to the right person as quickly as possibly, making it as painless as possible for those laid off,” Mansheim said in an email. He noted Workforce Services employees organized a job fair only three days after the Blackjewel layoff. They had 40 employers who participated, and more than 450 job seekers attended. “Our main goal was to help them find employment, either with a mine or in another field,” Mansheim said. “We assisted with unemployment insurance claims and brought in various agencies to provide help with health insurance, credit services, behavioral health problems and labor laws.” He said that right now things look positive for the county’s coal mines and their employees. “In my opinion things in Campbell County look stable for the near future, but as we learned with Blackjewel, things can change quickly,” Mansheim said. “If nothing else, we know that this community rises up during a time of need.” W Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and young daughters.

FEB 2020

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KIDS CORNER

02

Teachers in Wyoming

What do Teachers do?

02

01

Teachers are helpers whose work is to make sure their students understand important subjects. Some people become teachers because they like to help others learn; some people become teachers so they can continue to learn, too.

Teachers work all over Wyoming, in schools, colleges and education centers. According to the Wyoming Department of Education, more than 18,000 teachers worked in the state for an average salary of about $50,000/ year in March 2019.

How to Become a Teacher You need a license to teach in the state of Wyoming. To obtain a license, you’ll need to do this:

01

Are you interested in becoming a teacher? You've come to the right place!

UP

04

I WHEN

GROW

t to I wan

03

Complete a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution of higher education. Pass a background check. Pass teacher testing requirements.

be a

r e h c a Te 04

Tools of the Trade What does a teacher need for work every day?

Circle the correct items. 05

Teacher Quiz Wyoming’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, Dane Weaver, teaches social studies to grades 7-12 in Ten Sleep. What does he think is the most important thing he can do as a teacher?

Annie Sullivan was a famous teacher who Mark Twain called “The Miracle Worker.” Who did she teach?

A. Coach football

A. Helen Keller

B. Advise the student council

B. Mark Twain

C. Display a caring attitude toward students

C. Laura Ingalls Wilder D. Albert Einstein

D. Earn a master’s degree

Sources: Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board, Wyoming Department of Education.

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Answers: C, A

To learn more about Teacher of the Year Dane Weaver, visit edu.wyoming.gov/educators/teachers/toy.

Ten-Dollar Words

PUZZLE

DEFINITION

TEN-DOLLAR WORDS

Armpit

Agelast

Counter-clockwise Babbler

Blatherskite

Stamp collector

Borborygmus

24 Sheets of paper

Funambulist

÷ (Division symbol)

Kakorrhaphiophobia

Hand of cards with nothing above 9

Teardrop of tissue at the back of your mouth

Meldrop Nonpareils

# (Hashtag or pound symbol)

Nudistertian

Someone who never laughs

Oxter

Ethically questionable lawyer

Obelus

A “ten-dollar word” is a bigger, fancier, less-common word people sometimes use in place of a more common term. Can using a tendollar word make you smarter? What about richer? Let’s find out by starting 2020 with new, improved lamprophonious* lexicon! Match the following 20 ten-dollar words with their regular counterparts, then turn to page 35, where learning the answer is always free.

Shoelace end

Octothorpe

Fear of failure

Pettifogger

Nose drip

Philatelist

Sprinkles

Quire

Ornamental hair net

Snood

Stomach rumbles

Uvula

Pointy-toed shoe

Widdershins

Day before yesterday Tightrope walker

*loudly and clearly enunciated

Aglet

Winkle picker Yarborough FEB 2020

21

PHOTO BY RHIANNA GELHART

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

DONNA GEWECKE 

Getting Workers Back to Work

Donna Gewecke stands with her horse, King, on her ranch near Gillette.

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

Donna Gewecke of Gillette is part therapist, part paper-pusher, and if you are someone who is stunned by the shock of a sudden job layoff, she is entirely the person you want in your court. 22

FEB 2020

G

Gewecke said she spends her days visiting with walk-in clients who may still be in crisis mode after suddenly being unemployed, strategizing with clients she has appointments with, following up with people she has helped transition into job training and sending payment to schools where clients are obtaining education. She said though they are a state agency, the funding for job training is federal money.

ewecke, who is a workforce specialist in the Gillette Workforce Center and a member of PRECorp, has spent more than four decades helping people navigate their next steps in a career change. Sometimes her clients are people who have been laid off from a good job, while other clients are people who are working to move away from extreme poverty – including homelessness. “You take people who don’t have much and are at rock bottom, and see them turn into people who are paying their bills and having a good life,” Gewecke said. “That’s the thing that makes it worth coming to work.”

“The one thing I like to make sure of is that each person gets information on what types of services through our agency are available to them, and when appropriate, refer them to other agencies and organizations that may also be able to assist them,” Gewecke said. “Whether it’s one person who’s laid off or 500 – one person is just as important as 500. It makes the news when lots of people are laid off, but when a small business lays off their only employee, they are going through all the same stuff. It’s tough. We want every individual who walks through the door to know how we can help them and what we can do.”

“You take people who don’t have much and are at rock bottom, and see them turn into people who are paying their bills and having a good life. That’s the thing that makes it worth coming to work.”

Though she describes her job as shoveling a lot of paper – and this is true with all the state and federal forms she helps people fill out – she is also connecting people to job training programs, money for education and hope for their future. Roxy Bailey, another workforce specialist who has worked with her for 29 years, said Gewecke is always ready to meet a challenge head-on. “Because of her knowledge, compassion and kindness, she has changed countless lives with employment and career planning, as well as facilitating long and short-term training opportunities and supportive services,” Bailey said. “Donna listens, assists in evaluating situations and provides resources for success for her clients as well as anyone else she comes in contact with. Anyone who knows her values her expertise. Her former clients come to the office to visit with her often, and they refer other individuals for her assistance.”

