Issuu

WYOMING

FEB 2021

RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

Life out West I n

P h o t o s

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Community ▷ Minded

‘‘

This is one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees.

’’

− Dusty Backer, Backer Bees

Environment isn’t just a buzz word at Basin Electric. Backer Bees has bees at Glenharold Mine, a reclaimed coal mine that used to supply coal to our first power plant. The reclaimed pasture has a variety of flowers−alfalfa, clover, sunflowers, wildflowers−making it one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees. Environmental stewardship has always been a guiding principle for us. That’s why we’re committed to reclaiming and restoring land back to its natural state, like Glenharold Mine.

Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com

2021 FEBRUARY

ON THE COVER

12 CENTERPIECE

Life out West In Photos PHOTO BY SHERRY BLUEMEL

Cover photo: “My mom bought this horse for my dad as a gift. My nephew, Trevor Carpenter, was working with her a bit for my dad on a Sunday evening near the Uinta Mountains," Sherry Bluemel said of her photo.

JUST FOR FUN REVIEW 26 BOOK SECOND WIND

BY PATRICIA FROLANDER

27 PUZZLE H I G H WAY S

A N D B Y WAY S

BY KENDRA SPANJER

CORNER 31 KIDS' W YO M I N G TOA D

FEATURES YOUTH 06 CO-OP BIG HORN’S

Z AY N E C O O P E R

SPOTLIGHT 28 CO-OP C O M M U N I T YMINDED

BY GAYLE M. IRWIN

FROM OUR READERS

ESSAYS & ANECDOTES

STATE NEWS & EVENTS

COOKS 30 COUNTRY PA N C A K E S

NOTES 04 WREA LIFE OUT WEST

08 GRASSROOTS NETWORK

TO PAPER 32 PEN T H E G A L L E RY

BY SHAWN TAYLOR

36 G ROW I N G U P ENLIGHTEN US

I N W YO M I N G

BY ROBERT L. FOSTER

10 THE CURRENT

34 WHAT'S HAPPENING

WREA NOTES

Life out West Welcome to 2021! With a new year we have a new

SH AW N TAY LO R

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

theme for your magazine, Life out West, which you can read more about inside this issue. I’m excited about this new theme because not only will we be

One of my favorite examples of this came during

highlighting what’s great about living where we

the eclipse in 2017. We were invited to Dewey and

do, but we’re also going to be relying on you, the

Dede Hagemans’ ranch outside of Jay Em. They had

readers, to help us out through the year.

a bunch of friends and family over for a big party

My dad grew up in rural Campbell County and my mom on a dairy farm in Illinois but they met at the University of Wyoming and never left. I’m grateful that they chose to stay in Wyoming. I grew up in Rawlins until my freshman year in high school when my family moved to Laramie, where I graduated from Laramie High. I know Rawlins gets a bad rap but I loved growing up there and in Carbon County. I love everything from the rolling hills (those not from the West would consider them mountains) surrounding Rawlins, to the beautiful Platte Valley and all it has to offer. I would say the same about the Snowy

and at one point an RV pulled onto the ranch. We were having a tin-foil hat contest when Dewey went out to greet the strangers in the RV. Turns out the strangers were a family from France who thought, because of all the cars on the ranch, that it was a public place to watch the eclipse. So Dewey and Dede and the rest of the guests did what we do in the West: we invited them to join us. I can only imagine what they must have thought, first being greeted by a cowboy and then walking into a group of strangers wearing tinfoil hats! But they stayed and ate and drank and even shot some guns … oh and they watched the eclipse with all of us.

Mountain range and Medicine Bow National Forest.

The people and the places; that is what my family

And that’s just one small piece of the West.

and I love about living in the West! Can’t wait to see

After graduating from the University of Wyoming I moved to Washington D.C. for what was supposed to be a three-month internship and turned into a six-year career change. I enjoyed my time there and wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I was ready to come back home. I missed the mountains and the wide open plains. (I even missed the drive from Casper to Shoshoni!) I also missed the people. Not just my family and friends (that’s a given) but the people of the West. No doubt we’re a different breed. Not sure what they call it back east, maybe Eastern charm (I didn’t experience much of that during my time there), but Western hospitality is legit.

and read about your reasons.

THIS IS BIGHORN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY The world comes out west expecting to see cowboys driving horses through the streets of downtown; pronghorn butting heads on windswept bluffs; clouds encircling the towering pinnacles of the Cloud Peak Wilderness; and endless expanses of wild, open country. These are some of the fibers that have been stitched together over time to create the patchwork quilt of Sheridan County’s identity, each part and parcel to the Wyoming experience. Toss in a historic downtown district, with western allure, hospitality and good graces to spare; a vibrant art scene; bombastic craft culture; a robust festival and events calendar; and living history on every corner, and you have a Wyoming experience unlike anything you could have ever imagined. This is Sheridan County, the beating heart of Bighorn Mountain Country, where the old west and the new offer endless adventures. So that we can adventure together safely, our team has put together a series of COVID-19 resources to keep you informed of any travel restrictions, local and state health mandates, and other pandemic-related travel information, available on our website. While you’re there, catch our new streaming series, The Backyard, with new episodes each week, and explore a side of Wyoming that you have never seen before.

sheridanwyoming.org

CO-OP YOUTH PHOTO BY TESS ANDERSON

THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association

ZAYNE COOPER

The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 67, number 1, February 2021 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per year by Linden Press, Inc., Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. 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 40,437 for 11 months ending September 2020.

HOMETOWN: Ten Sleep

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

HIGH SCHOOL: Ten Sleep High School

by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.

WREN STAFF Publisher: Linden Press, Inc. — Editorial Team — Maggie York Kelly Etzel Douglas Alison Quinn — Design Team — Dixie Lira David Merkley Shawna Phillips

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith, President High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Michael Lerwick, Vice President

YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2020 COLLEGE: University of Wyoming MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: Biology and Finance

Wheatland REA, Wheatland – Sandra Hranchak, 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 Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix High Plains Power, Riverton – Hearley Dockham Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog Niobrara, Lusk – Andy Greer Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Julie Kilty Wyrulec, Torrington – Dewey Hageman

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

Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are proud to support our youth, giving college scholarships and lineman scholarships. In addition, our co-ops sponsor high school students on the NRECA Youth Tour in June and Youth Leadership Camp in July.

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

OFFICE OF WREN OWNER 2312 Carey Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRESPONDENCE TO PUBLISHER AT WREN Magazine • 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 286-8140

THIS MONTH: Big Horn Rural Electric Association nominated recent scholarship winner Zayne Cooper as this month's Co-op Youth.

wren@wyomingrea.org

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.

PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK

Youth Tour and youth camps were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your rural electric cooperative may be taking applications for next year. See the insert in the center of the magazine for contact information.

