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

SEPTEMBER

2019

The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 65, number 8, September 2019 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per year by Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite

[ 31 ]

21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER – Send address changes to: The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 223 S. Howes St., Fort Collins, CO 80521, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code. WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 40,912 for 11 months ending in September 2018. WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the entire state of Wyoming and the nation. Acceptance of advertising by WREN Magazine does not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

FEATURES 06 N IOB R A R A

ECONOMIC BENEFITS E L E CT R IC A S S OCIAT ION

07 N IOB R A R A' S

CO-OP YOUTH T R E VOR M OR AVA

12 CENTERPIECE W YOM IN G ' S

S U P E RCOM P U T E R BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

22 DA N N Y A N D

To change, contact Jean Whitlock: [307] 286-8140 or jean@golinden.com. Please make sure to include your name, address and co-op.

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

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

OFFICE OF WREN PUBLISHER Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001

PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK

NOTES 04 WREA AFFORDABLE

CLEAN ENERGY BY THE NRECA

ON THE RANGE 18 HOME C AT I N T H E B OX BY MEGAN BEAVERS

36 O U R C O D E O F ENLIGHTEN US THE WEST

BY WALT GASSON

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT D ON N A H A N S O N BY GAYLE M. IRWIN

$12 per year, Single copies $1.50 each

ADDRESS CHANGES

ESSAYS & ANECDOTES

STATE NEWS & EVENTS 08 THE CURRENT 09 COWBOY STATE BUZZ 28 WHAT'S HAPPENING

FROM OUR READERS COOKS 25 COUNTRY BAKE SALE TO PAPER 27 PEN WILLOWS T O E AC H O F YO U

PICTURE IT 31 JUST SKY

JUST FOR FUN CORNER 24 KIDS' C L O U DS

PUZZLE

L I C E NSE P LAT E LINEUP

BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

REVIEW 21 BOOK T H E B O RD E R WAR BY RYAN THORBURN & ROBERT GAGLIARDI

COVER PHOTO The sun sets over the Absoraka Mountains in June. PHOTO BY TODD HALL

WREA NOTES

AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY

FROM THE NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

SHAWN TAYLOR

EX E C U TI VE D I R E C T O R



The Trump administration recently issued a rule to reduce power plant carbon emissions. Known as the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, the new regulation will require power plants to work with state regulators to assess steps that can be taken to cut emissions through energy efficiency improvements. America’s electric cooperatives welcomed the new rule, noting that it is far preferable to an earlier and far costlier attempt to regulate carbon emissions that ultimately was put on hold by the Supreme Court.

It’s been more than a year since WREA board members, managers and I spoke against the Clean Power Plan during an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listening session in Gillette. At that meeting, we stressed the impact the plan’s carbon dioxide emission cuts would have on our communities, businesses, homes and families. The plan never went into effect, and after careful study, has been replaced by the Affordable Clean Energy rule. Wyoming’s Rural Electric Cooperatives join the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in applauding the new rule.

“The ACE rule represents a more flexible path forward that will minimize the cost to consumers and preserve the reliability of the electric grid as electric co-ops work to promote a healthy environment and vibrant rural communities,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “Electric cooperatives have invested billions of dollars in diverse energy sources and emission-reduction technology to meet the

SEP 2019

electricity needs of their local communities while protecting the environment,” Matheson said. “The ACE rule gives electric cooperatives the ability to adopt evolving technology and respond to market and consumer demands while continuing to serve as engines of economic development for one in eight Americans.” Matheson stressed that the ACE rule will allow electric co-ops to ensure that affordable and reliable power remains available in Wyoming and the nation. Power plant emissions have steadily declined due to market forces and evolving consumer expectations. Nationally, nearly 60 percent of the electricity supplied by electric co-ops comes from low- or no-emission energy sources. Electric cooperatives have reduced carbon emissions 9 percent since 2009, even while increasing electric generation by more than 12 million megawatt-hours. And coops are investing in research to develop proven carbon capture, storage and reuse technologies that can extend the operation of coal-fueled power plants. Electric cooperatives work hard to minimize the cost of new regulations to reduce the impact on electric rates for their consumer-members. In this instance, the ACE rule is consistent with our mission to provide members with safe, reliable and affordable power, while continuing to reduce emissions and meet other important environmental goals.

At Tri-State

Our cooperative approach to a clean grid starts now. Learn how we’re transforming with our Responsible Energy Plan. www.tristate.coop/responsibleenergyplan

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Assisted Living IN DUBOIS, WYOMING

NIOBRARA ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC COUNTIES

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

10% monthly discount for private pay Veterans Join us for: Bingo on Tuesdays – 6:30 to 8:00pm “Happy Hour” on Fridays – 4:30 to 5:30pm

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METERS PER MILE

AT THE CO-OP

17 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

23 HOUSEHOLDS SUPPORTED

CREATED IN 26 JOBS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

$11,079,304 SALES

$1,257,095 PAYROLL

$1,859,530 INCOME GENERATED

PERSONAL

IN THE COMMUNITY

$2, 3 $72,000

CAPITAL CREDITS RETURNED TO MEMBERS PROPERTY TAXES PAID SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARDED

$740,484

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AT THE CO-OP: The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) recently completed a study of the economic benefits of Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives. Looking at employment and tax revenue data from 2017, the WBC reported that Niobrara Electric Association is an economic driver in the local community. IN THE COMMUNITY: Between 2007 and 2017, Niobrara Electric Association gave more than $2 million back to the community. Numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.

SEP 2019

CO-OP YOUTH PHOTO BY SHAY WELLING

WREN: Tell us about your studies and interests. TM: I am enrolled in Western Nebraska Community College for powerline construction and maintenance, with an intention of graduating with honors with the associate of applied science degree. A couple of my interests are welding and playing golf. Welding was one of my favorite subjects in high school. I helped create a custom-made grill, four-wheeler ramps and a plethora of other projects. I still have the privilege to help my dad at home by welding on hay feeders and other equipment. I golfed in high school as well; I was good enough to place 10th in districts my senior year, which earned me a place in the state tournament. I still golf today, with my dad and my friends, playing courses all around the Crawford area.

CO-OP YOUTH 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 D.C. Youth Tour in June and Youth Leadership Camp in July.

THIS MONTH: Trevor Morava won a scholarship from the Niobrara Electric Association to study to be a lineworker.

TREVOR MORAVA HOMETOWN: Crawford, Nebraska HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Crawford High School YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2018

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

COLLEGE: Western Nebraska Community College MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: Powerline Construction and Maintenance

WREN: How have your hometown, family and/or friends influenced you? TM: My family has influenced me in many ways, my parents are hardworking people, they have always gone the extra mile in their lives. They taught me the value of an honest living, and how to get the job done right. My friends have always pushed me in school; we always wanted to be the best in the class, so we took the hardest classes, did all of the extracurricular activities, and still were the top in the class. Advanced chemistry and pre-calculus were no problem for us.

WREN: What are your plans for the future? TM: After graduation, I plan to get a job with a utility company where I can travel all over the United States and become part of the restoration workforce after natural disasters. After traveling the United States, I hope to settle down and become a line superintendent.

