Tag: Wyovore

MADE IN WYOMING: Wild West Custom Leather

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Wild West Custom Leather of Laramie, WY

Tim Mickelson, Wild West Custom Leather  1612 Kearney  Laramie, WY 82070  307-760-1377  wildwestcustomleather@yahoo.com  Check them out on Facebook!


Tim Mickelson got started working with leather when he was a young boy growing up in West Laramie.  He would visit the Boardwalk and Rob Vogel; then he would head across the road and visit Longhorn Saddle Shop and Andy Hysong.  Both men became his mentors as a child and their families are still important to him to this day.   Tim picked up many of the skills of the leather craft from them both.  After an automobile accident, Tim was unable to work in his profession of conduction any longer.  So, he picked up his leather tools to pass the time and it became a growing business.

Tim involves his wife in business as well.  She does quite a bit of the office work, sales, and public relations. She’s also who he turn to as a design consultant.  Tim is the drawing and tooling artist.  They both know what they are good at and it just became second nature to pick up their own roles.

Wild West Custom Leather designs are 90% custom.  Each product is done to fit the tastes and preferences of each customer. The other 10% of their sales are items Tim has done while brainstorming at the shop bench. Each item is drawn, carved, tooled, and finished by his own hands.

Wild West Custom Leather strives to create quality leather products that will be with you through the years. Each item is created with the individual customer in mind and the Mickelsons enjoy helping their customer get just what they want through our consultation process. Their products include bracelets, earrings, necklaces, key rings, wallets, checkbook /credit card holders, belts, gun holsters, chaps, and other Western cowboy gear. Wild West Custom Leather products also include specialty items including rodeo queen albums and personalized items. In the next year they will be adding home accents and accessories as well as custom designed purses to their product line.

Wild West Custom Leather won 2012 Champion Chap Maker at the World Leather Debut in Sheridan.  If you have anything you dream of being made with leather, feel free to contact the Mickelsons and they will do all they can to make that dream come true.  Wild West Custom Leather also does leather repair, patch sewing for motorcycle gear, and can reproduce your favorite old and worn leather products.

To order, contact Tim Mickelson at 307-760-1377; message him on Facebook at Wild West Custom Leather; catch him at the Friday Laramie Farmers Markets in downtown Laramie through the summer.  The Ammo Box in downtown Laramie features many of Tim’s holster designs for sale, and a variety of products are available at the Boardwalk in West Laramie. Wild West Custom Leather is a vendor annually on Labor Day weekend at the Snowy Range Music Festival at the Albany County fairgrounds.
Wild West Custom Leather products range from jewelry starting at $20 to up to $500 for custom chaps.

 

UW Women’s Leadership Conference features Dr. Erin Foley

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

We’re very excited to introduce contributor Liberty Lausterer! Liberty moved to Wyoming with her husband and cats in July 2013. She is excited to explore the vast riches of this place, its people, and the cross-country skiing trails. Originally from eastern Nebraska, she studied history in college in Iowa, followed by graduate work in California. She spent the past nine years as a Lutheran pastor and is ready to see what new opportunities await her in Wyoming. Her hobbies include writing, swimming, herding cats, the adventure of high-altitude baking, trolling the web for interior design inspiration, and she is currently learning to knit her first hat. Welcome, Liberty!

 

by Liberty Lausterer

This weekend (November 8th-9th) I attended the UW Women’s Leadership Conference.  The conference was intended to empower women in Wyoming by teaching us to embrace our strengths, leave behind our weaknesses, and take hold of a life that brings us true happiness. The two day event featured a keynote speaker and three workshops, all intended to equip women with the tools necessary to live strong lives, embracing the very best of what we have to offer.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Erin Foley, teaches Communication Arts at State University of New York at Oneonta. In her keynote, entitled “The Fearless Female and the Freedom to be HAPPY,” Dr. Foley posed the following questions to women:

What if we were less obsessed with beauty?

What if we embraced confidence instead of modesty?

What if we got comfortable with confrontation?

What if we focused on abundance instead of scarcity?

What if we focused on our strengths and not our weaknesses?

Foley explained how cultural beliefs teach women to play down our strengths, creating a false sense of modesty and feeding into a mentality of scarcity. Rather than affirming ourselves and other women, we tell ourselves “I am not enough.” This hypercritical, “Mean Girls,” environment breeds desperation and jealousy. Women end up fixated on all that we are not, instead of engaging with the things that make us feel energized and strong.

The time we spend eradicating our weaknesses pulls us away from cultivating our strengths, says Foley. She defines a strength as the place where your skill meets an emotional state. When you are doing something well, and it leaves you energized, you have honed in on a strength. We may be good at many things, but if they don’t fill us up, we won’t be able to sustain the energy to excel at them. We can perform well in an area, and still end up feeling weak, tired, bored, and frustrated. Foley challenges women to look for the moments that feel good to us, lean into them, and we will lead more fulfilling, strong lives. “Excellence,” says Foley, “is fueled by passion.”