She said that help can be as simple as paying for a pair of steel-toe boots for a worker who can’t afford them but has a new job that requires them – or it can be as complicated as helping someone enroll in career training that will completely change their life path. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training is one of the programs Gewecke is especially fond of. She said if someone who works as a laborer in an industry where layoffs are common has a CDL, he or she is usually more likely to hang on to their job. Even if they do face a layoff, often getting a different job is easier for them. “It almost guarantees that they’re not going to have trouble finding a job,” she said.

She said she also appreciates the two-year nurses training she has helped many people enroll in and often sees those nurses when she visits the doctor herself. “We’ve had so many people involved in those programs we’ve helped,” she said. She said something that always impresses her is how well people seem to manage going through the rigors of losing a job and looking for a way up. “If there is anything that surprises me, it is how good people are even when things are really bad for them,” Gewecke said. “When you look at the circumstances they are in and how well they handle it, it’s just impressive.” W Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and two young daughters. FEB 2020

23

BOOK REVIEW

No Good Deed

A Sam Dawson Mystery

BY STEVEN W. HORN History isn’t what it used to be, as photographer Sam Dawson quickly discovers while attempting to unravel the truth surrounding the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy more than a century ago. Past events and lore compete with stark facts that may have saved a man from the gallows in one of the Old West’s most baffling crimes as Wyoming author Steven W. Horn continues his acclaimed Sam Dawson Mystery Series in “No Good Deed.” A young teacher knew the truth and much more. Maligned by the press and discredited by the politicians, her story was erased from the public record. Reaching out from the grave, she attempts to set the record straight. Haunted by the loss of the love of his life, Sam is reluctant to accept the advances of the beautiful attorney who seeks to correct history and clear her family’s name. Nothing is as it seems when Sam – against the advice of his daughter, Sidney – is lured deeper into the politically charged and confusing legal entanglements that obscure the truth. Intertwined in myth and deception, both past and present, Sam returns to what he does best: finding lost graves. But not everyone wants the past exposed. Some skeletons are better left buried.

WIN A

Summary by Granite Peak Press

ORDERING INFORMATION:

2019 | 388p. | $29.00 ISBN: 978-0999124819

FREE

COPY

Name:

NOVEMBER'S BOOK WINNER:

Phone:



BETHANY TAYLOR

Address:

Publisher: Granite Peak Press

OF MEETEETSE

Available at local and online booksellers, including Barnes and Noble and granitepeakpress.com

ENTRIES DUE BY MARCH 10 One entry per household, please. 24

FEB 2020

 DEED

c/o WREN Magazine 214 W. Lincolnway, Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

HOME ON THE RANGE

sheep and horses need more water and hay as digestion of roughage helps them stay warm. And while hauling feed is no small feat in drifted snow or blizzard conditions, the biggest issue is access to water, since it freezes in the cold. That can mean hauling water if you don’t have heated tanks or chopping ice from rivers and streams.

Extra Layers

IT

isn’t unusual for Wyoming’s visitors to worry about animals spending their winter outdoors. Nope, we don’t have barns big enough for all of them. And, yes, they are hearty and adaptable.

BY GINA SIGEL

Horses, cattle and even the working dogs get an extra layer of hair to survive the snow and icy temperatures. The long, coarse hair creates an air pocket that locks out the forces of nature, allowing natural heat to remain trapped close to the skin. Horses grow a winter coat, looking wild and shaggy as they paw the ground to dig out grass buried under the snow. Sheep keep toasty in built-in shearling that blends in with the fluffy, white snow. In the cold of winter, potential for disease, infections, and illness actually decrease because germs and bacteria need heat and moisture to thrive, both of which are in short supply during Wyoming winters. But what ranchers and farmers give up in the potential for foot rot, they make up for in braving the weather to do chores. Cattle,

Chickens, on the other hand, do need shelter. And if you have fancy chickens with feathers on their feet, you better make sure they don’t freeze to the ground. Because the days are so short, production drops significantly for the hens which can make hauling all that food and water seem like a thankless job. But the hens will show their gratitude in the spring when eggs will overflow all the pails and buckets you can find. Until then, you will find them roosted on the rafters of the barn, feathers fluffed against the chill.

Here are some terms you need to know if you find yourself on the ranch this winter: SNOWPLOW: this can be as simple as a blade on the front of a four-wheeler, or an old, yellow, industrial dump truck with a plow on the front that you wrangled at a local auction. Either way, you aren’t getting off the ranch and you aren’t getting feed on to the ranch without some way to move snow. FEEDING: as in, “I have to go feed.” This doesn’t mean bellying up to the breakfast table for some hotcakes in the morning. In fact, many livestock managers don’t eat until their animals do. Feeding hay, as mentioned above, is especially important when it is cold. Just don’t forget to plug in the tractor on those below-zero days, or else it might not start, either. FEB 2020

25

HOME ON THE RANGE BALE FORKS: this is one long spear (in the case of round bales) or a couple of spears on the front of a tractor or skid-steer that allow you to pick up bales and move them. It isn’t unusual to have to switch them out for the snowplow or the scoop to move snow, so just make sure your equipment doesn’t freeze to the ground. WIND BREAKS: not to be confused with snow fences (which are designed to position drifts so they don’t block the road), these fences can be used as shelter for livestock. And in Wyoming, they aren’t just reserved for winter months. Calf shelters are even fancier … three-sided structures with a slanted roof. Big enough for a calf to get into, but less than waist high, so the other cattle don’t crowd them out!