SEP 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF SENATOR BARRASSO

THE CURRENT

RODEO REPRESENTATION Wyoming Rural Electric Association Executive Director Shawn Taylor stands with Sens. Mike Enzi, left, and John Barrasso, right, during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade on July 20. Part of Taylor’s job is to work with state and federal lawmakers. Taylor is also a longtime volunteer for the rodeo in Cheyenne.

TRANSFORMATIONS

Co-op Summer 8

SEP 2019

PHOTO BY TAMMY CEAGLSKE

A sunflower grew up between two transformers in Niobrara Electric Association's pole yard. Electric utilities use transformers to provide a useable level of power to members’ homes and businesses.

PHOTOS BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

THE CURRENT

Austin Francis, apprentice lineman for Niobrara Electric Association, prepares to give a high voltage electric safety demonstration.

CO-OPS AT THE FAIR Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are proud to take part in the Wyoming State Fair. In August, cooperatives took turns working the booth at the fair, handing out water and giving safety demonstrations.

Aiyana Mansfield, 12, of Guernsey, climbs a demonstration pole with the help of Peyton Call. Mansfield’s father, Anthony, works at Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Call is attending the program to become a lineman at Western Nebraska Community College. Call’s father, Jared Call, is the general foreman for Wheatland Rural Electric Association.

When your patients come first, the rest will follow. This award recognizes Cheyenne Regional’s commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, researchbased guidelines, with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.

214 E. 23rd St. Cheyenne, WY 82001 cheyenneregional.org

SEP 2019

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

WYOMING TRIVIA Are you a Wyoming license plates collector? You may want to visit Wyoming Department of Transportation Headquarters in Cheyenne to see Howard L. Burke’s collection of every year of issue. Be sure to call ahead, as the collection is sometimes on display at events. Wyoming License Plate Society President Rick Eccli recently sat down with WREN Managing Editor Kelly Etzel Douglas to talk about the collection.

Before 1913, automobile owners made their own license plates from whatever materials they wanted to use. This plate is made of leather with metal numbers. It belonged to a Cheyenne resident who may or may not have been celebrating Wyoming’s place as the 44th state admitted to the union.

1936

The popular bucking horse logo made its debut on the 1936 plate, and has been there ever since. The idea was first proposed in 1935 by then Secretary of State Lester Hunt to combat widespread counterfeiting.

1944

1913

PHOTO COURTESY OF WYDOT

PRE 1913

Wildlife Conservation plates are made on a blanking press in Cheyenne.

CUSTOM WORK Wyoming drivers can now choose a standard plate or apply for specialty plates. Plates available include:

PRESTIGE PLATES RADIO AMATEUR FORMER POW PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR

The first official license plates had a state seal on the front. The seal, often subject to theft, was on license plates until 1917.

During World War II, metal shortages led states to look for alternative materials for license plates. The 1944 plate was made of soy and was sometimes chewed on by ranch cattle, Eccli said.

DISABLED VETERAN NATIONAL GUARD PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT FIREFIGHTER EMT

1921

CENTENNIAL

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING VETERAN PLATES EMBOSSED PLATES GOLD STAR PLATES CHOICE DISABLED VETERAN PLATES TRIBAL PLATES WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLATES

The state used a metal tab system so that plates could be used again in following years. The idea didn’t catch on until decades later – with stickers.

SEP 2019

The Wyoming Centennial license plate could legally replace the front plate in 1990.

PIONEER STREET ROD & CUSTOM VEHICLE

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

FROM THE WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL

Folk Art Mentoring Project Grants are designed to support the continuation of Wyoming’s folk and traditional arts through the natural process of in-person, hands-on instruction. A master artist selects a worthy apprentice from their community to mentor over the course of the project in order to advance the skills of the apprentice in their traditional art form.

FOLK ART MENTORING GRANTS The Wyoming Arts Council has awarded the 2020 Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants.

“The Mentoring Project Grant is a unique program, because it allows us to both honor the masters of these traditional art forms that we have in Wyoming, while also supporting the conservation of those art forms,” said Josh Chrysler, Folklorist for the Wyoming Arts Council. “Many art forms are taught and learned through formal or academic processes like MFA programs. However, folk and traditional arts are typically learned through more informal

processes such as observation, imitation, and one-on-one apprenticeships. The Folk Art Mentoring Project Grant is designed to create opportunities for those informal, grassroots learning experiences where these art forms are best learned and maintained by the communities from which they come.” The FY2020 Mentoring Project Grant recipients are: Marcus Dewey of Arapahoe teaching James Dewey of Casper the art of Northern Arapaho beadwork and war shirt making; Darrell Lonebear teaching Koleton Lonebear, both of Fort Washakie, Northern Arapaho sweat lodge songs; Jack Mease teaching Soleiana Abernathy, both of Lander, the art of rawhide braiding; and Andy Stevens teaching Dusty Smith, both of Buffalo, the art of Western saddle making and leather carving.

VISIT THE GRANTS TAB AT WYOMINGARTSCOUNCIL.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

More Services in More Places

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MyMeridianTrust.com | 800.726.5644

Become a Member Today Cheyenne • Jackson • Lander • Rawlins • Casper • Rock Springs • Scottsbluff,NE • Wellington,CO Coming Soon SEP 2019

CENTERPIECE

WYOMING'S SUPERCOMPUTER

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

EXTREME WIND AND BLOWING SNOW ARE COMMON SITUATIONS ON WYOMING’S INTERSTATE 80, BUT THANKS TO WORK BEING DONE WITH THE SUPERCOMPUTER LOCATED NEAR CHEYENNE, SOON WYOMING DRIVERS COULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO SEE JUST WHAT THE WEATHER WILL BE LIKE ON EACH MILE OF THE ROAD UP TO 36 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

his project is one of several that are being conducted in cooperation between researchers at the University of Wyoming and the supercomputing facility located just west of Cheyenne – the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Wyoming Supercomputer Center (NWSC).

Muknahallipatna said Yellowstone had a capacity of 600 million core hours. Of those 600 million, UW had access to 75 million for research purposes, which was about 12.5 percent of the

“It takes the raw data and processes it into meaningful data that the scientists can use,” said NWSC operations manager Gary New. Having worked for NCAR for nearly 19 years, New was part of the team when they first started planning the facility in 2003. Knowing how huge the system would be, NCAR solicited partners to work with them. Several partners, including UW and the state of Wyoming, came on board. According to Suresh Muknahallipatna, a professor and graduate coordinator of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UW and the liaison between UW and NCAR, the initial cost of the facility was $70 million. NCAR contributed $50 million, and the state of Wyoming gave $20 million. Now the state and the University of Wyoming together pay $1 million per year to use a portion of its computing ability – to the benefit of UW researchers. The supercomputer in Wyoming came online in 2012 and was called Yellowstone. The first upgrade, which occurred in 2017, was named Cheyenne. The next upgrade is anticipated in 2021.

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

NCAR, located in Boulder, Colorado, is a lab where scientists study the earth, the oceans and air. They use the supercomputer located in Wyoming to process their data.

available core hours. With Cheyenne, the capacity doubled to 1.2 billion core hours, of which UW uses 160 million. This is about 14 percent of what the

supercomputer

provides. With that available computing

capacity,

UW researchers are able to do scientific research on things like improving the efficiency of wind turbine performance or predicting the flow of fluids and contaminates in aquifers. “The research we do has an effect on common life,” said Muknahallipatna. “When we do prediction of snow and wind events – that affects the common man’s life. There are impacts that may not be obvious, but it is benefiting them.” Someone with knowledge of both sides of this partnership is Jared Baker. Not only did he graduate with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from UW, he went on to have an internship at NCAR through Summer Internships in Parallel Computational Science (SIParCS) and now works in the Computational Information Systems Laboratory at NCAR. 

