Time to Come Home

Home , 5 Card Stud, Alex Cord, Big Jake, Billy Crudup, Broken Lance, Chief Dan George

DEC 2020 WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

Time To Come Home

Family operates music venue in Chugwater

CHANCEY WILLIAMS

A Career in Music WREN WYOMING FULL PAGE, EXPORT WITH NO PRINTERS MARKS

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Here at your local Touchstone Energy cooperative, we’re proud to be a part of it, bringing people together by providing energy for all the things you love. WREN WYOMING FULL PAGE, EXPORT WITH NO PRINTERS MARKS

DEC 2020

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

The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 66, number 11, December 2020 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per year by Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER – Send address changes to: The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 223 S. Howes St., Fort Collins, CO 80521, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code.

WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 40,437 for 11 months ending September 2020. 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 ON THE COVER by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives. FROM OUR

WREN STAFF CO-OP SPOTLIGHT Publisher: Linden Press, Inc. 22 READERS Editor: Maggie York STATE NEWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chancey COUNTRY COOKS Garland Light & Power, Powell – & EVENTS 30 CHEESE Scott Smith, President High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Williams: Michael Lerwick, Vice President GRASSROOTS Wheatland REA, Wheatland – 08 PEN TO PAPER Sandra Hranchak, Secretary/Treasurer A Career NETWORK 31 SUNNY'S LETTER Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker TO SANTA Big Horn REC, Basin – John Joyce Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees In Music THE CURRENT THE EXQUISITE Carbon Power, Saratoga – Kenny Curry 10 QUINCE Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix STORY BY RACHEL GIRT High Plains Power, Riverton – Hearley Dockham COWBOY STATE BUZZ Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog PHOTO BY STEVEN GIRT 13 JUST PICTURE IT Niobrara, Lusk – Andy Greer 34 MUSIC Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Cover photo: Chancey WHAT'S HAPPENING Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Julie Kilty 32 Wyrulec, Torrington – Dewey Hageman Williams and the Younger Brothers Band play during SEND ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRESPONDENCE TO the Wyoming Capitol Square WREN Magazine • 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C opening ceremonies in ESSAYS & JUST FOR FUN Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 286-8140 Cheyenne in 2019. [email protected] ANECDOTES KIDS' CORNER 20 PHOTOGRAPHER SUBSCRIPTION RATES $12 per year, Single copies $1.50 each WREA NOTES 04 GOOD BOOK REVIEW ADVERTISING RIDDANCE 2020 26 THE DIVIDED TWIN To purchase, contact Dhara Rose: FEATURES [307] 996-6552 • [email protected] BY SHAWN TAYLOR BY M. BILLITER WITH KYLE THOMAS Here at your local Touchstone Energy OFFICE OF WREN OWNER CO-OP YOUTH 2312 Carey Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001 06 WYRULEC'S HOME ON THE RANGE cooperative, we’re proud to be a part of CORA FREDERICK 28 SINGING COWBOYS PUZZLE OFFICE OF WREN PUBLISHER BY GINA SIGEL 27 CHRISTMAS it, bringing people together by providing Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, TRADITIONS Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001 energy for all the things you love. CENTERPIECE AROUND THE 16 TIME TO ENLIGHTEN US WORLD COME HOME MUSIC FOR WINTER 36 BY TIFFANY WHITSITT STORY BY RACHEL GIRT BY WALT GASSON PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK WREA NOTES

Good Riddance 2020

SHAWN TAYLOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Remember, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. During that time I experienced all of the Dark Side But beware: anger, fear, aggression— feelings, and that was only for two days! I can’t the Dark Side they are.” imagine how all those folks around the country are coping with being “locked down,” unable to be Jedi Master Yoda could easily be talking about the with their families during the holidays. last year as being the Dark Side. During the year of “the Rona” our country witnessed plenty of anger, So let’s finish the year out strong like the Jedi. fear and aggression. Fear of getting sick or worse, Let’s help one another get to the other side of this, anger over schools and businesses closing, and whatever that means and whenever that happens, aggression over politics and elections. and go into 2021 full of hope, gratitude and optimism. Stay healthy, stay happy, stay sane I’m not naïve enough to think just because we flip and Merry Christmas to you and the entire the calendar over to a new year that these feelings cooperative family. are automatically going to disappear, or that the country as a whole is going to hold hands and sing “Kumbaya.” However for me, I am going to close this crazy year out with a sense of gratitude, optimism and hope—hope for a vaccine, hope that schools and businesses will stay open and hope that our economy will flourish once again. I will show gratitude towards others even if I disagree with their politics or beliefs. And I will embrace optimism that things will get better; they have to.

I know that might sound very Pollyannaish, but right before Thanksgiving I wasn’t feeling well and showed some symptoms of COVID-19, so I got tested. As I awaited the results (thankfully negative), and in order keep my family safe, I sequestered myself in our basement. Now it was only for two days but I only talked to my family on our cell phones and only saw them either via FaceTime or by standing in my backyard with them up on the deck.

4 DEC 2020 This is one of the best areas ‘‘ in the nation to raise bees. − Dusty Backer, Backer Bees Environment isn’t just a buzz word at Basin Electric. ’’ Backer Bees has bees at Glenharold Mine, a reclaimed coal mine that used to supply coal to our first power plant. The reclaimed pasture has a variety of flowers−alfalfa, clover, sunflowers, wildflowers−making it one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees.

Environmental stewardship has always been a guiding principle for us. That’s why we’re committed to reclaiming and restoring land back to its natural state, like Glenharold Mine.

Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com

BEPC Environmental bee ad WREN 7-20.indd 1 7/17/2020 2:15:04 PM CO-OP YOUTH

WREN: Tell us about your studies and interests.

CF: I am thoroughly enjoying my studies at Baylor this semester so far. Currently, I am undecided as to pursue a degree in communication sciences and disorders, or change majors and continue to pursue the pre-

PHOTO BY CASSIE MADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY CASSIE BY PHOTO med track. I am taking one class in each in order to see which sparks my interests and passions more. I feel that I am truly being challenged as CO-OP an individual and a scholar here at Baylor, both in and out of the classroom. Even though some “classrooms” look a bit different this semester, YOUTH I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here on campus and pursue my studies in person. I am interested in both the speech Wyoming’s rural electric pathology and medical fields due to my desire cooperatives are proud to to work with children and passion for science. support our youth, giving I know that through my continuing studies college scholarships and I will be able to find the right major and lineman scholarships. In career path for me. addition, our co-ops sponsor high school students on the NRECA Youth Tour in June and WREN: How have your hometown, Youth Leadership Camp in July. CORA family and/or friends influenced you? CF: My hometown, family, and friends have FREDERICK influenced me in numerous ways. I have THIS MONTH: strong roots in a hometown that is always supportive of my adventures, meaningful Wyrulec's Cora Frederick family relationships, and friendships that I was awarded $1,000 by value. My hometown provided me with a place Basin Electric Power HOMETOWN: to learn and grow for the first 13 years of my Cooperative to attend the Fort Laramie educational career, which I am grateful for every college of her choice. day. My family provided me with a strong moral compass and developed my love for Jesus that I HIGH SCHOOL: am able to share in my everyday life. My friends Lingle-Fort Laramie High School of all ages were there for me and always pushed me to be the best that I could be. I am grateful for these relationships and many more that YEAR OF GRADUATION: have benefitted my past and will continue 2020 to have an impact on my future.

While Youth Tour and youth camps WREN: What are your plans for the future? COLLEGE: were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your co-op Baylor University CF: Upon graduation with my bachelor's degree may be taking applications for (regardless of degree choice) I plan to complete next year. See the insert in graduate school to earn either a master’s or the center of the magazine for MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: doctoral degree. My biggest goal is to find a information from your local Communication sciences and career path that not only interests me, but that rural electric cooperative. disorders with pre-med designation I am truly passionate about. I am dedicated to becoming a lifelong learner and always keeping Christ first in my heart. 6 DEC 2020 WREN WYOMING FULL PAGE, EXPORT WITH NO PRINTERS MARKS

Generosity isn’t just for the holidays

At Tri-State, supporting our members and their communities is what we do. We tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow together – that’s the cooperative difference. From our family to yours, stay safe and happy holidays. Find these stories and more at www.tristate.coop.