26

FEB 2020

CHOPPING ICE: it looks like the opening scene from the movie "Frozen," but less singing. And less tidy blocks. When you “open up” the water for the cattle and the horses, it usually involves a big axe and a lot of swearing. GENERATOR: when the power is down, there has to be a way to keep your heated tanks going and other stuff that will keep things running smoothly. Getting snowed in and not having food and fuel for the animals can be a real crisis. Of course, you’ve got to keep yourself warm and fed, too, to take care of all those animals. I have a friend who has stockpiled #10 cans of canned yams. In case of an emergency, there will be lots of sweet potato pie.

My memories of growing up on a farm and living on a ranch as an adult are abundant. It seems like summers could bleed together into one big, long story. But the snowy months were a menagerie of specific mishaps. I love cold, snowy nights when the air is still and you can hear the coyotes singing in the distance. My dad used to say that those clear nights with no cloud cover were even colder. And I think it made the stars twinkle a little more. But that could have been my imagination. I guess my parents don’t have their extra layer of hair anymore. Since retirement, they grew feathers and became snow birds. I’m told you don’t need as much hair in Texas. W Originally from Laramie, Gina Sigel draws inspiration from five generations of agriculture to tell the stories of rural living.

COUNTRY COOKS

FIND MORE RECIPES ON PAGE 28 -->

CHICKEN CHICKEN PILLOWS 2 LBS CHICKEN, SAUTÉED AND SPICED AS DESIRED 3 CUPS BROCCOLI, STEAMED, COOLED, DICED 1 CAN OLIVES, SLICED 1 CAN WATER CHESTNUTS 1/2 LB CHEESE, GRATED 1 BOX CHICKEN FLAVORED STUFFING MIX 2 – 8 OZ PACKAGES OF CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED 1/2 CUP BUTTER, SOFTENED 1/2 CUP BUTTER, MELTED 3 TUBES CRESCENT ROLLS

Dutch Oven Cheesy Chicken

CHICKEN FAJITA PIZZA

1/2 LB GRATED MUENSTER CHEESE 1 CUP CHICKEN BROTH 1/2 LB GRATED MOZZARELLA CHEESE GARLIC AND ONION POWDER (OPTIONAL)

1 PREPARED 12” PIZZA CRUST 2 TBSP VEGETABLE OIL 2 CUPS CHICKEN, COOKED AND DICED 2 CUPS ONIONS, SLICED 2 CUPS GREEN PEPPERS, SLICED 2 TSP CHILI POWDER 1 TSP GARLIC POWDER 1 CUP SALSA 2 CUPS SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE

8 CHICKEN BREASTS OR THIGHS, SKINNED AND BONED 2 CUPS BREAD CRUMBS BUTTER 3 EGGS, WELL BEATEN 1/2 LB FRESH MUSHROOMS, SLICED

C

Make a filling of sautéed chicken, steamed broccoli, cream cheese, softened butter, diced water chestnuts, grated cheese and sliced olives. Mix until even but not mushy. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a dish. Crush the stuffing mix with the seasoning packet added.

Open a tube of crescent rolls. Put one of the triangles in the palm of one hand. Spread it out a bit without breaking it. Take a spoonful of the filling and put in the middle of the triangle, fold the triangle closed until completely sealed.

Dip the chicken pillow in the melted butter then dip it in the crushed stuffing. Place the chicken pillows on a pan and bake according to the directions on the crescent roll tube (don't grease the pan). Chicken pillows can be frozen and reheated as a homemade hot pocket.

RUTH ZELLER

Dip the chicken in eggs and roll in bread crumbs (add onion and garlic powder to bread crumbs if you use them). Brown in buttered skillet. Place the chicken in a baking dish or 14-inch Dutch oven. Layer with cheese, put the mushrooms on the top and pour broth in.

Cook in Dutch oven 45 minutes to 1 hour with 10-12 charcoal briquettes under the bottom of the Dutch oven and on the lid. Cook until golden brown.

To cook in an oven range, cook, covered with foil, about the same amount of time at 375 degrees. It also depends on how thick your pieces of chicken are–thigh pieces are small and require less cooking time.

PATRICIA ROBBINS

Put oil in a large skillet, add chicken, vegetables and spices. Sauté until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and add salsa, mixing well. Spoon mixture evenly over the crust and top with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 1520 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

HANNAH HEGE

CARPENTER

LYMAN

ITALIAN CROCK POT CHICKEN 1 PKG DRY ITALIAN DRESSING (I USE GOOD SEASONS) 1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP 4 CHICKEN TENDERS OR 2 CHICKEN BREASTS

Place chicken in a Crock Pot. Mix cream of chicken soup and dry Italian dressing together. Pour over the chicken. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice. This recipe is easy to double. You can also use 2 cans of cream of chicken soup for every 1 package of Italian dressing. You can also thin out the gravy with water.

