Wyoming Rural Electric News July 2026

STANDING TOGETHER FOR RURAL WYOMING

Tri-State, together with your local electric cooperatives, is proud to power Wyoming’s homes, farms, and businesses.

We welcome responsible growth that supports our communities. We’re not just keeping up with change—we’re planning for it, with a commitment to reliability and affordability.

So that the grid we’re building today is strong enough for tomorrow’s ideas. When Wyoming grows, we all grow.

WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®

Scan to learn more or visit www.tristate.coop/powering-future

The Longest Big-Game Migration Corridor

STORY BY NEVA BODIN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

I know by the time you read this America’s 250th birthday celebration will be in the rearview mirror. But I would urge everyone to try and keep the feeling that I hope you all shared with me on the Fourth of July, of being proud to be a part of this great experiment we call America.

I recently spoke to a co-op member/owner at an annual meeting and she told me how much she loved the WREN magazine. Jokingly I said that I’m sure she loved it because of my monthly column. With a straight face and all joking aside, she said, “No they are too long.” I appreciate the constructive criticism and will try my best to get to my point.

I’m sorry to the baseball fans out there but I don’t pay attention to baseball until the playoffs, and then only if the Chicago Cubs are in the running. If you are a fan of baseball, then you’ll know how much I watch the sport. For those fans of basketball I’ll also admit that I haven’t cared about the NBA since the Michael Jordan era … but I do love March Madness. I loved to watch my kids play soccer, but I am not a soccer fan. Meaning I don’t watch soccer … EVER. Until the World Cup.

With the U.S. cohosting the World Cup, at the same time as the 250th birthday of our great country, you would have to be a pretty sad person to not have even an inkling of patriotism circulating through your soul.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the memes and posts on social media about foreigners coming to our country to watch their country’s team, with a sense of apprehension thinking that the U.S.A. is a scary, crime-ridden, mean country, yet leaving with their own sense of appreciation for the country and the people they were lucky enough to cross paths with. Unfortunately there are a small handful of elected officials, talking heads and agitators that say this is a flawed and failing country, and sadly those folks seem to have the loudest microphone.

What I witnessed in my hometown of Cheyenne, Wyoming over the Fourth of July weekend was nothing less than a spectacular display of hometown pride and love of country and people. Politics rarely came up, and if they did, people seemed to have a collective pause and silently agree that this was not the time, let’s just be proud to be an American … warts and all. Happy Birthday Americans.

SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

This year we are featuring our favorite "Just Picture It" submissions here, at the front of the magazine! Submit your best photos each month for a chance to be featured in this space.

This is a composite photo piece made of three different photographs. The title is based on the fact that bison and the Lower Falls of Yellowstone are two of the top sights tourists seek when they visit the park. This combines those sights into one magical creature!

INCLUDE YOUR NAME, LOCATION, ENTRY TITLE AND ENTRY DESCRIPTION.

wren@wyomingrea.org | 307-286-8140

2312 Carey Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001-3627

wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

A showcase of creative work by our Wyoming readers, entries for The Art Spot may range from paintings, illustrations, bronzes, pottery, woodworking to digital artwork. The sky’s the limit! We look forward to sharing our readers’ talents in each issue.

Bob Tarver Leaves Remarkable Legacy

BOBBY “BOB” LYNN TARVER, FORMER WREA AND PRECORP BOARD MEMBER, PASSED AWAY ON MAY 13, 2026. HE LEAVES BEHIND A REMARKABLE LEGACY OF FAMILY, RANCHING, HORSEMANSHIP, PUBLIC SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE WESTERN WAY OF LIFE.

JUNE 11, 1940 — MAY 13, 2026

Bob Tarver will be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile, strong hugs, an unforgettable handshake and the ability to make everyone he met feel valued.

“Bob was one of those giants in the co-op family who also happened to be a high school classmate of my dad’s. I am grateful that I was able to visit Bob in the VA hospital in Sheridan a couple of months ago and still keep in touch with his wife Nancy,” said WREA executive director Shawn Taylor.

Bob grew up in northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. He attended Campbell County High School and participated in rodeo, graduating in 1958. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Colorado State University, where he also had success in rodeo, then joined the Army before returning home to Wyoming to pursue his passion for ranching.

Together with his brother and father, Bob raised sheep and cattle. He also helped lead the purchase of the Parks Ranch, forming the Trail Creek Grazing Association, where Bob proudly served for many years as president, then secretary/treasurer.

In 1977, at 37 years old, Bob and his brother were in a plane crash. His back was broken, and Bob underwent months of rehabilitation. With unwavering grit and determination, Bob walked out of the hospital on crutches, which remained a part of his life.

Unwilling to let the accident keep him from ranching and living fully, Bob treasured everyday ranch life and loved all things horses, rodeo and roping, which he shared with his three boys. Bob was also deeply committed to public service. He served as a Campbell County Commissioner, on the Farmers’ Cooperative Board and on the Powder River Energy Corporation Board.

But his greatest pride was his family. Bob is survived by the love of his life and wife of 50 years Nancy Anne, sons Michael, Robert and James, as well as their families, including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob Tarver will be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile, strong hugs, an unforgettable handshake and the ability to make everyone he met feel valued.

BEFORE the GRID

Before the grid, Wyomingites powered their homes and ranches with grit and creativity; creating solutions with the materials they had on hand.

Before mains electricity and the formation of nationwide power grids, stationary engines were widely used for small-scale electricity generation. In rural areas, they were used to run pumps for cultivation, saws for cutting wood, generators and other equipment, and eventually early washing machines.

HOW THE POWER FLOWS

A hit-and-miss engine is a type of stationary internal combustion engine that is controlled by a centrifugal governor to fire at a set speed. The name comes from the unique operation of their speed control: they fire (“hit”) when necessary, only when operating at or below a set speed, and cycle without firing (“miss”) when the engine speed is too high.

During the “hit” phase, the engine ignites the fuel-air mixture, providing power to the piston. But when the engine speed exceeds the governor’s set limit, the engine “misses” a few cycles, conserving fuel and maintaining a steady speed. This mechanism made these engines both fuel-efficient and reliable, providing an efficient way to generate power for agricultural machinery, water pumps and industrial equipment. They produced power outputs from 1 through approximately 100 horsepower (0.75–75 kW).

The hit-and-miss engine was developed in the late 1800s to meet the increasing need for reliable power sources in rural areas. Farmers and small industries used it for tasks such as pumping water, grinding grain and running sawmills. Renowned manufacturers like Fairbanks Morse, Galloway and Hercules made these engines accessible, transforming rural America. By the early 20th century, the hit-and-miss engine’s reliability and low-maintenance design made it ideal for powering equipment like irrigation pumps, sawmills and household appliances, demonstrating the technology’s versatility in both domestic and industrial settings.

When the hit-and-miss engine runs, its intermittent firing creates a distinctive “Snort POP whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh snort POP” sound as the engine fires and then coasts until the speed decreases and it fires again. The snorting is caused by the atmospheric intake valve.

Source: eureka.patsnap.com

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Beyond their technical function, hit-andmiss engines symbolize the innovation of early 20th-century engineering. These engines are celebrated as symbols of American industrial progress and a glimpse into the ingenuity of early industrial engineering. However, they were large and heavy and not easy to move about, and were displaced by electrification.

The Rural Electrification Act, the law that helped deliver power across rural America and drove the creation of electric cooperatives throughout the U.S., celebrated its 90th anniversary on May 20 this year. When the REA was enacted, only 10% of U.S. farms and rural homes had electricity. Today, about 99% of the nation’s farms have electric service and over 900 electric co-ops are operating across the country.