Tri-State is a not-for-proﬁ t power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. GRASSROOTS NETWORK WREA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR NRECA DIRECTOR

The Wyoming Rural Electric Association (WREA) Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for candidates to represent Wyoming on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)’s Region VII standing committees. Region VII includes the Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska rural electric associations. HOW IT WORKS

Region VII members (as a whole) Per the WREA’s agreement with the The WREA Nomination have two representatives on other three states in Region VII to Committee will also be each of the three committees: rotate the six seats, Wyoming will be accepting nominations for 1} Regulations accepting nominations for one seat candidates to represent 2} Legislative on the Cooperative Management and Wyoming on the NRECA board 3} Cooperative Management Employee Issues Committee to start of directors starting at the and Employee Issues serving January of 2022. NRECA Annual Meeting in 2021.

MAIL YOUR NOMINATIONS BY JANUARY 15, 2021!

Members and employees from any Committees Wyoming co-op except Lower Valley generally meet are eligible (Lower Valley belongs once a year. A per to Region IX). diem is paid and travel expenses are reimbursed.

Those interested in serving or nominating someone should submit Committee members will be chosen by the WREA board at names in writing to: Nominating Committee, WREA, 2312 Carey the annual NRECA Wyoming Ave., Cheyenne, WY, 82001. Mail by January 15, 2021. Membership Meeting on Include the name of the nominee, mailing address, phone number, February 4, 2021. and if it is for a committee or the NRECA director position.

8 DEC 2020 THE CURRENT Co-op Trivia

You probably only visit the gray The breaker box, or electric service panel, in your home to flip a switch to open or close a circuit. Let’s keep it that Breaker way. Work inside the breaker box can be very dangerous and should be Box performed by a qualified electrician.

WHAT DOES A BREAKER BOX DO? Electricity first enters your home through the electric breaker meter, which is owned by your rural electric cooperative and keeps track of your energy use. From the meter, box tips a main electric cable connects to your breaker box. These items belong to the homeowner. The breaker box FROM SAFEELECTRICITY.ORG has a very important function. The circuits, or breakers inside trip, or fail, when there is an overload, fault or 1 If you must flip a switch at the electrical hazard in the circuit. You can reset a breaker breaker box, always remember by switching it back to the “on” position. to step away and look away. You want to protect your eyes and body just in case an arc should occur.

Never attempt to turn off power 2 at the breaker box if you must WHAT IS INSIDE A BREAKER BOX? stand in water to do so. If you First, a main circuit breaker switch controls all of the touch the breaker box while electricity coming into the box. If you turn off the main standing in water, it could circuit breaker, electricity is still coming into your cause electric shock or death. house until your rural electric cooperative turns it off. 3 Be sure to call a qualified Other switches in your breaker box control all of electrician or your landlord the electrical circuits in your home. Single-pole if blowing fuses or tripping breakers usually carry 120 volts for lights and small circuit breakers are a recurring appliances, while double-pole breakers can carry problem. This means there is 240 volts for equipment such as air conditioners something wrong with your and washing machines. electrical system.

DEC 2020 9 THE CURRENT 51 Years at a Co-op GARY KIPP LOOKS BACK AT LONG CAREER BY TIM VELDER, PRECORP

“I started in 1969 and never looked cooperative all these years. “I liked new back,” Gary Kipp says. Senior manager challenges. New substations being built. Wills, Trusts of line operations in Gillette, Kipp I like meeting the members and building new services for them,” he said. & Probate retired in November 2020 after almost 51 years of serving the He shared a memory from the work he membership at Powder River Land Use did on the August Kretschman Ranch. Energy Corporation (PRECorp). Kipp said the Kretschmans, a German- GAY WOODHOUSE DEBORAH RODEN TARA NETHERCOTT JOANNE SWEENEY Kipp was studying electricity as speaking family, never had power there. HOLLI WELCH KATYE BROWN a youth, and the local instructor JEFF VAN FLEET CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN “When we energized his service and for the youth organization was Walt hooked up the two wires going to Wagner, the electrical engineer for  his house and turned the secondary 1912 Capitol Avenue Tri-County Electric Association Suite 500 breakers on, all August could do was (TCEA), PRECorp’s predecessor. Cheyenne, WY 82001 just stare at the light bulb. I could not  (307) 432-9399 Kipp’s neighbor was TCEA understand what he was saying  WRNLawFirm.com Operations Manager [in German], but it was Bill Durfee. amazing to witness,” Kipp said. “Bill had me shoveling off the sidewalks at He said the new Tri-County before members of today I went to school,” just want good Kipp recalls. “Then service and UW OFFERS as I got older, I reliable power. was working on the Kipp puts into Co-op Smith ranch for $125 perspective that over per month. Bill called me the half-century of work and asked if I wanted to go at PRECorp, the cooperative Class to work for Tri-County and it paid offered numerous opportunities to $2.25 per hour. I thought it was $225 per learn more about the trade at special month. I told Bill ‘That’s more per month schools, and the compensation package than I am making. I will take the job.’ has always been competitive with Bill said, ‘Gary, that’s an hourly wage The Wyoming Rural bigger investor-owned utilities. with benefits.’” Electric Association is “New employees should be thankful for all proud once again to be a In 1979, Kipp was one of the first “settlers” the benefits and good wages that PRECorp part of the Cooperative in the emerging town of Wright. “Wright pays. If you’re not happy at PRECorp, was just a trailer court and the Tri-County Business Model course there are people standing in line to get shop was just a shell,” he said. At the at the University of employment at PRECorp,” he said. Wyoming, offered in time, Atlantic Richfield Black Thunder Spring 2021! Mine requested two linemen near Kipp is looking forward to spending more Reno Junction in case of a power outage. time in the great outdoors—most likely Instructor Milton Geiger guides students as they learn best practices In the following year, TCEA engineers hunting and exploring the rich history from co-op managers and CEOs, and Black Thunder began the planning of the Wyoming wilderness. then create a working plan for their for the town of Wright. own cooperative. The course is Powder River Energy would like to thank appropriate for students at all Kipp’s work timeline might give some Gary Kipp for his long tenured service to levels and in any major. general ideas why he chose to stay at the the membership and this organization.

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GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING ALL AROUND US

Your community hospital is the proud recipient of a 5-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and 19 Healthgrades Awards for 2020.

To celebrate, we’re sharing stories about all the good happening around us—and we’d love to hear yours! Share YOUR story MYSPARKSTORY.ORG

214 East 23rd Street Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 634-2273 cheyenneregional.org

DEC 2020 11 COWBOY STATE BUZZ

STORY BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS

Retired Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Bill Hill has

PHOTO BY KELLY ETZEL DOUGLAS ETZEL KELLY BY PHOTO always loved Westerns.

Growing up in Riverton at a time when the local television station, KTWO, featured mostly news and old Westerns, he watched cowboy heroes such as Ken Maynard and Bob Steele. When KTWO obtained network affiliations he was rewarded with a treasure trove of television Westerns of the era such as Cheyenne, Maverick and Gunsmoke.

“I got hooked early,” Hill said.

It was in the family. In 1919 Hill's rancher grandparents William Moore Hill and Ida Parker Hill, and their small children, shared Thanksgiving with Bill Carlisle at their homestead on the flank of Laramie Peak. Carlisle, notorious Wyoming train robber, had just escaped from the Wyoming State Penitentiary, robbed a train, and was on the run from pursuing lawmen.

Hill had horses growing up and off and on during his career, which took him to Washington, D.C. as chief of staff for Sen. Malcolm Wallop in the 1980s. One of Bill Hill holds his the perks of his work with Wallop was time spent grandfather William on his historic ranch near Big Horn. Moore Hill’s saddle at his office in Cheyenne. Hill later moved to Cheyenne to work for the law firm of Holland and Hart, then became an assistant US attorney in 1991, Wyoming attorney general in 1995, and was appointed to the Wyoming Supreme Court in 1998. Hill was chief justice from 2002 to 2006, and retired from the court after 20 years in 2018. BILL HILL'S Hill began to compile his list after a conversation with longtime friend and former colleague on the court, Justice Marilyn Kite, who wasn't quite certain that there were all that many great Westerns. He started writing down his top 100 picks, and Top 150 stopped when he reached 150. Why does he love Westerns over other film genres?