KAYE WILSON

LYMAN

LOVELL FEB 2020

27

DECEMBER ISSUE CORRECTION COUNTRY COOKS

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

CHICKEN & BRUSSELS SPROUTS

1 CHICKEN 2 CANS CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP 1 CUP SOUR CREAM 2 – 4 OZ CANS CHOPPED GREEN CHILES 1/2 CUP ONIONS, CHOPPED 1 LB COLBY LONGHORN CHEESE, GRATED FLOUR TORTILLAS

2 CHICKEN BREASTS 1 LB BRUSSELS SPROUTS, HALVED OR QUARTERED 1/2 ONION, MINCED 1 GARLIC CLOVE, MINCED 1/2 CUP SUN-DRIED TOMATOES 1/3 CUP OLIVE OIL 1/3 CUP LEMON JUICE PARMESAN CHEESE SALT, PEPPER, LEMON PEPPER, OLD BAY, GARLIC/HERB DASH, OPTIONAL AND TO TASTE

Boil chicken, cut up in chunks. Heat cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chopped green chilis, chopped onions. Slightly heat flour tortillas in microwave for 1 minute. To assemble, use a 9x12 cake pan, pour some sauce in bottom of pan, dip tortillas in sauce, fill with chicken pieces, cheese and sauce (I combine sauce and chicken), roll and pour sauce and cheese on top. Bake in a 350-degree oven until sauce begins to bubble and cheese melts, about 45 minutes.

NANCY RHOADES



Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken in the center of a 13x9x2 pan. Place brussels sprouts, onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes around chicken breasts. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with spices of your choice. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour. Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and cook an additional 10 minutes. Serve with quinoa and salad.

TOBY SHEETS

GILLETTE

POWELL

CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN SOUP 1 SMALL ONION, CHOPPED 1 TBSP BUTTER 3 CUPS CHICKEN BROTH 3 MEDIUM CARROTS, CUT INTO SLICES 2 MEDIUM POTATOES, PEELED AND CUBED 2 CUPS CUBED COOKED CHICKEN 2 TBSP MINCED FRESH PARSLEY SALT AND PEPPER, TO TASTE 1/4 CUP FLOUR 1 CUP MILK 1 – 8 OZ PKG. CREAM CHEESE, CUBED

In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter. Add broth, carrots and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add chicken, parsley, salt and pepper, and heat through. Combine flour and milk; add to vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Makes eight servings.

ANNE METZLER

RIVERTON

The American Goulash recipe was missing the measurement for tomato sauce. The recipe is reprinted correctly below. We apologize for the error.

AMERICAN GOULASH 2 LBS GROUND BEEF 1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED 1 GREEN PEPPER, CHOPPED 1 RED PEPPER, CHOPPED 2 STALKS CELERY, CHOPPED 4 LARGE CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED OR GARLIC POWDER TO TASTE 3 CUPS WATER 2 BEEF BOUILLION CUBES 2 (15 OUNCE) CANS TOMATO SAUCE 2 (14.5 OUNCE) CANS DICED TOMATOES WITH GARLIC, BASIL AND OREGANO, JUICE INCLUDED 3 TBS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE 2 TBS DRIED OREGANO 2 TSP DRIED BASIL 1 TBS SEASONED SALT 1/2 TSP BLACK PEPPER 2 CUPS ELBOW MACARONI UNCOOKED In a large pot brown the meat over medium heat until cooked. Stir in onion, green pepper, red pepper, celery and garlic. Cook until tender. Stir in water, beef bouillon cubes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, seasoned salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pasta, cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve with crusty French bread.

NANCY DENK

Send complete recipe by March 10!

Please include your name, address and phone number.

APRIL:

EGGS 28

FEB 2020

RIVERTON

SUBMIT A RECIPE

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

PEN TO PAPER

SNOW

The snow comes; big, wet flakes Falling straight down – no wind Forcing them to change their course. Flakes stick together, coat each branch and twig, Coat each wire; build domes on posts and poles. The flakes get smaller, lighter, Balancing on the base – five inches, six. They chill as the night turns cold. Morning before the sun is up Fog rolls in shrouding all in gauzy white. Later the sun burns the fog away Revealing a frosted wedding cake world. As the sun hits the snow-coated wires They shed the load in fat, white clumps. The trees bear their load, diamond studded.

GERALDINE REDMON

We share a selection of WREN readers’ creative writing (poems, limericks, haiku, short verse, and prose) every issue as space and content allow. To be considered for publication, please include the author’s consent to be submitted, his or her mailing address, and confirmation that the work has not been published elsewhere. If you would like us to return your work, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

LYMAN

Put Your Pen to Paper!

Please include your name, address, and phone number. SUBMIT A PIECE

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions FEB 2020

29

WHAT'S HAPPENING

WHAT'S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

02

03 04

01

FEB 20 – MAR 20

01 | SOUTHEAST C H U G WAT E R FIRST FRIDAYS

Karaoke Contest: Winner of Jan, Feb and Mar contests will receive a $20 gift certificate. Three winners will compete on Apr 3 for a $500 grand prize. Stampede Saloon & Eatery, info 307-4223200, stampedefun@aol.com.

ENCAMPMENT PHOTO BY BILL SINCAVAGE

ONGOING

FEATURED EVENT

Grand Encampment Museum: Main Gallery and GEM store winter hours most days 10a-4p, info 307327-5308.

MEDICINE BOW FOURTH TUESDAYS

Bingo: 7p, Community Hall, info 307-710-4045.

S A R AT O G A FEBRUARY 22

NATIONAL BIGHORN SHEEP CENTER ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 27  6P HEADWATERS CENTER  DUBOIS Wild game and harvest potluck dinner, along with information about education outreach and local bighorn herd updates from Wyoming Game and Fish and the University of Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. RSVP in advance at 307-455-3429 with the harvest potluck dish or dessert you plan to share. Suggested $15 donation per person if not bringing a dish to share.

NORTHWEST 30

FEB 2020

Toast to History: Saratoga Museum fundraiser with wine, appetizers, selfie station, silent auction. 6p, Platte Valley Community Center, $25, $45 couple, info 307-710-3226.

TORRINGTON MARCH 13

Rotary Club Wine Tasting Gala: 5:30–8p, Goshen County Rendezvous Center at the Fairgrounds, $30, info 307-532-2111.