ABOVE: The NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center is located west of Cheyenne.

SEP 2019

 L I GH TNI NG SP EED

“N

CAR provides really great computational capability for the UW research community where faculty

and students can really gain some powerful insights on their research,” Baker said. “UW provides a great stream of students as well to NCAR for programs like the SIParCS programs that allow the students to get a nice exchange of viewpoints while both sides receive very useful knowledge transfer from each other.”

Having access to the supercomputer makes the extreme computational load their projects require possible. A simple desktop computer does not have the memory or speed needed for the projects. “Imagine you are building a house,” Muknahallipatna said. “Instead of one worker, you use 100 workers who are working at the same time to complete the structure. At the same time, you need to make sure they all need to work without impeding other workers.” That’s how a supercomputer works.

BY THE END OF THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD, WE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING THAT STANDS ON ITS OWN AND WILL BE MAINTAINED AND USED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AS A TOOL.

The Cheyenne supercomputer processes multiple research projects at one time. The graphics on the cabinets cover rows and rows of processors.

PREDICTING SEVERE WINTER WEATHER

W’s Professor Bart Geerts, head of the Department of Atmospheric Science, is conducting the research regarding predicting hazardous weather in Wyoming. Along with Professor Zach Lebo, Geerts is using the supercomputer to help predict severe weather events before they leave motorists stranded. “Wyoming is well known for blowing snow,” Geerts said. “It is remarkable how it is more common in Wyoming than anywhere else in the country. Southern Wyoming especially is worse with the frequency and intensity of blowing snow.” Using the supercomputer for high-resolution weather simulations will allow these 14

SEP 2019

researchers to determine when and where travelers can expect snowfall to suddenly and dramatically reduce visibility as many as 36 hours before they happen. This research is being funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Part of their work will be developing an app that will show a color-coded map for severe weather. Much like Google Maps currently can show where there is traffic congestion, their road conditions map will show exactly where and when bad weather is expected. Geerts said the map will be very specific, allowing users to zoom in to a particular mile or even half-mile stretch.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without the supercomputer,” Geerts said. “This changes the game.” Though they are fairly early into the threeyear project, Geerts said it is possible a pilot version of the app may be available in 12-24 months. “By the end of the three-year period, we should have something that stands on its own and will be maintained and used by the National Weather Service as a tool,” Geerts said. “If we succeed, it should be publicly available in a three-year period.” 

PHOTOS BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

It takes about 1.5 megawatts – or 1.5 million watts – to power the supercomputer.

BELOW: A motion blur photo shows the Cheyenne supercomputer’s hard disks.

Supercomputers are simply the fastest computers available.

5 FACTS ABOUT THE NCAR SUPERCOMPUTER IN WYOMING SHARED BY GARY NEW—NWSC OPERATIONS MANAGER

Yellowstone – the first generation of the supercomputer in Wyoming – had a speed of 1.5 petaflops, or 1.5 quadrillion floating points per

NCAR chose Wyoming for the supercomputer because the weather is typically cool and dry, which is conducive to cooling the system. This is important because the natural by-product of computing is heat.

second. The second generation of the computer – called Cheyenne – operates at 5.34 petaflops. This is three times the computer for the same power bill.

Anyone can tour the computing facility. There is a selfguided tour in the Visitor Center with interactive exhibits all ages can participate in. To take a guided tour of the computer itself, visitors must be 14-years-old or older. To schedule a tour, visit supercomputer.appointlet.com. SEP 2019

 L I GH TNI NG SP EED

USING THE SUPERCOMPUTER TO STUDY WATER

his won’t be the first supercomputer-aided project Geerts has participated in. He also used the NWSC to study how the snowpack over the mountains can be expected to alter in a changing climate and how that will affect the spring runoff that provides water for many people in Wyoming. Studying regional climate changes in Wyoming and much of the west and the changes in snowpack over the last 30 years allowed them to then predict snowpack change through 2050 by utilizing the significant computational power of Cheyenne.

Ye Zhang, who is a professor of hydrology in UW’s geology and geophysics department, is also using the supercomputer to solve water problems. She studies fluid flow and contaminate migration in aquifers. After collecting data such as aquifer water levels and the concentrations of confirmed contaminants, she builds a computer model to determine what is happening everywhere in the aquifer – not just at the limited sampling locations. The model can be used to explain the history of contamination in the aquifer, and it can also be used to predict what will possibly happen within the aquifer in the future. Using the supercomputer to process this data allows Zhang to efficiently solve the millions of equations embedded in the model that are required to gain knowledge about the aquifer. Zhang explained that a regular personal computer doesn’t have enough memory to solve that many equations.

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

Knowing what is likely going to happen to the aquifer in the future helps researchers know how to develop a decontamination strategy. The speed at which the supercomputer can solve the equations will help protect water resources.

Processors in the Cheyenne supercomputer.

WE CAN SOLVE THESE MODELS VERY EFFICIENTLY AND VERY FAST – MANAGING AND PROTECTING THE RESOURCES WE HAVE,” ZHANG SAID. “THE METHOD WE DEVELOP CAN BE USED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS IN WYOMING AS WELL AS ELSEWHERE.

“We can solve these models very efficiently and very fast – managing and protecting the resources we have,” Zhang said. “The method we develop can be used to solve problems in Wyoming as well as elsewhere.” She explained that when contaminated groundwater makes its way down through the permeable layers of the earth into an aquifer, it can be very costly and difficult to clean up. “Without clean water we as a civilization cannot exist,” Zhang said. “We must therefore protect these resources and manage them scientifically. We need to understand where and how things are happening. By developing aquifer models, I believe my research will contribute to the well-being of society.” W

Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and two young daughters.

SEP 2019

Together, we are planting the seeds of progress. Learn more about how your local electric cooperative is leading the way to a smart, efficient and responsible energy future.

HOME ON THE RANGE

Cat in the box BY MEGAN BEAVERS

I was called to a house one summer afternoon to check on a found cat. The residents had just purchased the property and with it came a hoard of feral and semi-feral barn cats. When I arrived, there was a large cardboard box taped shut in the middle of the living room. In the box was a scared and untouched diluted tortoiseshell cat. Her pupils where huge and she was crouched at the bottom of the box as low as she could go.