“Westerns tell the truth. If it is in a Western it must be true,” he said, eyes twinkling. Western Hill wrote this about his list: “There is very little gratuitous sex or graphic violence in the movies on my list. You don't need those things to have a fine Western. As a result, some of the more Movies contemporary films in the genre don't make my list.” 12 DEC 2020    MADE IN WYOMING!   

  2nd Best 25 Top 25 RATE IT! in alphabetical order Ed Harris RATE IT!      Appaloosa 2008 Viggo Mortenson 3:10 to Yuma Van Heflin Marlon Brando      1957      The Appaloosa 1966 (original) Glenn Ford John Saxon Gene Hackman Robert Duvall      Bite the Bullet 1975 Broken Trail James Coburn      Thomas Haden 2006 (TV miniseries) Butch Cassidy and Paul Newman Church      1969 the Sundance Kid Robert Redford Comanche Moon Val Kilmer      2008 Elvis Presley (TV miniseries) Wes Studi      Flaming Star 1960 John McIntyre John Wayne      The Comancheros 1961 Gregory Peck Stuart Whitman      The Gunfighter 1950 Millard Mitchell Sam Elliot      Conagher 1991 Gary Cooper Katharine Ross      High Noon 1952 Grace Kelly Dead Man's Walk Keith Carradine      1996 Paul Newman (TV miniseries) Harry Dean Stanton      Hombre 1967 Richard Boone Richard Farnsworth      The Grey Fox 1982 Glenn Ford Wayne Robson      Jubal 1956 Ernest Borgnine Gunfight at the Burt Lancaster      1957 Kirk Douglas O.K. Corral Kirk Douglas      Lonely are the Brave 1962 Gena Rowlands Billy Crudup      The Hi Lo Country 1998 The Man Who Shot John Wayne Woody Harrelson      1962 Liberty Valance James Stewart Paul Newman      Hud 1963 Monte Walsh Lee Marvin Patricia Neal      1970 (original) Jack Palance Lonesome Dove Robert Duvall      1989 Monte Walsh Tom Selleck (TV miniseries) Tommy Lee Jones      2003 (remake) Keith Carradine Yul Brynner The Magnificent Henry Fonda      Steve McQueen 1960      The Ox-Bow Incident 1943 Seven (original) Harry Morgan Eli Wallach Red River John Wayne Tommy Lee Jones      1948      The Missing 2003 (original) Montgomery Clift Cate Blanchett Joel McCrea My Darling Henry Fonda      Ride the High Country 1962      1946 Randolph Scott Clementine Victor Mature Woody Strode Marlon Brando      Sergeant Rutledge 1960      One-Eyed Jacks 1961 Jeffrey Hunter Karl Malden John Wayne The Outlaw Clint Eastwood      The Searchers 1956      1976 Jeffrey Hunter Josey Wales Chief Dan George Alan Ladd Lee Marvin      Shane 1953      The Professionals 1966 Van Heflin Burt Lancaster Gregory Peck Riders of the Ed Harris      The Stalking Moon 1968      1996 Eva Marie Saint Purple Sage Amy Madigan Randolph Scott John Wayne      The Tall T 1957      The Shootist 1976 Richard Boone Lauren Bacall Kurt Russell Streets of Laredo James Garner      Tombstone 1993      1995 Val Kilmer (TV miniseries) Sissy Spacek True Grit John Wayne The Treasure of Humphrey Bogart      1969      1948 (original) Kim Darby the Sierra Madre Walter Huston Burt Lancaster The Wonderful Robert Mitchum      Ulzana’s Raid 1972      1959 Jorge Luke Country Julie London Burt Lancaster Clint Eastwood      Valdez is Coming 1971      Unforgiven 1992 Susan Clark Gene Hackman Charlton Heston Winchester '73 James Stewart      Will Penny 1968      1950 Donald Pleasance (original) Steven McNally

DEC 2020 13    MADE IN WYOMING!   

Top 150  Western Movies 100 Well WorthWatching

John Wayne James Garner Tom Selleck 3 Godfathers 1948 Hour of the Gun 1967 Quigley Down Under 1990 Ward Bond Jason Robards Alan Rickman Dean Martin How the West James Stewart 5 Card Stud 1968 Debbie Reynolds 1962 The Rare Breed 1966 Robert Mitchum Was Won Maureen O'Hara Randolph Scott Cliff Robertson Tyrone Power 7 Men from Now 1956 J.W. Coop 1972 Rawhide 1956 Lee Marvin R.G. Armstrong Susan Hayward Matt Damon Robert Redford Randolph Scott All the Pretty Horses 2000 Jeremiah Johnson 1972 Ride Lonesome 1959 Penelope Cruz Will Geer Karen Steele John Wayne Clint Eastwood John Wayne Angel and the Badman 1947 Joe Kidd 1972 Rio Bravo 1959 Gail Russell Robert Duvall Angie Dickinson Charlton Heston Steve McQueen John Wayne Arrowhead 1953 Junior Bonner 1972 Rio Grande 1950 Jack Palance Robert Preston Maureen O'Hara Tom Berenger Last Stand at Tom Selleck Robert Mitchum The Avenging Angel 1995 1997 River of No Return 1954 Charlton Heston Saber River Keith Carradine Marilyn Monroe Willie Nelson Last Train from Kirk Douglas John Wayne Barbarosa 1982 1959 Rooster Cogburn 1975 Gary Busey Gun Hill Anthony Quinn Katharine Hepburn Gregory Peck Burt Lancaster Robert Taylor The Big Country 1958 Lawman 1971 Saddle the Wind 1958 Jean Simmons Robert Ryan Julie London John Wayne Paul Newman Seven Ways Audie Murphy Big Jake 1971 The Left-Handed Gun 1958 1960 Maureen O'Hara John Dehner from Sundown Barry Sullivan Gregory Peck Brad Pitt She Wore a John Wayne Billy Two Hats 1973 Legends of the Fall 1994 1949 Desi Arnaz, Jr. Anthony Hopkins Yellow Ribbon Victor McLaglen Gregory Peck The Life and Times Paul Newman Gregory Peck The Bravados 1958 1972 Shoot Out 1971 Henry Silva of Judge Roy Bean Victoria Principal James Gregory Spencer Tracy Carradine brothers Scott Glenn Broken Lance 1954 The Long Riders 1980 Silverado 1985 Katie Jurado Quaid brothers Kevin Kline Jane Fonda Charlton Heston The Sons of John Wayne Cat Ballou 1965 Major Dundee 1965 1965 Lee Marvin Richard Harris Katie Elder Dean Martin Richard Widmark James Stewart Son of the Morning Gary Cole Cheyenne Autumn 1964 The Man from Laramie 1955 1991 Carol Baker Arthur Kennedy Star (TV miniseries) Rodney A. Grant The Cheyenne James Stewart Jeff Chandler Lee Marvin 1970 Man in the Shadow 1957 The Spikes Gang 1974 Social Club Henry Fonda Orson Welles Ron Howard James Caan Gary Cooper John Wayne Comes a Horseman 1978 Man of the West 1958 Stagecoach (original) 1939 Jane Fonda Lee J. Cobb Claire Trevor John Wayne The Man Who Loved Burt Reynolds Ann-Margret The Cowboys 1972 1973 Stagecoach (remake) 1966 Bruce Dern Cat Dancing Sarah Miles Alex Cord Tom Selleck Robert Mitchum Clark Gable Crossfire Trail 2001 Man with the Gun 1955 The Tall Men 1955 Mark Harmon Leo Gordon Jane Russell The Culpepper Gary Grimes John Wayne Steve McQueen 1972 McLintock! 1963 Tom Horn 1980 Cattle Co. Billy Green Bush Maureen O'Hara Linda Evans Kevin Costner David Carradine James Cagney Dances with Wolves 1990 Miracle at Sage Creek 2005 Tribute to a Bad Man 1956 Graham Greene Wes Studi Irene Pappas James Garner Clark Gable Kris Kristofferson Duel at Diablo 1966 The Misfits 1961 The Tracker 1988 Sidney Poitier Marilyn Monroe Scott Wilson Robert Ryan Marlon Brando Jeff Bridges Day of the Outlaw 1959 The Missouri Breaks 1976 True Grit (remake) 2010 Burl Ives Jack Nicholson Barry Pepper John Wayne Charlton Heston James Stewart Fort Apache 1948 Mountain Men 1980 Two Rode Together 1961 Henry Fonda Brian Keith RIchard Widmark Gary Cooper My Heroes Have Scott Glenn Burt Lancaster The Garden of Evil 1954 1991 The Unforgiven 1959 Richard Widmark Always Been Cowboys Ben Johnson Audrey Hepburn Geronimo: Wes Studi James Stewart Gary Cooper 1993 The Naked Spur 1953 The Virginian 1929 An American Legend Jason Patrick Robert Ryan Walter Huston Van Heflin Steve McQueen Joel McCrea Gunman's Walk 1958 Nevada Smith 1966 The Virginian 1946 Tab Hunter Brian Keith Brian Donlevy Harry Tracey, Bruce Dern Robert Duvall Henry Fonda 1982 Open Range 2003 Warlock 1959 Desparado Gordon Lightfoot Kevin Costner Richard Widmark Clint Eastwood Clint Eastwood James Coburn Hang 'Em High 1968 Paint Your Wagon 1969 Waterhole # 3 1967 Pat Hingle Lee Marvin Carroll O'Connor Viggo Mortenson Clint Eastwood Kevin Costner Hidalgo 2004 Pale Rider 1985 Wyatt Earp 1994 Omar Sharif John Russell Dennis Quaid Clint Eastwood Patt Garrett & Kris Kristofferson William Holden High Plains Drifter 1973 1973 The Wild Bunch 1969 Verna Bloom Billy the Kid James Coburn Ernest Borgnine John Wayne Gary Cooper Gregory Peck Hondo 1953 The Plainsman 1936 Yellow Sky 1948 James Arness Jean Arthur Ann Baxter James Coburn Audie Murphy The Honkers 1972 Posse From Hell 1961 Slim Pickens Rodolfo Acosta Christian Bale Sam Shephard Hostiles 2017 Purgatory 1999 Wes Studi Eric Roberts 14 DEC 2020 Top 150 Western Movies THIS IS BIGHORN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY The world comes out west expecting to see cowboys driving horses through the streets of downtown; pronghorn butting heads on windswept bluff s; clouds encircling the towering pinnacles of the Cloud Peak Wilderness; and endless expanses of wild, open country. These are some of the fi bers that have been stitched together over time to create the patchwork quilt of Sheridan County’s identity, each part and parcel to the Wyoming experience. Toss in a historic downtown district, with western allure, hospitality and good graces to spare; a vibrant art scene; bombastic craft culture; a robust festival and events calendar; and living history on every corner, and you have a Wyoming experience unlike anything you could have ever imagined. This is Sheridan County, the beating heart of Bighorn Mountain Country, where the old west and the new off er endless adventures.