HOW IT WORKS

THE OPERATION OF A HIT-AND-MISS ENGINE CAN BE BROKEN INTO FOUR PRIMARY STROKES

Intake Stroke:

The piston moves down to draw in a fuel-air mixture.

Compression Stroke:

The piston moves up, compressing the mixture.

Power Stroke:

The mixture ignites if the engine speed is below the preset limit, driving the piston down.

Exhaust Stroke:

The piston moves up to expel exhaust gases.

The engine “misses” ignition when the flywheel’s momentum keeps the engine running above the optimal speed. This allows the engine to run efficiently, using less fuel while maintaining its pace.

The fuel system of a hit-and-miss engine consists of a fuel tank, fuel line, check valve and fuel mixer. The fuel tank most typically holds gasoline, but many users started the engines with gasoline and then switched to a cheaper fuel, such as kerosene or diesel. The fuel line connects the fuel tank to the mixer.

Wyoming contains the longest known big-game migration corridor in the lower 48 states, and the longest mule deer migration in the world.

THE LONGEST

Big-Game Migration Corridor

BY NEVA BODIN

Many of the state’s mule deer and pronghorn antelope make a roughly 300-mile round-trip Wyoming migration journey each year.

One study noted 500 migrating mule deer wintering in Wyoming’s Red Desert. While the number of mule deer and antelope varies according to the source, Jill Randall, Big Game Migration Coordinator for Wyoming Game & Fish, said, “The state has approximately 237,700 mule deer.” Bill Rudd, founder of the Wyoming Migration Initiative, said over 300,000 pronghorn antelope inhabit the state.

Rudd, who earned his master’s degree in college on the migration of ungulates (hoofed mammals) around the Yellowstone area, later partnered with Dr. Matt Kaufman, a wildlife research biologist,

“

to form the Wyoming Migration Initiative, which used new technology—GPS and satellitelinked collars—to study migration patterns in real time and in greater detail than previously available.

“The longest documented mule deer and pronghorn migrations extend from Teton County to the Red Desert and to the southern extent of the Green River Basin,” said Randall. The northern end may extend “into Grand Teton and even Idaho,” Rudd said.

Wildlife migration refers to the seasonal movement of animals for breeding or survival. In Wyoming, survival would be the main reason. The deer travel the same route each year, teaching their offspring the way.

this is one of the longest recorded land animal migrations in the western hemisphere.”

The Red Desert covers approximately 9,320 square miles and supports a variety of migratory animals. Pronghorn antelope travel 100 to 300 miles round-trip from their summer homes in the north to winter either in the Red Desert or the Green River Basin.

The Green River Basin, west of the Red Desert, consists of approximately 4,000 square miles of desert through which the Green River passes. Although numbers may vary according to the source as well as unpredictable seasonal hardship, “Hardy forage and the sparse snowpack make the basin an important winter range for as many as 100,000 ungulates …

The Teton pronghorn, for example, follow the Green upstream each spring nearly to its headwaters before crossing the Gros Ventre Mountains to Jackson Hole … Traversing 170 miles between winter and summer range, this is one of the longest recorded land animal migrations in the western hemisphere.” (wyohistory.org) round-trip each year

While both deer and antelope travel the known migration route, they each have their own corridors, said Randall, which include the Baggs Mule Deer, Sublette Antelope, Platte Valley Mule Deer, Upper Wind River Mule Deer and Red Desert to Hoback Mule Deer corridors. “The Sublette Pronghorn herd is one of the largest migratory herds in Wyoming, but winter ranges are widely dispersed and extend far beyond the Red Desert,” Randall said.

In 2016, one mule deer, Deer 255, so-called because of the number on her tracking GPS collar, traveled from the Yellowstone Park area to the Red Desert—242 miles one-way—in 52 days.

Many ungulates do not survive the migratory trip. How can we help them?

The migration corridor “is critical to the animals getting to an area to survive the winters,” said Timothy Kramer, State Coordinator for Partners for Fish and Wildlife. Drought, harsh winters, roads and fences pose some of the most formidable barriers to the animals’ survival during migration. Protecting it is “a team effort,” he said.

A fencing project in the Red Desert involving a private landowner, the Partners for Fish and Wildlife team in Wyoming, Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Bureau of Land Management and several supporting organizations, including the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT), the Knobloch Family Foundation, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department Trust, Muley Fanatics, The Wildlife Fund and the Wyoming

Governor’s Big Game License Coalition made thousands of acres more accessible to pronghorns and other wildlife while maintaining livestock infrastructure. More than 24 miles of sheep fence were replaced to be wildlife-friendlier, including welded pipe at strategic crossing points to allow elk to jump over and pronghorn to go under the fence safely, without injuring themselves on barbed wire.

Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Craig Benjamin, said, “Wyoming has extraordinary wildlife,” and having private landowners on board in conserving migratory routes is “incredibly important.” The Federation works to preserve the Wyoming way of life by supporting wildlife and restoring habitat. They bring “curriculum for a day” to smaller schools that can focus on the migration of wildlife, said Benjamin.

SYMBOLS OF OUR STATE

Antilocapra americana — American antelope-goat

“Antelope are symbolic of our state,” said Timothy Kramer, State Coordinator for Partners for Fish and Wildlife. They have been on the emblem for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for 85 Years, according to Megan Nagel with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The antelope is also on multiple other logos used throughout Wyoming.

The scientific name for the Wyoming antelope is Antilocapra americana, or American antelope-goat; neither designation is correct. They are unique, 100% American-made and the fastest land animal in North and Central America. They are the second-fastest land mammals in the world, surpassed only by the cheetah.

They are called pronghorns due to a small prong pointing forward on the front of each of their backward-curved black horns. The mule deer get their name because of large ears that are approximately ¾ the length of their head.

They help people understand how they can support wildlife. “We can bring folks together for solutions,” he said. They have a presence on Facebook and Instagram.

Removing or altering fencing along the migration route has been a major success and is ongoing. Scott Gamo, Environmental Services Manager with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), states, “There are two general types of wildlife fences utilized along highways: fences that allow the animals to jump over or crawl under safely, and an exclusionary fence, which is usually an 8-foot fence to keep animals away from vehicles. In 2025, reported roadway crashes involved 1,349 deer, 117 elk, 29 moose and 111 pronghorns.” However, the actual total of carcasses recovered was 3,805, indicating many collisions were unreported.

is one of Wyoming’s greatest their survival is the responsibility of

“Where 8-foot wildlife exclusion fence is installed, we provide ‘jump-outs’ for animals to escape out of the right of way. We have multiple highways that intersect known and suspected migration corridors. WYDOT has worked with various partners over the years to install fencing that is more compatible with wildlife movements,” Gamo said. Many completed and ongoing projects for underpasses, overpasses and wildlifefriendly fences exist. “Trappers Point project is one of the most recent large ones by Pinedale, with two overpasses and several associated underpasses for wildlife to cross,” said Gamo.

The overpasses are “for pronghorn primarily because they use their eyesight so much to look for predators. It’s best to have an open sky above them.”

“We have a project in Jackson South on US 89; there are multiple underpasses there for deer, elk and other wildlife. We have another that was finished recently by Dry Piney that has nine underpasses,” Gamo said.

“To accomplish these projects, WYDOT coordinates with Wyoming Game & Fish and other cooperators and applies for matching Federal grants. We do the design and construction of those projects,” said Gamo.

WWNRT, created in 2005 by the Wyoming legislature, partners with other organizations to improve and sustain wildlife habitat and provides project funding. They also participated in efforts to reduce or eliminate cheatgrass, an invasive nonnative grass that crowds out native plants.