For a suggested donation of $10 this conference certainly delivered ten fold on content and encouragement. It feels especially meaningful when placed against the backdrop of Wyoming’s equality heritage. In a state with a long history of strong female leadership it is encouraging to discover ways women are coming together to support each other, find inspiration for our passions and purpose, and forge new pathways as leaders in Wyoming. 

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: Report on Grizzlies in Yellowstone Ecosystem

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

AGENCY REPORTS AT MEETING PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY GOOD NEWS ABOUT YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM GRIZZLY BEAR RECOVERY

BOZEMAN – Managers from the state, tribal, and federal agencies responsible for recovery of the grizzly bear in the Yellowstone Ecosystem heard good news at their recent meeting in Bozeman, Montana.  Despite being a poor cone production year for the already beleaguered whitebark pine trees (WBP), managers heard reports of surprisingly few conflicts between humans and grizzly bears, even though a record count of 58 unduplicated females with cubs were observed in the ecosystem this year.  Especially promising was that a female with cub was documented in each of the 18 bear management units used to keep track of the bear population.

In addition to reports of minimal conflicts from all of the states and national parks, managers also heard a report on the annual population status from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST).  Utilizing existing statistical  methods the population estimate for the Yellowstone Ecosystem in 2013 is 629.

Because grizzly bears have yet to enter their dens for hibernation, all of the information presented regarding conflicts was labeled as “Draft,” but current data shows 25 known grizzly mortalities recorded so far, which represents less than half the mortalities in 2012.

The IGBST also presented a synthesis of information on the effects of changes in bear foods on the health of the Yellowstone grizzly population. The IGBST had been tasked in the spring of 2012 to do this work so the Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee (YES) managers would have the best available information on which to make a recommendation to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) on whether a new proposed delisting rule should be prepared or not. According to van Manen, “Our extensive analysis of existing research and monitoring has shown us that grizzly bears are resilient and resourceful in the face of changing food resources.”  Additionally he said, “Our findings indicate that the decline in WBP due mostly to mountain pine beetles is not a major threat to the future of  the Yellowstone grizzly bear population. Data show the observed slowing of population growth since 2002 is  a result of  increased grizzly bear population density and resulting declines in subadult survival.”

The food synthesis research was presented to the YES members who then voted to conditionally support the findings, pending completion of a final section of the report and having all the research peer reviewed and published in professional journals.  The IGBST will be presenting the same information to the IGBC at their December meeting in Missoula, Montana. Both the YES and the IGBC will make recommendations of the USFWS, the agency responsible for deciding on whether a new proposed rule proposing to again delist Yellowstone bears would be developed and published for public comment.  USFWS will likely make a final decision in late December or early January on whether to produce a new proposed rule or not.

According to Recovery Coordinator Chris Servheen, “If delisting were to occur it wouldn’t be until later in 2014.” Careful monitoring and management would continue if delisting were to occur.  According to van Manen, “Our team will continue to monitor how grizzly bears respond over time and keep a close eye on the thresholds established to ensure a sustainable population.”

To learn more about grizzly bear recovery visit: www.igbconline.org. To view reports by the IGBST regarding the Yellowstone grizzly bear population visit: http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/igbst-home.htm.

MADE IN WYOMING: Petit Secret Chocolate

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Petit Secret Chocolate of Jackson, WY

Laurance Perry, Petit Secret Chocolate  PO Box 6536  Jackson, WY 83002  307-690-7483  lauranceperry@gmail.com

www.getmorechocolate.com

Laurance Perry brought to America a love for all things chocolate.  She wanted her two children to experience the same truffle-filled chocolate Easter Eggs she enjoyed growing up in her native Belgium.

Easter is traditionally a time of chocolate in Belgium and children are delighted with large chocolate eggs filled with chocolate goodies. Unable to find something like this here, Laurence took matters into her own hands, purchased a large, hollow egg mold; she melted chocolate and cast her first chocolate eggs. Encouraged, she cast tiny Easter characters and filled the eggs. Wrapped in a white satin bow she showed the eggs to friends and the ensuing demand created a chocolate frenzy; Petit Secret Chocolate (or PS Chocolate) was born in 2002.

With her mother’s help and Belgian chocolate recipes, Laurance created solids in unique shapes and mouthwatering Belgian truffles filled with buttery ganaches.  She soon captured the taste buds of those frequenting the bazaars and farmer’s markets of Jackson Hole where Laurance lives and works. She soon outgrew her kitchen operation and converted a barn on her property into a modern and efficient kitchen and business.

