NEWS SOURCE FOR WYOMING CO-OP OWNERS SINCE 1954
WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS FEBRUARY 2018
[16] wyoming women HUNT
[26] COACH TEACHES LIFE LESSONS WREN WYOMING FULL PAGE EXPORT WITH NO PRINTERS MARKS
We’ll take ours sunny side up
As a co-op member, 30 percent of the electricity you use comes from renewable resources. Renewables are an important part of Tri-State’s diverse energy mix. A fact that may help you sleep a little easier. Just make sure you don’t snooze past breakfast.
Together, we generate possibilities.
Visit Randy at www.tristate.coop/renewables [22]
[16]
MAGAZINE
THE WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association
The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 64, number 1, February 2018 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per [14] year by Linden Press, Inc., 216 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster – Send address changes to: The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 223 S. Howes St., Fort Collins, CO 80521, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code.
WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 39,631 for 11 months ending in September 2017. WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the entire state of Wyoming and the nation. ESSAYS & Acceptance of advertising by WREN Magazine does not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised ANECDOTES by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.
WREN STAFF FEATURES WREA NOTES Publisher: Linden Press, Inc. • Editor: Maggie Budd 04 LOOKING WYOMING WEEKENDS FORWARD TO 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 13 BLACK HILLS BY SHAWN TAYLOR Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Dick Clifton, President SCENIC BYWAY Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith, Vice President HOME ON THE RANGE Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – CENTERPIECE 22 SOMEONE'S HERO Gary Nix, Secretary/Treasurer 16 WYOMING BY MEGAN BEAVERS Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker WOMEN HUNT Big Horn REC, Basin – Tom Delaney Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees BY RACHEL GIRT JUST FOR FUN Carbon Power, Saratoga – Jerry Rabidue ENLIGHTEN US High Plains Power, Riverton – Hearley Dockham 37 RIDING IN THE High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Ed Prosser CO-OP CLOUD PEAK KIDS' CORNER MEET THE Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog 26 SPOTLIGHT WILDERNESS 14 Niobrara, Lusk – Andy Greer COACH TEACHES BY ROSEMARY CARR PRONGHORN Mike Lohse Powder River Energy, Sundance – LIFE LESSONS Wheatland REA, Wheatland – Sandra Hranchak Wyrulec, Torrington – Dewey Hageman BY NEVA BODIN PUZZLE 24 CONNECT ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO WREN Magazine • 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C THE DOTS Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 772-1968 FROM OUR BY KENDRA SPANJER [email protected] STATE NEWS SUBSCRIPTION RATES READERS BOOK REVIEW $12 per year, Single copies $1.50 each & EVENTS 25 POWER PLAYS ADDRESS CHANGES COUNTRY COOKS BY TED CASE To change, contact: Jean Whitlock: 28 ANTELOPE [307] 286-8140 or [email protected]. Please make THE CURRENT sure to include your name, address and co-op. 06 PEN TO PAPER ADVERTISING 29 AT THE CAMPBELL COVER PHOTO A pronghorn To purchase, contact Dhara Rose: COWBOY STATE BUZZ antelope relaxes in the sunshine west [970] 221-3232 x33 • [email protected] COUNTY FAIR 08 of Cheyenne in December. WHAT IS A HEART OFFICE OF WREN OWNER STRING? PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS 2312 Carey Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001 30 WHAT'S HAPPENING OFFICE OF WREN PUBLISHER Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, JUST PICTURE IT Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001 34 ANIMAL TRACKS
PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK WREA NOTES
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2018
realize we are a month ing various comments from House Bill 36 – Move over into 2018, but it’s still the magazine on our newly requirement. An additional Inew to us, and I hope you all formed Facebook page, and safety measure for our utility SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR had a Merry Christmas and you can read more about that crews, by including them in Happy New Year. When we below. the same category as the high- left each other in December of way patrol, EMTs and other Last year we focused on vari- 2017 I was preparing for what emergency vehicles. ous communities around the was an amazing journey to Bo- state in our “What’s Happen- Senate File 10 • Utilities rate- livia for an international rural ing” page, this year we’ll be making. Clarifies the defini- electrification program, and tion of avoided costs for coop- you can read more about the looking at bigger regions of eratives. trip and the project later in the the state. And finally, for those magazine. of you who send in pictures, Senate File 11 • Public utility poems, recipes, etc. there will regulation joint powers board. For purposes of my column be a change in some of our Allows for joint powers boards this month I wanted to cover deadlines. that enter into utility agree- some new things that will ments to not be regulated by As noted above, the WREA be happening both with the the Public Service Commis- has joined the Facebook era magazine and at the Wyoming sion. Rural Electric Association and would encourage you all (WREA), and also cover some to visit and follow us at www. Senate File 12 • Public Ser- Submissions to WREN legislative issues that will be facebook.com/WyomingRu- vice Commission, member Magazine will now be due ralElectric. Here you will find qualifications. Sets out certain on the 10th of the month coming up during this year’s requirements for future Pub- preceding the issue. We will session in Cheyenne. information about our edu- be sure to let you know the cation and scholarship pro- lic Service Commissioner Re- topic two months ahead. The WREA board of directors grams, historical information quirements. and the WREN editorial staff on electrifying rural America Senate File 14 • Biennial en- have talked for the past sever- and Wyoming, interesting ergy strategy. Creates a five- APRIL ISSUE DEADLINES: al years about making a digital and informative videos, and member energy strategy com- BOOK GIVEAWAY edition of the magazine avail- legislative updates both from mittee to produce and present Power Plays able to those readers who wish Cheyenne and D.C. an energy plan every two entries due Mar 10 to read an electronic version, years. Speaking of legislative up- COUNTRY COOKS while still continuing with our Parsley recipes award-winning print edition. dates, the Wyoming Legisla- Senate File 47 • Eminent Do- due March 10 Beginning with this issue, we ture will convene for a 20-day main-wind energy collector will have a poll on the Archive budget session beginning on systems. Prohibits the use of JUST PICTURE IT “Green” photos page asking for your prefer- February 12. Despite the elect- eminent domain for wind farm due Mar 10 ence. It may take some time ed officials facing huge bud- collector systems. to compile the data and see get deficits that will consume WHAT'S HAPPENING Here is to a great 2018! April events what avenue we go down, but much of their time, there are a due March 10 we will have past issues avail- couple of non-budget related able on the website beginning pieces of legislation that we’ll this year. We’ll also be featur- be focusing on:
4 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON ISN’T ENOUGH.
We’re not your typical electric company, we’re a local not-for-profi t electric cooperative. We power our community with more than just electricity. Our employees give time and resources to help build a better community. YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP.
Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com WREN | DEC 2017 5
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BRINGING IN DECEMBER, I was fortunate to LIGHT TO travel to rural Bolivia to witness people getting electricity for the first time.