Projects like wildlife highway crossings, stream restoration, conservation easements, land acquisition, improving fish passage, invasive species removal and many others are all eligible to receive WWNRT funding.

Wildlife is one of Wyoming’s greatest resources. Preserving the animals’ way of life and ensuring their survival is the responsibility of everyone calling Wyoming home. W

roadway crashes involved over

1,600 deer,elk, moose and pronghorns

resources. Preserving the animals’ way of life and ensuring everyone calling Wyoming home.

wyobiodiversity.org

WYOMING’S

Hummingbirds

Meet the jewel-toned visitors who signal the arrival of spring and summer and who flit away just as quickly in the fall! These small but mighty birds cover great distances on their migration. Arriving in late April and May and staying through late summer, hummingbirds migrate 1,000-3,000 miles each way from their winter territory in Mexico and Central America to their breeding grounds in Wyoming. There are four regular hummingbird species found in Wyoming.

Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds, measuring 3-4 inches and weighing less than an ounce. They can cover over 20 miles a day in their migrations, hover to eat nectar, and can even fly backwards. Their wings beat so fast they look like a blur. Each hummingbird consumes roughly half its body weight in nectar every day, feeding every 10-15 minutes. They have a specialized forked tongue to drink nectar with, and their tongues can be twice the length of their beaks! Their tongues are so long that they are stored by wrapping around the back of their skulls when not in use.

3-4 Inches!

BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus):

These are the most common species found in Wyoming. Both males and females have an iridescent green back, white eye rings and a rounded black tail that projects beyond wingtips. Males have a bright rose-red throat. Broad-tailed hummingbirds can often be identified by the shrill wing trills made by the males during courtship.

CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus calliope):

These are the smallest birds found in North America. They are most typically found in the north-central and western parts of Wyoming. Males are bronzy-green with a metallic magenta throat that appears in rays rather than as a solid color. Females are also bronzy-green but are paler and more buff colored, with a speckled throat.

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus rufus):

These medium-sized birds are easier to identify due to the bright rufous or rusty orange color of the males with an iridescent orange or scarlet throat. Females are green-backed with orange on their sides. Despite their size, Rufous can be very bold and will often push other hummers off the feeders.

BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus alexandri):

Widespread throughout the west, this species is similar in appearance to Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, though the species ranges don’t normally overlap. Males and females are both iridescent green, with light undersides. Males have a bright iridescent blue-violet and black throat and make their wings hum during courtship.

MIGRATING WYOMING!

Numerous animals migrate to, from and through Wyoming every year. But some sneaky animals don't want to be seen! Can you spot all 17? Need a different view? Take a hike to page 37 to reveal the herd.

BY DAVID MERKLEY

Wyoming’s Landscape: A Welcoming Window Into Western History

History abounds in Wyoming. Four national historic trails – the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express – traverse east-towest and are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Thanks to conservation strategies and interpretive sites, this segment of American history remains visible in many areas.

An estimated 500,000 people traveled through the Cowboy State during the mid-1800s on their way to places farther west. Fertile lands in Oregon. Goldfields in California. A place named Zion in Utah. Mail delivery between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California. These persevering individuals and families experienced an endless sea of sagebrush, a vast canvas of stars at night, and numerous

bison, pronghorn, elk and other species grazing upon grasses. Many wrote about their adventures on this landscape, a welcoming window to their future.

Stories of those who passed through Wyoming before statehood can still be seen and heard at several sites, including:

Fort Laramie – A military post during the mid-to-late 1800s, this National Historic Site began as a private fur-trading post in 1834. It also served as a re-supply station for the emigrants moving west and as a relay station for Pony Express riders. Fort Laramie is now a national historic site managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can roam the grounds, see the various restored buildings and, during the summer, observe military and emigrant re-enactments.

Register Cliff – Near Guernsey, Register Cliff is another designated National Historic Site. Emigrants often spent the night in this area and inscribed their signature on the large rock formation. Visitors today can walk along the base and view the signatures up close. Although defaced with modern graffiti, the historical inscriptions are now protected by a tall wire fence.

Oregon Trail Ruts – Also located near Guernsey, this site is designated as a State Historic Site. These impressive wagon ruts cut five feet deep into the soft, sandstone rock. A picnic site and interpretive signage await visitors who not only can view the ruts but also walk in them.

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center – Opened in Casper in August 2003, this facility tells the story of the four historic trails that follow the North Platte River. Operated in partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and the nonprofit National Historic Tails Center Foundation, the center features films, exhibits, hands-on activities and re-enactments of pioneer life. The annual Pony Express Re-ride, which happens each June, makes a stop here.

Bessemer Bend – Located about 10 miles southwest of Casper along the North Platte River, this site is also known as Red Buttes Crossing. It served as a river crossing, particularly during the early years of westward emigration. A Pony Express and an Overland Stage station were also located in the area. Now a National Historic Site, travelers can view outdoor exhibits, enjoy a picnic, wildlife watch, and even put a canoe or kayak into the waterway.

Independence Rock – Known as the Register of the Desert, more than 5,000 signatures can be found on this rock monolith rising at the confluence of the Sweetwater River about 45 miles southwest

of Casper. The site is so named because emigrants were encouraged to be here near the 4th of July to travel over the Rocky Mountains more safely before snow arrived. Now an historic site and rest area managed by the State of Wyoming, visitors can view and even climb the large rock, and take a break from their own travels with picnic areas, walking paths and restrooms.

Devil’s Gate – About 5 ½ miles southwest of Independence Rock is another well-known rock formation, featuring a dramatic, V-shaped cleft split by the Sweetwater River. Many pioneers and other travelers wrote about this incredible site in journals. Visitors today can access Devil’s Gate along Wyoming Highway 220 via the Martin’s Cove site operated by the LDS Church.

Martin’s Cove Handcart Center –A tribute by the LDS Church to pioneers who attempted to travel to the Great Salt Lake area of Utah in 1856 and were caught in an October winter storm, this site features a visitor’s center that tells the story of the Martin Handcart Company, which consisted of about 600 men, women and children. Many perished, yet others survived.

Sweetwater Station – A Wyoming rest area at the junction of U.S. Highway 287 and State Route 135 in Fremont County, this area along the Sweetwater River served as a Pony Express Relay Station. About 3 miles southwest, the site was known as the sixth crossing of the Sweetwater River by 1800s pioneers and often served as a camping area for them. A sign at the rest area showcases the importance of this section of Wyoming in American history.

South Pass – This section of the Rocky Mountains provided easier passage over the Continental Divide due to its gentle ascent. Travelers today can gaze upon the old wagon road from a small interpretive site along Wyoming Highway 28, approximately 35 miles south of Lander. The former gold mining town of South Pass City about 20 miles away now serves as a Wyoming State Historic Site with a history of its own.

Fort Bridger – Another Wyoming State Historic Site, fur trapper and trader Jim Bridger constructed the original establishment in 1843 in partnership with another mountain man, Louis Vasquez. They erected a trading post to assist the increasing number of people traveling west. In 1857, it became a military installation by the federal government. Accessible via Interstate 80, about 30 miles east of Evanston, today’s visitors can view and tour 27 historic structures, a museum and other buildings, watch historic re-enactments, picnic on site and walk a self-guided interpretive trail. Wyoming offers tremendous opportunity to step back in time. As America celebrates 250 years as a nation, this year seems appropriate to experience Wyoming’s landscape and the adventures of those persevering 19th century people. W

Gayle M. Irwin is a freelance writer based in Casper.