Though she appreciates her new and efficient operation, Laurance still makes her Belgian chocolate the old fashioned way; one at a time.  Each batch is carefully hand-crafted and tested by her impeccable Belgian chocolate background and memories of that perfect chocolate from the old country. Laurence is content to keep her business comfortably small, and leaves the business end to her husband Paul.  She is proud of her two sons, Will and Jack, contributors to PS Chocolate, and occasionally is even a bit surprised they still have a passion for hand-crafted Belgian chocolate.

Petit Secret Chocolate does take custom orders, as well as company logo brands.  They do handcrafted molds to accommodate any request of shapes and sizes from cowboy boots to bears.

PS Chocolate can be purchased via their web site at www.getmorechocolate.com.  The chocolate is truly worth the cost. The chocolates are 100% handcrafted and PS Chocolate does not use any additives or waxes.  These delicious concoctions are 100% Belgian Chocolate.

 

Black Dog Animal Rescue of Cheyenne Wins A Car!

Posted on by wlmeditor

  • visit our website & read the current issue

    Looking to bring a new family member home? Throughout November, BDAR is offering 50% off the adoption charge for black or mostly black dogs – it’s Back in Black month!

    We’re very excited to share the news about Black Dog Animal Rescue, Cheyenne & Southern Wyoming’s outstanding animal rescue service that connects canine companions with their loving ‘forever homes.’ These folks work tirelessly for their cause, and we’re thrilled to share the news about their recent accomplishment!

    Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR) was one of two organizations to win a brand new vehicle from Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program on October 31, 2013. The program showcased five non-profit organizations each day for 50 days on Facebook. The car that BDAR chose was a 2014 Toyota Sienna van. Black Dog Animal Rescue will use this vehicle to transport shelter dogs across Wyoming to the comfort and safety of volunteer foster homes and move those dogs to mobile adoption sites where they tend to be more visible to the public.

    Congrats, BDAR – well deserved! Are you perhaps searching for a companion to bring home? Here are two of the residents at BDAR that are currently searching for a loving forever home…

    Sydnie is the white Pit Bull Terrier and Victoria is a Lab mix. They are both available for adoption through BDAR — visit www.bdar.org. Victoria’s adoption fee is 50% off due to our Back in Black promotion which runs the entire month of November. It is 50% all black or mostly black dogs.

MADE IN WYOMING: Dragon Lady Teas

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Dragon Lady Teas of Jackson, WY

Dragon Lady Teas — Dee Elle Bupp   PO Box 3101  Jackson, WY 83001  307.200.4717   dragonladyteas@gmail.com   www.dragonladyteas.com

Dee Elle has a love of herbs and a love of people; with that in mind she created a bridge between the two with her drinkable art.  After years of tinkering with herbs & making concoctions for friends & family, a friend suggested she try selling her teas at the farmers market.  They were such a hit she sold everything at the first market!

Dragon Lady Teas are organic and Dee has high standards.  Lady’s Blend, which is her oldest is light, sweet and green tasting.  Other blends are Chill Me Out, Guardian, Peace Tea, Belly Rum, Be Well, Navigator, Chai, and Morning Dew.  The ingredients and a little about the tea can be found on the web site at www.dragonladyteas.com. Dee loves doing custom blends, and creates them for businesses & individuals. Who wouldn’t want their very own tea blend?

Currently Dragon Lady Teas can be ordered direct by phone or on the website, which takes you right to ETSY for online purchasing, or a number of local grocers.  Price ranges range from bulk pricing, beginning at around $4/ounce and jars start at $8.

As a family business, Dee’s husband helps when he’s not working his other job & her kids work all of the events. Dee is a plant person and it is clear to her that she is here to make delicious teas. This is much more than just tea, it’s love in a cup! 

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Nena Trapp Photography

Posted on by wlmeditor

read our new Fall 2013 issue — with our new design!

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Nena Trapp Photography of Cody, WY

Rowena Trapp, Nena Trapp Photography PO Box 471 Cody, WY 82414   307-250-8312    trappnena@yahoo.com www.nenatrappphotography.com

Nena Trapp’s interest in photography started when she was young and thumbing through the pages of Life and Look Magazines, which transported her to new places. As a self-taught photographer, Nena judged her work against the photos in the magazines that captured her as a child. She actually became involved with photography as part of her job documenting cultural sites as an archaeologist. This was great for Nena, as it allowed her to incorporate her passion for history.  Photography is a way for Nena to document the things and places related to history. Nena gradually added an artistic flair to her work and that is where she is today.

Nena’s photographs are sold as prints or other photo-based items, such as puzzles, coasters, cards, etc. Although she has done portraits in the past, she is currently concentrating on nature and cultural heritage subjects. The photos are sometimes put on canvas and metal, which are very striking.

Nena Trapp Photography is only sold on her website at this time: www.nenatrappphotography.com. The prices range from less than $20.00 to over $200.00.