SEP 2019

have survived some alarming injuries go on to live happy lives. In the worst case, if I tried and if she didn’t do well, we could amputate the leg and still find her a home. She went home with me for her recovery and stayed in the mudroom in a large dog

gently lifted her out of the box and onto the floor to see what we were dealing

crate. It wasn’t long before she warmed up to domestication, was eager to see me and began purring. My husband is ever creative and decided to name her Cali Hip. She was a calico with a broken hip – a literal namesake. We compromised

with. She was warm to the touch. It was clear why; her shin bone was sticking out of her skin and the leg was clearly very broken. Any time a bone is outside of the body the risk of infection is very great – and it appeared that the bone was indeed infected. The couple didn’t really want to keep the cat and asked if I could keep her. I’m

Cats are superior creatures when

full. But being the kind of person I am, I

it comes to healing: I see cats

agreed to take her and get her well then

who have survived some alarming

find her a forever home. She seemed like a very sweet kitty. I placed her back in the

injuries go on to live happy lives.

box and headed back to the clinic. After medicating her for pain and infection and giving her a good meal and night of rest, I sedated her for X-rays to see the extent of her injuries. The known broken leg was shattered close to her ankle joint and she also had several fractures in her pelvis. An infected fracture like this isn’t a great candidate

and merged things to Cali-hip. Calypso was named. Of course, with a name and a prolonged stay in my house, she found her forever home.

for surgery, and with the break so close

In retrospect, it was a great turn of fate

to a joint, it would be very hard to place

that Calypso stayed with us. The leg

any hardware. The pelvic fractures

healed well, albeit in a slightly lumpy

were displaced slightly but weren’t

way, she can walk and run just fine. The

freely moveable and seemed the least of the concern. My boss recommended euthanasia for this stray.

pelvis on the other hand shifted and made the diameter of her pelvis half of what a normal cat would have. This wasn’t a

With a wing and a prayer, I decided to

problem at first. Occasionally she would

try to apply a light cast around the break

be unable to go to the bathroom, but a

and continue the medications to control

few days of medications and she would

infection. Cats are superior creatures

work things through. However, it soon

when it comes to healing: I see cats who

became clear that it wasn’t going to be

easy: her constipation episodes were getting more and more frequent. They required me to put her under general anesthesia and manually evacuate her. The first times went off without a hitch. After one episode, she became dehydrated and went into acute kidney failure. Another stay in the mudroom dog crate on IV fluids and different medications and she was back to normal. A few months later, my new assistant wasn’t monitoring closely and Calypso received too much fluid. The weakest point in the body when this happens is the lungs; they can’t handle the increased pressure. I noticed Calypso breathing funny and soon after blood began to come out of her lungs. Some emergency medications pulled the extra fluid from her lungs and she seemed to be okay. But as a complication her lung collapsed and compromised her ability to breathe. I had never placed a chest tube on a living animal up until this point, and now I needed to intubate my own cat, who I injured in the first place by not monitoring the nurse. With the guidance of a talented classmate, the procedure went perfectly. It shot my nerves but saved my cat. Back to the mudroom kennel again she went for several days with a chest tube. Through every episode of manual removal, needle pokes and near-death experiences, Calypso remained sweet and loving. A very expensive and miraculous food is all she needs now to keep herself regular. We are going on about two years without an episode of constipation or needing extra medication. The cat in the box that I had intended to make well and find a home, stayed. She is down a few of her nine lives and in turn I am up a few experiences. I’m thankful I gave her a chance at life out of the box. W

Dr. Megan Beavers is a veterinarian in Farson. SEP 2019

PUZZLE

LICENSE PLATE LINEUP When did you pick up your first license plate? Fifty years ago? Twenty years ago? 2019? Wyoming has changed the look of license plates at least 13 times since 1969. Match the plate with the correct year and keep your registration current. Want to know more? Go to Cowboy Buzz Trivia on page 10.

Spinning your wheels? Stop at page 35 for the answers.

BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS YEARS 5

1969 1

1970 1971 1972 OR 1974

1973 7

1975-1977 1978-1982

1983-1987

1988-1993 4

1994-2001 2002-2009 2010-2017 2018-2019

BOOK REVIEW

THE BORDER WAR THE BRONZE BOOT RIVALRY BETWEEN COLORADO STATE AND WYOMING

Description by Ryan Thorburn

The Border War football series between Colorado State and Wyoming is defined by its longevity, proximity and one of the more unique traveling

BY RYAN THORBURN & ROBERT GAGLIARDI

trophies in sports. The universities, separated by only 65 miles, have battled on the gridiron for the iconic Bronze Boot, which was an actual combat boot worn by a military member in Vietnam. This book covers the history of the rivalry, from its controversial

ORDERING INFORMATION:

beginning in 1899 through the snowy battle for the boot in 2017. The Border War combatants agree to disagree on the all-time series ledger,

2018 | 164p. | $22.00

but both sides have enjoyed their share of legendary coaches, players

ISBN: 978-0989724289

and victories over the decades.

Publisher: Burning Daylight Available online and at local bookshops in Laramie and Cheyenne.

The Border War classics — from the Bounce Pass, to the Brawl, to the Drive — are chronicled in this must-own book for all fans of the Rams, Cowboys and college football history.

To purchase a signed copy, call 307-755-3325, email gagliardi.robert06@gmail.com or mail Border War, 1666 Irma Court, Laramie, WY 82070.

WIN A

FREE  BORDER WAR

ENTER TO WIN

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

 wyomingrea.org/

wren-submissions

COPY OF

Name: Phone:

THE BORDER WAR

JULY'S BOOK WINNER:

VICKY WARE

OF GILLETTE Address:

ENTRIES DUE BY OCTOBER 10 One entry per household, please. SEP 2019

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Danny and Donna Hanson traveled to Cheyenne in June for Donna's Quealy Award.

DONNA & DANNY HANSON 

Always Giving: Family Serves Niobrara Community BY GAYLE M. IRWIN Hard working. Humble. Generous. These are just a few words people in the Lusk area use to describe Donna and Danny Hanson.

“The summer we had the grass fires, Donna made meals for the firefighters,” his wife Brenda Greer added. The Hansons live on the family ranch 30 miles north of Lusk. Danny’s grandparents established the property in 1905, and though he grew up in the Kaycee area, he returned to the ranch and is now sharing the land with his own sons. The family has made a positive impact on their community. For example, the Hansons began hosting classroom field trips in the late 1990s, inviting students and teachers to come and learn about ranching and nature. Although they’ve hosted several grade levels, the primary focus is now fifth grade. 22

SEP 2019

On the Hanson ranch.

Donna Hanson made a quilt for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY AND DONNA HANSON

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

“They are very good people. They are involved in a lot of community service,” Andy Greer said. Greer is a Niobrara Electric Association board member, and represents the co-op on the Wyoming Rural Electric Association’s board of directors.

“I show them the cycle of trees, including the rotting logs, and we get into soils and smaller animals,” Danny said. “My son and I take them on a grass tour, where we do grass identification and tell them what the grasses do. We also do a fun thing where they guess the height of a tree by doing triangulations of tree shadows.” He and his family enjoy sharing their knowledge and life’s work with children.

Bowtie

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

That community service spirit brought recognition to Donna earlier this year. She was bestowed the Quealy Award for Niobrara County, an annual honor given to four women by Wyoming Homemakers, part of the University of Wyoming Extension.

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

presents for community members

chairperson for the annual Ag

who are alone during the holidays.

Expo. Conducted for third and

She was also recognized for her

fourth graders, the Expo’s purpose

work as a 4-H leader, a role she’d

is to teach youngsters about the

held for more than three decades.

important role that agriculture

Her passion for sewing and quilting

plays in daily living.

has been passed on to several generations of 4-H members.

A WONDERFUL WAY OF LIFE

“Donna is creative,” said Denise,

Being part of the agriculture

who has known Donna since the

community and living on the

two attended college during the

family ranch are important to

1970s. “She makes quilts for nearly

Donna and Danny.

every event.” Brenda Greer agreed. “Whenever there is a benefit for someone, she makes a quilt.”