WREN: Tell us about your studies and interests. ZC: I’m attending the University of Wyoming pursuing a degree in molecular biology with a dual major in finance and a focus on pre-med. In high school I took an EMT class and this sparked my interest to pursue a degree in the medical field. While at the University of Wyoming I enjoy mountain biking, skiing and swing dancing. WREN: How have your hometown, family and/or friends influenced you? ZC: My hometown and family have had a major influence on my life. Throughout my life I have lived in Ten Sleep with a population of 260 people. This small community and my family are very supportive of all my aspirations going forward. I can only hope to be able to give back to my community in the future for all the support I have received. My family taught me the value of hard work and grit. Growing up on a ranch and later taking a job with a construction company had many long work days, but no matter what you always had to finish the job. WREN: What are your plans for the future? ZC: Going forward, I plan on finishing my academics at the University of Wyoming in pursuit of a degree in molecular biology and continuing on to medical school, with a career as a surgeon. A molecular biology degree with a medical degree will create opportunities for me in research and bioengineering.

Scientists Target New Acid Reflux Pill for Anti-Aging Research Surprisingly, the secret to slow the aging process may reside in a new acid reflux treatment; studies find the pill to help protect users from fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and serious conditions that accompany premature aging. Seattle, WA – A new study on a leading acid reflux pill shows that its key ingredient relieves digestive symptoms while suppressing the inflammation that contributes to premature aging in men and women. And, if consumer sales are any indication of a product’s effectiveness, this ‘acid reflux pill turned anti-aging phenomenon’ is nothing short of a miracle. Sold under the brand name AloeCure®, its ingredient was already backed by research showing its ability to neutralize acid levels and hold them down for long-lasting day and night relief from bouts of heartburn, acid reflux, gas, bloating, and more. But soon doctors started reporting some incredible results... “With AloeCure, my patients started reporting, better sleep, more energy, stronger immune systems... even less stress and better skin, hair, and nails” explains Dr. Liza Leal, a leading integrative health specialist and company spokesperson. AloeCure contains an active ingredient that helps improve digestion by acting as a natural acid-buffer that improves the pH balance of your stomach. Scientists now believe that this acid imbalance could be a major contributing factor to painful inflammation throughout the rest of the body. The daily allowance of AloeCure has shown to calm this inflammation through immune system adjustments which is why AloeCure is so effective. It relieves other stressful symptoms related to GI health like pain, bloating, fatigue, cramping, acid overproduction, and nausea. Now, backed with new scientific studies, AloeCure is being doctor recommended to help improve digestion, and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles – helping patients look and feel decades younger.

FIX YOUR GUT & FIGHT INFLAMMATION Since hitting the market, sales for AloeCure have taken off and there are some very good reasons why. To start, the clinical studies have been impressive. Virtually all participants taking it reported stunning improvement in digestive symptoms including bouts of heartburn. Users can also experience higher energy levels and endurance, relief from chronic discomfort and better sleep, healthier looking skin, hair, and nails. A healthy gut is the key to reducing swelling

and inflammation that can wreak havoc on the human body. Doctors say this is why AloeCure works on so many aspects of your health. AloeCure’s active ingredient is made from the famous healing compound found in Aloe Vera. It is both safe and healthy. There are also no known side effects. Scientists believe that it helps improve digestion by acting as a natural acid-buffer that improves the pH balance of your stomach and helps the immune system maintain healthy functions. Research has shown that this acid imbalance contributes to painful inflammation throughout your entire body and is why AloeCure seems to be so effective.

EXCITING RESULTS FROM PATIENTS To date millions of bottles of AloeCure have been sold, and the community seeking non-pharma therapy for their GI health continues to grow. According to Dr. Leal, her patients are absolutely thrilled with their results and are often shocked by how fast it works. “For the first time in years, they are free from concerns about their digestion and almost every other aspect of their health,” says Dr. Leal, “and I recommend it to everyone who wants to improve GI health before considering drugs, surgery, or OTC medications.” “All the problems with my stomach are gone. Completely gone. I can say AloeCure is a miracle. It’s a miracle.” Another user turned spokesperson said, “I started to notice a difference because I was sleeping through the night and that was great. AloeCure does work for me. It’s made a huge difference.” With so much positive feedback, it’s easy to see why the community of believers is growing and sales for the new pill are soaring.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND ALOECURE AloeCure is a pill that’s taken just once daily. The pill is small. Easy to swallow. There are no harmful side effects and it does not require a prescription. The active ingredient is a rare Aloe Vera component known as acemannan. Millions spent in developing a proprietary process for extracting acemannan resulted in the highest quality, most bio-available levels of acemannan known to exist, and it’s made from organic aloe. According to Dr. Leal and leading experts, improving the pH balance of your stomach and restoring gut health is the key to revitalizing your

entire body. When your digestive system isn’t healthy, it causes unwanted stress on your immune system, which results in inflammation in the rest of the body. The recommended daily allowance of acemannan in AloeCure has been proven to support digestive health and manage painful inflammation through immune system adjustments without side effects or drugs. This would explain why so many users are experiencing impressive results so quickly.

REVITALIZE YOUR ENTIRE BODY With daily use, AloeCure helps users look and feel decades younger and defend against some of the painful inflammation that accompanies aging and can make life hard. By buffering stomach acid and restoring gut health, AloeCure’s ingredient maintains healthy immune system function to combat painful inflammation...reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help strengthen hair and nails...maintains healthy cholesterol and oxidative stress... improves sleep and energy…and supports brain function by way of gut biome...without side effects or expense. Readers can now reclaim their energy, vitality, and youth regardless of age.

AloeCure Taken Daily • Helps End Digestion Nightmares • Reduces appearance of Wrinkles & Increases Elasticity • Supports Healthy Immune System

HOW TO GET ALOECURE This is the official nationwide release of the new AloeCure pill in the United States. And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order. This special giveaway is only available for a limited time. All you have to do is call TOLLFREE 1-800-808-3195 and provide the operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: AC100. The company will do the rest. Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 48-hour deadline may lose out on this free bottle offer.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. ALL DOCTORS MENTIONED ARE REMUNERATED FOR THEIR SERVICES. ALL CLINICAL STUDIES ON ALOECURE’S ACTIVE INGREDIENT WERE INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED AND WERE NOT SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN GLOBAL HEALTH GROUP.

GRASSROOTS NETWORK

THANKING FIREFIGHTERS Carbon Power & Light, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and the Wyoming Rural Electric Association announced an effort to support six local fire departments who helped battle the Mullen Fire in southeast Wyoming, with a $30,000 donation from Tri-State. The money was split equally between the six fire departments, with each department receiving $5,000 during a ceremony in December. “We live by and work according to our cooperative principles, which include cooperation and concern for the community. These fire departments helped battle one of the most devastating fires in our state history, and this is our way of showing our appreciation for their selfless efforts on our behalf,” said Russell Waldner, General Manager for Carbon Power & Light. “Tri-State is honored to be a part of this effort recognizing these local fire From left, Saratoga firefighter Dave Irby, Ryan Park Fire Chief Homer Beach, Saratoga Assistant Fire Chief and Carbon Power & Light Saratoga Area Foreman Tom Westring, Encampment Fire Chief Cory Nuhn, Saratoga Fire Captain and Carbon Power & Light Lineman Nick Cary and Saratoga Fire Chief Pat Waliser meet with Carbon Power & Light General Manager Russell Waldner and Wyoming Rural Electric Association Executive Director Shawn Taylor at the Carbon Power & Light office in Saratoga in December.

Saratoga Lineman Trevor Larson restores power near Lake Owen in October after the area was damaged by the Mullen Fire.