MADE IN WYOMING: 7Fold Spice

Posted on by wlmeditor

read our new Fall 2013 issue — with our new design!

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Sevenfold Spice of Casper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sevenfold Spice:  JD Dotzler Casper, WY 307-251-5424 sesvenfoldspice@yahoo.com www.sevenfoldspice.com

JD Dotzler received his certificate from culinary school in June 2005, and then apprenticeship in a restaurant as a chef’s assistant at a local country club.  The head chef at the country club stressed that he wanted specific dishes seasoned exactly the same every time.  JD suggested that they blend ingredients to make a base seasoning that would always be the same, to which Chef Kevin said, “What a great idea!”  That was JD’s first spice blend.  

JD also has family and friends with food allergies. He realized that there weren’t any “all natural” seasonings on the market, so he created what is now his “Master Blend.”  Those same friends and family members encouraged JD to offer his spice blends to the general public.  In 2010, Sevenfold Spice was registered as a trade name in the State of Wyoming.

Sevenfold Spice is a family business; his brother assists him with the marketing, and JD handles the development and production end of the Sevenfold Spice product line.

Sevenfold Spice acquires specialized herbs and spice powders from Savory Spice Shop in Denver, CO.  He takes bulk ingredients and blends them to specific recipes in a commercial kitchen in Casper.  The spices are MSG free, gluten free and have no preservatives.  Sevenfold Spice is pleased to offer an “all natural” product for now, and will continue to look into an organic line of spices.

Sevenfold Spice prepares custom blends as well!  Requests for “salt free” come in frequently and Salt Free Master, Salt Free Habanero and Salt Free Garlic blends are regular inventory items.  They offer two value packages: “A Best of the Best Pack” containing the top five selling spice blends; and “A Grillers Choice Pack,” which offers three blends and two grill rubs.  Customers can order any combination of spices and rubs from their website at www.sevenfoldspice.com.  Sevenfold Spice also offers free shipping on all orders over $20.

Sevenfold Spice blends and rubs are offered at 8-10 retail outlets in Casper and Douglas. They can be purchased online at www.sevenfoldspice.com.   The price range for 4 oz blends and rubs ranging from $6 to $8 per bottle.

 

Our promise…..       “Making food taste great… Naturally”

 

Currently Sevenfold Spice has ten spice blends and seven spice rubs.

Sevenfold Spice is all natural all the time.

 

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

 

WY Foodie: New Recipe, Bubbly Basics + Lovejoy’s in Laramie

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website — the fall issue will be out in just a few days!

photo by Deb Smith

Want to learn about the basics of champagne? Kara of The Sweet Sommelier in Newcastle shared some basics of the bubbly on our Wyoming Weddings blog, but we thought it would make interesting reading for any beverage connoisseur… click here to read more! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new recipe — thanks to the Wyoming Beef Council!

Spicy Grilled Ribeye Cap with Avocado-Mango Salad

Total Recipe time: 30-35 minutes

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 to 1-1/4 pounds beef Ribeye Cap Steaks

Salt and pepper

Rub

Juice of 1 lime

1 medium jalapeño pepper, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 clove garlic, minced

Avocado-Mango Salad

1 large mango, sliced

1 medium avocado, sliced

4 thin slices red onion

1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Combine 1 teaspoon lime juice and remaining rub ingredients; reserve remaining lime juice for Avocado-Mango Salad. Press the rub evenly onto beef steaks. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 9 to 13 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 9 to 14 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare Avocado-Mango Salad. Combine mango, avocado and onion in medium bowl; sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with reserved lime juice, tossing gently to coat. Season with salt and black pepper, as desired.
  3. Serve steaks with Avocado Mango Salad.

 

Lovejoy’s Bar & Grill in Laramie

Looking to enjoy a fine Laramie dining establishment pre- or post-game this football season? Check out Lovejoy’s Bar & Grill in Downtown Laramie, where they specialize in such deliciousness as burger + beer specials, gigantic salads, Mexican food smothered in yummy-ness, and much, much more… Catch a train whizzing by the windows and enjoy the historic flavor of Laramie’s railroad past…

Visit them online at www.elmerlovejoys.com

 

WY Foodie: Recipes + Il Villaggio Osteria

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

A new recipe — thanks to the Wyoming Beef Council!

Orange-Chipotle Skirt Steaks

Total recipe time: 30 minutes

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds beef skirt steak, cut into 4 to 6-inch pieces

2 medium oranges, divided

2 cups chopped tomatillos (4 to 5 small to medium)

1/2 cup chopped red onion

2 to 3 teaspoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon salt

Marinade

Juice of 1 medium orange

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine Marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steaks in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
  2. Grate 1/2 teaspoon peel from 1 orange. Cut this orange and half of remaining orange into segments. Chop segments into 1/2-inch pieces. Combine orange peel and segments, tomatillos, onion, chipotle peppers, cumin and salt in medium bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut remaining 1/2 orange into wedges; reserve for garnish.
  3. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 7 to 12 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 8 to 12 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Carve steaks diagonally across the grain into thin slices; season with salt, as desired. Serve with tomatillo salsa. Garnish with reserved orange wedges.