Heroes with Meals

When you envision a hero, someone volunteering their time and vehicle to deliver meals to homebound seniors might not be the first to cross your mind.

But for those seniors, volunteers who provide daily meals could seemingly be wearing superhero capes. Without them, some seniors might have to choose between paying bills and going hungry.

Crook County Senior Services

Jackie Wyatt delivers meals for Crook County Senior Services.

“A lot of them are just so pleased to see someone and have someone to talk to, even for a few minutes,” Wyatt said.

The home-delivered meal program is federally and state funded, and receives funds through Crook County Senior Citizen Service District.

Without the district’s funding, “we would not be able to provide all the meals and services that we do,” Wyatt said.

But that funding doesn’t cover delivering those meals. For that, volunteers are needed.

Wyatt delivers meals one day per week, and she enjoys it.

“It’s fulfilling. It’s rewarding,” she said. “I do it as much for me, I suppose, as the people I deliver to.”

Each day, a hot meal also includes something cold, so each senior gets two items delivered. On days when soup is included as well, there are three things to deliver to each senior on Wyatt’s delivery list.

That list has seniors located in multiple apartments in one building, so when Wyatt gets there, she loads all the items for those meals in a big, flat box, then carries it in.

“They tease me there,” she said. “One lady told me I need a box with straps, like they sell hot dogs from in a stadium. But mine doesn’t have any straps.”

Then came a fun day in June.

“I delivered hot dogs — that’s what the meal was for that day — and I said, ‘Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs here!’ and they all laughed.”

Wyatt is one of many volunteers at Crook County Senior Services, which provides a wide range of services in each location in addition to meals for seniors.

Tobey Morgan, director of Crook County Senior Services, said home-delivered meals are provided Monday through Friday to seniors who live in Sundance and Hulett who qualify for the service.

“We also have frozen meals available for the weekends,” she said. “If the senior lives outside of our daily delivery area, we do provide frozen meals.”

Morgan said Crook County Senior Services is in need of additional volunteers, as there

aren’t enough people for each to deliver on one day of the week. It takes between 30 minutes to one hour to deliver meals each day.

Most volunteers are seniors themselves, Morgan said. A full background check is completed before a volunteer can start a food-delivery route. Volunteers drive their own vehicles and must also have a valid driver’s license, as well as up-to-date car insurance.

Wyatt said she started volunteering to deliver meals during COVID-19. It was more challenging and less fulfilling at the time, because she had to wear a mask and couldn’t visit with the people she delivered to.

“You’d just leave the meal, tell them you hope they’re OK, and away you went,” Wyatt said.

In these post-COVID-19 days, it’s more fulfilling because she can visit a bit as she delivers meals. But it’s harder to get people to volunteer now.

“Before COVID-19, it was easy to find volunteers. Now, it’s very hard.”

For anyone interested in volunteering to deliver meals in Sundance and Hulett, an application can be picked up at the main office, 321 E. Main Street in Sundance. Couples or partners may work together, and all volunteers will receive orientation from the kitchen staff.

Keep in mind that you may need to lift a 25-40 pound container into your car and you should be able to climb stairs if necessary.

Wright Silver Sage Senior Center

In Wright, meal-delivery services are provided by Wright Silver Sage Senior Center.

The center is granted space in a building owned by the town of Wright, said Donna Zavatsky, vice chair of the center’s board.

“Because we don’t own our building or property, we don’t qualify for grants,” she said. Consequently, the center depends on private donations and charitable gifts from local organizations. One of those is Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp), which provides electricity to five counties in northeast Wyoming, including Crook and Campbell counties.

Zavatsky said the Town of Wright helps meet payroll for the center’s one employee, Denise Flynn, who cooks meals at the center.

Tammy Bess is paid for two hours each weekday to deliver meals to seniors and people with disabilities within the community, as well as people recovering from surgery who need a helping hand, Zavatsky said.

“We hired Tammy to do dishes, deliver meals, help with the dining room, help with serving. She’s kind of a girl Friday at times. She’s a gem to have,” said Dana Brule, chair of the Silver Sage Senior Center’s board, who, along with Zavatsky, directs the center.

“A lot of the seniors would not eat if it weren’t for the center,” Brule said. “Denise is an excellent cook, and they’re big meals, so most of the time, they will last for two meals.”

“A lot of our people can’t afford to pay,” Brule added. “No one is turned away. We get help for that from the Episcopal Church. We do fundraisers and get some money from the city, which helps pay for Denise’s wages.”

Zavatsky and Brule both donate their time at the center. In addition to overseeing meals and activities at the center, they donate their time to plan and provide food at events that raise money for the center.

The Silver Sage Senior Center also provides food for community events that benefit community members. For instance, the center recently donated food for a dinner to benefit a local family who lost their home in a fire.

Flynn and Bess donate time for those projects as well.

“It really is teamwork,” Zavatsky said.

Another project is in the works now.

“We’re trying to build a greenhouse, which would be wheelchair accessible, right off the building we use for the center. We would have the seniors out there growing some of the stuff we eat,” Brule said. W

Meals for Seniors in Your County

Are you interested in receiving meals? Check with your local senior care center for dine-together and homedelivered meals.

Ilene Olson is a freelance photographer, writer and editor in Powell.

BUFFALO SENIOR CENTER

buffaloseniorcenter.com/ meal-service

Main Office: 307-684-9551

CAMPBELL COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

campbellcountywy.gov/2003/ Home-Delivered-Meals

Main Office: 307-686-0804

CROOK COUNTY SENIOR CENTER crookcountyseniorservices.org

Main Office: 307-283-1711

Menus and activity calendars can be found on their Facebook page, facebook.com/ CrookCountySeniorServices

EPPSON CENTER FOR SENIORS eppsoncenter.org/ home-delivered-meals

Erica: 307-745-5116 ext. 120

GOLDEN HOUR SENIOR CENTER

goldenhoursc.com/menu.html

Laureen Miera, Home Delivered Meal Coordinator: 307-872-3223

WRIGHT SILVER SAGE SENIOR CENTER

wrightwyoming.com/ silver_sage_senior_center.php

Denise Flynn, Kitchen Manager: 307-220-3925

Donna Zavatsky: 307-689-2026

Historic Sculptures of Cheyenne

BY STARLEY THOMPSON AND MICHAEL E. KASSEL

MAY 2026 ISSUE IN THE SCENT OF HORSES, HAY AND OLD BARNS BOOK WINNER:

Melding art and history, bronze statues decorate the streets of Wyoming’s capital city. Following the completion of 35 sculptures on Capitol Avenue, the project exploded with the addition of more than 50 bronzes. The citywide installation immortalizes symbols of the American West. The Cheyenne Children’s Museum includes several statues celebrating paleontology. Others pay tribute to remarkable women like Lakota Sioux Princess Blue Waters and Louisa Swain, the first woman to vote in Wyoming Territory. Near Cheyenne Regional Hospital, the “Healers of the West” monument honors a notable doctor and nurse. And of particular pride is the statue of champion cowboy Verne Elliott riding a wild buffalo, commemorating the visit of President Teddy Roosevelt at the 1910 Frontier Days celebration.

Authors Starley Talbott and Michael E. Kassel complete the story behind the city’s inspired and ambitious display of the Cowboys State’s unique culture and heritage.

Starley Talbott has been an author for over 50 years. She has been published in numerous newspapers and magazine throughout the Rocky Mountain region and is the author of 12 books, including three Arcadia Publishing titles and five The History Press titles. Starley holds a BS degree from the University of Wyoming and an MS degree from the University of Nevada.