PHOTO BY CARBON POWER & LIGHT SARATOGA AREA FOREMAN TOM WESTRING

departments. One of the core values in times of need is support for our communities, and this is our way of showing appreciation for those who dedicated themselves time and again to combatting this fire,” said Duane Highley, Tri-State CEO. The Mullen fire began on Sept. 17, consuming 176,878 acres, much of it in the Medicine Bow National Forest southwest of Centennial, including parts of Albany and Carbon counties in Wyoming, and Jackson County in Colorado. Wind speeds at the height of the fire reached some 70 miles per hour. The fire lasted nearly two months before containment in mid-November. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire departments receiving donations were: Town of Encampment Fire Department, Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department, Ryan Park Volunteer Fire Department, Rock River Fire Department,

Centennial Valley Volunteer Fire Department and Big Laramie Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Volunteer firefighters worked countless hours fighting forest fires. Centennial Valley Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Michael Olsen said that 19 firefighters in his department worked a cumulative total of 622 days fighting 10 fires this summer. The fire departments plan to use the donations for equipment maintenance and PPE. “If you name it, volunteer firefighters need it,” said Ryan Park Fire Chief Homer Beach. In addition to straining firefighter’s resources, the Mullen Fire destroyed significant Carbon Power & Light equipment, including 37 poles and three transformers. The cooperative disconnected services to areas affected by the fire starting Sept. 24, but restored that service to all areas by Oct. 16.

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

Carbon Power & Light Laramie Lineman Casey Renner, top, and Laramie Area Foreman Gabe Torres work to restore power near Albany, Wyoming in October after the area was damaged by the Mullen Fire.

FEB 2021

PHOTO BY CARBON POWER & LIGHT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DAVID CUTBIRTH

Technology revolutionizes the most important piece of furniture in your house!

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For millions of Americans, “Rise & Shine” has become a thing of the past. Mobility and balance issues have forced many people to struggle getting in and out of bed. Not being able to get out of bed by yourself can be inconvenient, undignified and downright dangerous. To solve this problem, this product has been introduced in continuing care and other health care facilities. Now, thanks to firstSTREET, the leading marketer of innovative products for seniors in the United States, that same bed can enable people to get up, get going and live independently in their home. It’s called the UpBed™, and there is nothing else like it. The secret to the UpBed™ is its revolutionary system for raising the mattress to any position for a variety of activities. It features a state-of-the-art mattress with memory foam for a great night’s sleep… like sleeping on a cloud. With the touch of a button, it gently raises your upper body to a “sitting up”

THE CURRENT PHOTO COURTESY OF WYOMING GAME AND FISH

From left to right: Gov. Mark Gordon, John Joyce, Nancy Joyce, WGF Fish Passage Coordinator Nick Scribner and WGF Director Brian Nesvik attended an outdoor dinner celebrating landowners of the year in 2020.

LANDOWNERS OF THE YEAR John and Nancy Joyce of Manderson were recently recognized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGF) as the 2020 Cody Region Landowners of the Year. John Joyce is board president for Big Horn Rural Electric Company and is the co-op’s representative on the Wyoming Rural Electric Association board. WGF recognizes landowners for demonstrating outstanding practices in wildlife management, habitat improvement and conservation techniques on their properties.

For more information visit: wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Landowner-ofthe-Year/2020/Jackson-Hole-Hereford-Ranch

They awarded the Joyces, who own a farm and ranch with their son, Jeff,

for allowing public access and for participating in what became a 10year effort to improve the Nowood River fishery on their ranch. They were involved in improvements to the fishery, which included installing a headgate with fish screens and a fish passage at the Harmony Ditch. Nancy Joyce holds a degree in wildlife management and she is committed to protecting habitat on the ranch, and her family knows that the area is special. They allow 3.5 miles of public fishing access and a 371-acre walk-in hunting area. “We enjoy living down here and we enjoy the river and we know that other people do too,” John Joyce said. “We try to accommodate everybody.”

CODY HOTLINE SCHOOL T-SHIRT DRAWING CONTEST Wills, Trusts & Probate Land Use GAY WOODHOUSE TARA NETHERCOTT HOLLI WELCH JEFF VAN FLEET



 

DEBORAH RODEN JOANNE SWEENEY KATYE BROWN CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

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

Find more information about Cody Hotline School at codyhotlineschool.com

It's time again for this year's drawing contest for elementaryaged kids. The Wyoming Rural Electric Association and the city of Cody are looking for drawings from our youth's perspective, depicting lineworkers performing work safely. The first place winner receives $200 and their drawing is featured on the Cody Hotline School T-shirt. Second place winner will be awarded $100 and both the third and fourth place winners receive $50 each.

Seth Bambrough won the 2020 T-shirt drawing contest.

Please draw your ideas of a person safely working on your electric lines and power poles. Use whatever drawing material you like. Write your name, address, age and phone number, as well as your service area or power supplier's name on the back of your drawing. Drawings need to be received by March 15, 2021. You can mail them to Cody Hotline School LLC, PO Box 697 Lusk, WY 82225 or turn them in to your local electric cooperative.

FEB 2021

HOMETOWN HITS

THIS MONTH:

ANTELOPE BUTTE MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA

310

BIG HORN RURAL ELECTRIC COMPANY MEMBER

I-90 20 16

I-25

WHERE YOU’LL FIND IT: Near Shell on the western slope of the Bighorn Mountains

WHY IT’S SPECIAL: I-25

Antelope Butte Ski Area closed in 2004. The community quickly formed a foundation to bring it back as a nonprofit, and the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area reopened in 2018. A new lodge will include restaurants, shops and more.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND THERE: Year-round mountain recreation and education opportunities.

FEB 2021

C E N T E RPI E C E

Some people say it’s a small town with long roads. Electric co-op lineworkers might say it’s a small town with miles of power lines. Why do we live here? What draws us to the remote places in this spread-out state? For the 2021 editorial year, Wyoming Rural Electric News magazine will feature stories about our lives in big spaces. We’ll follow some of our friends and tell the stories that keep them in this place. But first, we asked for photos from you, our electric cooperative member, that describe your life out west. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos, please enjoy the following pages!