02 | NORTHEAST CLEARMONT ONGOING

Historical Center: Center open Thu 2-4p, 1250 Front St, free. Historical Group meets 2p first Mon of the month at Clearmont Library, 1p third Mon of the month at Sheridan Library, info 307-758-4430.

GILLETTE SATURDAYS

Black & Yellow Theatre: Experience designed to allow guests the opportunity to interact with subject matter, events and people that have shaped the Powder River Basin from pre-history to modern day. 11a2p, Campbell County Rockpile Museum, free, info 307-682-5723, szacharias@ccgov. net, rockpilemuseum.com.

HULETT ONGOING

Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: 8a-4p Mon-Fri, free, info 307-467-5292.

M O O RC RO F T ONGOING

Library events: Story hour 10a Wed; Book clubs 1p third Thu and 6p fourth Tue. Info 307-756-3232, moorlibrary@ rtconnect.net. ONGOING

Senior Center Events: Third Thu Birthday and Anniversary Dinner, meat provided, bring a side dish. 5p social hour, 6p dinner; fourth Thu toenail clinic 9a, info 307-756-9550.

NEWCASTLE FRIDAYS

Bingo: 7:30p, VFW Hall, free.

S H E R I DA N FEBRUARY 22-23

Wyo Winter Rodeo Skijoring Races: Wyoming's wildest winter rodeo. Experience championship skijoring, outdoor concert, hockey game, Calcutta and more. 9a, locations and prices vary, info wyowinterrodeo.org. MARCH 5

JRH Acoustic Latin Guitar Trio: 7:30p, WYO Performing Arts & Education Center, $21, $18 senior & military, $11 student, info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com. MARCH 10

Aquila Theatre Company, 1984: 6:30p, WYO Performing Arts & Education Center, $28.50, $25.50 senior & military, $20.50 student, info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

MARCH 20

St. Paddy’s Day Celebration with Dervish: 7:30p, WYO Performing Arts & Education Center, $26.50, $22.50 senior & military, $18 student, info 307-6729084, wyotheater.com.

S U N DA N C E ONGOING

Library Events: Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers 10:30a Wed; Lunch Bunch book discussion group 11a fourth Thu; UFOs (Unfinished Objects) 6-8p last Mon. Crook County Library, info 307-283-1006 or crookcountylib@rangeweb.net.

UPTON FEBRUARY 21, MARCH 6, 20

Friday Night Bullseye Shoot: 7p, Upton Gun Club $5, info 307-281-9980, rrrothleutner@ yahoo.com. MARCH 12

Upton Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting: 12p, Remy’s, info 307-468-2642. WEDNESDAYS

All You Can Eat Buffet: Drinks and desserts included, 5-8p, Upton Golf Course, $10, $7 seniors, info 307-468-2847.

03 | NORTHWEST DUBOIS ONGOING

Lander in 1920: Join the staff of the Pioneer Museum for an illustrated talk on what life was like in Lander over 100 years ago in this Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series program, 7p, Pioneer Museum, free, info 307-332-3339.

ONGOING

Live Music Winter Hours: Open Mic Night second Sun 3-5p, Jam Night third Thu 7p. All ages welcome, Ten Sleep Brewing Co., info tensleepbrewingco.com.

04 | SOUTHWEST

MARCH 13

Lander Unplugged: Acoustic concert. 6-8p, Lander Bake Shop, free, info unplugged.wy@ gmail.com. SATURDAYS TO MAY 25

Winter Farmers Market: Local seasonal produce, dairy, baked goods, locally raised meat, coffee, art and crafts. 1-3p. Lander VFW, info landervalleyfarmersmarket@ gmail.com. SUNDAYS

Swing Dancing at the Coalter Loft: 6-9p, 126 Main St. Free, info 307-332-8228.

POWELL MARCH 12

Button, Button … Who’s Got the Button? Opening Reception for button artwork submitted by the community will be on display and available for purchase as a fundraiser for the Homesteader Museum. 7p, Homesteader Museum, free to attend, info 307-754-9481, homesteader@ bresnan.net.

R I V E RT O N

F O RT B R I D G E R SUBMIT AN EVENT

LANDER

THURSDAYS

Music Jam: Sing or play folk, classic, country, bluegrass, old time rock n’ roll and more. 6:308:30p, Brown Sugar Roastery, free, info 307-856-2518.

TUESDAYS

Bingo: 6p, American Legion Hall, info 307-780-5489.

LY M A N Send complete information for the April issue’s events by

MARCH 10! Please remember that events from the 20th of April to the 20th of May are included in the April issue. Be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event. Photos are always welcome.

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

FEBRUARY 22

Unplugged acoustic concert: 6-8p Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery, free, info unplugged. wy@gmail.com.

Student Select Art Show: Lander Art Center, free, info 307332-5772, landerartcenter.com.

TEN SLEEP

MARCH 12

Library Activities: Storytime for birth-5 years 10:30a Fri, Dubois Public Library, info 307-455-2992.