It was like traveling to rural Wyoming more
than 75 years ago and The morning of inauguration TAYLOR PHOTOS BY SHAWN witnessing farmers day, I went for a hike up about and ranchers flipping took care of us; getting our 15,000 feet. From there I the switch, experienc- gear, bedding and food up the ing the miracle of light. could see the poles, wires and mountain safely up a scary dirt You might think the transformers for the entire road with a smile on his face word “miracle” is too village. It was a great time to and gratitude in his heart. dramatic, but when I saw the faces of the reflect on what we were doing I mentioned that the crew did people whose lives there, as well as how fortunate almost all the work because the were about to change, I we are to live where we do. bucket and digger trucks from could think of no other the state-owned utility out of word. Cochabamba didn’t show up. Harken back to the early days of co-ops where our founding fathers My trip lasted a week, but the did what others wouldn’t. The same thing happened here. The crew planning that goes into something told us that the day before they got there, the local villagers dug like this was years in the making, about 100 postholes, and the anchor holes were dug by hand! When and the seven-man line crew from the crew showed up, they set all the poles the old-fashioned way, Missouri who did all the work (or with ropes and a lot of manpower. The locals kicked in to help. It almost all, more on that later) had was amazing to witness. been down there for a week before I arrived. The morning of inauguration day, I went for a hike up about 15,000 The purpose of the project was feet. From there I could see the poles, wires and transformers for BOLIVIA to electrify half of the rural com- the entire village. It was a great time to reflect on what we were do- munity of Chapisirca. The other ing there, as well as how fortunate we are to live where we do. half of the village was electrified At the inauguration celebration, the town elders thanked the last year, in a project also put on crew and everybody that made this happen, and the crew foreman by the National Rural Electric As- thanked the townspeople for their warmth, hospitality and assis- sociation (NRECA) International tance during the project. The speeches were short because we had Program. I was there to observe, record and hopefully come back home to Wyoming and put a crew BELOW Visitors and villagers together for a project in 2020. worked together to set light poles BY WREA the old-fashioned way – by hand. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Just getting to Chapisirca was a SHAWN TAYLOR challenge. First we flew overnight from Miami to La Paz, where we could really feel the effects of be- ing at 12,000 feet. From there we flew to Cochabamba and met our driver, Javier. I prefer to think of Javier as a Sherpa, because he
6 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 THE CURRENT
LEFT The village elder’s wife sits under an electrified light. Her home was the first to get electricity this year. ABOVE A view of Chapisirca from 15,000 feet.
to have translators, but they were heartfelt. Before the ceremony I elder Segundo’s home, and the picture I got of his wife is gave the children in the village small gifts; friendship bracelets, min- priceless. It really tells the whole story of why we were iature soccer balls, pencils (they loved the pencils) and a few other there. things. The crew presented school supplies, and the kids and their I’ll never forget this amazing experience, and I must parents had ear-to-ear grins the whole time. thank the following people: Ingrid Hunsicker with NRE- After the celebration we went back to our quarters, ate lunch and CA International; the crew from Missouri; Javier, Fer- packed, but still had to go back and turn the lights on, as we were nando and Marco with NRECA International in Bolivia; waiting for the city utility folks to energize the lines. That took about Fabricio our translator, a smart kid who just earned his an hour, and when we went back to where the celebration had taken masters in electrical engineering and wants to move to place, nobody had left. They plugged in a stereo system that some- the states and work for a co-op; and most importantly, one brought from Cochabamba, and they were hanging out listening the WREA Board of Directors for allowing me to go on to music using their new electricity! The lights came on in the town this great adventure. W
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 7 COWBOY STATE BUZZ
TRI-STATE TEACHING KIDS AND EDUCATORS ABOUT ELECTRICITY
ABOVE Demonstrating a Van de Graaff
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8 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 COWBOY STATE BUZZ
RI-STATE GENERA- careers in electric professional cur- TION and Transmission cooperatives. Topics riculum credit, along Association and its mem- are adjusted to ac- T 2018 NEED PROJECT with STEM curricu- ber electric cooperatives commodate various lum regarding the are reaching out to schools and teachers age groups, and are JUNE 19-21 science of energy, available for kinder- in their service territories with two free Tri-State • Westminster sources of energy, garten through high programs – The Story Behind the Switch electricity efficiency and the NEED Project. school. and more. The Story Behind the Switch is an inter- The National Energy Education De- In 2017, 45 teachers participated in active STEM-style activity that Tri-State velopment (NEED) Project is a sum- the conference, including one from employees present at schools. During mer conference where fourth- through Wyoming. Two Wyoming educators in the program, students can interact with 12th–grade teachers can learn about Wheatland REA’s service territory have a Van de Graaff generator and a plasma the latest developments in energy, and already applied for the 2018 conference. ball, both of which can make a student’s take home a kit with hands-on lessons W hair stand on end. for their students. Attendees receive
The program also covers energy safety, i resources and efficiency, the path of electricity from the power plant to the TO APPLY FOR EITHER PROGRAM, home, conductors and insulators, and contact Michelle Pastor at [303] 254-3187 or [email protected].
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FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 9 COWBOY STATE BUZZ
MILE• STONES
WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS JAN•FEB 1958
PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS ETZEL KELLY BY PHOTO WHERE IN WYO? This year, WREN Magazine DECEMBER’S ANSWER will feature milestones from WREN Magazine, circa 1958. This statue depicts This fish can’t swim in a cowboy sifting concrete, but it tells dirt through his tales of its friends hands. The cowboy Look how we nearby, who lurk in was modeled after a local citizen, and the horse was modeled have changed! two quiet reservoirs. after one of the sculptor’s favorite animals. Visitors to this park The base of the statue features tiles spon- may be on their way sored by area ranches. It’s located in down- town Thermopolis. up to a football game, or down to a very Congratulations to Laurie Harvey of Thermopolis for being the first person to correctly identify the important meeting. photograph.
WANT TO STUMP YOUR Send us your WHERE IN WYOMING? FELLOW READERS? photo to: [email protected]
Take it slow Know before you go.
Get up-to-the-minute travel information by using the Wyoming 511 app or visiting www.wyoroad.info.
10 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 Tired of struggling on the stairs?