So that we can adventure together safely, our team has put together a series of COVID-19 resources to keep you informed of any travel restrictions, local and state health mandates, and other pandemic-related travel information, available on our website. While you’re there, catch our new streaming series, The Backyard, with new episodes each week, and explore a side of Wyoming that you have never seen before.

sheridanwyoming.org Top 150 Western Movies CENTERPIECE PHOTO BY RACHEL GIRT RACHEL BY PHOTO

Time to Come Home MUSICIANS SETTLE IN CHUGWATER TO OPERATE MUSIC VENUE

Lance Nilson plays guitar at the Stampede Saloon & Eatery in Chugwater.

BY RACHEL GIRT PHOTO BY RACHEL GIRT RACHEL BY PHOTO Respectful silence reigned as Lilly Nilson settled next to her husband Lance in the circle of local musicians playing at the weekly Thursday ABOVE: Local musicians play together in a jam night jam session at the session on the dance floor Stampede Saloon & Eatery. at the Stampede Saloon & Eatery in Chugwater. Lilly's sweet voice filled the restaurant with an aching country LEFT: Lance Nilson performs onstage. melody as Lance strummed on his guitar. The couple performed with the band Dakota County for 37 years before buying the Stampede Saloon with his parents, Mer and Margie, in Lilly's hometown of Chugwater. “I miss the music “We try to jump into the jam and the people, session when we can, but we mostly don't have time to perform but it is pretty nice as much anymore, too busy to sleep in our own running the Stampede,” Lilly said. bed every night.” After the short song, she returned to waiting tables and bartending.

A little later, Lance headed back to GIRT RACHEL BY PHOTOS the kitchen to cook, joking that he couldn't become too lost in the “It was a different town every week, music and risk burning a burger. Life on Tour usually five or six nights a week, Since 2016, the Nilson family The couple met while performing on the maybe 48 weeks a year on the road,” has transformed this Chugwater road with the Rogers Brothers Road Show, Lilly said. “After 37 years, we decided eatery into a haven for local which originated in Chugwater. After it was time to come home. I left all musicians to showcase their graduating high school in 1980, Lilly went my sound equipment with Dakota talents. Thursday nights are Country so the band could continue on the road with the band, running the dedicated to an informal jam without us, and it has.” sound equipment and singing. A year later, session where anywhere from Lance, who is originally from Rapid City, For many years, the couple owned a three to over 20 people play. South Dakota, joined, playing the fiddle, home in Chugwater, their sanctuary Friday and Saturday nights are guitar, mandolin, keyboards and harmonica. to rest when not on the road. When booked with larger live acts, they decided to retire, the couple filling the wooden dance floor After Rogers Brothers disbanded pooled their finances with Lance's with customers. in 1985, the couple continued with Dakota parents to buy the Stampede, “Our dream was to give our Country on the road for the next 37 years, which had sat vacant for six years. community a family place to go touring Canada, Alaska, and the lower 48. and enjoy music and also do what The band opened for and backed many “I miss the music and the people, but we could to keep live music going,” major acts like Sawyer Brown, Bellamy it is pretty nice to sleep in our own Lilly said. Brothers and several Grand Ole Opry stars. bed every night,” Lilly added.

DEC 2020 17 Lance Nilson and his mother, Margie, work in the kitchen at the Stampede Saloon & Eatery in Chugwater. The Nilsons, along with their spouses, co-own the business.

The Stampede is the “perfect venue for

PHOTO BY RACHEL GIRT RACHEL BY PHOTO acoustic music,” Lance said, noting the large open dining area dominated by a stage and dance floor.

Lance explained that he wanted a place to hold jam sessions at the Stampede that harkened back to living room parties that he enjoyed as a youth visiting his mother's relatives in Missouri. During those parties, musicians informally played together in a fun, freewheeling environment while kids played underfoot.

Over the last decade, with the Family popularity of DJs, opportunities to play live music have dwindled, Business making it harder to scrape a living from performing, Lance explained. The family has divvied up tasks to run “We wanted to change that with the the place. Lance cooks in the back with Stampede and give musicians his mother Margie, who handles food a place to play. There's a lot of local preparation, plates the food and does Lance and Lilly talent around here in Wyoming.” the bookkeeping. Mer takes care of Nilson pose in front promotions and marketing, as well of the Stampede as greeting and seating customers on Saloon & Eatery in a promotional photo.

the weekends. Lilly bartends, waits & EATERY SALOON OF THE STAMPEDE COURTESY PHOTO tables and schedules musicians.

The former steakhouse's appearance has changed little, needing only a little renovation for the Nilson’s needs. The menu now is dominated by family- friendly comfort fare and accompanied by live music. Lance built a recording studio in the basement, working on others' albums in his spare time.

“We wanted to create an old-time dance hall environment like when we grew up where the whole family could eat

dinner and kids would From left: Lilly, Lance, Mer and Margie Nilson stand in front of the stage at the Stampede Saloon & Eatery.

learn how to dance.” GIRT RACHEL BY PHOTO

18 DEC 2020 Mer Nilson plays harmonica at the Stampede Saloon Growing & Eatery. Musicians

A typical jam session runs about three hours, starting at 6 p.m. All calibers of musicians play, a mixture of beginners and pros. Sometimes only a handful of musicians play; other times over 20 have crowded the floor. Surrounding the circle of players, diners clap and cheer encouragement at the end of each song.