LIFTING THE COMMUNITY The Hansons are involved with other activities, including the production of The Legend of Rawhide,

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

Donna was recognized for her many years of community service, including participation in Wyoming Homemakers for 38 years. She has also chaired the local Homemakers’ Christmas Bazaar for more than 25 years, and for the past two years, she’s chaired the Homemakers’

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

Cat’s Cradle

the challenges of the business, and freedom to be out here in the wideopen spaces and with the livestock and the horses,” said Danny. “It’s a wonderful way of life.” “And we get to breathe good, clean air and see beautiful wildflowers,” Donna added. Despite the busyness of operating

legend about a wagon train. The

a cattle ranch of several hundred

entire family participates as do

head, the Hansons find the time

many county residents. Donna helps Denise with 4-H

to actively engage with their community.

programs.

“We just try to make time. We

“She is a person I rely on a lot. She

Donna said.

helps me with [program] ideas – she is very helpful to me,” Denise said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to know her.”

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

Donna and Danny traveled to Cheyenne in June for a special ceremony honoring her recognition.

“We love living out on the ranch and

a 200-person re-enactment of a

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

“This is the highest honor a homemaker can achieve,” said Denise Smith, University of Wyoming Extension educator. “The award rotates through the counties; this was the year for Niobrara County.”

she served for a several years as

make

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

THE QUEALY AWARD

Christmas

youth

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

“I love working with kids and giving back and hopefully being able to teach them life skills,” added Donna, a former educator and former school board member.

Active in Niobrara Cattlewomen,

local

Bowtie Cat’s Cradle

“We love being around kids and doing things with them. When you’re running a ranch, you’re always teaching,” said Danny. “It’s amazing even in Lusk how detached people are from the country.”

Secret Santa workshops at which

Donna also coordinates a program to help the schools. The ranching community comes together to

just try to make things work,”

Their commitment to each other, their family, their land and their community does not go unnoticed … or unappreciated. “They are always giving, and they often spearhead an event,” said

donate meat to the lunch program.

Andy Greer.

“The area ranchers band together

“People like Donna and Danny

to provide beef for the school lunch program, and I coordinate

make our county and Wyoming a great place to live,” Denise said. W

that to make sure they have a continuous supply,” Donna said. “It works very well.”

Gayle M. Irwin is a freelance writer based in Casper. SEP 2019

KIDS CORNER

ILLUSTRATION BY ALLIE PAWLOW

WHERE DO CLOUDS COME FROM?

There’s hardly a better way to spend a summer day than looking at clouds in the sky above you. Not only might you see bears and monsters and the faces of friends, but you might learn what tomorrow’s or this afternoon’s weather will be.

Clouds

Clouds are formed when water condenses (forms droplets) onto dust or other small particles in the air. Condensation occurs as air cools, forcing the vapor to become liquid. In winter, and very high in the sky, the vapor may condense as ice instead. Air cools when it is forced upward, which can happen several different ways, and the way it happens leads to different types of clouds. For example, when warm air is blown up the side of a mountain, stratus and cumulus clouds may form. The scariest clouds, the ones that cause severe thunder, lightning, hail and even tornadoes, called cumulonimbus, are formed when air gets heated by the sun, causing it to become lighter (less dense), and rise.

CLOUD NAMING Clouds can be categorized by how high they are the in sky and what they look like. These word roots can be combined to name the common cloud shapes and knowing the common clouds will help you predict the weather.

“Cumulo” or “Cumulus”

Puffy (like cotton candy) clouds

"Strato" or “Stratus”

Evenly-colored smooth clouds

“Cirrus” or "Cirro"

Thin, very high clouds, made of ice crystals

“Alto”

Midway between the lowest clouds and the cirrus clouds

“Nimbo” or “Nimbus"

Rain clouds

PREDICT THE WEATHER!

Altostratus clouds (evenly colored, smooth, mid-high) could mean rain or snow the following day. If the cloud gets thicker, darker, and starts to rain, it’s called nimbostratus. Altocumulus clouds are fair weather clouds, but beware – they may grow up to become cumulonimbus clouds in the afternoon! Cirrocumulus clouds, on the other hand, mean fair, but cold, weather ahead.

CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT A CLOUD THAT IS LOW, SMOOTH ON THE BOTTOM AND PUFFY ON TOP WOULD BE CALLED? Stratocumulus! But give yourself a point if you guessed cumulostratus. 24

SEP 2019

COUNTRY COOKS

BAKE SALE STATE FAIR GIANTS

BRAN AND DATE MUFFINS

1 CUP BUTTER 3/4 CUP PLUS 2 TBS SHORTENING 1 CUP SUGAR 1 CUP PACKED BROWN SUGAR 1/2 TSP SALT 2 TSP VANILLA 2 LARGE EGGS 2 TBS WARM WATER 2-1/2 CUPS FLOUR 2-1/2 CUPS CAKE FLOUR 1-1/2 TSP BAKING POWDER 2-1/2 TSP BAKING SODA 2 CUPS MINIATURE CHOCOLATE CHIPS OR MINI M&M’S, REFRIGERATED

1 CUP BRAN 1 CUP BUTTERMILK 1 LARGE EGG 1/3 CUP APPLESAUCE (OR CANOLA OIL) 1/2 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT 1/3 CUP WHITE SUGAR

Preheat the oven to 350° degrees. Spray a 12-count muffin tin with oil. Mix bran and buttermilk together in a large mixing bowl, let it rest for 15 minutes. Combine the sugars, flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a small bowl.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugars. Add salt, vanilla and eggs. Cream well. Add water; mix about 15 seconds, scraping sides of bowl. In separate bowl, combine flours. Sift baking powder and baking soda into flour mixture. Add flour mixture into creamed mixture, just until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips or mini M&M’s. Dust hands lightly with flour, if needed, and divide dough into 16 equal rounds. Press each round into a patty, much like a hamburger patty. Place about four patties on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Cookies should measure about 5 inches in diameter. Bake 10 minutes or until cookies are light brown. Makes 16 cookies that can be individually wrapped for sale at a bake sale.

ANNE METZLER

1/3 CUP PACKED BROWN SUGAR 1 CUP FLOUR 2 TSP BAKING SODA 1 TSP BAKING POWDER 1/2 TSP SALT 3/4 CUP PITTED AND CHOPPED DATES

Add the egg, applesauce and vanilla to the bran and buttermilk, mix well. Stir in the chopped dates, then add the dry ingredients and mix well. Divide by scooping or pouring the batter into the sprayed muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove muffins from tin and cool on cake rack, or eat them warm with butter. Makes 12 muffins, recipe may be doubled.

BETSY JENSEN

POWELL

RIVERTON

Send complete recipe by October 10! NOVEMBER:

POTLUCK

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

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions SEP 2019

COUNTRY COOKS

BATTER MIXTURE:

SUGAR MIXTURE:

1 PKG YELLOW CAKE MIX 3/4 CUP WATER 3/4 CUP SALAD OIL 1 PKG INSTANT VANILLA PUDDING 4 EGGS 1 TSP VANILLA 1 TSP BUTTER FLAVORING

1/2 CUP NUTS 1/4 CUP SUGAR 2 TBS CINNAMON

Beat for 8 minutes.

Pour half of the batter into a greased and floured angel food pan. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the batter. Add the rest of the batter and sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on top of batter. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool in pan, do not invert.