This photo was taken on the wild horse loop near Green River. This horse has many stories to tell. The scars and marks on his body show just who is in charge right here. I haven't seen him recently so I'm not sure where he stands now, but a few years ago, he was the reigning king. SHERRY BLUEMEL, LYMAN

The story behind my photo is an injury resulting from an afternoon of trying to load our hogs into a trailer to be hauled to the butcher. I enjoy living in Wyoming because it gives me opportunities to learn and experience the world of agriculture at a greater level. I shot this photo on my property in Rozet. This photo represents that life out west is not as romantic as it is often portrayed. Saralynn Brandt, Rozet

This is my brother, Kelly Carpenter, on his horse with his dog Molly. Molly and Kelly just have this bond; they are almost connected at the hip and she loves him dearly. They go everywhere together. Kelly lives on the ranch that my grandpa owned and where my dad was born. This is a several generation ranch and I love that I can still go there to see my family, be with the animals, and feel the peace that a ranch and open air can offer. Sherry Bluemel, Lyman

Water for the animals DEBBI JORREY, NEWCASTLE

Tools of the trade: Wyoming tough! AMY EUBANKS, LARAMIE

Cattle at sunset on the Splittgerber Ranch JOHNNY CHAVEZ, TORRINGTON

A Pause REBECCA SYLER, SHERIDAN

Waiting for their turn ELIZABETH CHILDRESS, NEWCASTLE

behind Woodchoppers Jamboree & Rodeo in Encampment JON NELSON, SARATOGA

FEB 2021

the

After gathering all the cows and unsaddling the horses, the saddles wait for the cowboys to put the horses away. Thomas A. Christensen II, Buford

Scenes

Hanging out SARALYNN BRANDT, ROZET

Frightening surreal beauty, taken October 4, 2020 during the height of the Mullen Fire. My son and I were concerned about the approaching fire and how to best protect our cabin: what to remove from the cabin, what could stay, where to store items. I love the diversity of Wyoming’s landscape, the wide open spaces, the serenity, the wildlife and most of all the people within the state. I consider Wyoming to be the crown jewel of the U.S.A., and am proud to call it my home. Gib Ceretto, Centennial

I took this photo at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole. These beautiful horses take visitors and food out to the elk daily. I see them living and working in the life out west. Sandra Price, Wheatland

Tory Babcock feeding cattle on the winter Splittgerber Ranch JOHNNY CHAVEZ, TORRINGTON

Evening Storm at EK Ranch JANA GINTER, CARPENTER

The sun coming up just before a day of fishing makes the blooming trees almost glow at Flaming Gorge THOMAS A. CHRISTENSEN II, BUFORD

Working on the power lines for the Gateway West transmission line project east of Rock Springs DALE LINK, CHEYENNE

The photo represents the start of a cold, peaceful winter day. It means that no matter where you go in life and what happens, every day is a fresh start. Tia Cranston, CARLILE

FEB 2021

This is my sweet grandaughter Macey Bluemel with her horse Treelo. She loves this horse. During the summer we keep him at our house to eat down the grass. She came for a visit so I had to get pictures of them together. The love and the bond of children and animals— there is nothing like it. Children are just drawn to animals and to watch them together can melt your heart. Sherry Bluemel, Lyman

Fall gathering, cool weather and a young horse. They say it takes wet saddle blankets and long miles to make a good one. Living where we do and riding the country our cattle run in, that’s exactly what this 3-year-old colt got the day we went to gather for shipping. As my husband and I set out riding that morning, we soon figured out that our cattle, who usually stick together, were spread out over several sections of rough country and there were only the two of us riding. In order to gather, we would be riding clear to the back which involved several deep draws. Me not knowing the pasture very well, meant Todd who was riding the colt would be the one to head the bottoms and push the cattle out, as I rode the higher country. A light blanket of snow covered the already wet ground making the slopes slick, but Badger held his own as they criss-crossed the draws to bring cattle out. We gathered, pushed cows towards home and rode off to another part of the pasture to gather some more. When we rode out that morning, we were hoping to have them back into the home pasture by late morning, giving us plenty of time to have them sorted before the brand inspector got there. Late morning came and went and we still weren’t anywhere near

t h e

g at h e r

being home with the cows. Badger was finding out what long miles were, though not his first time on a long outing. By afternoon, we finally pushed them through the gate to the home pasture. Not only did Badger have a wet saddle blanket and was ridden many miles that day, he would then get to stand tied until we finished the rest of the work. Todd and I came into the house well after dark that night, as we have on many nights. Knowing a day’s work was done and we would get up early the next morning to put the calves on the truck to ship. Hoping and praying that the market would hold and all of our hard work and perseverance would pay off. It’s been a tough year for ranchers; from spring storms during calving, to a hot dry summer where hay supply was limited, to an unstable calf market this fall but when it’s all over, Todd and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else and living any other lifestyle. Cori Enders, Decker, Montana

The milk cows and their exhibitors both looked regal and collected during the round robin showmanship just before the close of the Laramie County Fair THOMAS CHRISTENSEN II, BUFORD

I’m not sure I can fully put into words what this photo represents. The obvious is the next generation of ranch hands moving cow calf pairs out to spring pasture. But as their mom, this picture represents so much more. It represents determination, not giving into fear or nerves, saddling up when you are scared, learning to ride out on your own and working together as a team. Both kids, ages 9 and 6, have had to overcome many fears, nerves and anxiety when it comes to riding and especially riding out alone without mom and dad right beside them. This spring they were able to overcome some of those fears and learned to enjoy ranch life, riding and moving pairs. They would wait together until we would have the pairs headed towards the holding corral and then they would ride down to catch up. Big brother was always watching out for little sister and only would go as fast as she wanted. Many times, they were laughing and telling stories as they rode up beside us. We are fortunate that our kids enjoy ranch life, know what a long day in the saddle is like and are proud that they will be the next generation to work this ranch. We have been given an opportunity of a lifetime to live on and work a ranch that has been in a family for many generations. Our kids are experiencing and partaking in the ranching way of life and riding country that has experienced changes due to gas being drilled but yet in so many ways still remains unchanged. It’s riding through the tree-covered hills, witnessing the Tongue River as it flows past the hay meadows, and watching Hereford and Hereford cross cattle graze in pastures reminds us why we are here. Cori Enders, Decker, Montana

p l ay

Beyond REBECCA SYLER, SHERIDAN

Ranch kids just out riding bikes. Living out in the country, there are no paved roads or parking lots to ride your bike. You learn to ride on gravel roads or through the pastures. Why walk down to do chores when you can ride your bike down the hill or across the pasture to the corrals, only to find out that you then get to pedal back up to the house. When COVID hit, TK and Taylor found themselves learning from home. This gave them plenty of time to get outdoors during the day and ride their bikes. Having nowhere but the pasture to really ride, these two made daily trips down to the barn and back on their bikes. Fresh air and lots of exercise helped them relax from virtual learning and having their parents as teachers!!! As summer came, TK’s 4-H heifer was put into the corral, giving him even more opportunities to ride down to take care of her. Whether riding horses, riding their bikes, or helping their dad irrigate and hay these two spend many hours outside enjoying ranch life. We are very fortunate that our kids get to grow up living and working on the ranch. Cori Enders, Decker, Montana

Trout fishing in the Winds MAGGIE HELLER, LANDER

Hiking Yellowstone JUDY CRAMER, THERMOPOLIS

Riding lawnmower, Wyoming-style ELIZABETH CHILDRESS, NEWCASTLE

My dad, Derrill Carpenter My dad is 88.5 years old. He still lives on and works the ranch were he was born. Every day, all day long he’s working the ranch. He used to drive the school bus for Mountain View School District, he drove the bus for over 50 years! He’s retired now and solely on the ranch. I asked him if he would let me get some pictures of him. I wanted to do some work for a competition. He actually loved being in front of the camera and letting me showcase him in places around the ranch. I am so very grateful for being able to grow up on a ranch, for living in Wyoming, for the animals and all it offers me. The horse in the one picture is Popcorn. The other day I asked my dad how old Popcorn was and he told me he was afraid to dig the papers out and look. I know he’s over 30 years old now. He’s been my dad’s sidekick for a lot of years. Sherry Bluemel, Lyman