During a typical jam session, 83-year-old Mer plays a tune or two on his harmonica, but he explained that most of his enjoyment comes “Music has given from analyzing the musicians as they play off of each other, us so much. finger guitars and grow. I want anybody who “We have watched musicians who are wants music to be able a little rusty improve after playing to have some and give sessions with us and beginners become better and them a place to do that.” even get hired to play here on the weekends,” Mer said.

Despite being busy, Lance and Lilly find brief moments of musical The Nilsons have transformed the respite from their cooking and Stampede Saloon & Eatery since serving duties. Neither mind ceding buying the business in 2016. the stage to others. Often Lance pops his head out of the kitchen when a tune catches his fancy.

“Music has given us so much,” Lilly said. “I want anybody who wants music to be able to have some and give them a place to do that.”

“We had our time; now it is theirs,” Lance added, gesturing to the Thursday night jam musicians, the majority regulars with some driving over 45 miles to play.

“Music is about giving,” Lance added. “If we don't give others a chance to find their passion, we will have forgotten the reason behind playing music in the first place.” W

Rachel Girt is a freelance writer and owner of Girt Communications

PHOTOS BY RACHEL GIRT RACHEL BY PHOTOS based in Cheyenne.

DEC 2020 19

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DEC 2020 21 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band at the opening

PHOTO BY STEVEN GIRT STEVEN BY PHOTO ceremonies for the Wyoming Capitol Square in Cheyenne in 2019.

Moorcroft’s to Town” tour, the band decided to play smaller outdoor concerts in Wyoming and Chancey Williams throughout the West. The band named it the “250” Tour because most venues Creates could only allow gatherings of 250 people. “We went to all these towns that we hadn't played for years,” he said. “We wanted to Music Career play in a responsible way. We ended up playing every weekend and had quite a bit of fun doing it.” BY RACHEL GIRT Over the years, the fan base for Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band “I try to write songs that my rodeo has grown well beyond the borders of the Wyoming native, buddies who are traveling from rodeo to Cowboy State. Last fall, Williams signed rodeo can relate to with cowboy correct with major booking agent WME Nashville, former saddle bronc lingo,” Williams said, calling from Rapid known for big-ticket artists such as Garth rider and rising country City, South Dakota, where he and the Brooks, Eric Church and Brad Paisley. Younger Brothers Band were shooting star Chancey Williams The band’s latest album “3rd Street,” a new music video. writes songs that he can debuted at no. 5 on iTunes Country When the COVID-19 pandemic canceled Albums Chart upon its release in May. relate to, what he calls a packed summer lineup, including Produced by country music hitmaker “correct cowboy music.” joining Toby Keith's “Country Comes Trent Willmon, the album features Rocky

22 DEC 2020 School Finals Rodeo in bronc riding his senior year.

Williams attributed his early musical The cover for the band's leanings to his grandfather, who had latest album, a band for about 30 years. Still, the ̏ 3rd Street, ̋ formation of a high school band with features a familiar scene his friend Travis DeWitt, a drummer, in Laramie. cemented his path to music.

“We just started getting hired at all these different places and thought, man, we could make money doing this,” Williams said, laughing.

Upon graduation, Williams went to Casper College on a rodeo scholarship, making College National Finals Rodeo his junior year. With two associate degrees under his belt, Williams headed to the University of Wyoming to finish his Mountain Country Music Award (CMA) political science degree. He joined the Song of the Year, “Wyoming Wind” and hit UW rodeo team and returned to the songs “The World Needs More Cowboys” “I never thought college finals his senior year. and “Tonight We're Drinkin’.” music was going Through college, the band, initially just The current album name and cover showcase the band's close ties to to be my career. Williams and DeWitt, picked up members, Wyoming where most of the members like Wyatt Springsteen for lead guitar live when not on the road or in Nashville. I just assumed and Brooke Latka on fiddle, but music Band members frequent the 3rd Street Bar I'd ride saddle remained on the backburner. in downtown Laramie and thought the locale reflected a cool place that could broncs forever.” be anywhere, Williams said.

“That van took us a lot of places, so it

was fitting for the cover artwork,” Williams The opening ceremony for the Wyoming added. He bought the old van initially for Capitol Square in Cheyenne in 2019. the rodeo circuit and then turned it into the band’s first official tour vehicle when he stopped competing.

“I never thought music was going to be my career,” he said, reminiscing. “I just assumed I'd ride saddle broncs forever.”

Growing up on a ranch, running sheep and cattle, near Moorcroft, Williams and his three brothers’ love of rodeoing started early. “We rodeoed in the summer and wrestled in the winter. That is all we ever did.”

By the time he hit high school, Williams rode saddle broncs, team roped and calf roped. He qualified for the National High PHOTO BY RACHEL GIRT

DEC 2020 23 When he moved back to Laramie, he called the band members, advising them to, “quit your jobs, and we should do this as a career.”

Their reaction to climbing in that van full-time was simple. “Oh, they loved it. They got right in,” Williams said.

Successes haven't come overnight, though, and Williams admitted that, “the band had to learn everything the hard way.”

Among its accomplishments, the band has supported dates with Cody Johnson, Casey Donahew and Aaron Watson and shared the stage with their heroes, like Toby Keith, PHOTOS BY STEVEN GIRT STEVEN BY PHOTOS Alabama and Dwight Yoakam. The band has performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days and at several opening ceremonies for “We've had to scratch out everything we've accomplished the National Finals Rodeo.

on our own because we didn't grow up in Nashville, The Rocky Mountain Country Music Texas or Austin where there are big music scenes.” Awards recognized the band as entertainer of the year in 2018 and spotlighted its albums and songs several times over the years. Most recently, the band's fiddle While the rest of the band finished college, player, Latka, earned musician of the year. Williams finished his masters' degree Above and below: Chancey Williams and the Younger in public administration. He continued Brothers Band opened for Dwight Yoakam at Cheyenne “We've had to scratch out everything Frontier Days in 2013. Williams sings and plays guitar, we've accomplished on our own because to compete in rodeo, even winning Brooke Latka plays fiddle in the band. two rounds at Cheyenne Frontier Days, we didn't grow up in Nashville, Texas or following in the footsteps of his father Austin where there are big music scenes,” Dennis Williams, who won Rookie he added. “We've earned it ourselves with no handouts, just hard work.” Saddle Bronc in 1971. Every year, the shows and money get Eventually, riding broncs, playing music better, he said, crediting the support and being a pickup man became too much, of hardworking rodeo cowboys and Williams said. His father recommended ranchers for the band’s growth. that Williams select one and do it the best. Williams is working on the next album “The decision to give up bronc riding was to be released hopefully next year. In difficult, but I figured there was more of November, he headed to Nashville to a future in music, health-wise,” he said. work on six songs and hopes to finish “You can sing 'til you're old. I suspect my the rest in the spring. career rodeoing would be ending right now while music is taking off.” “When the dust settles on all this pandemic, and we get back to normal Music became even more serious for life, it will be fun to see everybody in Williams while working for Toby Keith's concerts again,” he said. W Show Dog Records in Nashville, first as an intern for his master's program and then full-time for a year. While there, he made Rachel Girt is a freelance writer and owner of his first album, Honky Tonk Road. Girt Communications based in Cheyenne.

24 DEC 2020 READER SURVEY Tell us what think of WREN!

As we prepare for upcoming issues of WREN, we want to hear from you, our readers. What do you like about WREN? How can we improve? We take our readers’ feedback seriously at WREN, so we would greatly appreciate your input on this survey!