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SHOSHONI STUDENT WINS NATIONAL RODEO AWARD BY GAYLE M. IRWIN WYOMING IS KNOWN as the Cowboy Last summer the Shoshoni bending, and goat tying. She School student won world uses different horses during State; fourteen-year-old Lanna Jordan champion in the breakaway different competitions. Sid, contributes to that fact. roping competition during a 21-year-old quarter horse, the National Junior High is her choice for breakaway School Rodeo Finals in Ten- roping, and Snoop Dog is a BELOW Lanna Jordan ropes a calf nessee. at the 2017 Junior High National Finals six-year-old part thorough- Rodeo in Lebanon, Tenn. Jordan won a variety of priz- bred she uses for barrel rac- es, including a Todd Sloan ing. saddle, belt buckles, horse blankets, and a $1,050 col- “He has quite a bit of speed,” lege scholarship to the school Jordan said. “I raised him and of her choice. trained him on the barrels myself.” Rodeo runs in her family. Jordan acknowledges she “My dad did team roping, and couldn’t do so much all by my mom was a barrel racer as well as a team roper,” Jordan herself. In addition to her said. “When my mom and dad parents and grandparents,b got together, my grandfather she said she is grateful to her COURTESY OF RODEOPIX COURTESY started teaching her to rope. community and friends. He won quite a few saddles “Patty Sue and Freddie Pe- and buckles team-roping, and I said, ‘Wow, that’s cool terson – they have a daugh- – I’d like to try it!’ He started ter, Josie – Sid was her horse, giving me lessons, and it just and she wanted me to have took off from there.” him; she thought I could suc- ceed and go places with him.” Her grandfather, Gene Jor- dan, owns a ranch. Jordan The Petersons were obvi- credits her family, as well as ously right. friends, for helping her de- velop an enjoyment of rodeo “I was very fortunate that she events. let me use him; we’ve been nothing but a solid team, and “I grew up around horses, I want to give a big thank you and I have a connection with to the Petersons for letting them,” she said. “I was always riding, moving cows up in the me use Sid,” Jordan said. mountains or on the farm. Turning 15 next month, this “My parents would take me young champion isn’t hang- to team roping (events) and ing up her spurs anytime barrel races,” she contin- soon – she has her eyes on ued. “I had friends whose the future. parents rodeoed, and I said, ‘Oh, my gosh – I want to be “I want to continue making like them!" She participates it to the national finals, and in barrel racing, team rop- I hope to go to college for ro- ing, breakaway roping, pole deo somewhere,” she said. W 12 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 WYOMING WEEKENDS PHOTO BY RICK CARPENTER, WYDOT BY PHOTO b A TASTE OF THE OLD WEST BLACK HILLS SCENIC BYWAY
THE BLACK HILLS are a tree- THE WYOMING BLACK HILLS SCENIC BYWAY RUNS covered mountain range, set right 78 MILES ALONG US 85 AND US 16, FROM UPTON in the center of miles of prairie. TO FOUR CORNERS, BY WAY OF NEWCASTLE. The name Black Hills is a transla- tion of the Lakota Pahá Sápa, and it describes the appearance of the mountains from far away. BEAVER CREEK LOOP TOUR The area is home to the high- If the weather is good, consider est peaks of continental North driving from Four Corners to Newcastle on Beaver Creek America east of the Rockies. The Road. On the drive you may see tallest mountain is Harney Peak, wildlife, scenery and many his- at 7,244 feet above sea level. This torical markers along the way. area was subject to a land treaty, You can pick up brochures for and then a gold rush, and some the tour at the Anna Miller Mu- of its Old West history is appar- seum or the Newcastle Cham- ber of Commerce. ent even today.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.DOT.STATE.WY.US AND SEARCH FOR “SCENIC BYWAYS.” BYWAYS BACKROADS
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 13 ILLUSTRATION BY BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE INTERN SIERRA MORROW KIDS’ CORNER MEET THE
CONTENT PROVIDED BY
The answer can be found in the fossil record. Twenty million years American cheetahs went WHY ARE PRONGHORNS ago, pronghorn were stalked by American cheetahs. While these extinct about 12,000 years SO MUCH FASTER THAN 200-pound cats were more closely related to modern cougars than ago, around the time humans COYOTES, WOLVES to African cheetahs, their long legs and powerful chests were shaped arrived in North America. like a cheetah’s, leading paleontologists to think that they raced It looks like pronghorn AND COUGARS? after ancient pronghorn, driving them to the speeds we see today. ultimately won the race.
SCIENTIFIC APPEARANCE HABITAT conservation Pronghorn are small Pronghorn prefer wide, open One hundred years ago, with NAME for North American spaces, where they can see fewer than 20,000 left, it was Antilocapra ameri- ungulates. Their predators coming. In the east- feared that pronghorn would go cana. While it is brown and white ern part of Wyoming, they feed extinct. But conservation efforts sometimes called coat blends into the on grasses most of the year; paid off — now there are approx- “pronghorn ante- landscape, and their in more western areas they imately one million pronghorn, lope” or “Ameri- eyes are exception- use sagebrush as their staple and more than half of them live can antelope,” the ally large. Their horn food. They are flexible feeders, in Wyoming. The strong recov- pronghorn is not sheaths, made of making use of whatever plants ery is due to the pronghorn’s an antelope. It is so modified hairs, are are available, including win- high reproductive rate (many different from other shed each autumn, ter wheat and alfalfa. Many twins), the availability of good ungulates (hoofed then regrow. The pronghorn migrate between habitat, and scientific manage- animals) that it has horns of males be- summer and winter ranges. ment practices. Today, wildlife its own family, An- come taller than the The longest known migration experts are transporting Wyo- tilocapridae, whose animal’s ears, while of any pronghorn herd is made ming pronghorn to repopulate closest cousins are the horns of females in Wyoming — between Green the historic range of pronghorn, giraffes and Asian remain shorter than River and Grand Teton which extends from southern musk deer. their ears. National Park. Canada to central Mexico.
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wyoming women HUNT
First-timers and old-timers gather for fifth year of event.
BY RACHEL GIRT DRIVING UP THE NARROW, cottonwood-lined dirt lane to the Ranch at Ucross in northeast Wyoming every October feels like returning home. For many, the annual Wyoming Women's Antelope Hunt is a cherished reunion of friends; and for new participants, a welcoming place to learn about hunting and conservation.
This ladies-only antelope hunt, the and taught meat processing. "Turns out the first in the nation, celebrated its fifth hunt helped my economic self-sufficiency annual event in 2017. The Wyoming too," she said with a smile. Women's Foundation started the hunt Gloria Esguerra Courser of Jackson was one of in 2013 to promote camaraderie and mentorship through the 34 inaugural hunters in 2013. She braved hunting, and to raise funds for grants and special projects to one of the worst early Oc- help women and girls across the state. tober blizzards on recent Since inception, the event has raised record, with whiteout con- more than $280,000 to help carry out ditions, to harvest an ante- its work and has worked with about 40 lope. She has returned every hunters each year. year since then, including in Kathryn Boswell of Cheyenne was the 2017 when she was a guide- board chair of the Wyoming Women's in-training. RIGHT Walking Foundation when the decision was "It took almost 40 years to up a hillside in the made to host the hunt, and has volun- find a passion that I feel so early morning hours. teered from the beginning. "I loved that deep within my soul. I want hunting aligns so well with our mission. to share it with anyone will- Teaching women to put food on the ta- ing to learn," said Courser, ble is a Wyoming way that women can who is a bookkeeper, shoot- be more economically self-sufficient." ing and archery instructor, Over the course of its five years, the or- and hunting guide. "The ganizers have worked hard to fine-tune Wyoming Women’s Ante- the details to keep improving the expe- lope Hunt was the fertile rience and offer more educational oppor- ground where this passion grew. Growing from a hunter pur- tunities for hunters, including classes on suing a lifestyle for myself to a guide wanting to share this pas- meat processing and cooking game meat. sion with others: I have the hunt to thank for that!" But the real change has been the personal Encouragement and support from women mentors add to the growth of the participants. overall experience. Laurie DeVries of Atascadero, Califor- After her hunting experience the third year nia noted that watching Courser, who was one of her guides, of the event, Boswell admits she caught roll up her sleeves and field dress an antelope was inspiring. the bug. "I've been 'outdoorsy' all my life - "Watching a woman confidently doing these things was amaz- hiking, camping, biking, wildlife watching ing to me. Observing and listening to her instruction fueled - but this was participating on the land- the possibilities for me to thrive as a solo female hunter. My scape in a way I never imagined." In 2017, husband Dirk hunted, and I always went along as a camp cook she returned to the hunt as an employee of and mama. He did everything for me: I never even drove long the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, distances by myself." continued on page 18 PHOTOS BY RACHEL GIRT PHOTOS BY RACHEL
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 17 RIGHT Hunters sight in their rifles, with the help of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, then head to hunter orientation on the first afternoon of the Women’s Antelope Hunt. PHOTO BY STEVEN GIRT
continued from page 17
After Dirk's devastating loss to cancer, DeVries learned to hunt and even drove from California to Wyoming by herself for the first time. She laughs that the open expanse along Interstate 80 almost made her turn back, but she persevered. "I felt welcome from day one when I fi- nally arrived, with everyone genuinely concerned about how I was doing and Amy safety in the field." The sound of excited voices DeVries called the hunt a tremendous opportunity that has brought much chatting wafts in between the healing to herself and her family, who sound of diesel ranch trucks are quite proud of her accomplishments, warming up in the parking lot. which include receiving the 2017 Teddy The anticipation in the air is Roosevelt Award the final night. This infectious. I have photographed award is named after the U.S. president, conservation champion and co-founder this hunt for the last five years, of the Boone & Crockett Club, which and it never gets old. sponsors the award. Voted on by the guides, this award is given to the par- ticipant with the most fortitude: who kept trying and stayed tough; win, lose or draw.