LISA GOOD

MOORCROFT

BEST BARS EVER 1 PKG (18.25 OZ) WHITE OR YELLOW CAKE MIX 2 EGGS 1/3 CUP VEGETABLE OIL 1 CAN (14 OZ) SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 1 CUP SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS 1/4 CUP BUTTER, CUBED In a bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs and oil. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Set remaining mixture aside. In a microwave safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave uncovered on high for 45 seconds, stir. Microwave 45-60 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted. Stir until smooth. Pour over crust. Drop teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting into bars.

NANCY DENK

SEP 2019

RIVERTON

PHOTO BY ALAN FROST

PURPLE RIBBON COFFEE CAKE

PEANUT BUTTER TOFFEE BARS 1 CUP PEANUT BUTTER 1 CUP BROWN SUGAR 1 EGG 1 TBS VANILLA

1 TSP BAKING SODA 3/4¾ CUP HEATH TOFFEE BITS ½1/2 CUP CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl combine peanut butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until fully incorporated. Beat lightly until just blended (do not overmix). Mix in baking soda. Add toffee bits and chocolate chips. Line a 9x9 inch pan with foil, pour mixture into pan and smooth with spatula. Bake for 20-22 minutes, cool and cut into bars. We find they are best enjoyed straight from the freezer, or microwaved for a few seconds.

ERIKA AND SUSAN FROST

CENTENNIAL

WAFFLE IRON CHOCOLATE COOKIES 1-1/2 CUPS SUGAR 1 CUP BUTTER 1/2 CUP COCOA

2 CUPS FLOUR 2 TSP VANILLA 4 EGGS

Cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients, mix well. Bake in a waffle iron.

RUTH ZELLER

LOVELL

HAP STUART

GILLETTE

WILLOWS

PEN TO PAPER

T O E A C H OF Y OU

In spring when winter’s snow would melt The creek would overflow And spread across the meadowland Down where the willows grow

As days go by at lightning speed, we gather our possessions, things we need.

This made a perfect swimming hole When summer days were slow We boys would come and congregate Down where the willows grow

Some items have value to us alone, little things that make a house a home. Then comes a time when it’s right to say who’ll treasure these things on our judgment day.

Come fall I always loved to hunt I’d take my trusty bow With arrow knocked I'd stalk the coon Down where the willows grow

To all of you, the following I leave, to comfort you so you will not grieve. The feeling of freedom from a saddle squeak;

In wintertime with gun in hand Through freshly fallen snow I'd follow wily coyote's track Down where the willows grow

the joy in the freshness of a pure cold creek. The calmness that comes from the smell of sage; the wisdom and patience of a golden age. My love for “critters,” both large and small;

Since I have aged my thoughts return To many years ago And all the pleasant hours spent Down where the willows grow

a heart which has compassion for all. A smile and a laugh for a funny cartoon; a commanding presence when you enter a room.

If I could be a boy again The first place I would go To find that peace I left behind Down where the willows grow

Appreciation for a beautiful tree; the love of nature so special to me. The desire to learn and the nerve to try; the courage to help and not just stand by. Love for each other like I’ve given to you; an adventuresome spirit to greet each day anew. The peace and joy that a spur jingle brings; the fresh happy spirit of a bird when it sings. So do not weep on my funeral day. Remember the riches I’m sending your way. Treasures to keep, memories to store, to keep us close till we’re together once more.

LAURIE MARTIN HARVEY

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.

THERMOPOLIS

Put Your Pen to Paper!

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

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions SEP 2019

WHAT'S HAPPENING

WHAT'S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

COURTESY OF CAMPBELL COUNTY ROCKPILE MUSEUM

SEP 20 – OCT 20

01 | SOUTHEAST

02| NORTHEAST

CENTENNIAL

CLEARMONT

WEEKENDS IN SEPTEMBER Nici Self Museum: Open 12-4p, info 307-745-3108.

SEPTEMBER 29 Clearmont Community Center Foundation Dinner and Auction: Pork rib dinner, bring a pie or dessert. 5:30p, Community Center basement, $10/plate.

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

FEATURED EVENT

GILLETTE C H U G WAT E R SEPTEMBER 20 & OCTOBER 18 Songwriting Contest: Win a free buffet and a chance at the $500 grand prize during finals Nov 15. Open mic to follow performances. Stampede Saloon, info 307-422-3200, stampedefun@aol.com.

ENCAMPMENT ONGOING Grand Encampment Museum: Main Gallery and GEM Store open Mon-Fri 10a-4p, info 307-327-5308.

SATURDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 12 Farmers’ Market: Fresh vegetables and other market items direct from local farmers, ranchers, producers and artisans. 8a-12:30p, Gillette Tech Center parking lot, info on Facebook. SEPTEMBER 21 Dear Folks: Letters Home From WWII: Closing event program 11a, 2p, Rockpile Museum, free, info ccgov.net/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1020.

S A R AT O G A

OCT 13  6PM  GILLETTE Grammy Award Winner and Two-Time Emmy Nominee comes to Gillette as part of his Smithsonian Folkways Tour for his solo album titled Dom Flemons presents Black Cowboys. The concert will shed light on the music, culture, and the complex history of the golden era of the Wild West. The songs and poems featured in this concert will take guests on an illuminating journey from the trails to the rails of the old west, following the footsteps of the thousands of African American pioneers that helped build the United States of America. CAMPBELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, FREE INFO ON FACEBOOK

NORTHEAST 28

SEP 2019

WEDNESDAYS TO OCTOBER Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair: Fruit and vegetables from the Boykin’s orchard in Colorado, food trucks, local artists and other hand-crafted goods. 3-6p, Saratoga Museum, info 307-3265511.

W H E AT L A N D SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER Platte County Farmers’ Market: Produce, eggs, raw milk, baked goods, meat, crafts and more. 7:30-10a, Pocket Park, info 307-331-9502.

SEPTEMBER 28 Northeast Wyoming Archaeology Fair: Experience the science of archaeology in Wyoming and try your hand at prehistoric ways of life. 10a-3p, presentations at 11a and 2p. Rockpile Museum, free, info on Facebook.

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

WHAT'S HAPPENING

LUSK OCTOBER 6 Big Bucks Bingo: Doors open at noon for lunch, bingo starts at 1p. Niobrara County Fairgrounds, info 1-800-223-LUSK.

M O O RC RO F T ONGOING Library events: Story hour 10a Wed; Book club 1p third Thu and 6p fourth Tue. Info 307-756-3232, moorlibrary@rtconnect.net.

ONGOING West Texas Trail Museum hours: Mon-Fri 9a-5p. Info 307-756-9300, wttmdirector@rtconnect.net.

S H E R I DA N SEPTEMBER 20 Dominic Cheli in Concert: Pianist performs. 7:30p WYO Theater, $19, $17 senior and military, $12.50 student. Info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com. SEPTEMBER 27 Rachel Bergman Flute Recital: Sheridan college faculty member will play for the public. 7p, Whitney Center for the Arts, free, info 307675-0360, whitneyarts@sheridan. edu. SEPTEMBER 28 Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group: 7:30p, WYO Theater, $92, info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com. OCTOBER 4-6 WYO Film Festival: Filmmakers and audiences gather to connect and watch independent films. Info 307675-0360, sheridanwyofilmfest.org.