TELL US ABOUT YOU 4. Why is the section you 9. I want WREN to cover WHAT IDEAS DO rated “10” above your more news about co-ops YOU HAVE? 1. How old are you? favorite? and energy. 12–18 ______Yes No 15. What story ideas do you 19–25 have to share with us? 25–34 ______10. I know more about ______35–44 ______Wyoming because of WREN. ______45–54 ______55–64 Yes No ______65 or over 5. Why is the section you 11. Do you subscribe to any 16. Any other suggestions for rated “1” above your other printed magazines? 2. What is your gender? least favorite? how we can improve WREN? Yes No Male ______Female ______If you answered yes, which ______printed magazines do you ______receive? ______WHICH SECTIONS OF WREN ARE YOUR ______FAVORITES? ______6. What types of stories are 3. Rate the sections from you most interested in ______1 to 10, with 1 being reading? Pick your top two “least favorite” and 10 choices. 12. Do you have access to the being “most favorite.” Farming and ranching Wyoming Rural Electric __ Shawn Taylor’s column Association website at Energy and cooperatives (pg. 4) wyomingrea.org? Business __ News briefs about Yes No energy and co-ops Environment (pgs. 7-8) and wildlife 13. Have you read the WREN __ News briefs about Education online in the past? Wyoming (pgs. 9-13) When you’re finished Tourism Yes No __ Feature news stories with the survey, cut it out Personality profiles and send it to: (pgs. 14–19) If so, how often? WREN Magazine __ Personality profiles and 7. The stories in WREN are… ______interviews (pgs. 22-23) 214 W. Lincolnway Too short Ste. 21C __ Creative essays like 14. Would reading WREN Just right Cheyenne, WY 82001 Home on the Range be the same experience and Enlighten Us Too long if it was digital instead –OR– (pgs. 26-27, 36-37) of printed? Take a picture of __ Puzzles and activities Yes No it and email to: (pgs. 20, 25) PLEASE ANSWER [email protected] __ Book reviews (pg. 24) YES OR NO If you’d like to explain your __ Reader-submitted 8. I know more about answer, please do! –OR– recipes, poems and my cooperative because ______Take this survey online! pictures (pgs. 28, 29, of WREN. wyomingrea.org/ ______32-34) Yes No wren-magazine/ __ Other ______wren-reader-survey

DEC 2020 25 BOOK REVIEW The Divided Twin

BY M. BILLITER WITH KYLE THOMAS

DESCRIPTION BY THE AUTHOR

Identical twins Aaron and Branson Kovak are in their final year of college—Aaron’s in Ohio, while Branson remains in their home state of Wyoming. There’s also the third twin, David, who only exists in one of their minds.

Despite the distance between them, Aaron and Branson are united by a turbulent childhood they survived together. As they enter adulthood, David comes out of the shadows to wreak havoc on the real world —his idea of fun.

When their mom is diagnosed with cancer, the ties that bind the twins incite David to tear them apart at the seams.

Will they stand or fall together, or separately? WIN A FREE COPY

Name: OCTOBER’S ORDERING INFORMATION: BOOK WINNER: Phone: 2020 | 314p. | $19.99 paperback ISBN: 978-1-922359-03-2 Address: DORIS Publisher: Tangled Tree Publishing SHERMAN Available online and at these Wyoming bookstores: OF CHEYENNE Wind City Books in Casper 307-315-6003 Barnes & Noble in Cheyenne 307-632-3000

ENTRIES DUE BY  DIVIDED JANUARY 15 c/o WREN Magazine One entry per 214 W. Lincolnway, Ste. 21C household, please. Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions 26 DEC 2020 PUZZLE

1. In this country, the last ornament to be placed on the Christmas tree is a pickle. On Christmas Eve, the first child to find the pickle is said Christmas to receive good luck for the upcoming year. 2. In this country, Christmas Eve begins with rice pudding. Hidden in the Traditions pudding is a single, whole almond. Whoever gets the almond receives the almond present, traditionally a marzipan pig. 3. Julebukking is a Christmas tradition in these countries. Between Around Christmas and New Year's Day, people go door to door disguised, and their neighbors attempt to identify them. the World 4. A favorite Christmas drink in this country is 'Cola de Mono' (or monkey's tail). It’s made from coffee, milk, liquor, cinnamon and sugar.

5. On Christmas Eve in this country, there are 12 dishes on the dinner table—they are meant to give you good luck for the next 12 months. BY TIFFANY WHITSITT 6. In some parts of this country, gifts are exchanged on Epiphany, January 6th, instead of on Christmas. Epiphany is 12 days after Christmas and is Traditions bring us comfort and help us feel the time when Christians remember the wise men who visited Jesus. connected to our loved ones and culture, 7. ‘Grandfather Frost’ brings presents to children in this country. especially around the holidays. Can you identify which country includes the following traditions 8. Here, fried chicken is often eaten on Christmas day. It is the busiest time of year for restaurants such as KFC. Fun fact: There was an advertising in their Christmas celebrations? campaign by KFC in 1974 called 'Kentucky for Christmas!'

DID SANTA MISS A STOP? SEE HIS PIT STOPS ON PAGE 33. DEC 2020 27 HOME ON THE RANGE

Singing Cowboys

BY GINA SIGEL

Stories are told through Early cowboy ballads were sung on the Venn diagram where actual, real-life song ... and cowboys range as the cattlemen drove cattle to cowboys are also singer-songwriters Wyoming from Texas—verses that were is the sweet spot; where authentic, love to tell stories. passed along by oral tradition. Even Western living is reflected in the music Riding alone on the though traditional cowboy ballads are of someone who has actually lived that prairie or gathered fairly young compared to the traditional, life. Love, life, loss and working the around the campfire Old World folk ballads from where they livestock and the land are reflected in relaxing after a hard originated, the original songwriter is as prose that is independent and durable, day, the cowboys of the hard to pin down as the wild, Wyoming like the people themselves. And I'm not wind traveling along the prairie. Which just talking about the songwriters. old west would adapt makes the tunes as legendary as the Wyoming's own Chris LeDoux was a particular vernacular romantic, epic figures that sang them. with distinctive an excellent example of the rise I could go down a rabbit hole of the from professional cowboy to country rhythms, moods and traditional origins of the cowboy ballad music star status. I don't know what themes to set a tune and the vast numbers of cowboys and the Wyoming equivalent of “street to their experiences. cow towns that were responsible for the cred” is, but Chris LeDoux had it in development of the West, in both song spades. Having sold his self-made

and culture. But to those of us living cassette tapes on the rodeo circuit, he in the modern west, the overlap in the settled on a ranch in Kaycee when he

28 DEC 2020 retired. Although he sharing stories that span decades and generations, despite skyrocketed to fame, Music is a universal bring us together or talk changing personal experiences he was the real deal about the things that and narratives. and was loved for that language and good are tearing us apart. I was at a music festival in Whitefish, authenticity. In a review songs span decades This type of music Montana the year before last and was for the L.A. Times in explores a national and generations. introduced to the music of an authentic, April of 1994, Noel culture or identity that singer-songwriter cowboy named Corb Davis wrote, “Roll over is personal to the group Lund. It was one of the highlights of the Roy Rogers and tell Gene Autry the news. that created it or for whom it was created. festival. There were folk-music lovers In his energetic 50-minute early show at They reflect customs and traditions that and Americana fans sporting their fun, the Crazy Horse Monday night, real-life span lifetimes and help us have greater bohemian-chic attire dancing shoulder- cowboy Chris LeDoux took the crowd on understanding and unity. to-shoulder with rowdy cowboys who had a wild eight-second ride of a set… ‘Git My dad used to have me listen to ballads come to see one of their own playing at Along Little Dogies’ was never like this.” and cowboy poetry that resonated with the festival. Local ranchers mixed with If they can catch the Wyoming vibe in Los his experience, even though he's a farm music festival goers who, as Ian Tyson is Angeles, these songs are powerful. kid and would never consider himself reported as saying, “do not know which end of a cow gets up first.” Trendy meets Outside of Wyoming country music and a “cowboy.” Even now, when he finds Old World ballads, folk music has been lyrics that move him, he will play the classic. Western meets folk. And somehow W telling stories for generations. Ian Tyson song for me and my family. “Gina, you we all got it. And we had a ball. woos audiences with his Western songs gotta hear this...” I love that these tunes and tales about living life on the ranch. are something that speaks to both of Originally from Laramie, Gina Sigel draws Even contemporary folk rock artists like us and that he shares it with me. Music inspiration from five generations of agriculture Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan have been is a universal language and good songs to tell the stories of rural living.