Test Kitchen Tips

To cut orange segments, cut off both ends of orange with paring knife. Stand orange on 1 cut end and slice vertically (top to bottom) to remove peel and white pith in strips. Follow curve of orange with paring knife to remove as little flesh as possible. Cut each segment free by slicing down on both sides of surrounding membranes.

TABLE MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS:  Wine + Campari = Yummy

I saw this on Table Mountain Vineyards‘ Instagram & had to share… Here’s how Patrick made this summer heat-beater:  3 parts light red wine/rose’; 3 parts tonic; 1 part Campari. YUMMO!

 

JACKSON: Il Villaggio Osteria Offers An Italian Dining Twist

3335 West Village Road, Teton Village  307-739-4100  visit their website

In February 2008, the Fine Dining Restaurant Group brought a taste of Italy to Jackson Hole with the opening of Il Villaggio Osteria. The Osteria is located inside the Hotel Terra, the state’s first LEED certified property and only the fifth in the United States. With its 12-seat wine bar and eight seat salami bar, guests can enjoy a glass from our extensive wine list or watch as imported meats and cheeses, sourced from the country’s finest purveyors, are hand-sliced to order. House made pastas, sausage stuffed olives, beautiful wines and exquisite entrees round out the extraordinary multi-course menu.

images courtesy Fine Dining Group, Jackson Hole

For more Wyoming dining listings, visit our new online dining guide!

 

FROM THE PARKS: Closure for Peregrine Falcon Area Lifted

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

 

Closure Lifted After Peregrine Falcon Chick Fledges
from Baxter’s Pinnacle Nest

 

MOOSE, WY — The public closure at Baxter’s Pinnacle and Descent Gully near the mouth of Cascade Canyon was lifted on Thursday, August 15. This area closure went into effect on May 1 to protect an active peregrine falcon nest. Due in part to the protection provided by this wildlife closure, the adult falcons successfully reared and fledged one chick.

The Baxter’s Pinnacle peregrines experienced little to no human interruption during their incubation and chick-rearing phases thanks to active support from the park’s two authorized concessionaires for guided climbing services, and to the cooperation of Jackson Hole’s climbing community that demonstrated responsible behavior and respected the closure. Peregrines are cliff nesters and can be sensitive to human disturbance, especially during their nesting period. Falcons are quite territorial and will often abandon nests to defend their territory, which leads to nest failure and low reproductive success.

Decimated by the harmful effects of the pesticide DDT, it is believed that peregrine falcons were virtually eliminated from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) by the 1960s. In 1980, efforts to reintroduce peregrine falcons to Grand Teton National Park were initiated in conjunction with similar efforts elsewhere in the GYE and western United States.  Between 1980 and 1986, 52 fledgling falcons were released at several sites in the Teton Range; seven to eight birds were released each time. After sufficient recovery was achieved, peregrines were delisted from the endangered species list in 1999. However, peregrine falcons remain a species of concern in Grand Teton National Park where only four nesting pairs exist. The Baxter’s nest area was first discovered in 2010, and it has produced one chick in three of the last four years (2010, 2011, and 2013). One other Teton site fledged two chicks this year.

The public closure served a second purpose: to also protect climbers from the peregrines as they will defend their nest site by dive-bombing perceived intruders. The peregrine falcon is among the world’s fastest birds, flying at 40-55 mph and diving at more than 200 mph while defending a territory or striking prey. This posed a safety risk to climbers who may have been knocked off their rock ‘perch’ and injured.

Seasonal and temporary closures for wildlife protection are common in Grand Teton to protect both wildlife and park users. Entering a posted wildlife closure is a violation that can result in a citation and fine under the code of federal regulations.

ON THE CALENDAR: Buffalo’s Longmire Days, Worland’s BBG & Bluegrass Fest

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

BUFFALO:  Longmire Days August 17-18

A&E’s No. 1 original hit drama series “Longmire” has launched into its second season with more than 4.3 million viewers, the series is one of A&E’s most successful shows to debut. To celebrate the series – and the fact that “Longmire” best-selling author Craig Johnson hangs his cowboy hat here in Johnson County Wyoming – the Buffalo, Wyoming, Chamber of Commerce will host its second-annual “Longmire Days” on Aug. 17-18.