Michael E. Kassel serves as the Curator of Collections and the Associate Director of Operations at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. He is an adjunct professor of history at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne and an author of several books. Kassel holds a BS degree in historic preservation from Southeast Missouri State University, an Associate of the Arts degree in history from Laramie County Community College and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Wyoming.

Name: Phone: Address:

SUZIE KIRVINSKEE

ROADS WALLS

Oncoming

Cody Weatherly, Lingle

A Cold Road

Charlene Camblin, Gillette

After the Storm

Tara Goltermann, Casper

Road to the Sunset

Mike Dollison, Buffalo

Rainy Walk

Cindi Olson, Newcastle

A BIG Warning!

Martha Ralston, Encampment

Very Muddy Roads

Robin Riesland, Newcastle

Clouds Over the Highway

Martha Rasmussen, Burlington

Night Drive

Tara Seely, Torrington

Morning Country Roads

Kellie Braunagel, Moorcroft

Highway 70 Golden Hour

Dani Vorn, Encampment

Fiery Sunset by Laramie Peak

Aiyana Hobbs, Laramie

Road to Adventures

Dani Vorn, Encampment

Needles

Terri Harvey, Laramie

Like a Rock

Melody Posey-Harris, Saratoga

Sundance Horse Camp Road

Heather McLaughlin, Upton

Heading Home

Cyndy JahnThomas, Powell

Our Road Dressed in Winter White

Johnny Chavez, Torrington

Driving Into the Storm

Cynthia Vannoy, Clearmont

County Road to Heaven

Larry Mullock, Yoder

Road Block

Kinsey Jones, Otto

Road

Carrie

Storm Clouds

Robin Riesland, Newcastle

Stormy Skies

Kristi Sasse, Moorcroft

No Rumble Strips Needed

Kenneth Hoffman, Newcastle

The Road to the

of the

Rob McIntosh, Torrington

The Turning Road Thyra Page, Laramie

SQUASH

BUTTERNUT PASTA SAUCE

1

3

2 CLOVES GARLIC,

2

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 15 minutes. Remove the bacon, setting aside on a paper towel to drain and leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. Sauté onion in the bacon fat until softened, about 6 minutes. Add squash, garlic, sage, salt and pepper, sauté for 2-3 minutes to brown the cubes lightly and draw out flavor. Add the stock, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until squash is tender. Meanwhile, cook pasta, drain and set aside. Remove squash mixture from the heat and pour in milk. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the sauce. Add salt and pepper if needed. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Chop cooled bacon into bits. Serve pasta with the bacon bits sprinkled on top.

FROM “THE PRAIRIE HOMESTEAD COOKBOOK” JILL WINGER

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH HERB BUTTER

1 3.5- TO 4-POUND SPAGHETTI SQUASH 1/2 CUP BUTTER, SOFTENED 3 TBS FRESH PARSLEY, CHOPPED 1/2 TSP ITALIAN SEASONING 1/2 TSP GARLIC POWDER

1/3 CUP PARMESAN CHEESE

Pierce spaghetti squash with meat fork. Place on paper towel. Microwave on high 15 minutes, turning over 3 or 4 times. Let stand 3-5 minutes, should give under pressure. If not, microwave 3- 4 minutes longer. Split. Scoop out seeds and with a fork, pull the strands free.

Serve with Herb Butter. To make Herb Butter, mix the butter, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and parmesan cheese until blended.

LINDA COBURN POWELL

ZESTY

ZOODLES

In a large bowl, make the dressing by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well. Create the zoodles by running each zucchini through a spiralizer, making sure to discard the seeds. Add zoodles to the dressing, toss thoroughly to ensure zoodles are fully coated in dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature. WREN STAFF

SEPTEMBER:

100TH CARBON COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

RAWLINS  AUGUST 1-8

Celebrate the 100th Carbon County Fair with a week of rodeo, livestock shows, contests, a concert, food and family fun. This year’s theme, “Through the Decades,” honors a century of tradition while showcasing the achievements of local 4-H and FFA youth.

Time: All Day

Cost: Varies on event

Location: Carbon County Fairgrounds Information: 307-328-7811, carboncountyfairgrounds.com

01 | SOUTHEAST

CENTENNIAL

THURSDAY-MONDAY

Nici Self Historical Museum: 12-4pm. Explore museum grounds and exhibits. Free. Info: niciselfmuseum.com.

CHUGWATER

THURSDAYS

Acoustic Jam Session and 4-Piece Chicken Dinners: 5:30pm. Stampede Saloon & Eatery, 417 1st St. Thursday night pickin’ and grinnin’ and fried chicken... while it lasts. Call to reserve your chicken so you don’t miss out! Music venue open for jam sessions. Info: 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.

ELK MOUNTAIN

MONDAYS-SATURDAYS

Elk Mountain Museum: 10am-5pm. Explore local history and museum collections. Free. Info: elkmtmuseum@gmail.com, 307-348-7037.

ENCAMPMENT

AUGUST 7

Wyoming Public Media Photo Contest Reception: Grand Encampment Museum. Wyoming’s History Through Listeners’ Eyes featuring 16 winning photographs from Wyoming Public Media’s photo contest to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Live radio remote with guest speakers. Winning photographs will be on display the entire month of August. Free. Info: 307-327-5308.

AUGUST 22

Grand Encampment Museum Tramway Days: Grand Encampment Museum. A day of films, presentations and events honoring America’s 250th anniversary, featuring Wyoming stories, veterans’ experiences, Native history and local heritage. Highlights include films by local creators and a presentation by Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Bridget Hill. Free. Info: gemuseum.com, 307-327-5308.

TUESDAYS-SATURDAYS

Grand Encampment Museum: 10am-4pm. Main Gallery and GEM store open. Info: 307-327-5308.

HAWK SPRINGS

AUGUST 12

Annual Hawk Springs Community Hamburger Fry and Ice Cream Social: 5-7pm. Community Building. We will be serving grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade salads, desserts, drinks and homemade ice cream. Adults $9, children 3-12 $5, children under 3 free.

Non-profit event; all proceeds go back into maintaining the building throughout the year.

RAWLINS

AUGUST 5

Carbon County Stampede PRCA Rodeo: 7pm. Carbon County Fairgrounds. Feel the thrill of a PRCA rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing and more! Family-friendly, action-packed excitement. 17+: $20, 5-16 yrs old: $10, 5 & under free. Info: 307-328-7811.

AUGUST 8

2026 Carbon County Khaos Demolition Derby: 5pm. Carbon County Fairgrounds. Great action, hot cars and drivers that come to win! This is a highly competitive event that ALWAYS provides great entertainment! Don’t miss it! 17+: $20, 5-16 yrs old: $10, 5 & under: free. Info: 307-328-7811.

AUGUST 15

Wyoming Three-Person Scramble Golf Tournament: All day. Rochelle Ranch Golf Course. Info: 307-324-7121.

RIVERSIDE

AUGUST 15

Riverside Party Day: 4pm. Rick Martin Memorial Park. Fun for everyone! Including food, music, games and dancing. Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes. Info: 307-327-5266.

SARATOGA

AUGUST 15

Steinley Cup Brewfest: 1pm. Veterans Island Park. Wyoming microbreweries compete for the coveted Steinley Cup during this annual event featuring craft brews, live music, local vendors and family-friendly activities. 13+: $35 a person. Info: 307-326-8855.