DEC 2020 29 COUNTRY COOKS

CHEESE CHEESE BREAD CHICKEN CHEESE EASY CHEESE RECIPE - 1 LOAF BREAD (SOURDOUGH OR FRENCH) CORN CHOWDER ONLY TAKES AN HOUR! 1 STICK BUTTER 1/4 CUP ONION, CHOPPED 1-1/2 LBS BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS, 1 GALLON WHOLE MILK CUT INTO 1-INCH PIECES (RAW MILK MAKES THE BEST) 1/3 CUP MUSTARD, OR TO TASTE 1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION 1/3 CUP DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR 1 TBS POPPY SEEDS 3 TBS BUTTER 1 TBS TIGER SEASONING OR SALT 1/2 LB SWISS CHEESE SLICES (ENOUGH FOR EACH SLICE OF BREAD) 2 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED 1-2 SLICES BACON, OPTIONAL Pour 1 gallon of milk (sheep milk is the best 1 CUP HOT WATER but you can use cow or goat) into stainless Preheat oven to 375. Melt butter in saucepan, add 2 TSP CHICKEN BOUILLON GRANULES steel pot. Do not boil milk. Heat to about 160 mustard, onions, poppy seeds. Put butter mixture 1/2 TO 1 TSP GROUND CUMIN degrees. Leave at 160 degrees for 10 minutes, between slices of bread, then put the cheese between stirring constantly. Remove pot from heat and 2 CUPS HALF-AND-HALF CREAM the slices. Put the bacon on top. Wrap it up in tin foil. add vinegar. Barely stir to get the vinegar mixed Bake until cheese is melted, about 45 minutes. 2 CUPS SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE and then let it sit for 10 minutes so curds can 1 CAN (14-3/4 OZ) CREAM-STYLE CORN separate from the whey. TOBY SHEETS POWELL 1 CAN (4 OZ) CHOPPED GREEN CHILIES, UNDRAINED Place a cheesecloth into a strainer and place 1/4 TO 1 TSP HOT PEPPER SAUCE the strainer over a deep pot if you want to keep the whey, otherwise set the strainer into the CHEESE BALL 1 MEDIUM TOMATO, CHOPPED sink and let the whey go down the sink. Pour MINCED FRESH CILANTRO AND the contents of the pot into the strainer. The 16 OZ CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED FRIED TORTILLA STRIPS, OPTIONAL cheesecloth will catch the curds. Let all the whey drain out. Gather the cheesecloth and 1 CUP GRATED SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE In a Dutch oven, brown chicken and onion in butter until chicken is no longer pink. Add squeeze out the whey. Once the whey is all 1/2 CUP CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Add the water, gone, put the curds into a clean large bowl. (OR 1/2 TSP ONION POWDER) bouillon and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce Chop the cheese with a wooden spoon as you 1/2 CUP BACON BITS heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. work in the Tiger Seasoning or Salt. Mix very well. Once the cheese is mixed, mash it into the 1 CLOVE GARLIC, MINCED (OR 1/2 TSP GARLIC POWDER) Stir in the cream, cheese, corn, chilies and shape of the bowl with your hand. Refrigerate 3 TBS MINCED PARSLEY hot pepper sauce. Cook and stir over low heat immediately. This is a soft cheese to be served until cheese is melted; add tomato. If desired, with crackers. It also freezes well. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. top with cilantro and tortilla strips. Form into a ball, cover with plastic wrap. JENNIFER ROBERTS FARSON Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend. NANCY DENK RIVERTON

MARILYN NORMAN CHEYENNE

SendSend complete complete recipe recipe by by March January 10! 15! MARCH: PleasePlease include include your your name, name, address address and and phone phone number. number. SUBMIT C SUBMIT A RECIPE CHILI A RECIPE  [email protected]@wyomingrea.org | |  [307][307] 772-1968286-8140  214214 W. W. Lincolnway Lincolnway Ste. Ste. 21C 21C Cheyenne, Cheyenne, WY WY 82001 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissionswyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

30 DEC 2020 PEN TO PAPER

Sunny’s LESLIE BEADLES CHEYENNE Her scents have not been the same since Letter to The exquisite quince— The vanilla, citrus, and apple redolence bumped into her by accident Santa A meeting that wasn’t meant LOUISE DAVIS MOUNTAIN VIEW A second Destiny sent And now this fall-ly potpourri Weaves in and of her reverie A freakish fruit gnome Grown in the gardens of Rome Hidden among the ancient apple trees Knotty knobs waiting for a sun-hot breeze The spongy meat not fit to eat I have a little great-granddaughter She's cute as she can be Houses an olfactory treat When I came to visit with her She was busy showing me the tree

I ask her if she had written Santa And had she asked for a doll She ran and found her stocking It was hanging on the fireplace wall

She pulled a letter from her stocking And brought it to read She proceeded to read it to me A 3-year-old who has a need

She said mom wrote this letter for me And some things Santa can’t pack There are some things he will bring Because I've been good and that's a fact

I marveled at this little girl’s mind The Exquisite As she pretended to read to me I hope Santa is good to her We'll all be anxious to see Quince

We share a selection of WREN readers’ creative writing (poems, limericks, Put Your Pen to Paper! Please include your name, address, and phone number. 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 SUBMIT submitted, his or her mailing address, and confirmation that the work has A PIECE  [email protected] |  [307] 286-8140 not been published elsewhere. If you would like us to return your work,  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

DEC 2020 31 WHAT'S HAPPENING DEC 20 – FEB 28

Jan 14-15. Silent auction and consignment WHAT'S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP 01|SOUTHEAST sale. CAM-PLEX, $90, info 307-660-6577. ONGOING CHUGWATER Ava Community Art Center: Info 02 ONGOING avacenter.org or 307-682-9133. Live Music: Music venue open 03 for Thursday night jam session HULETT and weekend performances. Stampede Saloon & Eatery, ONGOING info 307-422-3200, Hulett Museum and Art Gallery: [email protected]. 8a-4p Mon-Fri, free, info 307-467-5292. 04 01 MEDICINE BOW MOORCROFT FOURTH TUESDAYS ONGOING Bingo: 7p, Community Hall, Senior Center Events: Coffee and rolls 9a info 307-710-4045. Wed. Toenail clinic 9a fourth Thu, dinner 6p fourth Thu, info 307-756-9550. SARATOGA FEATURED EVENT FEBRUARY 13 NEWCASTLE Toast to History: Wine paired to FRIDAYS hors d'oeuvres prepared by our Bingo: 7:30p, VFW Hall, free. local restaurants. Silent auction for fun and we also host a table with virgin drinks and water. Saratoga UPTON Museum, Advance tickets $25, WEDNESDAYS $45 for couples or $30 at the door. All You Can Eat Buffet: Drinks and desserts included, 5-8p, Upton Golf Course, $10, $7 ONGOING seniors, info 307-468-2847. Saratoga Museum: Tue-Sat 10a-2p info 307-326-5511, MONDAYS & THURSDAYS saratoga-museum.com. Zumba: 4p, Senior Center, $5, info 307-391-0223.

RECLUSE COMMUNITY TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 02|NORTHEAST Indoor Archery: 12-8:30p, 2741 N. Hwy TRUST CHILI COOK-OFF 116, $5, info 307-468-2506. GILLETTE JANUARY 23  5-7P ONGOING JANUARY 8-17 Outdoor Archery: 12-5p, Goose Landing, Annual fundraiser for Recluse Community Trust Hall Furniture Rehab Workshop: $5, info 307-468-2506. includes a pie auction and dance. $10, $30 per family, Demonstrations, handouts, ONGOING $150 to enter cookoff experienced refinishers available to help participants in heated Upton Gun Club Events: 5-Stand Shotgun Course, 5p $5; Trap Shooting, $5, 5p. COMMUNITY TRUST HALL • INFO 307-202-2029 workshop space. Mini workshops offered: Barn Quilts, $35, 2579 State Hwy 116N, info 307-281-9980, Jan 11-13; 3D Relief Box, $40, [email protected]. NORTHEAST 03|NORTHWEST

DUBOIS FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYS Farmers’ Market: 3:30-4:40p, under the awning at Nostalgia Bistro. Info We are an organization of problem-solvers. Our focus is 307-455-2313. THIRD WEDNESDAYS always on high-quality solutions: never excuses. Wyoming Health Fairs Monthly Wellness Screen/Blood Draw: 7-10a, Dubois Medical HOME | FARM & RANCH | AUTO | BUSINESS Clinic, appointments encouraged, info 307-455-2516, whf.as.me/dubois. Property-casualty insurance products offered through Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/Laramie, Wyoming. www.mwfbi.com

32 DEC 2020 WHAT'S HAPPENING DEC 20 – FEB 28

LANDER SUBMIT ONGOING AN EVENT  Native Americans of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Paintings by Joseph Scheuerle Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, include members of the Shoshone and events may be postponed or canceled. Please Arapaho from the Wind River Reservation. call ahead before attending events. Send complete Lander Pioneer Museum, info 307-332-3339. information for the next issue’s RIVERTON events by WEDNESDAYS PUZZLE ANSWERS Acoustic Music Jam: Join in or listen as JANUARY 15! musicians and dancers perform. 6:30-8:30p, We are updating event dates! Holiday Inn Convention Center, free, Events taking place during the info 307-856-8100. month of March are due on January 15. Send events SATURDAYS occurring during the month of Fremont County Master Gardeners Market: April by February 15. From 9-11a throughout the winter, Fremont County Fairgrounds Lunchroom, Also, be sure to include the date, Christmas info 307-851-7562. title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact ONGOING Traditions information for each event. Library Events: 1) Curbside book pickup Mon-Fri 10a-4p, Photos are always welcome. Around Tue-Thu 10a-6p. 2) Concierge service: call for book suggestions. 3) Winter Reading the World Program for preschool through age 18 Feb 1-28. Storytime spring session registration Look for more events at begins Dec 1. Fremont County Library, free, wyomingrea.org/news. info 307-856-3556 ext 2140.