MARCH 1

FEB 20 – MAR 20

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

 wren@

SECOND FRIDAYS

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

M O U N TA I N V I E W WEDNESDAYS

Storytime: 11a, Uinta County Library, info 307-782-3161. SECOND WEDNESDAYS

Chamber of Commerce Community Luncheon: For business owners and individuals alike. $15/plate, noon, Mountain View Town Hall, RSVP bvchamber@bvea.net, 307-787-6378. ONGOING

Community Classes: Fitness, computer, workforce and kids’ classes are available. Valley Learning Center, times and prices vary. Info valleylearningcenter. coursestorm.com or 307-7826401.

wyomingrea.org

 [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway

Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/

wren-submissions

FEB 2020

31

01

02 03

01

Extreme snow cruising at Warren Peak in the Bear Lodge Mountains, Bonnie Stahla, Sundance

02 03 04 05

Frosty Visions, Dianalee Prime, Wheatland Out on a Christmas tree hunt, Cayleigh Gerstner, Hyattville Winter wonder, Kara Badura, Riverton Hank, Deborah Jensen, Upton

04 05

JUST PICTURE IT

32

THIS MONTH:

APR (DUE MAR 10):

MAY (DUE APR 10):

SNOW

MACHINES

FARM WORK

FEB 2020

10 11

06 07 Looking for a clean spot,

06 Bob Hazard, Dubois in the snow, 07 Playing Elizabeth Childress, Newcastle scoop the barn out!, 08 Hey Teresa Walling, Cheyenne picnic with Dad, 09 Snow Ruth Zeller, Lovell

08 09

11 10

13

10 11 12 13

Winter with the wood, Madison Greer, Hyattville The Ramshorn on a clear day, Bob Hazard, Dubois Iron bull, Carole C. Martinez, Kaycee Border Collie, Carole C. Martinez, Kaycee

12 13

JUST PICTURE IT

SUBMIT A PHOTO

34

FEB 2020

 wren@wyomingrea.org  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

Please submit high-quality digital files* or an original we can scan, as well as details about the artwork, the artist’s name, and the co-op. *Use the highest quality setting on your camera, or save digital artwork as a .jpg or .tif file with at least 300 dpi resolution. Don’t use Kodak Easy Share®.

Please include your name, hometown and a title.

If you would like your work returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

TEN-DOLLAR WORDS

Armpit

—>

Oxter

Sprinkles

—>

Nonpareils

Counter-clockwise

—>

Widdershins

Ethically questionable lawyer

Someone who never laughs

—>

Agelast

—>

Pettifogger

Ornamental hair net

—>

Snood

Babbler

—>

Blatherskite

Stamp collector

—>

Philatelist

Teardrop of tissue at the back of your mouth

—>

Uvula

24 Sheets of paper

—>

Quire

Stomach rumbles

—>

Borborygmus

÷ (Division symbol)

—>

Obelus

# (Hashtag or pound symbol)

—>

Octothorpe

Hand of cards with nothing above 9

—>

Yarborough

Pointy-toed shoe

—>

Winkle picker

Shoelace end

—>

Aglet

Day before yesterday

—>

Nudistertian

Fear of failure

—>

Kakorrhaphiophobia

Tightrope walker

—>

Funambulist

Nose drip

—>

Meldrop

FROM PAGE 21

MOVE OVER W YO M I N G !

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HOME | FARM & RANCH | AUTO | BUSINESS Property-casualty insurance products offered through Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/Laramie, Wyoming.

www.mwfbi.com

WYDOT’s Travel Information System is the one and ONLY source for up-to-the-minute road and travel information. Take road condition information with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app.

I T ’ S T H E L AW ! Drivers in Wyoming are required to move over or slow down for stopped emergency and utility crews.

www.wyoroad.info

Know before you go. Visit wyoroad.info.

 Know traffic hazards & road

conditions before you go  View highway webcams  "Where am I?" function  Hands-free, eyes-free function  Easy to use

Available for free download at the Apple App Store.

Available for free download at the Google Play Store.

FEB 2020

35

ENLIGHTEN US

Cabin Fever BY CHUCK LARSEN

I was sure that my wife had all the signs and symptoms but, I still wasn’t sure, so I looked it up in the dictionary and found that: Cabin fever is an idiomatic term that takes place when a person or a group ends up in an isolated or solitary location, or stuck indoors in confined quarters for an extended period of time. Cabin fever describes the extreme irritability and restlessness a person may feel during these limiting situations. It was the “extreme irritability” symptom that tipped me off and confirmed my initial diagnosis. You see, we’ve been having a humdinger of a Wyoming snowstorm these past couple of days and the snow, wind and cold has driven me indoors and away from my usual daily outdoor haunts. At first, I did my best to stay out of the house and out of her hair but, eventually I ran out of all the little projects I had to do in my shop and the horses and mule eventually got tired of me hanging around the barn watching them munch hay. Inside the house, the initial sign that led me to believe that my wife might be coming down with a case of cabin fever is when I suggested that since I’d be spending these stormy days inside with her, that maybe I could help her with the cooking and cleaning. She then somewhat calmly pointed out the grease on my hands, 36

FEB 2020

At this juncture, realizing her failing state of health, I should have exercised some caution and I probably shouldn’t have asked what she planned on fixing for dinner.

the manure on my jeans and the bits of hay and chunks of frozen condensation that clung to my mustache and beard. I think it was these things she was mumbling about, the way she rolled her eyes at me and the sternness in her voice when she indicated that there was no way I was going to clean anything, let alone do any cooking in “her house” … that led me to believe she might be a little under the weather. It was then that my mustache and beard started dripping on the kitchen floor, an occurrence that resulted in an increase in incoherent mumbling and further confirmed that my poor wife’s state of health was deteriorating rapidly. It was later after she fixed me a meager lunch that I figured I’d help out and commandeer the TV remote and relieve her of the intense daily pressure she must deal with each afternoon deciding on what to watch when I wasn’t there. Again, I noticed her symptoms were increasing. My changing the channel in the middle of a Hallmark Christmas movie and watching five or six old black and white Westerns in a row is what brought on what I’d refer to as a severe case of agitated huffing. At this point she had retreated to her sewing room in the basement and being left to my own devices I decided that it would be best to strike out on my own and make myself the useful and dutiful husband that I’ve strived to become in our 27, 28 or maybe 30 years of marriage. Remembering her earlier comment regarding her disdain for my