SHCA Annual Dinner: 5pm. Hotel Wolf, 101 E Bridge Avenue. The Saratoga Historical and Cultural Association (Saratoga Museum) Annual Dinner Meeting for 2026. $45.50 per ticket. Info: bit.ly/SHCA-dinner. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet: 5pm. Platte Valley Community Center. Dinner! Auction! Raffles! Prizes! Games! Come join the Platte Valley Chapter as they host a night of socializing and fun. Let’s get together and raise funds for Conservation and Elk Country. $65. Info: Tana Davi, 307-321-8641.

AUGUST 22

Saratoga Museum’s Sleuthing with Joe Pickett: 6pm. Platte Valley Community Center, 210 W Elm St. The Saratoga Museum hosts “Sleuthing with Joe Pickett!” Join us for an evening of trivia and fun! Author C.J. Box will make an appearance! $35-50 per ticket. Info: bit.ly/Sleuthing-JoePickett.

AUGUST 22

Saratoga Bullfest: Buck Springs Arena, 30 Buck Springs Road. Bullfest has a rich history of showcasing the best in bull riding. Our event has been a staple of Saratoga for 24 years, bringing together riders, fans and enthusiasts to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Price varies. Info: saratogawyobullfest@gmail.com.

02 | NORTHEAST

BANNER

AUGUST 15

Harvest Celebration: 3:30pm. Kearney Community Hall, 4444 US 87. Celebrate 2026’s garden harvest with a potluck meal, children’s vintage yard games and live music. Free. Info: 307-672-5809.

BIG HORN

AUGUST 1

Bighorn Rendezvous Quickdraw, Dinner and Auction: 9am-2pm. Brinton Museum. Featuring Bighorn Rendezvous artists painting on the grounds. Meet the artists and watch art come to life en plein air. Quickdraw is free, brunch and auction is $60 per person. Info: 307-672-3173, thebrintonmuseum.org.

AUGUST 27

The Art of Testimony: Standing Bear’s Little Bighorn Muslins: 9am-2pm. Brinton Museum. Join us for the first program in our Fall into Art series. Art historian Ramey Mize will explore Lakota artist Stephen Standing Bear and his powerful muslin paintings depicting the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Free. Info: 307-672-3173, thebrintonmuseum.org.

THROUGH LABOR DAY

Start of Polo Season: Game times vary. Big Horn Polo Club, 352 Bird Farm Road; Flying H Polo Club, 280 Bird Farm Road. Polo practices, games and tournaments happen up to four days a week at the Big Horn Equestrian Center or the Flying H Polo Club. Free. Info: Big Horn Polo Club (playing at the Equestrian Center), 307-674-4928, thebighornpoloclub. com. Flying H Polo Club (high goal polo), 307-674-9447, flyinghpolo.com.

BUFFALO

THURSDAYS

Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30pm. Occidental Saloon. Free. Info: 307-684-0451.

CLEARMONT

AUGUST 18

Ucross Sound Hike: 9am. Ucross Art Gallery, 30 Big Red Lane. Join us for a very special sound hike on the Ucross Ranch to experience “Confluences” – an emplaced sound experience created by Ucross artistalumni Teri Rueb and Laurids Sonne. Free. Info: bit.ly/SoundHikeTickets.

AUGUST 22

Yoga in the Park: 10am. The Park at Ucross, 2753 US 14. Enjoy a relaxing morning of yoga in The Park at Ucross with instructor Tressa Lawrence. Starting at 10am, Tressa will lead an hour-long yoga class for all levels. $10. Info: bit.ly/Yoga-Ucross.

DOUGLAS

AUGUST 11

Cowboy Cornhole Tournament: 12pm. Wyoming State Fair, 400 W Center St. Cowboy Cornhole switcholio-style tournament fundraiser benefiting the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation and the Wyoming FFA Foundation. Win prizes and have fun supporting two great organizations! $25 per person. Info: Erin Blutt, 866-333-3838, erin@wyoffafoundation.org.

GILLETTE

AUGUST 1-31

Back to School Cash Flash: 31 chances to win. Cash drawing every day. $50 per ticket. Info: post42gillette.com.

ONCE A MONTH

Open Mic Nite: 5-10pm. Frontier Auto Museum, 205 S Ross Ave. Once a month, we host live music under the neon light. Bring your instrument, family and friends. No early sign ups. To perform you must show up to get on the list. Free to anyone who would like to perform or listen. We provide the stage, mic and PA system. Commodore Cafe will be serving food and drinks. Upcoming dates will be posted on Frontier Auto Museum’s Facebook page. Info: 307-686-5667.

ONGOING

Ava Community Art Center: Exhibits and workshops. Info: 307-682-9133, avacenter.org.

HULETT

TUESDAYS

Children’s Storytime: 10:30-11:30am. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5676.

MONDAY-THURSDAY

5 Mile Walking Exercise Class: 4:45-6pm. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5676.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Senior Exercise Class: 9-10am. Hulett Library. Info: 307-467-5676.

ONGOING

Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. Sat. 10am-2pm. Free. Info: 307-467-5292.

MOORCROFT

AUGUST 29

Annual Heritage Round-Up: West Texas Trail Museum. Street dance with Dakota country. Pitchfork fondue dinner with fixings. $25 per person. Info: westtexastrailmuseum.org.

MONDAYS

Moorcroft Senior Center Events: Senior Chair Exercise Class 11:30am-12:30pm. Cribbage 1pm. Toenail clinic 1pm on the second Monday of month. Info: 307-756-9550.

TUESDAYS

Moorcroft Senior Center Events: Coffee and visiting 9:30am. Busy Bobbins 10am on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Crafts 11am-1pm. Info: 307-756-9550.

WEDNESDAYS

Moorcroft Senior Center Events: Music, coffee and rolls 9-11am. Senior Chair Exercise Class 11:30am-12:30pm. Info: 307-756-9550.

Moorcroft Branch Library Activities: 10am storytime, 4pm afterschool craft, 7pm AA meetings. Please use the downstairs entrance. Info: 307-756-3232.

THURSDAYS

Moorcroft Senior Center Events: Cards 10am-3:30pm. Lunch at the center 12pm. Moorcroft Senior Board meeting 10am on second Thursday of the month. Info: 307-756-9550.

THIRD THURSDAY OF MONTH

Adult Book Club: 1pm. Moorcroft Branch Library. New book each month. Stop by the library for your copy. Info: 307-756-3232.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

West Texas Trail Museum: 9am-5pm. Info: 307-756-9300.

ONGOING

Senior Center Events: 9am coffee and rolls on Wednesdays. 9am toenail clinic and 6pm dinner every fourth Thursday. Info: 307-756-9550.

NEWCASTLE

TUESDAYS

Community Services Thrift Store: 10am-2pm. 126 W Wentworth. Used clothing and housewares in good condition. Sponsored by the Newcastle Adventist Church. Info: 307-629-0044.

THIRD SATURDAYS

Weston County Democrats: 2pm. Weston County Library. Info: 307-941-1822, weston.wyodems.net.

FRIDAYS

Bingo: 7:30pm. VFW Hall. Free.

WEDNESDAYS

Gigi’s Closet: 9am-1pm. First United Methodist Church. Gently used clothing available for babies to adults. Info: 307-746-4119.

ONGOING

Anna Miller Museum: 8am-4pm. Closed on holidays. 401 Delaware Ave. Free. Info: 307- 746-4188.

RANCHESTER

AUGUST 13 AND 27

Tongue River Artist in Residence Presentations: 5:30pm. Innominate Coffeehouse and Bakery, 652 US 14. Join Innominate Coffeehouse and Bakery for presentations from painter Soli Pierce on Aug. 13 and film and ballet composer Katy Jarzebowski on Aug. 27. Free. Info: 307-683-4020.