Bug hunter AMY PAYTON, BUFFALO

FEB 2021

COMING HOME Southeast Wyoming was where I spent my first 20 years. Then for more than 30 years, my husband and I traveled where the job took us, which was far away. The time came to locate our final nest. Wyoming called us back with her vast expanse, quiet mornings of pink and orange hues, vibrant starry nights, wildlife unhampered and long lost friendships. We are blessed beyond measure to be cradled in the loving arms of this Wyoming wilderness. I took this photo on top of a ridge south of Beulah. One can see forever up here, and we are blessed to live within walking distance. (You will notice the bird I caught in an upward trajectory as if he too was enjoying the tranquil blue skies of this pure Wild West.) Kay McKim, Beulah

Chillin’ near the Sweetwater River NICK BILTOFT, RIVERTON

FEB 2021

CARING FOR THE HERD We are herders living in a sheepwagon with our dogs and herd. It doesn’t get more Wyoming than this, don’t you agree? Carolina Noya, CARLILE

P a c k i n g

o u t

PACKING OUT, HEAD OF THE NORTH FORK OF THE SHOSHONE RIVER I was working for Cody Outfitter Lee Livingston, his son Wesley Livingston is in the lead of the packstring. The trip was to the very head of the North Fork of the Shoshone. There is a moth site there where grizzlies congregate to eat army cutworm moths. We took five guests on this trip to observe grizzlies licking up moths in this wild country. They are worth the watching. We sat in camp with spotting scopes and observed I think 14 grizzlies. I was riding my good old mule Punkin whose ears you can see in the photo. I love that girl, she is 20-plus years old and the trails we have traveled. She is bomb proof and has never done anything wrong. It was a four day trip. Jerry Longobardi, Meeteetse

FEB 2021

My morning hike in the Bighorns LAUREE SCOTT, GILLETTE

B I G

Tisdale Homestead. One of the main names concerning the Johnson County War. It was all open ranch and the powerful had the upper hand in most situations. It’s a beautiful location sitting on the Red Fork of the Middle Fork of the Powder River. Rough country that is full of elk, mule deer, and mountain lions. A beautiful valley, wonderful place to live. Carole C. Martinez, Kaycee

Splittgerber Ranch, homesteaded in 1913 by Hugo Splittgerber JOHNNY CHAVEZ, TORRINGTON

This is a photo of one of the old buildings in the abandoned mining town of Kirwin. Representing how life was back in the day when people lived and breathed hard work. Gold was mined in these mountains, schools, general stores all existed as a lot of the families came with the miners. It’s a beautiful location winter and summer, but mostly unnavigable in the winter. Miners were marooned for several months till the snow melted and they could get badly needed supplies. To live here you have to adapt to the country, whether its flat or mountainous, it doesn’t adapt to you. Carole C. Martinez, Kaycee

FEB 2021

C O U N T R Y

Jeffrey City wild horses GAYLE M. IRWIN, CASPER

Horse herd in spring AMY EUBANKS, LARAMIE

Bighorn Mountains cattle drive LISA KUNKEL, GREYBULL

Wyoming coal train JUDY CRAMER, THERMOPOLIS

JUST PICTURE IT

APRIL: (DUE MAR 15)

SKY Pumpkin patch, Ellis Harvest Home, Lingle. All of the “perfect” pumpkins had already been taken, but that left the pumpkins with character. Thomas A. Christensen II, Buford

SUBMIT A photo  wren@wyomingrea.org  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions Please include your name, hometown and a title.

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

BOOK REVIEW

SECOND WIND

Poetry of the American West BY PATRICIA FROLANDER DESCRIPTION BY HIGH PLAINS PRESS

Early in life on the ranch Wyoming State Poet Laureate Emeritus Patricia Frolander found that poetry gave an outlet for her thoughts and she has been successfully using it ever since to record her life. Frolander wasn't born into ranch life. Instead the East Coast native married into a fourth generation Wyoming ranching family. She met her husband, Robert, in Denver. They eventually moved to his family's ranch near Sundance, Wyoming. After the death of her beloved husband, Frolander faced a period of loss and adjustment and had to embrace a second wind. She recorded this journey in poetry which became her newly published book, “Second Wind.” These 61 elegantly crafted poems, divided into three sections; “Old Pasture,” “Drought” and “Fresh Grass” take us through the seasons of her life on a working ranch.

ORDERING INFORMATION:

WIN A

FREE

COPY NOVEMBER’S BOOK WINNER:

Name: Phone:

2020 | 80p. | $12.95 paperback ISBN: 978-1937147051 Publisher: High Plains Press

MICHAEL AND DENISE MCGINTY

Address:

OF NEWCASTLE

Available at bookstores and from the publisher: 1-800-552-7819 or highplainspress.com

ENTRIES DUE BY MARCH 15 One entry per household, please. 26

FEB 2021

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

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PUZZLE

Highways

and

Byways

BY KENDRA SPANJER

Wyoming’s state highways are sometimes hidden in the middle of nowhere, and other times run concurrent with U.S. and interstate highway routes. How many of these 10 Wyoming highways have you driven? How many can you correctly name? For extra credit: some state highways have nicknames. Can you name any?

220

789 116 28 230 70

WYOMING WYOMING

WYOMING

130

WYOMING

270

WYOMING WYOMING WYOMING

120 WYOMING

WYOMING

ARE YOU LOST? ASK FOR DIRECTIONS ON PAGE 35. FEB 2021

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Community ▷ Minded BY GAYLE M. IRWIN

NEW BIG HORN BOARD MEMBER DRIVEN BY STRONG DESIRE TO HELP

for the Big Horn County School District

In addition to becoming a co-op board

3 in Greybull, a position she’s held for

member last summer, she serves on

the past few years. “I really enjoy my job,” she said.

diverse recreational opportunities,

ara Schlattmann’s

She and her husband, Dean, whom she

including sports, fitness and arts and

decision to join the

described as “a rancher by trade,” find

crafts, at an affordable price to adults

Big Horn Rural Electric

the Big Horn Basin area a perfect place

and children in the area.

Company board of directors last year stems from her love of community. Born and raised in Greybull and now living on land near

Otto which has been part of her family heritage, Schlattmann’s community involvement reaches deep, like the roots of a tree. “There are important things in our community, and I want to be a part of those organizations,” she said.

to bring up their two sons.

with the Backpack Food Program, which

grandparents around, as well as uncles,

helps ensure children and families in

aunts and cousins,” Schlattmann said.

the area receive weekend meals.

One of those family members, her father,

“We order food from the food bank and

steered her in the direction of becoming

provide weekend meals for families

a board member for Big Horn Rural

in our community who are in need,”

Electric Company.

she said. “There’s clearly a need.”

“My dad put the bug in my ear,”

She oversees the program and has been

Schlattmann said. “The idea behind

doing so for more than five years.

these co-ops initially was to give access to electricity to rural customers affordably. The bigger companies weren’t willing to take it on. They

programs and organizations

continue to be important for the very

helpful to the area, from the

same reason. Because of such a large

electric cooperative to the

customer base, we’re able to provide

recreation board. Although

electricity at an affordable price …

she left Wyoming to attend

for our customers.”

and is now contributing to the area in many ways. Schlattmann attended Drake University in Iowa where she received a degree in finance, and she works as business manager

Her desire as a board member is to continue doing just that. “Co-ops of all types, including the electric co-op, are community-minded,” she said. “What’s important to this co-op is to be able to continue to support low-cost energy, to keep it affordable for our customers.”