18 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 Far from an elite event, staff members of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. As FROM STRANGERS TO the Women's Antelope shots ring out and targets are hit, the cheers erupt, thawing the Hunt draws women awkwardness. Once the hunters feel confident with their shots, PART OF THE FAMILY from across the nation, they head back to the ranch for a safety briefing, then dinner from varied backgrounds. Most are strangers; a few know each with their guide, their hunting partner and, in many cases, the other from previous years as some hunters return to volunteer owner of the private land they will hunt. and hunt. Some attend via all-expenses-paid scholarships, gen- erously supported by sponsors. Others are sponsored by their The next morning, before dawn, the sound of excited voices companies or raise money back at home to attend. chatting wafts in between the sound of diesel ranch trucks That first afternoon of the event, many are quiet and maybe warming up in the parking lot. The anticipation in the air is a little shy at first, not knowing anyone, sighting in their ri- infectious. I have photographed this hunt for the last five years, fles under the supervision of women mentors like Courser and and it never gets old. continued on page 20
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 19 continued from page 19
So in the cold, dark, low-fog-covered morning, I cram into the backseat with hunter Rose Anne Rinne of Cheyenne, our lunches stacked between us among the backpacks and extra clothing. Rinne grew up hunting with her brothers and brings a wealth of experience, not to mention having attended this event every year. Driving us is mild-mannered Jim Mentock, a knowl- edgeable guide from Cody. Next to him in the front seat is hunter Barbara Annan of Rapid City, South Dakota, a relatively new hunter who Rinne insisted should go first, getting the prime spotting position on the front seat.
The section of land we are headed to is maybe a 20-minute drive away, but we drive the winding roads cautiously, keeping a sharp lookout for any signs of mule deer in the headlights. Mentock describes the terrain, the majority of which is a historic ranch. Most of the women hunt on private land, usually ranches, which the average hunter does not have access to. ABOVE Barbara Annan of Rapid City, S.D., Rose Ann Rinne of Cheyenne and guide Jim Mentock of Cody look for sign of During our drive, Rinne gently encourages Annan PHOTO BY RACHEL GIRT antelope in the early hours of the morning. to ask questions and talk about her background, in- terjecting every once in a while with tips. Under the growing light, our group packs our gear, navigates a barbwire fence and heads into the rolling hills. Rinne continues to coach Annan, helping her adjust her gun sling and talking about what to do if we spot a buck. With no elusive antelope in sight, our guide spends part of the morning with Annan practicing stalking, bellycrawling and even focusing her sights on a distant HOW TO PARTICIPATE target. Rinne and I, however, quietly giggling, sprawl in a nearby ditch, sharing stories, before she encour- ages me to practice setting up a shot with her rifle, giv- SHERIDAN COUNTY ing me pointers.
Part of the success of the Wyoming Women's Antelope Hunt is this mentor relationship. Hearing advice from another woman eases the nerves, and in many cases, UCROSS gives them a coach and someone to look up to. Over the last five years, I have watched women hunters and the wonderful guides teach how to navigate the land, Join the Wyoming Women's Foundation for follow the best safety practices and hunt ethically and its sixth annual Wyoming Women's Antelope fairly. Not everyone fills a tag – I didn't when I hunted Hunt, slated for Oct. 11-14, 2018 at the Ranch in 2016, and neither did Annan – but all leave with at Ucross in northeastern Wyoming. The event more confidence, better skills, and the bonds of a new family that continues to support each other beyond will host more than 40 women from all over the hunt. W the country supported by corporate sponsor- ships, scholarships, and individual hunters.
Rachel Girt is a freelance writer and owner of Girt Communica- tions based in Cheyenne. INFO: WYOMINGWOMENSANTELOPEHUNT.ORG.
20 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 ADVANCEDHEARING AID TECHNOLOGY Costs 82% Less “I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!” — Don W., Shermer, TX How can a hearing aid costs 82% less? The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Advanced Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now... MD earin Ai supplies the same kind of Advanced Technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Over 250,000 satisfi ed customers agree: High quality FDA registered TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL! Hearing is believing and we invite you to Near The fact is, you don’t need to spend try a nearly invisible hearing aid with no In i i e thousands for a medical-grade annoying whistling or background noise for digital hearing aid. MD earin Ai BIG SOUND. yourself. If you are not completely satisfi ed TINY PRICE. assembled a sophisticated line of high- with your MD earin Ai , return it within performance hearing aids for every 45 days for a FULL REFUND. BATTERIES budget. All work right out of the box INCLUDED! with no time-consuming “adjustment” For the Lo e t Price Ca READY TO USE appointments. You can contact a RIGHT OUT OF hearing specialist conveniently online THE BOX! or by phone—even after sale at no 800-728-1670 cost. No other company provides such GetMDHearingAid.com extensive support and value. U e Co e No that o no ... h a more FREE Batteries DH29 Plus FREE Shipping DOCTOR DESIGNED AUDIOLOGIST TESTED FDA REGISTERED M H A A R R
WREN | DEC 2017 21 HOME ON THE RANGE
BY MEGAN BEAVERS
SOMEONE'S HERO A HERO IS SOMEONE who protects our country, someone who runs into burn- ing buildings, someone who leaps tall buildings and wears a red cape, someone who performed open-heart surgery on my toddler nephew and saved his life. I have many heroes in my life and I haven’t considered myself as one.