manure clad jeans I deduced that maybe doing a little laundry might brighten her day. I had just finished the first load when she showed up in the laundry room, presumably to investigate what I was doing wrong now. At this point I noted that her agitated mumbling had increased in volume, aggression and vocabulary. Her prior rolling of the eyes had now become an intense fiery glare. Apparently, based on my deciphering the mumbled conversation she was having with herself, manure splattered jeans should never be washed with facecloths, bath towels and table linens, let alone our underwear and her new bra. Yup … her symptoms were worsening, a classic case of cabin fever for certain. I imagined the snow now rapidly melting away from the foundation around the outside of our house … because it now darned sure seemed feverishly hot inside. At this juncture, realizing her failing state of health, I should have exercised some caution and I probably shouldn’t have asked what she planned on fixing for dinner. Note: damp laundry sure has a cooling affect when it’s wrapped around your neck. After a very quiet and even more meager dinner I thought she might enjoy some quality time with me and maybe watch a movie. I asked her what she’d like to watch and I think she said, “Lost in Space” or maybe she said “I NEED MY SPACE,” which I don’t remember ever being a movie at all, but it was hard to tell the way she was screaming. Yes, cabin fever can be a serious illness, but I don’t think I’ll catch it for a while … because it’s really cold out here in the barn. W

Chuck Larsen managed Saratoga-based Carbon Power & Light for 23 years. He now lives in Hulett with his wife, Linda. FEB 2020

37

CLASSIFIEDS WREN CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS | CONTACT:  SHAWNA@GOLINDEN.COM

 970-221-3232 EXT 22

CATEGORIES 01.

EQUIPMENT

02. FOR SALE 03. HORSES 04. LIVESTOCK 05. POULTRY 06. REAL ESTATE 07. WANTED 08. CRAFTS 09. OPPORTUNITIES 10.

MISCELLANEOUS

11.

BUSINESS CONSULTING

12.

FOR RENT

13.

HELP WANTED

14.

DOGS

15.

EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT

16.

BUILDING SUPPLIES

17.

TRAVEL & RECREATION

18.

HEALTH

19.

PERSONAL

20. FREE

38

FEB 2020

02 | FOR SALE

07 | WANTED

13|HELP WANTED

Bright Certified Barley Straw. 3X3 Bales. Farson 307-350-0350.

Antique Collector Looking For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs. Will pay fair market value! Also looking for general antiques for our antique shop. Please go to our website FrontierAutoMuseum. com. Located in Gillette WY, our passion is to preserve Wyoming history and the nostalgia of the past, especially Parco, Sinclair, Frontier, Husky and any car dealership along with all brands. We are also always looking for WY license plates and WY highway signs and State Park signs. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-6808647 jwandler@LNH.net or daughter Briana Brewer 307-660-2402 bbrewer@frontierauto.net.

Apply for CNA positions full or part time, Warm Valley Lodge Assisted Living, Dubois WY, download application www. warmvalleylodgewy.com email warmvalleylodge@wyoming.com or call 307-455-2645.

Brokenbackranchqh.com 2019 AQHA, APHA and quality grade quarter horse colts/fillies. Roans, Bay, Sorrels, Tobiano, Gray. 307-272-5509. Ten Sleep, 82442. New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service & advice. Available for most makes. Thanks. 307-754-3757. Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnace. Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks and more. In business for more than 74 years. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582. Surplus Equipment New and Used: Generators, air heaters, engine driven pumps, (all sizes), solar pumps, 3” and 4” polypipe, etc. A variety of types and sizes available. Call for pricing and details: Premier PowerPlants & Pumps, Farson, WY 307-273- 9591.

MOSS ROCK–Wyoming Moss Rock: We will buy your moss rock. All types, colors, and sizes are considered; the more moss the better, the more unusual the better. Call Gina for details, 307-761-1838. Want to purchase minerals & other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

20|FREE Soon Church/Government uniting, suppressing "Religious Liberty" enforcing "National Sunday Law." Be Informed! Needing Mailing address. TSBM Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771, thebiblesaystruth@ yahoo.com, 1-888-211-1715.