OCTOBER 8 Hearts of Glass screening and panel discussion: 7p, Whitney Center for the Arts, free, info 307675-0360, whitneyarts@sheridan. edu. OCTOBER 10 Jazz @ Sheridan College: Sheridan College Jazz ensemble performance. 7p, Whitney Center for the Arts, free, info 307-675-0360, whitneyarts@ sheridan.edu.

SEP 20 – OCT 20 UPTON OCTOBER 10 Chamber of Commerce Meeting: 12p, Remy’s, info 307-467-2642. MONDAYS & THURSDAYS Zumba: 4p, Senior Center, $5, info 307-391-0223.

DUBOIS OCTOBER 19 Halloween Pumpkin Carving: Kids are invited to carve a provided pumpkin and enter it in the library carving contest. 1-3p, Dubois Museum, $4, free to kids, info 307455-2284.

LANDER

OCTOBER 19 WYO Gala 2019, Catch Me if You Can the Musical: 5:30p, WYO Theater, $110, info 307-672-9084, wyotheater.com. OCTOBER 20 Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company: Interactive performance and teaching event is designed to get everyone involved in the dance, 2p, Whitney Center for the Arts, $35, $25 seniors, $10 students , info 307675-0360, whitneyarts@sheridan. edu.

03 | NORTHWEST

SEPTEMBER 21 Run Like a Bighorn: 10k trail fun run benefit for Sinks Canyon State Park. 6a registration, 3079 Sinks Canyon Rd, $25, $10 kids, free to watch. Info 307332-6333, sinkscanyonstatepark.org. TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS Indoor Archery: 12-8:30p, 2741 N. Hwy 116, $5, info 307-468-2506. WEDNESDAYS All You Can Eat Buffet: Drinks and desserts included, 5-8p, Upton Golf Course, $10, $7 seniors, info 307468-2847.

SEPTEMBER 28 CWC Apple Orchard Trek: Local expert will talk about apples and the state experimental farm that used to be at the site. 10a, meet at Pioneer Museum and bus to the ranch. $8, registrations required. Info 307-3323373, fremontcountymuseums.com.

S U N DA N C E OCTOBER 5 Pumpkin Patch Festival: Fall festivities take place in downtown Sundance. 10a-2p, Bearlodge Bakery, info 307-283-4020. OCTOBER 15 Monthly Chamber Meeting: Community folks encouraged to attend. 5:15-6:15p, Cowgirl Pizza, info sundance.chamber@gmail. com. WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS Yoga: 4:30p Wed, 5:30p Thu, Central Office Gym, $5, info 307-282-0769. ONGOING Library Events: Story time for toddlers and preschoolers 10:30a Wed; Lunch Bunch book discussion group 11a fourth Thu; Quilting @ the Library 6-8p last Mon. Crook County Library, info 307-283-1006 or crookcountylib@rangeweb.net.

SEP 2019

WHAT'S HAPPENING

SEP 20 – OCT 20

OCTOBER 5 Percussive Art featuring Tattered Art Soldier Sounds: Lander’s Damien Ray performed for last year's Gettysburg anniversary, he returns this fall with a new show. 7p, Pioneer Museum, free, info 307-332-3339. SUNDAYS Swing Dancing at the Coalter Loft: 6-9p, 126 Main St. Free, info 307-3328228.

R I V E RT O N SEPTEMBER 27-29 Rustler Roundup Rodeo: Steer wrestling, barrel racing and more. 1p Fri, 9a Sat, 11a Sun. Fremont County Fair & Rodeo Grounds. Info 307-8552000, fremontcountyfair.org. SEPTEMBER 28 J.B. Okie Manor Trek: Sheep rancher’s home is a spectacular example of early 20th century architecture. 9a-2p, meet at Riverton Museum, $20 advanced registration required, 307-856-2665. OCTOBER 17 Ghost Stories, Urban Myths and Legends: Alma Law will read from the book Fremont Haunts. 6:30p, Riverton Museum, free, info 307-8562665. OCTOBER 19 Haunted Downtown Walking Tour: Museum staff will share haunted myths and legends that surround some of the historical Riverton structures. 5:30-9:30p, Riverton Museum, $8, registration required 307-856-2665.

S O U T H PA S S SEPTEMBER 28 Run the Red Desert: Wyoming Wilderness Association race courses include a half-marathon, 45k, and 120k (75-miler) designed to take runners into the most remote and beautiful country in the Northern Red Desert. Info runthereddesert. com.

OCTOBER 12 Indigenous People’s Day: Learn about the people who lived in Wyoming long before the United States was even a nation. Activities all day, children’s art class at 10a. Washakie Museum, free, info 307347-4102.

04 | SOUTHWEST

TEN SLEEP OCTOBER 14 Hunter Fest: Gun raffle, food, music and vendors at event. 11a2p, 200 block of Pine Street, info 307-347-3226, WTSChamber.org.

E VA N S T O N SUBMIT AN EVENT

THERMOPOLIS SEPTEMBER 27-29 Connie Combs Barrel Clinic: HSC Fairgrounds, info thermopolischamber.org. OCTOBER 11 ArtStroll: 5-8p, Downtown Broadway, info thermopolischamber.org. OCTOBER 11 Moscow and Ukrainian Dance: 7p, Hot Springs County Auditorium, info thermopolischamber.org. OCTOBER 11-12 Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale: 8a-12p, Hot Springs Armory, info thermopolischamber.org. OCTOBER 12 Hot Springs Cool Criterium: 3-4p, Hot Springs State Park, info thermopolischamber.org.

WORLAND SEPTEMBER 21 Modes of Transportation: Children ages 7 and up invited to STEAM class about the mechanics of trains and cars and how they helped settle the West. 10a-12p, Washakie Museum, free, info 307-347-4102.

Send complete information for the November issue’s events by

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

OCTOBER 17 Hunter Widows Night: 5-8p, Historic Downtown Evanston, info 307-7836320. OCTOBER 17-19 Deer Camp: Sagebrush Theatre production, Strand Theatre, info on Facebook. OCTOBER 19 Halloween Scramble Golf Tournament: Purple Sage Golf Course, info 307-789-2383.

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

 wren@

wyomingrea.org

 [307] 772-1968  214 W. Lincolnway

Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 wren-submissions

SEP 2019

OCTOBER 12 Hunter Par 3 Golf Tournament: Purple Sage Golf Course, info 307789-2383.

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

 wyomingrea.org/

SEPTEMBER 28 Evanston Health Fair: 8a-12p, Evanston Recreation Center, info 307783-8348.

F O RT B R I D G E R SEPTEMBER 28 Bike Your Park: Experience the fort in a new way by biking a guided 2-mile path around the fort. 10a, Fort Bridger State Historic Site, free to participants, info 307-782-3842.

02 01

For spacious skies, Jana Ginter, Carpenter

Lightning in the nighttime sky, Judy Cramer, Thermopolis

03 04

After the storm, Sue Sanders, Hulett

Wild Pryor horse, Lorraine Griffith, Byron

January sunrise, Terry Walling, Cheyenne

04 05

THIS MONTH:

SKY

Look for even more sky photos from readers at wyomingrea.org/wrenmagazine/just-picture-it.