It’s not uncommon for me to hear from fashion sense: patterns, bright colors a little kid who wants to be a veterinar- and sparkles galore. I’ll see her in little ian when they grow up; it’s inevitable pink cowgirl boots, galloping circles when I am looking at their pets. I tell around her mother on beanpole legs. their parents to start saving their money It seemed for awhile, every time I came to now, and hint that changing their mind this farm to look at an old or sick horse, to something less stressful, like a profes- I determined that the humane thing to sional chicken-watcher, might be more do was to end the animal’s suffering. of a realistic life goal. The worst part was that these gentle old I seem to frequent a local horse farm for souls were the horses that helped raise various things. Their little girl is always this little girl. They were the first manes outside when I’m checking on the horse that caressed her baby-soft skin. They in question. She has great mismatched were the backs that carried her high
22 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 HOME ON THE RANGE
above the ground and helped mold a My brother found a dead bat in his ga- new young horseman. They would be the rage one evening. He was showing the hardest to lose; the hardest to replace. kids and teaching them a lesson about One-by-one over a few months’ time, bats and leaving them alone. My niece these old horses left the farm at the hand chimed in, “oh, he dead,” in her Gremlin of Dr. Megan. It was to a point that when accent. her mom told her I was coming over to “We gonna take him to Megan,” (Grem- SheepSkin SlipperS check an animal, she questioned why I lin laughing), “she fix him” (more Grem- On SAle! was going to kill something else. We’ve had a busy year at HIGH PLAINS lin laughing). SHEEPSKIN, making and shipping thousands Her mom told me awhile back that her of these great slippers to people in all 50 states. children were playing and the girl was I was so overjoyed to have made that We have some overstock, so we’re putting feeding the boy grass. Then she chased impression on her, and tickled that she them on Sale for 15% off. Our durable used a monster hardsole sheepskin slippers are now $65.00, him around, trying to sheepskin soled $55.00. Sale price between give him a shot. When voice. She thinks I January 15 and February 28 only. Sizes and asked what they were can bring a bat back colors may be limited. Shipping is $8.90 for the first item, $4.00 for each additional item. doing, the girl delight- from the dead. So WE MAKE GREAT HATS & MITTENS, TOO! edly replied —as if it I was that kid. My now it is common wasn’t plainly obvi- imaginary games knowledge to her pO Box 1410 ous to her mother east helena, MT 59635 revolved around that I’m an animal www.hpsheepskin.com — that she was play- MADE IN MONTANA doctor, and she likes from American Sheepskin ing Dr. Megan. As her animals and saving to help instruct my Order on the internet, by mail or phone! mom was telling me them. Little did I know brother on all things what kind of “shot” that dream would in that department. 1-800-99SlipS she was going to give become a reality just After finding a deer her brother, my imagi- nation went wild. Of a few years later. caught in a fence, course I would know she told my brother what she was going to the next best course give. All this little girl knows is that I kill of action, “Aw, poor deer. He don’t feel animals. But surprisingly, she was giv- good. We take him to Megan.” I’m not protect what matters ing him a shot to make him better! sure what accent she used, maybe Brit- ish. I hear more and more stories like this. looks like More and more kids are watching and I think back to myself at these ages. I was mother learning and emulating things they see that kid. My imaginary games revolved nature me do and say. Even the tiniest tots are around animals and saving them. Little surprising. did I know that dream would become a DIY KIT 30 x 36 Starting at $8,559 My brother doesn’t have any pets. For reality just a few years later. And it is their animal fix, my niece and nephews becoming more apparent that I am turn- enjoy coming to their crazy Aunt Me- ing into the hero I once had, except to gan’s funny farm to play with all our crit- a generation of new kids. I’m a part of a ters. I thought they were still too young whole community of heroes. We don’t to really understand the concept of doc- wear capes: we save animals. Unfortu- tors for themselves, let alone that there nately I still can’t bring bats back from Check out our new 3D are doctors for animals. My little niece designer on our website! the dead. Yet. W doesn’t say too much at first. She’s on the go constantly, taking in everything Visit our website at she can. But when she gets to know you, Megan Beavers is a veterinarian in Rock Springs WorldwideSteelBuildings.com she’s really Chatty Cathy. and Farson. for more information.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 23 PUZZLE CONNECT THE
DOTSUse a pencil to draw lines from letter to letter in the sequence they appear in a famous quote. When done correctly, your drawing will reveal a historical monument dedicated to the author of these wise words. But be careful: there are multiple instances of many of the letters! If the truths are not self-evident, pursue the answers on page 32.
START HERE
SOLUTION
24 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 BOOK REVIEW
Ted Case has written The forward march of America’s not- T IT an outstanding book S for-profit, member-owned electric T I H outlining the history W
cooperatives has been closely intertwined Y
N
A F of the electric co-op with decisions made in the Oval Office. F
I
T
Y
B program. It should
Ted Case brilliantly brings to life how
O T
O be required reading relations with the nation’s chief executive H P for every CEO, board over the past seventy-five-plus years member, and employee have impacted the ability of electric of every electric co-op co-ops to fulfill their core mission: in the country. This improving the rural quality of life.
book should get your Perry Stambaugh, Senior Director and Editor, “Rural Electric TED CASE co-op blood pumping! (RE) Magazine” and creator of the Electric Cooperative Almanac Glenn English, Former U.S. Representative and NRECA CEO Ted Case has added an important POWER volume to the history of one of the most Power Plays offers a important public private partnerships dramatic, compelling ever conceived... the electrification account of the greatest PLAYS of rural America. Through insightful political victories in research and novelist prose, he takes electric co-op history. us on a journey of how rural electric A must read for electric PUBLICATION INFORMATION: cooperatives changed the course of co-op leaders. history by engaging U.S. presidents over 2013 | 247p. | $15.95 Bob Bergland, Former U.S. Secretary the past 75 years. Current leaders in the ISBN: 978-0989182904 of Agriculture and NRECA General cooperative movement could use it as a Publisher: Self-Published Manager playbook for the next 75 years. http://tedcaseauthor.com/ product/power-plays/ Adam Schwartz, Founder, The Cooperative Way
NOVEMBER'S BOOK WINNER: WIN A COPY OF POWER PLAYS! Ruth McNally FREE ROSET
Book Drawing DECEMBERS'S BOOK WINNERS: c/o WREN Magazine Name: 214 W. Lincolnway Bill Koch ENTER Ste. 21C NEWCASTLE TO WIN Phone: Cheyenne, WY 82001 Jill Mackey SUNDANCE wyomingrea.org/ Address: wren-submissions
ENTRIES DUE BY MARCH 10. One entry per household, please.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 25 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT
COACH TEACHES LIFE LESSONS BY NEVA BODIN
“I'VE NEVER TAKEN a year off from wrestling since The key to success for the Moor- croft wrestlers is how they work I was six years old,” Charlie Williams said. Williams, a together. The team includes five-time state champion high school wrestling coach in about 30 kids in high school and Moorcroft, has been nominated by Powder River Energy 20 in junior high. Corporation’s electrical cooperative region as an educa- “Our team has been a lot more of a family than a wrestling team. tor who makes a difference in his community. It’s been one of the pillars of our success with our wrestling. We’re “He is an exceptional communicator. He talks to his wrestlers and lets them super-fortunate to be successful, but number know his expectations. If they mess up… he accepts the responsibility and one: we are trying to make better individuals. communicates it to them,” said Todd Seeley, who is the GIS Manager for PRE- Sports are practice for real lives. The adversities you face in sports are the same in real life,” said Corp and a volunteer assistant coach for the Moorcroft Wrestling Team. Williams. Williams’ coaching leaves a lasting impression on team Tucker Allison, one of Wil- members. liams’ wrestling students, agrees, “Wrestling is a good “Wrestlers from years past still seek out advice from him “[Wrestling] enables on life decisions and choices. He has changed the lives of thing; all aspects.” He add- his wrestlers and brings them together as a team year af- the kids and gives so ed there’s a mental aspect ter year,” Seeley said. “He puts a lot of extra effort into his much confidence. to wrestling, “You become coaching: it’s the kids that matter to him.” mentally tough. You can ba- They set goals, sically accomplish anything Born on a ranch north of Moorcroft, Williams has coached achieve goals and in life.” wrestling for 16 years at Moorcroft Schools, the same learn how to deal with Tommy Schlater, also a stu- schools where he received his early education. After at- dent of Williams, said he tending Dickinson State University in North Dakota, he loss. They learn how learns self-discipline and taught mathematics and biology at Moorcroft for 12 years. to try harder than you “how to push yourself to be He is also a rancher; raising cattle and sheep. think you can.” a better person on and off While continuing on as a coach, he has quit teaching. “It the mat.” was a hard decision a couple years ago to give up teaching “Wrestling and the team are to ranch,” said Williams. He transitions from coaching wrestling to calving in part of him. He welcomes anyone to his room. March, and lambing in mid-May. “For about five years I was ranching, teach- It’s awesome,” Seeley said of Williams. ing and coaching, and I had absolutely no time.” The team becomes a family that feels a personal Williams said wrestling “enables the kids and gives so much confidence. They connection to Williams and each other, said Alli- set goals, achieve goals and learn how to deal with loss. They learn how to try son. “When you come on the wrestling team, you harder than you think you can.” got 30 other brothers. It’s an awesome team.”
26 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 PHOTO BY KELLI ALLISON CO-OP SPOTLIGHT
ABOVE Charlie Williams, center, in a hat, reacts during the Pat Weede Memorial Wrestling Invitational in Gillette in December.