FEB 2021

She also coaches volleyball and assists

“We’re lucky enough to have both sets of

She’s involved with many

college, she returned afterward,

the Greybull District Recreation board. The recreation district offers quality,

Dean and Sara Schlattmann pose with their sons Jake, left, and Sy.

Additionally, Schlattmann serves as coach

Schlattmann’s son Jake and her husband Dean ride at a branding event during the summer.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARA SCHLATTMANN

for the middle school volleyball team. She’s passionate about the sport. While attending Greybull High School, she competed on the volleyball team. Because that sport is close to her heart even as an adult, for a while she was the head coach of the high school team. “I have a passion for the program, wanting it to be a good program. It was a good program when I was in school, and I’m wanting that for these kids who are going through now,” she said. However, as her sons grew older and became active in sports, she wanted time to watch them play. “High school volleyball and high school football are at the same time [of the year],” she said. “So, in order to watch my son play high school football, I couldn’t coach the high school volleyball team. But I still get to be involved with the sport by coaching middle school volleyball.” The Schlattmanns are an active family. The boys participate in football, 4-H and other activities. Between their sons’ events and the couple’s different jobs, Schlattmann said, “We chase them around a lot. We stay busy.”

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. www.wyoroad.info

Know before you go. Visit wyoroad.info.

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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.

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A RIDE PRESERVED FOR GENERATIONS. IN THE BUILDING MADE FOR GENERATIONS.

Her own extracurricular activities keep her running as well—literally. Schlattmann used to be a competitive runner, however, these days she jogs for pleasure. She said she enjoys a good audiobook while soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the Bighorn Basin or while relaxing on the couch during times her husband and sons are in the mountains hunting or moving cattle to those areas. Schlattmann describes the electric co-op on which she serves on the board as community-minded—that word also describes her. “It’s important to me to be part of this community and I want to give back as much as I can,” she said. W

Your dream garage begins with limited-time savings when you commit during Building Value Days. Now through February 28.

800-447-7436 | MORTONBUILDINGS.COM Gayle M. Irwin is a freelance writer based in Casper.

COUNTRY COOKS

PANCAKES MY GRANDMOTHER’S PUMPKIN OATMEAL — PANCAKES — 1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 3/4 CUP ROLLED OATS 2 TBS SUGAR 1 TSP BAKING POWDER 1/2 TSP BAKING SODA 1/4 TSP SALT 1 CUP PUMPKIN, CANNED OR FRESH PUREED (CAN SUBSTITUTE ZUCCHINI) 2 TBS OIL 1 EGG 1 TSP VANILLA 2 TBS VINEGAR

P 30

FEB 2021

PANCAKES 1 CUP FLOUR 1 TSP BAKING SODA 1/4 TSP SALT 4 EGGS, SEPARATED 1 TBS BUTTER, MELTED 1 TSP VANILLA 1-1/4 CUP RICOTTA CHEESE 3/4 CUP MILK 1 TBS SUGAR BLUEBERRIES OR BANANAS AND MAPLE SYRUP Separate eggs, putting yolks in a large bowl and whites in a medium bowl. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Set aside. Whisk together yolks, melted butter, vanilla, ricotta cheese and milk until smooth. Add in the flour mixture and whisk until well combined.

Beat ingredients until smooth, cook as usual. Makes 4 servings, 3 pancakes each.

MAGGIE HELLER

RICOTTA BLUEBERRY

Beat the egg whites into soft peaks then add sugar and beat into stiffer peaks. Fold stiff whites into ricotta mixture.

LANDER

Heat a large skillet or griddle until a drop of water “dances” on the hot surface. If it evaporates immediately, lower the heat slightly. Use a 1/4 cup measure of the batter to make pancakes. Cook until golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Serve with berries and syrup. JANET MILLER

CHEYENNE

HONEY WHEAT PANCAKES 1 CUP BRAN BUDS 1/4 CUP WHEAT GERM 1/2 CUP HOT WATER 1/4 CUP VEGETABLE OIL 1/4 CUP HONEY 1 CUP FLOUR

Combine bran buds, wheat germ, hot water, oil and honey. Let sit for a few minutes to soften bran. Add dry ingredients, buttermilk and egg. Mix until well blended. Pour into greased 9x13 baking sheet (not a cake pan). Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cut into squares. Serve with your favorite pancake topping.

KATHLEEN CRICHTON

TACOS

JAY EM

MY FAVORITE

PANCAKES 2 CUPS COMPLETE PANCAKE MIX (JUST ADD WATER TYPE) 1-1/4 CUPS BEER (LEFTOVER FROM LAST NIGHT) Mix in mixing bowl and pour 1/4 cup onto lightly greased hot griddle (375 degrees) about 1-1/2 minutes per side ( follow cooking directions on box). You can use any beer you like, there is a nice blueberry beer out there that makes yummy pancakes!

BETSY JENSEN

APRIL:

1-1/2 TSP BAKING POWDER 1/2 TSP SALT 1/2 TSP BAKING SODA 1 CUP BUTTERMILK 1 EGG

POWELL

Send Sendcomplete completerecipe recipeby byMarch March10! 15!

Please Pleaseinclude includeyour yourname, name,address addressand andphone phonenumber. number. S SU UB BM M II T T A AR RE EC C II P PE E

wren@wyomingrea.org | |  [307] 772-1968 286-8140   wren@wyomingrea.org  [307]   214 214W. W.Lincolnway LincolnwaySte. Ste.21C 21CCheyenne, Cheyenne,WY WY82001 82001 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions  

ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREA PEREZ

LITTLE WYOMING

KIDS' CORNER

Meet the

WYOMING

TOAD 01 Bufo baxteri Meet the Wyoming toad (Bufo baxteri ), one of the most endangered amphibians in North America! The Wyoming toad is only found in Albany County, Wyoming near Laramie.

Population Decline These little toads used to be abundant, but they suffered dramatic population decline in the late 1970s because of disease and changes to their habitat. In 1989, researchers were able to save the last 10 Wyoming toads believed to exist and brought them to zoos in an attempt to save the species.

Recovery Team

The Wyoming toad existed only in captivity for many years as zoos around the country worked with scientists to successfully rebuild the population. The first annual release of captive-bred Wyoming toads back into the wild occurred in 1995. Thanks to the hard work of the Wyoming Toad Recovery Team, hundreds of Wyoming toads can now be found in their natural habitat on a few protected sites in Albany County!

Hide and Seek

The Wyoming toad is able to blend in with its environment and hide under mud, layers of thatch or in small mammal burrows. This makes it hard for the recovery team to find and study them! As a result, there is still a lot about the Wyoming toad that scientists do not know.

Trackable Tools

University of Wyoming researchers are working to change this. Before they are released, UW researchers outfit some of the toads with belts. These belts emit a signal that researchers can track, even when the toad is invisible to the human eye. Researchers locate these belted toads once weekly from release to hibernation in order to learn where the toads like to live, how far they travel and how they fight off disease.