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Sold under the brand name AloeCure®, its in- by acting as a natural acid-buffer that improves the gestive health and manage painful inflammation gredient was already backed by research showing pH balance of your stomach If and helps theone immune immune system adjustments without side you are of thethrough countless Americans who need a little itsPowerful ability toBattery/ neutralize acid levels and hold them system maintain healthy functions. help getting around,effects thereorisdrugs. a safe, simple and easy-to-use Dual for Motors down long lasting day and night relief from Research has shown thatsolution… this acid imbalance explain by whysmall so many are exbouts of heartburn and, acid reflux, gas, bloating, the Zoomer.This It iswould propelled yetusers powerful contributes to painful inflammation throughout periencing impressive results so quickly. and more. dual motors for tospeeds of 3.7 miles per hour over a variety your entire body and is why AloeCure seems YOUR ENTIRE BODY But soon doctors started reporting some incred- be so effective. of terrains, on up to a REVITALIZE 10 degree incline. Its innovative airlineible results... With daily use, AloeCure helps8 users look safe Lithium enables you to go miles onanda EXCITING RESULTS FROM Ion battery feel decades younger and defend against some of “With AloeCure, my patients started reporting, PATIENTS single charge, and the electromagnetic brakes let the automatic painful inflammation that accompanies aging better 10” sleep, more energy, stronger immune sysNon-Marking youofstop on ahave dime.and can make life hard. To date millions of bottles AloeCure tems... even lessTires stress and better skin, hair, and nails” explains Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative been sold, and the community seeking non-pharBy buffering stomach acid and restoring gut ma therapy for their GI health continues to grow. health specialist and company spokesperson. health, AloeCure’s ingredient maintains healthy Swivel Away Folds to 12”inAccording to Dr. Leal, her patients are absolute- immune system function to 12” combat painful AloeCure contains 8” anNon-Marking active ingredient Tires that Footrest seconds helps improve digestion by acting as a natural ly thrilled with their results and are often shocked flammation...reduce the appearance ofinwinkles and acid-buffer that improves the pH balance of your by how fast it works. help strengthen hair and nails ... maintains healthy stomach. “For the first time in years, they are free from cholesterol and oxidative stress... improves sleep andup energy…. brain way concerns steering about their digestion and almost What’s more,every it folds easily and so supports it can fit in function a trunkbyor a The secret to the is its intuitive Scientists now believe that Zoomer this acid imbalance of gut biome... without side effects or expense. other aspect of their health,” says Dr. Leal, “and I could be a major contributing factor to painful inback seat. Why spend another day watching life pass you system. You operate it with a simple-to-use joystick, recommend it to everyone who wants to improve flammation throughout the rest of the body. can now reclaim their energy, vitality, by, when instead you Readers could be Zooming around! Call now giving you precision maneuverability and the ability to The daily allowance of AloeCure has shown to GI health before considering drugs, surgery, or and youth regardless of age. and a knowledgeable, friendly Zoomer expert will tell you medications.” navigate tight spaces with a 25”OTC turning radius. calm this inflammation througheasily immune system AloeCure Taken Daily all about it. You’ll be glad you did. It is designed letAloeCure you pullisright up to a table orproblems desk. with my stomach are gone. “All the adjustments which istowhy so effecCompletely gone. I can say AloeCure is a miracle. tive.You no longer have to move to another chair to work • Helps End Digestion Nightmares It’s a miracle.” Another user turned spokesperson Relieving stressful or eat atother your table.symptoms related to said, “I started to notice a difference because I was • Reduces appearance of Wrinkles & GI health like pain, bloating, fatigue, cramping, sleeping through the night and that was great. AlIncreases Elasticity acid overproduction, and nausea. oeCure does work for me. It’s made a huge dif• Supports Healthy Immune System Now, backed with new scientific studies, Al- ference.” Easy to use Joystick conveniently rolls imoeCure is being doctor recommended to help joystick control With so much positive feedback, it’s easy to see tablethe or appearance desk prove digestion, and beneath even reduce HOW TO GET ALOECURE why the community of believers is growing and of wrinkles – helping patients look and feel desales for the new pill are soaring. This is the official nationwide release of the cades younger. new AloeCure pill in the United States. And so, THE SCIENCE BEHIND ALOECURE FIX YOUR GUT & FIGHT the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE AloeCure is a pill that’s taken just once daily. bottles with their order. INFLAMMATION Since hitting the market, sales for AloeCure The pill is small. Easy to swallow. There are no This special give-away is only available for have taken off and there are some very good rea- harmful side effects and it does not require a pre- a limited time. All you have to do is call TOLLscription. sons why. FREE 1-800-991-3341 and provide the operator The active ingredient is a rare Aloe Vera com- with the Free Bottle Approval Code: AC100. The To start, the clinical studies have been imprescompany will do the rest. sive. Virtually all participants taking it reported ponent known as acemannan. Millions spent in developing a proprietary prostunning improvement in digestive symptoms inImportant: Due to AloeCure’s recent media excess for extracting acemannan resulted in the high- posure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and cluding bouts of heartburn. est order quality, most bio-available Call now free one today!levels of acemannan do not immediately get through, please be patient Users can also experience highertoll energy levelsand known to exist, and it’s made from organic aloe. and call back. Those who miss the 48-hour deadand endurance, relief from chronic discomfort and Please mention code 112595 when ordering. line may lose out on this free bottle offer. According to Dr. Leal and leading experts, imbetter sleep, healthier looking skin, hair, and nails.

Ready to get your own Zoomer? We’d love to talk to you.

1-888-250-6476

85006

The Zoomer Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zoomer is not intended

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN BY THEtoFOOD ANDrestricted DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR for medical purposes to EVALUATED provide mobility persons to a sitting position. It is notIScovered by Medicare nor Medicaid. PREVENT ANY DISEASE. ALL DOCTORS MENTIONED ARE REMUNERATED FOR THEIR SERVICES. ALL CLINICAL STUDIES ON ALOECURE’S ACTIVE INGREDIENT WERE © 2020 first STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED AND WERE NOT SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN GLOBAL HEALTH GROUP.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD’S

selfexpression Teaching kids to recognize and express their feelings is an important part of developing a healthy sense of self. You can help make emotional expression easy and fun by pairing it with art and music!

Make Art with Music 1

2

3

4

5

You’ll need paper and something to color or draw with: crayons, markers, paints, whatever you have!

Have your child pick out a song to listen to.

As you listen to the song, color and draw and sing along!

When the song is over, talk about the art you made and why you feel like it goes along with the song.

Choose a new song with a different tempo and repeat steps 3 & 4!

 For more social-emotional activities to do together, visit wyqualitycounts.org/wren 

This month’s activity

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

Create your own Emotions Catcher!

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

SENSE OF SELF & RELATIONSHIPS

CURIOUS MINDS

STRONG & HEALTHY BODIES