The wrestling team is active in the com- so I spend all the time I can with my fam- munity, helping with fund-raisers and ily. My wife runs barrels for the PRCA, so community service. “We help clean out we spent a lot of time this past summer houses and move stuff,” Schlater said. with the rodeo too.”
They also help ranchers. “Coaches are very influential people in kids’ lives,” continued Williams. “I’ve “I use my wrestlers a lot, so does the helped lots of my wrestlers, whether it whole community of Moorcroft for all be grades or other issues. There’s been the branding, all the docking,” Williams a number of kids that probably wouldn’t said. “These guys go right from wrestling season to branding season, and they get have graduated from high school if to spend a lot of time together. It’s a it hadn’t been for wrestling. It really great community service and it’s great helped pull them through and to see the Looks Like She’s for the kids too. The local producers pay point of their education, which is the Ready for Easter! them pretty well.” whole point why they are there anyway.” YOU CAN BE, TOO! “In the spring we’ll get calls, me or one His wrestlers agree. ORDER BY MARCH 27TH of my team captains, they’ll want six “He’s a great coach,” Allison said. “He or eight guys, and there are days we’ve works with us every day.” Get FREE SHIPPING sent three different crews three differ- on any order over $50 ent directions… One wrestler figured he “He’s definitely made a big impact Use code: WREN-FREE worked with 12,000 head last year.” through wrestling on me,” said Schlater. ONLINE ONLY | EXPIRES 03/27/18 W Besides coaching, coordinating branding teams, haying crews, and other commu- nity activities with his wrestling teams, Neva Bodin is a Casper-based freelance writer, QBee.org Williams said, “I’m a husband and a dad registered nurse, painter and poet.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 27 COUNTRY COOKS
ANTELOPE ANTELOPE BAKED MEAT BALLS BOB’S SLOW-COOKED 1 1/2 LBS GROUND ANTELOPE MEAT ANTELOPE 1 CUP GRATED CARROTS ROAST 1-1.5 LBS ANTELOPE STEAKS OR ROAST 1 CUP GRATED POTATOES In a Crock-Pot place the (IF USING ROAST, CUT TO THICK STEAK SIZE) 1 MEDIUM ONION, CHOPPED following ingredients: 1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION 1 TSP SALT 1/4 LB. (ONE STICK) OF BUTTER 1 CUP CATSUP 1/4 TSP PEPPER 1 PACKET OF AU JUS DRY MIX 1/4 CUP RED WINE VINEGAR 1/4 TSP GARLIC POWDER 1 PACKET OF RANCH DRESSING MIX 1 TSP GARLIC POWDER 1 TBS WORCHESTERSHIRE SAUCE 1 BEEF BOUILLON CUBE 2 TBS SUGAR 1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP 1 CUP OF WATER 1 TSP DRY MUSTARD 2-1/2 TO 3 LBS. ANTELOPE ROAST 1 TSP CHILI POWDER Mix together ground meat, carrots, 1/4 TSP PEPPER potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, garlic Cook on low approximately 1 – 14.5 OZ CAN CHOPPED TOMATOES four hours or until tender. It may powder and Worchestershire sauce take longer depending on the and form into balls. Roll in flour and size of the roast and your brown. Put brown meatballs in a In a little oil, brown meat and onions. Combine remaining ingredients in slow preference of texture. 13 x 9 casserole dish. Mix cream of cooker. Add meat and onions. Cook at mushroom soup and one can of medium heat until it simmers. Adjust to CHARLOTTE SMITH water. Pour over meatballs and low heat and cook 7-8 hours, until meat bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. comes apart with a fork. Serve with FORT LARAMIE mashed potatoes or rice. NANCY DENK RIVERTON ROBERT STAPLETON KINNEAR
Send complete recipe by March 10! APRIL'S INGREDIENT: Please include your name, hometown, and a phone number.
SUBMIT A RECIPE [email protected] | [307] 772-1968 PARSLEY 214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions
28 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 PEN TO PAPER
At the Campbell County Fair
BY LESLIE BEADLES
What is a heart string?
No one uses this phrase anymore. BY REATHA THOMAS OAKLEY Unlike English speakers in the 15th century, who believed Molly, granddaughter courtesy of Don, strands of nerves held the human heart together, modern folk know proteins titin and actinin keep the muscle intact. white jeans and shirt, silver State Fair But these original thinkers... Did they imagine thin gold belt buckle won at age nine, strands? Or yellow silk?
hair pulled into twin bouncing tails, They couldn't have known about violin strings – freckles across that clear, lovely face, i.e. 16th century And they didn't know about plastic yet. But the plastic that the four long-eared Nubians holds soda cans together could probably clutch a half dozen can't be cared for in the shade. beating hearts in place too.
Maybe they thought heart strings were like horse hair. Thin and strong enough to pass electricity, an idea they Molly, I say as we leave, my pride could feel but didn't know existed yet.
in you has no bounds, not just for Did they think the string is thick like a rope?
the purple ribbons won in every event, Or thin like a strand of spider's web?
but for the young woman you have become, Maybe they felt a soft braid
my pride in you has no bounds, it soars. Like the hair of a maid I can see them, 15th century lads and lassies, sitting beneath the trees and plucking their chests like strings on a guitar
Making notes and snaps–
We share a selection of WREN readers’ creative writing (poems, Send your creation by March 10! limericks, haiku, short verse, and prose) every issue as space and Please include your name, hometown, and a phone number. content allow. To be considered for publication, please include the SUBMIT A author’s consent to be submitted, his or her mailing address, and PIECE [email protected] | [307] 772-1968 confirmation that the work has not been published elsewhere. If 214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 you would like us to return your work, include a self-addressed, wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions stamped envelope.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 29 WHAT'S HAPPENING
FEB. 20 WHAT'S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP 01|SOUTHEAST UW Cowboy Basketball: Against New Mexico 7p, Feb. 28 against Air Force 7p, tickets http://gowyo.com/ CENTENNIAL sports/2017/8/22/ticket-central. aspx. 02 ONGOING Nici Self Historical Museum: 03 Thurs-Sun, noon-4p, 2734 Hwy MEDICINE BOW 130, info [email protected]. SECOND TUESDAYS Bingo: 6:30p, Community Hall, info CHEYENNE 307-399-4751.
MARCH 16 Wyoming Bee University: PINE BLUFFS 04 01 Attendees will have the choice of four all-day workshops. 9a-5p, TUESDAYS Bingo: 7p, Recreation meeting $125, Laramie County Community room, 25¢ per card, 14 games, info College, info/register at https://20 307-245-3301. 18wyomingbeeuniversitybeecolle ge.eventbrite.com, 307-633-4480. TORRINGTON
CHUGWATER JANUARY 27-MARCH 18 The Way We Worked, Smithsonian MARCH 2 Exhibit: The exhibit explores how Karaoke Contest: Winner will work became a central element in receive a $20 gift certificate, and American culture, by tracing the a chance to compete for the $500 many changes that affected the grand prize on April 6. Stampede workforce and work environments Saloon, 417 First St., info 307-422- over the past 150 years. Free, 3200. 9:30a-4p Mon-Fri., Homesteaders Museum, 495 Main St., info 307-532- ENCAMPMENT 5612.
ONGOING? SECOND TUESDAYS Grand Encampment Museum: Coffee with Local Commissioners: Main Gallery and GEM Store is open 8-9a, free, Java Jar, info 307-532- most weekdays, Mon-Fri 10a – 4p, FEATURED 5162. EVENT info 307-327-5308.