Time to Thrive

The information these researchers learn from the belted toads will help them better understand how to protect this special Wyoming species so it can thrive once again in the wild.

Win a Free

COLORING BOOK! Wyoming toad coloring books are available for the first 10 people who send their mailing address to biodiversity@uwyo.edu or call 307-766-6279.

PEN TO PAPER

Gallery the

SANDY JOHNSON

CROWHEART

Almost heaven—these cows are on top of the world in their books. As far as the eye can see to the east (what we call the skyline) you will notice the Pumpkin Buttes, well known landmarks for Johnson, Converse and Campbell counties. Five buttes that stick up out of nowhere. Below these cattle you will see the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Powder River that meets up with the main Powder River just east of Kaycee. Such a background all this country has, leaves me spellbound, what a place to live. CAROLE C. MARTINEZ, KAYCEE

ow! You really live in the middle of nowhere!” Our newly arrived and somewhat-nervous guest gazed apprehensively at the "wide-open" space surrounding our home. Most of the people who come to visit are as comfortable here as we are, but there is the occasional guest who obviously wishes he or she had gone to Vegas instead. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but this time I thought I'd make the effort to help our guest understand our point of view. So the attempt to enlighten began in hopes that our guest could

FEB 2021

eventually see instead of just look, and the explanation of our choice of environment went something like this: We are so fortunate to live in The Gallery and be treated to a continuous slideshow of our surroundings. This gallery is one of many that are abundantly scattered over the planet spotlighting the works of one Master. The moving display is exquisite with the current canvasses being constantly replaced by new ones; never is any canvas seen more than once. Here, the basic background of the canvasses remains the same with mountains, rimrocks and sage,

the curving dome of the sky overhead, and the gleaming river in the lowland. The Gallery is open year 'round, day and night, never closing. In winter the land sleeps, resting and rejuvenating before the rigors of the growing season. The colors blue, brown, and gray, and varying shades thereof with occasional splashes or blankets of white, dominate the canvasses. Skeletal, leafless trees appear dead but are only resting. Sage appears as large bouquets of gray twigs with last year's shriveled silver leaves tenaciously clinging in the wind and the cold.

Our granddaughter came for a visit one year in the midst of winter when she was barely four. Night came and she wanted to see the stars. Bundling her in winter gear, we went outside in below-zero temperature. In a black sky, the fiery ice-chip stars shimmered and glittered while mirrored in a child’s eyes. The northern lights undulated across the sky, wafting back and forth like scarves in the hands of gypsy dancers. The Gallery produced quite a display that night. Spring comes with stirrings in the land; a whiff of damp ground, a rain or wet snow, a barely visible mist of green on the trees. Most exciting of all is that long awaited event— the tint of green beginning to show in blades of grass. Green spears from bulbs in gardens begin to push aside the dirt and dare the frost to hurt them. More colors appear in the canvasses.

Occasionally, high humidity and cold temperatures bring the frost. Spiderwebs become grandma’s intricate lace doilies. Barbed wire vibrates with changes in temperature and breezes to shed its inch-thick coating of frost. Trees become a fantasy in white. The canvasses continue to parade during the day and into the night.

Summer pulses with life. Water flows, hayfields grow as do gardens, yards and young animals. Honeysuckle sweetens the air and the blooming wild iris caress the eyes. Cactus blooms, Indian paintbrush flourishes as well as larkspur, rock primroses and numerous other wildflowers. But not all is beauty and perfume. In July especially, the clouds begin to boil in the afternoon like ominous gray clusters of cannonballs. The air is still ... waiting. A tickle of breeze is felt, a flash of lightning

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.

fractures the sky and a booming crash of thunder heralds the storm. But most don’t last long and sometimes bring rain that settles the dust. So much to show on the canvasses now. There is a window of time each day in the late afternoon in midsummer where all is brushed by the light of the setting sun. The window lasts only about six minutes but during that time each detail and color spring out with glowing beauty in bright luminous candlelight. Incredible. Autumn brings the preparation for winter. Harvesting, canning, putting up, putting by. Some colors are fading, some are changing completely in the last show before winter. Green leaves on the river become striking yellow and appear to be lit from within. Looking down on the winding ribbon of gold along both sides of the river takes the breath and swells the heart. Animals are putting on their winter coats and filling their stores for winter. Days are shorter, temperatures are cooling and the first leaves begin to fall. The canvasses present new details, the Master mixes new colors on the palette; new works are created as the earth turns and the cycles of the seasons continue. We may, as we’ve been told, live in the “middle of nowhere.” But as far as we’re concerned? It’s the center of everything.

Put Your Pen to Paper!

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

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 286-8140  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

FEB 2021

WHAT'S HAPPENING

WHAT'S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

03 04

MARCH

01 | SOUTHEAST ENCAMPMENT

ONGOING

Grand Encampment Museum: Main Gallery and GEM store open Tue-Sat 10a-4p, info 307-327-5308.

02 | NORTHEAST B U F FA L O

THURSDAYS

FEATURED EVENT

Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30p, Occidental Saloon, free, info 307-684-0451.

GILLETTE

SATURDAYS

LIBRARY STORYTIME FOR KIDS WEDNESDAYS  11A

S H E R I DA N MARCH 4

War Horse: National Theatre Live production. 6:30p, WYO Performing Arts & Education Center, $16, $10 students, info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com. MARCH 5

Trout Steak Revival: Bluegrass band performs live & streaming, 7:30p, WYO Performing Arts & Education Center, ticket pricing TBD, info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com.

UPTON MARCH 13

Upton Chamber Festival of Tables and Installation of Chamber Officers: Fundraiser for local kids' sports clubs. 6p, Upton Community Center, info 307-391-0346.

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. 11a-2p, Campbell County Rockpile Museum, free, info 307682-5723, szacharias@ccgov.net, rockpilemuseum.com.

ONGOING

HULETT

03 | NORTHWEST

ONGOING

Senior Center Events: Carry-in dinner 12:30p third Sun. Rolls and coffee 9a Thu. 145 Main Street, info 307-467-5743.

Mountain View Branch Library, free, info 307-782-3161, uintalibrary.org.

Senior Center Activities: Lunch is served at noon Mon-Fri, $4, call for reservation before 9a. 307-468-9267. Stop by Tuesday mornings for coffee and treats, with an exercise program at 9a. Seniors welcome Thu and Fri from 1-4p. Potluck at 5:30p third Mondays. 1113 2nd St., info 307-468-9251.

CODY ONGOING

Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9a-5p Mon-Sat, 836 Sheridan Ave, info 307-587-3597.

THURSDAYS  11A

LANDER

Lyman Branch Library, free, info 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org.

SATURDAYS

Acoustic Music Jam: 11a-1p, Lander Bake Shop, info 307-332-3237. ONGOING

SOUTHWEST NEWCASTLE ONGOING 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, events may be postponed or canceled. Please call ahead before attending events.

FEB 2021

GiGi’s Closet: Providing free gently-used clothing for the family. Second and fourth Wednesdays, First United Methodist Church basement entrance, info 307-746-4119, Facebook.