SHERIDAN

AUGUST 3-6; 10-13

Summer Tennis Camp for Kids: 9-11am. Sheridan High School, 1056 Long Drive. These fun, skill building camps for kids in grades K–12 are led by Sheridan High School Head Tennis Coach, Scott Dickey at the Sheridan High School tennis courts. $96. Info: scottdickeytennis.com/camps.

AUGUST 4-7

Road Trip Vacation Bible School: 9:30am-12pm. 215 W Works St. Join us for “Road Trip” Vacation Bible School, inspired by Joshua 1:9, “LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Kids will explore God’s presence and learn that God is always with them. Free. Info: bit.ly/VBSroadtrip.

AUGUST 6-8

Crazy Days: All day. Downtown Sheridan. Sheridan’s annual summer clearance event! Downtown retailers clear out stock to make room for incoming inventory. Free. Info: Downtown Sheridan Association, 307-672-8881.

AUGUST 7-9

Sheridan County Rodeo: All day event. Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 1583 Victoria Street. Join us for roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tail tying, sheep mugging and wild cow milking. Prizes are given to the winners of each event and include saddles, belt buckles and money. Free. Info: bit.ly/SheridanCountyRodeoFB.

AUGUST 8

Collective Arts Festival: 2-8pm. Whitney Commons, 20 W Alger St. This day-long, free, family-friendly event will be held in Whitney Commons and include music and dance performances, art demos, literary and poetry readings, children’s arts activities and artisan booths, as well as food trucks and a beer garden. Free. Info: SAGE Community Arts, 307-674-1970.

AUGUST 13

Travis Larson/Tone Jesters Concert: 7pm. The Living Room, 151 Brundage St. With eight studio albums and three full-length performance DVDs, Travis Larson is firmly rooted as one of instrumental music’s premiere acts. Price TBD. Info: livingroomsheridan.com/events.

AUGUST 15

Sheridan Railroad Historic District Walking Tour: 1-2pm. 55 Grinnell Plaza. Join Sheridan Community Land Trust History Program Manager Kevin Knapp for the very first guided walking tour of the Sheridan Railroad Historic District. This inaugural tour will explore the people, industries and landmarks that helped shape Sheridan into a vital rail hub of the American West. Free. Info: bit.ly/SheridanWalkingTour.

AUGUST 17-21

Superior Livestock Auction: All day. Ramada Plaza, 1950 Coffeen Ave. Big Horn Classic. Superior is the largest livestock auction in the United States and markets well over 1 million head of cattle annually. Free. Info: superiorlivestock.com.

AUGUST 22

3rd Annual Kayla Trujillo Memorial Poker Run: Big Horn Mountain Eagles, 1760 Commercial Ave. The Kayla Trujillo Memorial Poker Run and Silent auction is being put on for Kayla’s three young children. Proceeds with help provide her children with any care or items they may need. There will be a poker run, silent auction and raffle items. 20 per driver, $10 per passenger. Info: Shauna Trujillo, 307-212-0748.

Sheridan County Airport Open House, Fly-in, Air Show: 8am-12pm. Sheridan County Airport, 908 West Brundage Lane. Event includes a pancake breakfast, air show and a variety of aircraft and cars on display. Free. Info: Randon Kruse, 916-716-7498.

AUGUST 26

Sheridan Community Land Trust Backyard BBQ: 5-7:30pm. Big Goose Natural Area, 14 Lane Lane. Celebrate SCLT’s 20th Anniversary with an evening of good food, fun and community as we look ahead to new ways of connecting people to land, history and the places they love for generations to come. Free. Info: bit.ly/SCLTbbq.

THIRD THURSDAYS IN SUMMER

Street Festival: 5-9pm. Downtown Sheridan, between Alger and Loucks streets. Enjoy family fun, food, live music and fabulous vendors. Free. Info: Downtown Sheridan Association, 307-672-8881.

SATURDAYS

Landon’s Farmer’s Market: 10am. Landon’s Greenhouse, 505 College Meadows Dr. Info: 307-672-8340.

STORY

AUGUST 28-30

Story Days: All day. 38th annual festival celebrating the community of

03| NORTHWEST

CODY

MONDAY-SATURDAY

Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9am-5pm. 836 Sheridan Ave. Info: 307-587-3597.

DUBOIS

AUGUST 7-8

Millers’ Wonderful Wyoming Honey Ranch in Crowheart Trek: 9:15am. Dubois Museum. Join us at the museum for a tour of Miller’s Ranch in Crowheart, where you’ll learn about the journey from bee to honey. The ranch owners also operate the Honey House in Dubois. If you’re allergic to bee stings, please bring any necessary rescue medication. $25 per person. Info: 307-455-2284.

AUGUST 16

Kid’s Corner: Tie-Dye: 10am-12pm. Dubois Museum. Join us for a Bailey’s Tire and Pit Stop/Travel

of tie-dye. Kids will learn about the history of this colorful craft, create their own unique bandanna and take home their finished masterpiece. $3 per child. Info: 307-455-2284.

THURSDAYS

Farmer’s Market: 4-5:30pm. 202 E Ramshorn, Corner Entrance. Info: Martha, 307-455-2313.

FRIDAYS

Family Story Time: 11:30am. Dubois Branch Library. Free. Songs, stories and crafts for ages birth to 5 years. Older siblings are welcome to join the fun. Stay and play in the Children’s Library after story time. Info: 307-455-2992.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Wyoming Health Fairs Monthly Wellness Screen/Blood Draw: 7:30-10am. Dubois Medical Clinic. Appointments encouraged. Info: 307-455-2516, whf.as.me/dubois.

GREYBULL

SECOND SATURDAYS

LANDER

AUGUST 8

Louis Lake Lodge Trek: 10am. Pioneer Museum. Join us for a Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek at the historic Louis Lake Lodge. Registration required. $15 per person. Info: 307-332-3373.

AUGUST 22

Ed Young Orchard Trek: 10am. Pioneer Museum. Join us for a Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek at the historic Ed Young Apple Orchard. Registration required. $15 per person. Info: 307-332-3373.

SATURDAYS

Acoustic Music Jam: 11am-1pm. Lander Bake Shop. Info: 307-332-3237.

ONGOING

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

RIVERTON

AUGUST 12

120 Years of Riverton: 6pm. Riverton Museum. Join us for a Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speaker Series. Museum staff will give an overview of the history of the town for the last 120 years! Free. Info: 307-856-2665.

AUGUST 15

Archaeology Day: 2-4pm. Riverton Museum. Join us for a Bailey Tire and Auto Service Children’s Exploration event to learn about archaeological practices, play archaeology-themed games and activities, and discover and take home your own artifact! Free. Info: 307-856-2665.

St. Stephens Trek: 10am. Riverton Museum. Join us for our St. Stephens Adventure Trek. We will tour the grounds of St. Stephens mission including the church. We will learn about the history of the mission and notable people involved with its establishment. $15 per person. Info: 307-856-2665.

WEDNESDAYS

Acoustic Music Jam: 6:30-8:30pm. Holiday Inn Convention Center. Free. Join in or listen as musicians and dancers perform. Info: 307-856-8100. PreK Tales & Tunes: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages 3-5. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

Starlight Storytime: 5:30pm. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 5 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

THURSDAYS

Toddler Move & Groove: 10:30am. Riverton Branch Library. Ages birth to 2 years. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

LEGO Club: 4-5pm LEGO Club. Riverton Branch Library. Grades 2-5. Free. Info: 307-856-3556.

MEETEETSE

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

Yoga: 10:30am. Meeteetse Recreation District. Info: 307-899-2698, meetrec.org.