“Longmire” is based on Johnson’s New York Times best-selling Walt Longmire Mystery novel series (“A Serpent’s Tooth,” Johnson’s 9th Longmire novel, was released in June.) The series weaves the story of a dedicated, charismatic yet emotionally troubled small-town sheriff who seeks out the truth as secrets, betrayal and murder swirl in fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. Johnson, who lives in the tiny community of Ucross, Wyoming (population hosting a grand total of 25 residents), uses Buffalo and Johnson County characters and locations to breath life into Longmire’s hometown of Durant, Wyoming, and Absaroka County.
Johnson will again be a huge part of the celebration, with book signings and participation in many of the planned events. But new this year will be guest appearances by many of the actors from the hit show, including Adam Bartley (The Ferg); Cassidy Freeman (Cady Longmire); Bailey Chase (Branch Connally); Katee Sackhoff (Victoria ‘Vic’ Moretti); and Robert Taylor (Sheriff Walt Longmire). A tight-knit cast, all have all agreed to attend “Longmire Days” to help celebrate the success of the show – and be a part of the community of Buffalo and Johnson County, the “real life” setting for the series. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips (Henry Standing Bear) will also attempt an appearance, if his schedule allows.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Saturday, August 17:

8-10am – Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in the Square –
$5 per person
8-11am – Book Signing and Celebrity Autograph Session
Crazy Woman Square
10-11am – Press Conference
11am-noon – Basque Dancers in the Square
12-2pm – Softball Game “Cowboys vs. Indians” – Minimum
$5 donation – at Prosinski Park
2-5pm – Poker Run begins at Clear Creek Brewery
2-5pm – Indian Pow-Wow in the Square
5pm – Craig Johnson Book Signing at the Occidental
7-11pm – FREE Street Dance with Gary Small & the Coyote
Bros. – Downtown Main Street

Sunday, August 18:

9am-noon – Skeet Shooting at Buffalo Gun Club Shooting
Range – $100 per person, all included
10am-noon – Oldies 105.9 Horseback Ride from Paradise
Ranch – $200 per person, includes horse and lunch –
limited availability
11-1 – Indian Pow-Wow in the Square
Noon-2pm – A Cowboy Action Shoot demonstration at the
club range near the Buffalo Airport
1pm – Craig Johnson Book Signing at the Library
2pm – 18-hole golf outing at the Buffalo Golf Club – $200
per person with prizes for winners
6pm – Bartley (“The Ferg”) will host a live comedy/
karaoke event at the Occidental Saloon – $10 cover

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
image by David Huber Photography, Worland

WORLAND:  Pepsi Wyoming BBQ Championship & Bluegrass Festival, August 16-17

Check out their website for lots of info on this great event – and read the article in our current issue! We also included a feature on this event in our bookstore travel magazine, Wyovore. Lots of BBQ deliciousness and for those with a love of bluegrass — you can’t beat this event! World class musicians from around the country come to participate. This is one big event!

Hunting Prep, Laramie Main Street News, Art in Sheridan…

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

NATIONAL ELK REFUGE MAKES PREPARATIONS FOR BISON & ELK HUNTING SEASONS

image from National Elk Refuge website

Wildlife managers are preparing for two upcoming hunting seasons on the National Elk Refuge. Hunting programs on the Refuge are used as a management tool to achieve optimum herd size as determined through a cooperative effort between the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park, and Wyoming Game & Fish Department managers.

The 2013 bison hunting season on the National Elk Refuge will begin on August 15 and run through January 12, 2014. Bison hunting licenses are issued by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. A Refuge–specific bison permit is required and is provided with the State license. Individuals who have not already applied and been selected for the 2013 season are not eligible to hunt bison this season.

The Refuge bison hunting season will be comprised of 12 hunt periods of varying length, with a number of week-long breaks of non-disturbance incorporated into the season. This is intended to increase the success rate for hunters since bison, along with other animals, may learn to avoid an area with continued hunting pressure. Wildlife managers are using the hunt period structure as a tool to achieve herd objectives.

The 2013 Refuge elk hunting season will run from October 12 through December 15 and will consist of 10 consecutive hunt periods. Persons interested in hunting elk may begin applying for Refuge–specific permits beginning Wednesday, August 14. Applications for elk permits must be submitted electronically by September 25 to be entered into a computerized random draw. The results of the drawing will be posted on the application web site by September 26. 

Application for National Elk Refuge elk hunting permits is done in cooperation with the Wyoming Game & Fish Private Lands Public Wildlife Access program. Hunters may initially apply for only one hunt period per hunt unit and must already have a valid Wyoming elk license to enter the electronic drawing. Elk hunters attempting to fill two valid licenses on the Refuge during the same hunt period do not need to apply for two Refuge permits. 

Bison and elk hunting information, including general information, application procedures, regulations, maps, weapons restrictions, and access can be found on the National Elk Refuge’s web page at www.fws.gov/refuge/national_elk_refuge. Printed copies of Refuge regulations can be picked up in Jackson at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center (532 N. Cache Street), Wyoming Game & Fish Department (420 N. Cache Street), or the National Elk Refuge Administrative Offices (625 E. Broadway Avenue). Printable versions (PDF) of the regulations and maps are available on the web site. 