GUERNSEY WHEATLAND
FOURTH SUNDAYS FEBRUARY 24 American Legion Riders: 2p, Platte County Chamber Casino Crazy Tony’s Bar & Grill, info 307- Night: Door prizes, heavy hors 575-0838. d’oeuvres and money for gambling FESTIVAL included in ticket price. All proceeds fund the Chamber Scholarship HARTVILLE Program. $25/ticket, info 307-322- FOURTH SUNDAYS 2322. OF TABLES Hartville Museum & Community UPTON MARCH 10 Center: Free music jam for MARCH 15 musicians and listeners. Everyone Platte County Chamber is welcome. Bring snacks and have Community Mixer: Platte County fun! 4–6p, info 307-836-2288. Lodging Tax Board is sponsoring Guests enjoy dinner, dessert, silent the March mixer and will give a year in review and tips on the grant auction and entertainment while LARAMIE application process. 5-7p, Chamber offices, info 307-322-2322. raising money for Main Street Upton, FEBRUARY 24 $175 for 8-seat table, Community UW Cowgirl Basketball: Against Fresno State 2p, tickets http:// Center, info uptonchamberof gowyo.com/sports/2017/8/22/ [email protected]. ticket-central.aspx.
30 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 WHAT'S HAPPENING
THERMOPOLIS 02|NORTHEAST 03|NORTHWEST FEBRUARY 24 Boots and Buckle Ball: BUFFALO CODY Fundraiser for Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA THURSDAYS THIRD SUNDAYS Rodeo, HSC Fairgrounds, info Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30p, The Wyoming Fiddler Assoc. thermopolischamber.org. Occidental Saloon, free, info District #2 Jam: 1–4p, Cassie’s 307-684-0451. Supper Club, info 307-754-2687. FEBRUARY 24-25 Cowboy State Stockhorse: HSC Fair-grounds, info GILLETTE DUBOIS thermopolischamber.org. TUESDAYS FEBRUARY 24 Beginner Square Dance Soupananny: Needs of Dubois FEBRUARY 24-25 Lessons: 7p, Rockpile and the Headwaters Center are ArtStroll: Stroll on Broadway Community Center, info 307- sponsoring a soup cook-off, Street in Historic Downtown 660-6318. SUBMIT followed by a hootenanny. Cash Thermopolis. Artists, live music and AN EVENT prizes will be awarded. Cookoff art activities. 5-8p, info 307-921- ONGOING from 5:30-7p, tickets $5, 5 and 4640. Roosevelt’s Coal Army under free. Headwaters Arts and Exhibit: Civilian Conservation Conference Center in Dubois, info Corps in Campbell County Send complete 307-455-2687. exhibit showcases CCC in Gillette from 1933 to 1942 information for the to fight coal fires. Rockpile April issue’s events by JACKSON 04|SOUTHWEST Museum, info 307-682-5723, ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 7 www.rockpilemuseum.com. MARCH 10! Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides: BRIDGER VALLEY Please remember that events Passengers routinely see wildlife THIRD SATURDAYS SECOND WEDNESDAYS from the 20th of April to the while riding in a horse-drawn Winter Farmer’s Market: Chamber of Commerce 20th of May are included sleigh. 10a-4p, $23 adults, $15 9a-12p, Nov.-June, Gillette children 5-12, under 5 free, Jackson Community Luncheon: Topics in the April issue. Also, be College Tech Center Building. Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor vary each month and are a great sure to include the date, Center, info 307-733-0277. wealth of information for business owners and individuals alike. $15/ HULETT title, description, time, cost, plate, noon, Mountain View Town location, address and contact FRIDAYS THROUGH MARCH 30 Hall, RSVP [email protected], ONGOING information for each event. Feathered Fridays: Over 2,600 307-787-6378. Hulett Museum and Art people attended the raptor Gallery: 8a–4p Mon.–Fri., free, programs last season, viewing live info 307-467-5292. birds at the Jackson Hole & Greater FORT BRIDGER Yellowstone Visitor Center. 12a-2p, MOORCROFT free. School and non-profit groups MARCH 18 Each month we select an are encouraged to sign up for a Jim Bridger Birthday Celebration: 23rd annual THIRD THURSDAYS event for our Featured private Friday group raptor lesson celebration put on by the Fort Birthday and Anniversary Event listing. These events from 11:30a-12p, info 307-739-9322. Dinner: Meat provided, bring Bridger Historical Association have regional appeal and a side dish. 5p social hour, 6p LANDER includes guest speaker and light dinner, Senior Center. must be submitted with dinner, 6p, Fort Bridger Museum, high-resolution photos. MARCH 3 free, info 307-782-3842, fbha1843@ State Winter Fair: Ultimate gmail.com. NEWCASTLE Miniature Bull Riding. Sat. 7-9p, FRIDAYS 1663 Rodeo Dr., info 307-349-6400, LYMAN Bingo: 7:30p, VFW Hall, free. QUESTIONS & wyomingstatewinterfair.org. SUBMISSIONS: SECOND FRIDAYS MARCH 4 Lego Club: 10a–noon, Lyman wren@ SUNDANCE State Winter Fair Horse Shows: Branch Library, ages 8 & up, free, wyomingrea.org 9a-3p, LOTRA Arena, 1663 Rodeo FEBRUARY 23 info 307-787-6556, uintalibrary.org. Dr., info 307-349-5844. Minnesela: The Town the [307] 772-1968 Railroad Missed: Historical 214 W. Lincolnway MOUNTAIN VIEW program presented by Vern Ste. 21C TEN SLEEP Davis, free, 7p, library meeting Cheyenne, WY 82001 WEDNESDAYS FIRST THURSDAYS room, 414 Main Street, info 307- Storytime: 11a, Uinta County wyomingrea.org/ Acoustic Open Mic Night: 7p, 283-1006 or crookcountylib@ Library, info 307-782-3161. wren-submissions Ten Sleep Brewing Co., info rangeweb.net. tensleepbrewingco.com.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 31 PUZZLE ANSWERS
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32 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 CLASSIFIEDS
| | $Cash For Cars$ Wanted 1920s- 02 FOR SALE 03 HORSES 1980s classic cars and pickup 01. EQUIPMENT projects. Antique 2 doors and 02. FOR SALE 10' Cattle Guard. Excellent Condition! $500. www.BrokenBackRanchQH.com Coupe bodies. Old convertibles Saratoga, WY 307-329-6680. selling 2016 and 2017 ranch- in any shape or condition. 03. HORSES raised colts and fillies. Ten Old pickups and Dodge Grey & white Toulouse geese. Useful birds Sleep, WY. 307-272-5509. Powerwagons, Broncos, Jeeps, 04. LIVESTOCK for farms & ranches. Does well around [email protected]. and 4x4s. Old VW window Buses, open water. $5/each 307-851-9095. 05. POULTRY Early VW bugs, pickups and Vans. 06. REAL ESTATE Mohair, gray, brown. $4-$7/lb 307-534- Old Sports, Muscle and foreign 1839 Leave Message. cars. Rare and unusual cars. Call 07. WANTED 04|LIVESTOCK or Text Randy Erwin Sheridan, New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service & 08. CRAFTS Wyoming. 307-212-1341 or email advice. Available for most makes. Thanks. STOLL 28th Annual 2-Year- [email protected] 09. OPPORTUNITIES 307-754-3757. Old Limousin/ LimFlex Bull Want to purchase minerals & Sale. Selling 26 Black Polled 10. MISCELLANEOUS Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnace. other oil/gas interests. Send Bulls. Tuesday March 6, Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, 11. BUSINESS CONSULTING 2018. Riverton Livestock pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, CO 80201. Auction 12:30 p.m. Like us 12. FOR RENT control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks and more. Herren Bros., Box on Facebook. PLEASE CALL We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/ 13. HELP WANTED 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582. 307-856-4268 for more Gas Interests producing & non- 14. DOGS information and a catalog. producing. 800-733- 8122. Surplus Equipment New and Used: 15. EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT Generators, air heaters, engine driven 16. BUILDING SUPPLIES pumps, (all sizes), solar pumps, 3” and 20|FREE 4” polypipe, etc. A variety of types and 07|WANTED 17. TRAVEL & RECREATION sizes available. Call for pricing and details: 18. HEALTH Premier PowerPlants & Pumps, Farson, WY Soon Church/Government 307-273-9591. Antique Collector Looking uniting, suppressing "Religious 19. PERSONAL For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Liberty" enforcing "National Wyoming Made Belt Buckles - Official Globes And Signs. Will pay Sunday Law." Be Informed! 20. FREE licensed manufacturer of Wyoming fair market value! Please call Needing Mailing address. TSBM Bucking Horse (“Steamboat”) belt buckles Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647 Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771, and other Wyoming products. Made in jwandler@LNH. net. [email protected], Encampment, WY since 1976. To order, 1-888-211-1715. visit: www.westernheritagewyoming. com or call 970-227-8744.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 33 JUST PICTURE IT