1. GERMANY 5. POLAND QUESTIONS & | SUBMISSIONS: 2. DENMARK 6. PERU 04 SOUTHWEST  wren@ wyomingrea.org 3. FINLAND, SWEDEN, 7. RUSSIA NORWAY FORT BRIDGER  [307] 286-8140 8. JAPAN  JANUARY 1 214 W. Lincolnway 4. CHILE First Day Hike: Take in history, scenery, Ste. 21C and make new friends as you walk one Cheyenne, WY 82001 mile around the site with refreshments to  wyomingrea.org/ follow. 1p, Fort Bridger State Historic Site, wren-submissions FROM PAGE 27 free, info 307-782-3842.

MOUNTAIN VIEW SECOND WEDNESDAYS WYDOT’s Travel Information System Chamber of Commerce Community is the one and ONLY source for Luncheon: For business owners and individuals alike. $15/plate, noon, Mountain up-to-the-minute road and travel information. View Town Hall, RSVP [email protected], 307-787-6378. Take road condition information with you. ONGOING Community Classes: Fitness, computer, Get the WYOMING 511 app. workforce and kids’ classes are available.  Know traffic hazards & road Valley Learning Center, times and prices vary. www.wyoroad.info conditions before you go  View highway webcams Info valleylearningcenter.coursestorm.com Know before you go.  "Where am I?" function or 307-782-6401.  Hands-free, eyes-free function Available for free download Available for free download Visit wyoroad.info.  Easy to use at the Google Play Store. at the Apple App Store.

DEC 2020 33 01 02 03

Family photo of all nine children 01 performing at the Big Horn County Fair in 1999, Susan Neves, Otto

Upside-down drummer from Cody 02 plays with the Meeteetse pep band, Angie Erickson, Meeteetse

Marching music, 03 Linda Torczon, Cody

Cabin Fun, 04 Lauree Scott, Gillette

Music to my ears 05 Barbara Rasco, Riverton

Rising Rockstar, 06 Elizabeth Childress, Newcastle

04 05 06

JUST PICTURE IT

THIS MONTH: MAR (DUE JAN 15): APR (DUE FEB 15): MUSIC BLACK AND WHITE SKY 34 DEC 2020 09 08 07 10

Eclipsed guitar, 07 Casey Burns, Lyman

Stand out, 08 Saralynn Brandt, Rozet

Jazz for the Night Owls, 09 a hooked rug designed and created by Sue Cunningham, Laramie

Isabell Hill plays an array of 10 songs on her autoharp, Nancy (Hill) Zimmerer, Lingle

Music with the Wyoming State Band, 11 Dale Link, Cheyenne

The Hutchins Pipe Organ at First 12 Congregational UCC and Gary Bowers produce beautiful music on Sunday mornings, Jean Harm, Sheridan 12 11

 [email protected] Please submit high-quality digital files* or an original we can scan, as well as details  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 about the artwork, the artist’s name, and the co-op. *Use the highest quality setting on SUBMIT A PHOTO  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions your camera, or save digital artwork as a .jpg or .tif file with at least 300 dpi resolution. If you would like your work returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please include your name, hometown and a title. ENLIGHTEN US

While they were in all other respects very decent people, my mother and father loved classical music. It’s ok— I’ve forgiven them. Every family has a skeleton or two in their closet. Winter

MusicBY WALT GASSON 36 DEC 2020 Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris DARON LITTLE: Kristofferson—this was closer. It was I can claim this guy as a friend. a long way from the whole He cowboys on the TA Ranch, Nashville thing. It was more real, north of Saratoga. As genuine as It was my music – less polished. I still remember they come, his music is the very heart of rural Wyoming. music that came from the first time I heard Chris LeDoux. It was my music— CORB LUND: music that came from the heart the heart of the West. Another Alberta rancher, with his of the West. It wasn’t popular band the Hurtin’ Albertans, this guy’s country-western music, it was 2020 “Agricultural Tragic” album is more like western folk music—music from a classic for me. “Truth Comes Out” and for the people of the sagebrush sea. is my song for the 21st century. Now, there’s a host of awesome artists out THE MUNSICK BOYS: there for western music fans. And they’re Dave Munsick and his sons Tris, still singing the old songs like “Strawberry Sam and Ian are the real deal. Roan,” “Little Joe the Wrangler” and These are real Sheridan County “Night Rider’s Lament.” But they’re also cowboys, and they each have a bringing a ton of new music to us, original different musical style. Together compositions from people who love the or singly, they’re terrific. “1922” Ours just happened to be the bones of smell of saddle leather and the sound of is a favorite. Mozart and Debussy. They tried their best the wind in the pines just like we do. If to pass their affliction along to me, but you’re not following some of these folks, The music of the west is the soundtrack with no success. They bought records. you probably should. Here are a few that of my life, and I love it. Cowboy music is They took me to concerts. None of it stuck. stand out on my playlists: near the heart of it, but so are the Basque They were casting the seeds of Beethoven tunes (always sung in Euskara) that came IAN TYSON: on the sunbaked soil of my Sweetwater over with shepherds from the Pyrenees. Possibly my all-time favorite, County soul. So is the traditional vaquero music that now age 86. This Alberta rancher came up from Mexico. I’ve left out dozens From the beginning, I loved the old started out back in the 1950s and of great artists here: women like Trinity cowboy songs my uncle sang. “Goodbye did a period of country folk as part Seely, Jessie Veeder and Miko Marks. I’ve Old Paint” was one of his favorites, along of Ian and Sylvia. He does the old left out the songs and drumming of the with “Home on the Range” and “Yellow tunes better than anyone. native folks who were here before any of Rose of Texas.” I can only assume that he learned them from the hay hands DAVE STAMEY: us, I’ve left out the great Dom Flemons, when he ran the scatter rake on the old A Californian, and a reminder of the and I’ve left out a host of southwest Gilligan place at Boulder. That would have great traditions of the Californio and Louisiana Cajun cowboys. So many voices, been in the late 1920s and it’s possible buckaroo culture of the Great Basin so little time… country. A fixture at the annual some of those old fellows brought their It's coming on winter now, and winter Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, music with them decades before, when lasts a long time on the Laramie Plains. the trail herds came up from Texas. In his “Vaquero Song” is perhaps the I plan to spend a little time sitting by any case, the music caught my heart like most beautiful poetry I’ve ever heard. the fire listening to the music of the Charlie Russell’s paintings or the smell of WYLIE GUSTAFSON: land I love. Hope you can, too. sagebrush after a rain. I was in love. A Conrad, Montana rancher and Naturally, I had my flirtation with master yodeler, he was inducted last Merry Christmas, everyone! W rock and roll, but truth be told it year into the Montana Cowboy Hall didn’t stick. It wasn’t my music. I had of Fame. He’s a champion team Walt Gasson is a fourth-generation Wyoming a longer relationship with the outlaw roper who raises fine cow horses. native and the director of endorsed businesses country tunes of the 70s. Johnny Cash, I love his faith-based tunes. for Trout Unlimited.

DEC 2020 37 CLASSIFIEDS

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