Persons traveling on Refuge roads, including Curtis Canyon and Flat Creek roads, are encouraged to familiarize themselves with hunt boundaries and be aware that hunters may be in the area.

LARAMIE MAIN STREET UPDATE

Mural by Travis Ivey 

Thanks to over 160 backers, Laramie Main Street reached their fundraising goal for the Laramie Mural Project before their deadline of July 21st and then, the donations kept coming in! When all was said and done, they raised just short of $20,000!!!

mural plan, by Travis Ivey

They have already begun to use those donations to expand the Laramie Mural Project. Check out the new murals going up downtown at 3rd and Kearney, behind the Big Dipper at 111 Ivinson and in the alley behind the Curiosity Shoppe. 

Be sure to mark your calendar for an event like you’ve never seen in downtown Laramie! Move in Weekend, Aug. 23 – 25 they will be hosting the Downtown Mash Up featuring the Gem City Car Classic and Laramie Fiber Arts Festival. This is a joint event between the University of Wyoming Athletic Dept., Laramie Main Street, DLBA and the fiber art galleries downtown.

Ever wondered what was above your favorite downtown businesses? Now is your chance to find out! Join Laramie Main Street on Friday, August 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour of the lofts and apartments downtown. Everything from cozy one bedroom units to expansive family lofts.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 the day of and can be purchased with cash, check or credit card from the Main Street office at 207 Grand Ave. or by calling 307-760-3355.

The Upstairs/Downtown tour is designed to promote residential space and living in the historic district as well as raise funds for the Laramie Main Street Alliance.

EVANSTON — ROUNDHOUSE FESTIVAL

Stop by the Roundhouse Festival this weekend in Evanston at the Roundhouse to purchase your 2013 HO collectors car. These will be available at the this weekends Roundhouse Festival. This year’s car commemorates the Lincoln Highway’s 100th anniversary!

SHERIDAN — SAGE Community Art Center Welcomes New Exhibits; Sheridan’s DDA Plans 3rd Thursday Fest for August

The next 3rd Thursday Festival will be held August 15! Join in for all the fun, food and music!

Check out the next round of great art exhibits at SAGE Community Art Center!

 

 

WY FOODIE: New WY Beef Recipe + Meet the Chef

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

A new recipe — thanks to the Wyoming Beef Council!

Carnitas-Style Beef Tacos

Total recipe time: 45 minutes

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

4 beef flat rron steaks (about 8 ounces each)

18 small corn tortillas (6 to 7-inch diameter)

 

Toppings

Minced white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges

 

Marinade

1 cup prepared tomatillo salsa

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

 

Avocado Salsa

1-1/2 cups prepared tomatillo salsa

1 large avocado, diced

2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup minced white onion

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Instructions

  1. Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steaks and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.
  2. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 10 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 12 to 16 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.
  3. Meanwhile combine avocado salsa ingredients in medium bowl. Set aside.
  4. Place tortillas on grid. Grill until warm and slightly charred. Remove; keep warm.
  5. Carve steaks into slices. Serve in tortillas with avocado salsa. Top with onion, cilantro and lime wedges, as desired.

MEET THE CHEF: Matty Melehes, Sous Chef

Ever want to look into the life of a professional chef? We interviewed Matty Melehes, JH Fine Dining Restaurant Group Sous Chef, to see what makes him tick…what his favorite eats are…and his must-have recommendation for your kitchen library…

WLM: What sparked your desire to become a chef?

MM: What sparked the desire was the idea that it’s a job that can be done anywhere in the word; the ability to have a trade but also travel. I also just have a passion for hospitality. I love dining and the whole dining experience. I love surprising people with dishes. I love presenting someone with a dish, seeing them enjoy what I’ve created, leave happy and return because they trust my work and what I do. To me, it’s all about the small victories.

WLM: What’s the one thing you enjoy making the most?

Fish, or really anything that comes from the ocean, holds a special place in my heart. The possibilities are endless. You can choose one genre you’d like to base your dish in and there are so many things you can do within that genre.

WLM: If you’re sitting down to enjoy your favorite meal + imbibement, what would you pick?

My ultimate meal would be enjoying a bottle of the Joie Rose (from Canada) while sitting on the dock of the fisherman’s wharf in Granville Island, Vancouver, eating BC spot prawns raw. Basically, you just rip them in half, suck the head and squeeze the meat out. They’re only in season for a few weeks and they are amazing.

WLM: Do you have a favorite go-to cookbook at home? Or are your at-home recipes all inside your brain?