First Friday: New artist and local musician each month. Art show reception 5p, music 6p. Middle Fork Restaurant. Info 307-335-5035, facebook.com/MiddleForkCafe.

THERMOPOLIS SECOND FRIDAYS

ArtStroll: Stroll on Broadway Street in Historic Downtown Thermopolis. Info 307-864-3002, gatherer@panix.com.

SUBMIT AN EVENT

Brightsong Bookkeeping, LLC

Send complete information for May events by

MARCH 15!

We are updating the event dates for the What’s Happening section. Please send events occurring from May 1-31.

Remote/Online Accounting Services for Small Businesses and Individuals

Also, be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event.

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Bonded and Insured

Photos are always welcome.

Reina Collins • Jelm, WY • 307-742-2721 • Reina@BrightSongBookkeeping.com

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

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Highways and Byways

FOOD SAFETY SERIES

WYOMING

Classes for safe food preservation and production Acidified Foods Processing (FDA preserving) Mar. 3 & 4 – Jackson

WYOMING

EXTRA CREDIT:

WYOMING

WY 28 - South Pass Highway; WY 70 - Battle Pass Scenic Byway; WY 130 - Snowy Range Road; WY 220 - Alcova Highway; WY 230 - Rivers Road; WY 789 - Canada to Mexico Highway

Acidified Foods Processing (home preserving) Mar. 6 – Powell Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Feb. 24 – online Feb. 22 – Casper Mar. 2 – online and EACH in Jackson

$20

www.uwyo.edu/uwe/foodsafety Questions? Contact Cole at

cehmke@uwyo.edu

FROM PAGE 27 FEB 2021

ENLIGHTEN US

Growing up in

Wyoming BY ROBERT L. FOSTER

Soldiers at Fort Warren, from Janice Foster's photographs.

I didn’t really know much about my wife Janice’s growing up years. I knew she was born in Wyoming during the Great Depression. Once in a while she’d relate bits and pieces from her childhood years...

everal of those recollections piqued my curiosity and I wanted to learn more, so I have compiled her stories and filled in some of the

“Tell me about it!” “Well, first off I was born in the Army hospital at Fort Warren, about 4 miles from Cheyenne, in December 1934. Dad

blanks. Her memories of Wyoming have

was a soldier stationed at the fort. He’d

always drawn me to this place, and as her

enlisted in the Army in 1928, making

children and I remember her, I wanted to

$28 a month. When his three years were

share some of the memories that she shared with me. One lazy summer afternoon as we relaxed in the patio I asked her, “What were your early years like growing up in Wyoming?” She slowly shook her head, and smiled. “Now that was a mighty fascinating experience!” 36

FEB 2021

up, the Depression was in full swing, so he re-upped for another three years with the rank of corporal. As a native Utahn he figured joining the Army would give him an opportunity to see some of exotic parts of the world. His first duty station was Fort Francis E. Warren! On his first furlough he returned to Utah, married his girlfriend Norma and together they began their new

Janice and her brother, Ray, at quarters on Fort Warren.

life in Cheyenne.

“Dad didn’t rank high enough to qualify for base housing, so they lived in a tiny apartment while searching around Cheyenne for a small house to rent or buy. That proved to be very difficult because Dad was a soldier and Mom was a soldier’s wife.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT L. FOSTER

“There was a stigma attached to soldiers

operator in the cabin overhaul department.

and soldier’s wives because they didn’t

Dad liked the title of Mom’s new job

seem to fit community social standards

but I didn’t understand all of that. Mom

at that time. Luckily the folks found a

simmered it down to my level and told me

tiny three-room house on 28th Street in

she sewed canvas for the ailerons in the

Cheyenne, not the nicest part of town!

wings of United planes. And yes they used

While living there I went through to

canvas! Mom was serious when she told

the fourth grade at a school called Park

me she’d never fly in an airplane because

Addition. It was a small school having only

once she saw

four grades. I still remember Mrs. Dinneen,

what one little

my first-grade teacher and my favorite

bird did those

teacher of all time! She was a sweet gentle

wings—that

woman, and had to be at least 70.

little bird went

“Mom was an excellent seamstress and sewed most of my clothes when I was a little girl. I especially remember and loved the sweet cowgirl outfit she designed for me, which included a darling skirt and blouse and a black cowboy vest. Dad bought me a pair of child cowboy boots and a unique cowboy hat. I thought I

“I especially remember and

loved the sweet cowgirl outfit

right through.”

included a darling skirt and

Here I cut in and asked Janice, “Thinking back to

blouse and a black cowboy vest.”

those times can you recall anything that really stands out, a memory you sometimes think about or ponder on since your folks are no

looked downright cute! I got to show

longer with us?”

off that outfit at the Cheyenne Frontier

Thoughtful for a moment, she nodded.

Days festivities especially at the rodeo— the Daddy of ‘em All! We were true Wyomingites and cheered the cowboys on, especially the bareback bronc riders. When they got bucked off, I was afraid they’d been killed, but they usually got up slowly, brushed off the dirt, waved at the crowd and sauntered out of the arena as though it was all in a day’s work. Maybe it was. Dad and Mom wouldn’t miss those Frontier Days celebrations for love nor money! Dad used to say it was one of the luxuries of living in Wyoming.

“I enjoyed so many truly wonderful experiences with my folks, even during the scary years of WWII. Dad was too old to be a combat soldier, so he stayed on at Fort Warren and helped train 20,000 soldiers for battle. I guess I’d have to say going fishing with my dad is a cherished memory that’s stayed with me all my life.”

“What’s so memorable about fishing?” I asked. “Well, Mom was working, and Dad had some free time, so he would take me with

“To make ends meet my mom used her

him to his favorite fishing water, which

seamstress skills to land a job with United

he called ‘vidavoo’ way over by Laramie someplace. I think its real name is

Airlines in Cheyenne as a power machine

Janice's mother, Norma Madsen, sewed her a cowgirl outfit for Cheyenne Frontier Days.

she designed for me, which

Vedauwoo, but everyone pronounced it ‘vidavoo.’ We had a real old car and there was no freeway, so it seemed like a million miles. But Dad always took some treats to share

The landscape was carpeted with beautiful native flowers and lots of bees, butterflies and birds. Remember, I was just a little girl about 6 at the time and that wild gigantic land kind of scared me. But Daddy was a soldier and he wasn’t afraid of anything— and always knew where the best fishing was. He knew the trails, and he would tell me things about animals and snakes. In a big meadow along a creek there were beaver dams. Once we hid in some bushes and saw beavers dragging small tree branches out into the water. I didn’t fish, but once in a while when Daddy had a fighting brook trout on his fly line he’d hand me his fishing pole and let me reel the trout to the creek bank. Then he’d

pat me gently on the head and say, ‘good job.’” Janice dabbed her eyes with a Kleenex then gently took my hand in hers. “You know, Honey, I’d give anything in this world to slip back in time for just one hour and walk hand in hand again with my dad in Vedauwoo. Maybe you could tag along with us!” “I’d like that.” W

with me along the way. I Janice Foster's father, Ervin Madsen, right, took her fishing in this "real old car."

remember a campground that was under some stone outcrops.

Robert L. Foster is a writer based in Utah. His wife, Janice, passed away in 2014. FEB 2021

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