NOV (DUE OCT 10):

DEC (DUE NOV 10):

VINTAGE

PREPARATIONS SEP 2019

06 07

06 Purple haze, Heidi Stefanich, Beulah 07 Windy clouds, Megan Kennedy, Siberia Creek out over the Tetons, Bob Hazard, 08 Looking Dubois behind Heart Mountain, 09 Sunset Mike Roberts, Cody

10 Evening masterpiece, Sandra Price, Wheatland 08 09

11 12 13

11 12 13 14

Alcova sunset, Eileen A. Hill, Casper Colorful skies with Heart Mountain, Pat Nelson, Cody Beautiful, Flower Norris, Lander Paddle boating at Little Reservoir Lake, Dianalee Prime, Wheatland

Dropping from the sky, Carrie Miller, Laramie

The sky makes us smile, Ruth Zeller, Lovell

15 16

17 18 19

Colorful evening, Cori Enders, Decker, Montana

18 19 20 21

Reflections of the Beartooth Mountains, Todd Hall, Powell Afternoon skies, Judy S. Rawhouser, Four Corners Big Horn Mountains, Lauree Scott, Gillette Amazing grace in Upton, Krissy Borcher, Moorcroft

JUST PICTURE IT

 wren@wyomingrea.org SUBMIT A PHOTO

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

SEP 2019

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS

LICENSE PLATE LINEUP

FROM PAGE 20

2018-2019

1994-2001

1978-1982

1975-1977

2010-2017

1973

1972 OR 1974

1969

1988-1993

1970

1971

2002-2009

1983-1987

ONE-CALL OF WYOMING

WREN ADVERTISING AD? Call 2 business days before you dig. It's fast, it's free, and it's the law!

811 or 1-800-849-2476

IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE DO THIS

MOVE OVER. IT’S THE LAW SEP 2019

ENLIGHTEN US

Code of the WEST Work hard and do your share. The highest form of praise that can be lavished on anyone in our family comes from the matriarch of our clan. If she says, “He (or she) is a workin’ machine,” no higher accolade can ever come your way. As the original workin’ machine herself, she ought to know. She came here, the product of a thousand generations of German-Swiss women, not one of whom made an inch of room in their family for laziness. We work hard because that’s what we do – it’s the Code of the West.

01 36

SEP 2019

BY WALT GASSON Since the days of the dime novels, the “Code of the West” has been a part of us. It’s real, but it varies a bit from family to family and individual to individual. I guess being here since before the railroad might have something to do with it, but our outfit has one:

02 Help out. Each of us comes here with some gifts. Some of us get obvious ones – like the massive shoulders of my youngest son-in-law that have packed literally thousands of pounds of meat out to the trailhead for our family. Some are a little less obvious – like a tender heart or willing hands. Whatever gifts we come here with, we can and should use them to help someone. We never drive by someone who’s stuck. We always carry a set of jumper cables – not for us, but to help someone else. And we never ask, “What's in it for us?” Why? Because it’s the Code of the West.

Serve God. We are a family of faith. It's who we are. We know God lives and that Jesus Christ is our savior. We try in our own way to be a little more like the savior every day. Sometimes we make it, sometimes we don't. But we know he loves us, so when we fail we get back up and keep on trying. We pray. A lot, I guess. We pray in the morning. We give thanks when God grants us an animal to feed our family. We pray at night. We pray when someone we love needs help. And we pray when we find ourselves in a jackpot that we’re pretty sure we can't get out of on our own. It's just the Code of the West.

Never miss an opportunity to hear the silence.

04 We all screw up sometimes. Old Luke was my first boss, and he used to say that the only people who never make mistakes are people who never do anything. His point was that it was ok to mess up once in a while, as long as you owned up to it and tried to make it right. He was pretty forgiving of a dumb mistake, so long as you didn't try to cover it up and you didn't make it a habit. As a green hand among old veterans, I appreciated that because I made some bonehead mistakes. But I learned to own my mistakes, and that taught me to be a little more forgiving of other people when they screwed up. Old Luke lived by the Code of the West, and I loved him for it. I still do.

Quiet is hard to come by. Stillness is an endangered species in the 21st century, and it's darn near extinct. Phones, tablets and other devices connect us, but they also imprison us. We're talking, texting and tweeting incessantly, obsessively. I miss the silence. If the West has one defining characteristic, it is the scope of its silence. Wallace Stegner said that to understand this place, you have to get over the color green. I would add that you have to disconnect and listen to the silence. That's the Code of the West. That is indeed the heart of the West.

It’s the Code of the West. It’s what we believe. It’s what sustains us in a hard land and in hard times. And it makes us who we are. W Walt Gasson is a fourth-generation Wyoming native and the director of endorsed businesses for Trout Unlimited. SEP 2019

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

 970-221-3232 EXT 22

CATEGORIES 01.

EQUIPMENT

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

MISCELLANEOUS

11.

BUSINESS CONSULTING

12.

FOR RENT

13.

HELP WANTED

14.

DOGS

15.

EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT

16.

BUILDING SUPPLIES

17.

TRAVEL & RECREATION

18.

HEALTH

19.

PERSONAL

20. FREE

SEP 2019

02 | FOR SALE

07 | WANTED

09 | OPPORTUNITIES

New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service & advice. Available for most makes. Thanks. 307-754-3757.

Antique Collector Looking For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs. Will pay fair market value! Also looking for general antiques for our antique shop. Please go to our website FrontierAutoMuseum. com. Located in Gillette WY, our passion is to preserve Wyoming history and the nostalgia of the past, especially Parco, Sinclair, Frontier, Husky and any car dealership along with all brands. We are also always looking for WY license plates and WY highway signs and State Park signs. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647 jwandler@LNH.net or daughter Briana Brewer 307-660-2402 bbrewer@frontierauto.net.

Want to work from home? We are a legitimate work from home company. Call or email Karen at 307-222-4403 or Karen@fpc-1.com. No sales, no risk, no inventory. Your life, your dreams, your business. Website: livetotalwellness. com/ karenhippe.

Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnace. Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks and more. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582. Surplus Equipment New and Used: Generators, air heaters, engine driven pumps, (all sizes), solar pumps, 3” and 4” polypipe, etc. A variety of types and sizes available. Call for pricing and details: Premier PowerPlants & Pumps, Farson, WY 307-2739591. Ten 20 ft metal tower sections. $200/section. Laramie 307-745-4226.

Want to purchase minerals & other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/ Gas Interests producing & nonproducing. 800-733- 8122.

13| HELP WANTED Florquist Construction is looking for carpenters and laborers to assist with residential building. Carpenters need experience in all phases of construction. Call Kraig @ (307) 349-2415. Warm Valley Lodge Assisted Living, Dubois, WY is hiring: FT & PT RNs, LPNs, CNAs. 307-455-2645. SEND RESUMES: warmvalleylodge@wyoming.com.

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

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

Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD’S

Curious Mind

Learning to take the initiative is an important part of development; it helps your kids take on challenges, overcome obstacles, and become more confident in who they are and what they can accomplish on their own.

Encourage your kids to take the initiative and learn independence by letting them:

Make decisions Choose activities, snacks, books to read

Be creative Play outside, make art, spend time with other kids

Do it themselves Get dressed, help cook, put away toys

Know they’re doing a good job Watch, listen, praise their effort

For a fun activity you can do together while still encouraging their independence, visit: wyqualitycounts.org/wren

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

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

SENSE OF SELF & RELATIONSHIPS

CURIOUS MINDS

STRONG & HEALTHY BODIES