When I’m home, I don’t follow recipes. What I enjoy about cooking is taking what I have, however limited, and coming up with new creations. My favorite culinary book, however, would definitely be The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg. It’s an encyclopedia of ingredients that includes a wide range of ingredients from around the world and what pairs well with them. I like the book because it gives you the foundation of the ingredient and from there you can create a dish from the ground up yourself.

Thanks Matty Melehes, JH Fine Dining Group’s Sous Chef for the interview! I have to say, I’m going to take his word on the raw spot prawns… But those I’ve talked to said that he was spot on — pun absolutely intended. Thanks to JH Fine Dining Group — owners of establishments including (but not limited to!) Bin 22, Rendezvous Bistro, Q Roadhouse, Il Villagio Osteria, The Kitchen & Bistro Catering in Jackson…

visit our website & read the current issue

ON THE CALENDAR: July 26, 2013

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

CHEYENNE — CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS, THROUGH JULY 28

Here we go, Cheyenne — CFD is HERE!!! This annual event, the Daddy of ‘Em All, brings visitors from throughout the globe to the state’s capitol. Visit their website for all the details — schedule, events, concerts, carnivals, pancake breakfasts, parades, and of course…RODEO!!!!!  Thanks to our official photographer, Don Christner of Cheyenne & our friend Cliff Cox, who will be providing us with all sorts of great images!

DUBOIS — National Day of the Cowboy, July 26 & 27

Lots of western fun to be had at this great annual event! This year, Longmire fans rejoice! They’ll be incorporating a tip of the hat to WY author Craig Johnson & will feature autographed Longmire Books, bumper stickers & a Red Pony Saloon ball cap or 2 in our NDOC celebration on July 27th. Thank you to Julie @ Two Ocean Books for making all the arrangements! Visit the National Day of the Cowboy Dubois website for more info on this event!

image from www.casperairmodelers.com

CASPER — Casper Air Modelers Fun Fly — July 26-28

Regional Fun Fly for RC Plane Enthusiasts and Spectators

Starting Friday July 26th and continuing through Sunday July 28th, Casper Air Modelers are excited to announce the 2013 Annual Fun Fly and RC Aircraft Fly In. The fly in weekend will provide a great opportunity for air modelers around the region to showcase their models, machines and skills. All ages are welcomed to attend and view model aircraft, flying demonstrations and talk with experts about radio controlled aircraft. Their will be aircraft of all types, shapes and sizes such as large scale airplanes up to 10′ wing spans, micro electric RC aircraft, electric and gas operated helicopters and everything in between. RC pilots are welcomed to attend and fly but an AMA membership is required to conform to insurance regulations. The Casper Air Modelers facility is located just north of the Casper Events Center and just west of the motocross track north of Casper. Models will be on display and flying will be done weather permitting from 8am to 8pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Visit their website for more information!

 

Lander — 5th Annual RiverFest, July 27

Excited to hear that The Lander Art Center will host the 5th Annual Riverfest Art and Music in the Park!

Saturday, July 27th
9:30am-8pm in Lander City Park.

Spend the day in Lander’s beautiful city park enjoying great art, live music, fun activities, and delicious food and drink! This event offers 30 booths of high quality original artwork from local and regional artists. Artwork includes jewelry, metal, woodworking, painting, photography, leather work, ceramics, fiber and paper arts.

There will be artist demonstrations, art activities and face painting from the Lander Art Center and an activity from the Lander Children’s Museum.

This year’s performances include:

Youth dance led by Jackson Hole Dancers Workshop

Buffalo Bill Boycott Band, Lander WY

Drag the River, Fort Collins CO

Chanman Roots Band, Jackson WY
Entry $5, kids free
All proceeds support the Lander Art Center in putting on this event.

image from Wyoming’s Big Show in Sweetwater County — Rock Springs!

COUNTY FAIRS!

Natrona County Fair — It was held earlier in July, but there are LOTS of events happening — check out their website!

Laramie County Fair — August 3-10

Sheridan County Fair — July 26-August 3

Sweetwater County Fair – -Wyoming’s Big Show — July 25-August 4

Albany County Fair — July 26-August 3

Carbon County Fair — August 1-10

Goshen County Fair — July 25-August 4

Platte County Fair

Big Horn County Fair

Fremont County Fair — July 27-August 3

Park County Fair — through July 27

Lincoln County Fair — August 3-10

Converse County Fair

Hot Springs County Fair — July 30-August 3

Niobrara County Fair — July 27-August 3

Johnson County Fair & Rodeo — July 28-August 4

Campbell County Fair — July 26-August 5

Crook County Fair — July 27-August 4

Uinta County Fair — July 25-August 3

Weston County Fair

Washakie County Fair — July 29-August 3

Teton County Fair — through July 28

Sublette County Fair — through July 28

…AND, of course, the Wyoming State Fair is coming! August 10-17!