01 02
03 04 THIS MONTH: TRACKS APRIL (DUE MAR 10): GREEN MAY (DUE APR 10): EXPLORING
SEE PHOTO SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS ON P.36
Black Bear Tracks near Rob Roy 01 Reservoir in May, Jim Fisher, Cheyenne 02 Rodent Prints, Lori Archer, Gillette No Bunny tracks without Bunnies, 03 Robert Niezwaag, Riverton
“Wait Dad…this is not what we are 04 hunting…” Bighorn Mountains Black 34 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 Bear Tracks, Tracy Jones, Moorcroft JUST PICTURE IT
05 06 07
08 Teton Bear Tracks, Karen Goehring, 05 Carpenter 06 Big Cat, Lori Archer, Gillette Mountain Lion, Brenda Phelps, 07 Wheatland
Squirrel Makin’ Tracks on a High Wire, 08 Linda Torczon, Cody
Bear Claw Marks on Aspen, Marynell 09 Oechsner, Powell
Tracks in the Sand, Carrie Miller, 10 Laramie
09 10
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 35 JUST PICTURE IT
11 12 13
14 15
Time Travel, Nicky Groenewold, 11 Newcastle
A bunny rabbit that was caught 12 by a hawk, Annika Medow, north of Riverton
Bear, Wolf, and ? North of Dubois, 13 Bill Sincavage, Dubois 16 Little Lulu in the Snow, Flower 14 Norris, Lander
Feather Trails, Brenda Lowry, 15 Torrington 16 Coyote Tracks, Carrie Miller, Laramie
Please include high-quality digital files* or an original we can scan, as well as details about the artwork, the artist’s name, Please include your name, hometown, and a caption. and the co-op. *Use the highest quality setting on your camera, SUBMIT A or save digital artwork as a .jpg or .tif file with at least 300 dpi PHOTO [email protected] resolution. Don’t use Kodak Easy Share®. 214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions If you would like us to return your work, please include a self- addressed, stamped envelope. 36 WREN MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2018 ENLIGHTEN US
RIDING IN THE CLOUD PEAK WILDERNESS BY ROSEMARY CARR
IN THE MID-1990S, my Of course it paid zero dollars, but we were retired and wanted to spend our time in the mountains with our animals. husband, Jack, and I The Forest Service “hired” us to keep the trail maps current and found the perfect dream accurate. Jack had been a navigator in the Air Force and I had be- job. We would spend our come interested GPS technology while working for the Bureau of Land Management in Buffalo, Wyo. We were uniquely qualified summers camping in the to start a project of mapping trails on horseback using the GPS equipment. Cloud Peak Wilderness, GPS equipment was a lot more complicated to use 20 years ago riding the trails in the than it is now. It had to have an antenna and a heavy battery pack, Big Horn Mountains. and it had very little memory. We often ran out of room for more information, and eventually started carrying a laptop computer to download files. Even laptop computers were a fairly new in- vention.
continued on page 38 PHOTOS COURTESY ROSEMARY CARR COURTESY PHOTOS
LEFT Jack Carr rides Buddy while RIGHT Rosemary Carr downloads carrying a GPS antenna. information on her laptop computer.
FEBRUARY 2018 WREN MAGAZINE 37 ENLIGHTEN US
BELOW Jack adjusts Emily’s pack. Emily worked as a packhorse when the continued from page 37 other two packhorses needed a day off. We also jury-rigged a solar charger for those heavy batteries, because they were only good for several days.
The unit, with its antenna, looked quite odd to people we met on the trail. Once a woman coming down the trail was completely bewildered. After staring at it a long moment, she asked, “do you always carry your shower when you go riding?”
Another passer-by, tongue in cheek, asked, “have you talked to E.T. yet?”
Even the horses were confused. We also carried FS radios, and the first time my great little Arab gelding, Zarr, heard that stranger on his back, he swung Buddy just plain didn't ROSEMARY CARR COURTESY PHOTO his head around, almost to his like the mountains. tail, convinced I had sneaked up with him. As luck would have it, we met one of another passenger aboard. He had been bred for the local outfitters, who took an interest in him. We arena work and was traded the highly-bred quarter horse for a fat old Our dogs were ecstatic with our clumsy on the trails. grade mare–an even trade. new lifestyle. Except for week- ends, we were in the mountains. Emily was perfect for us. She was willing and gentle. We would take our camper to a The only time I saw her fazed was when a young bull trailhead, load up the horses, and set up a spike camp fairly moose took a shine to her. close to a water source. For the next week we'd ride out from Every horse has its quirks. Zarr was a near-perfect horse be- that point and map trails. We usually rested the horses (and cause he wanted to please and would do his best to keep us ourselves) every other day. Dehydrated meals get tiresome happy. But he was a demon when it came to accepting another quickly, but Jack was able to supplement our diet with fresh horse into his herd. I worried about Emily when we brought trout. Once in a while I was able to find wild strawberries: a her to camp, and, sure enough, Zarr cornered Emily in a rock real treat. pile that first evening. I separated her out, and since I didn't It was interesting how the horses took to living in the moun- have a separate place for her, crossed my fingers and went to tains pretty much full time. The first couple of years we had bed. The next morning, Zarr was as far away from her as he Katy, our old dependable quarter horse; my little Arab Zarr; could get. When we tied them to the horse trailer he stretched and Buddy, our Doc Bar quarter horse gelding. Katy and Zarr his lead rope to get away from her. Emily had had no trouble adapted quickly to the hard work and loved the green moun- putting ornery little Zarr in his place. His hide was skinned up tain grass they found on their rest days. pretty good and he never challenged Emily again.
Buddy just plain didn't like the mountains. He had been bred The work was tough, but we found so much enjoyment in the for arena work and was clumsy on the trails. He didn't like be- rugged beauty of the Wyoming landscape. We continued map- ing ridden or being the packhorse. One horse always stayed in ping trails for five or six summers and enjoyed them all. W camp while we mapped a trail, and that was Buddy's favorite job. He was known to run back to stand at the high line when Rosemary Carr grew up in South Dakota and lived in California, Washing- he knew it was time to saddle up. After he fell on the trail one ton and Montana before settling in Buffalo, Wyo. Carr has written for Back more time, and threw a fit right on a narrow path, I was fed Country Horsemen and the “Wyoming Tribune-Eagle.”
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