TUESDAYS-SATURDAYS

Meeteetse Museums: Open 10am-4pm. 1947 State Street. Info: programs@ meeteetsemuseums.org.

MONDAYS

Toddler Storytime: After school. Meeteetse Library. All kids grades 1+ not in school. Legos, board games, crafts, stories, songs and more. Info: 307-868-2248.

PINEDALE

AUGUST 1

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet: 5pm. Dinner! Auction! Raffles! Prizes! Games! Come join the Sublette County Chapter as they host a night of socializing and fun. Let’s get together and raise funds for Conservation and Elk Country. $60. Info: J.R. Larsen, 307-359-0617.

POWELL

TUESDAY-SATURDAY

Homesteader Museum Summer Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 10am-2pm. Private tours available by appointment. Info: 307-754-9481, homesteader@parkcounty-wy.gov.

SHELL

AUGUST 22

Artisan Cookies: 9:15am-3pm. Shell Community Hall. Create memorable iced cookies and joy with Karen Hayes. $15. Info: 307-568-2419. Info: ahtc-wy. org or email director@ahtc-wy.org.

THERMOPOLIS

AUGUST 1-2

Gift of the Waters Pageant/ Pageant Days: 8am-12pm. Info: info@thermopolischamber.org.

AUGUST 23

Red Dirt Master Gardeners - Farm to Fork Dinner: 5-7pm. Community Federated Church Fellowship Hall. Info: info@thermopolischamber.org.

SATURDAYS

Farmer’s Market: 8am-12pm. Corner of 5th & Broadway. Free. Info: info@thermopolischamber.org.

SECOND SATURDAYS

Great Until 8!: 4-8pm. This event showcases the businesses who are staying open until 8pm or later in town. Shop after 5pm and enter in for a chance to win $100 gift certificates valid at the business with the winning receipt. Info: 917-589-7852, mainstreetthermopolis@gmail.com.

SUBMIT AN EVENT

Send events occurring in October by AUGUST 15!

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

Photos are always welcome.

04|SOUTHWEST

LYMAN

THURSDAYS

Storytime: 11am. Lyman Branch Library. All ages welcome. Free. Info: 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org.

MOUNTAIN VIEW

MONDAYS

Cub Scout Pack 7798 Meeting: 3:45pm. Presbyterian Church on 3rd Street. We are always accepting new boys who are in grades 1-5. Info: MarNae, 307-677-2566.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Food Assistance Program: 8:30-10am. 325 West St. Free food assistance for local individuals and families. All are welcome – no questions asked. Info: facebook.com/ BridgerValleyFoodAssistance.

WEDNESDAYS

Learn more about the WREA community at wyomingrea.org/community.

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

 wren@ wyomingrea.org

 [307] 286-8140

 2312 Carey Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001-3627

 wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions

Storytime: 11am. Uinta County Library. Info: 307-782-3161.

ONGOING

Community Classes: Valley Learning Center. Fitness, computer, workforce and kids’ classes are available. Times and prices vary. Info: 307-782-6401, valleylearningcenter.coursestorm.com.

ROCK SPRINGS

AUGUST 8

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet: 5pm. Holiday Inn. Dinner! Auction! Raffles! Prizes! Games! Come join the Sweetwater Chapter as they host a night of socializing and fun. Let’s get together and raise funds for Conservation and Elk Country. $60. Info: Carrie Porter, 719-429-4143.

WREN CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS

CONTACT:  WREN@WYOMINGREA.ORG  307-286-8140

WANTED

We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/Gas Interests producing & nonproducing. 800-733-8122.

WANTED CJ or Wrangler reasonably priced. Any condition but rusted. 800-316-5337.

Frontier Auto Museum Looking For Oil Company

Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs, and general antiques for our antique shop. Located in Gillette, Wyoming, 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 neon motel or store signs, WY license plates, WY highway signs and State Park signs. frontierautomuseum.com. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647, wandlerfrontier@gmail. com, or relics@frontierauto.net.

The Smell of Home

BY COURTNEY SHOSH

At least once a year growing up, my family would make the six-hour drive from our house to Yellowstone National Park. If only my immediate family was making the trip, we’d go in late September or early October to avoid the crowds and hear the bugling elk. Often it was a camping trip, which meant freezing through the night no matter how many blankets we piled on top of our sleeping bags. In the morning, we’d wake to see our pluming breath and the bucket of wash water turned to ice. But oh, the wonderful smell of the air once our noses thawed, pine and sagebrush with a faint trace of sulfur. It was a smell more welcoming to me than freshly baked cookies.

I inhaled the scents of pine and sagebrush and a faint trace of sulfur.

It was good to be home.

Summer trips to Yellowstone were reserved for times extended family visited from out of state. We were so excited to introduce them to this magical place, sharing our wonder at bison, geysers and hot springs. We were far more acclimated to the high elevation than our lowland kin, yet we all struggled hiking the steep trail up Mount Washburn in the northern part of the park. My father promised there was a fast-food restaurant at the top. My sisters and I knew better, but it was a powerful motivator for my cousins from Pennsylvania. The panoramic view from the peak didn’t fully assuage their disappointment that the fire tower there didn’t serve burgers and fries.

Yellowstone, a sacred place to many throughout history, was far more to me than the setting of family adventures. It felt more like home than the place I lived the rest of the year. I vowed to live and work there someday, if only for one summer cleaning pit toilets.

So, imagine my elation when, years later, I was chosen for a full-time, summer position working with rangers in the park as a volunteer. Two days a week I staffed a backcountry office at one of the visitor centers, issuing fishing, boating and backcountry camping permits. Three days a week I worked with resource management rangers,

the park rangers who most directly guide the protection of natural resources in Yellowstone, including wildlife.

Before I arrived for the season, a grizzly bear had been frequenting a nearby developed area within the park, dangerous for humans and the bear. In conflicts between humans and bears, bears nearly always lose. Efforts to encourage the grizzly to move on had failed, so the park’s Bear Management Team trapped it for relocation.

My first day of work I helped lift the heavy culvert trap—grizzly inside—onto a National Park Service boat. We lowered the trap as gently as possible, the bottom clanking as it contacted the metal boat deck. The captain started the engine and sped us across Yellowstone Lake to a remote location.

We carried the trap ashore, where the park’s bear biologist tied a long stretch of rope to the top of the trap’s door. Everyone returned to the boat, and the captain moved us offshore a short distance. From the deck, the biologist pulled the rope. The door lifted. A few tense minutes later, the bear lumbered out. He reared on his hind legs, sniffing our scent on the wind. The captain backed the boat farther from shore. Grizzlies are powerful swimmers. Finally, the bear turned toward the dense tree line and bounded into the woods. We cheered.

I spent the following two summers living and working in Yellowstone as a resource management ranger myself, until other dreams took me away. Many years later, my parents planned a family reunion in the park. I returned with them, my sisters, brothers-in-law, husband and a new generation—four nieces and my two children, a third on the way.

This trip, I didn’t hike up a mountain or come in close contact with an animal whose claws are longer than my fingers (although I did shoo away a fox that approached while we had a picnic). Instead, I rolled up my young children’s pant legs and waded in Yellowstone Lake with them, toes numbing in the frigid water. I repeatedly reminded my kids not to get wet above their knees. Then I blinked, and my three-year-old was sitting in the lake, happily splashing in her denim overalls.

So much had changed since those earlier times in Yellowstone. However, when my kids were safely out of the water, I dared to close my eyes and take a deep breath. I inhaled the scents of pine and sagebrush and a faint trace of sulfur. It was good to be home. W

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