2018 Rodeo Royalty chosen The court has been chosen for the 2018 Rodeo Royalty. Queen is Cedar Stewart. Sr. Princess is Bailey Wing. Jr. Princess is Kaity Shrieve, Peewee Princess is Matazie Jones. Awards were given to four girls. Cedar Stewart won Ms. Congeniality, Kaity Shreve won horsemanship, Bailey Wing won modeling and Matazie Jones won speech. The girls are looking forward to being in the local parades and rodeos this year. Click on this link for more photos: 2018 Rodeo Royalty Photo by Cassee Butler.

Standing Ovation for Coach Lehr The Sublette County Commissioners gave a standing ovation to Big Piney Coach Bill Lehr at their meeting on Wednesday (June 6th). Commission Chairman Andy Nelson said, "We want to thank and recognize Coach Lehr for his many years of service to the county." More Info Photo by Cat Urbigkit.

Funeral Mass for Bessie Shorma June 16 (posted 6/12/18)
Covill Funeral Home
Bessie Shorma, 100, of Big Piney, Wyoming passed away Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Sublette Center in Pinedale. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Big Piney. Inurnment will follow the services in the Plainview Cemetery.

Graveside Memorial Service for Eudena ‘Dena’ Vernieuw June 23 (posted 6/7/18)
Graveside memorial service for Eudena "Dena" Vernieuw will be conducted on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 11AM. Reception at senior center following service.

Accolades to Coach Bill Lehr (posted 6/7/18)
Cat Urbigkit
When Big Piney's Bill Lehr stepped into the Sublette County Commission budget work session on Wednesday, June 6th, he expected to speak in support of the budget request for the Southwest Sublette County Pioneers senior center. But what he got was a standing ovation from the commission.

Commission Chairman Andy Nelson said, "We want to thank and recognize Coach Lehr for his many years of service to the county."

Coach Lehr has officially retired, after more than 50 years coaching youth, with more than three decades at Sublette County School District No. 9. He retires with 12 state championships (including six state football championships, five boys track titles, and the recent girls state track and field championship title).

Lehr was also recently recognized as the Wyoming Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

Office Hours with a Representative of Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s Office June 13 & 14 (posted 6/7/18)
In Pinedale and Marbleton
Charity LaFountain, Field Representative for Congressman Liz Cheney, is scheduled to hold "Office Hours" in Pinedale and Marbleton at the following times and places:

Pinedale: Wednesday, June 13, 2018
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pinedale Library
155 S. Tyler

Marbleton: Thursday, June 14
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Southwest Sublette County Pioneer Senior Citizen Center
426 E 1st

Area residents are invited to visit with LaFountain on an individual basis and share their views, questions or concerns regarding the federal government. These views and comments will then be relayed to Congresswoman Cheney.

If residents are unable to attend at these times, and would like information or assistance, please contact Congresswoman Cheney’s Casper office at (307) 261-6595.

LaBarge 4th of July celebration June 30th (posted 5/29/18)
The Town of LaBarge will hold their Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, June 30th. The theme for this year’s parade is "The Many Faces of American Freedom."

Schedule:
7AM: Free breakfast at the LDS Church
8AM: 5-K race
10AM: Parade. Free cotton candy, sno-cones, and hot dogs before and after the parade.
Noon: Vendor setup and kids’ zone at the rodeo arena with bouncy houses.
2PM: Lil’ Buckaroo Rodeo.
Dusk: Fireworks

For more information call Arlene at 307-390-7666.

Info on vehicle registration laws in Wyoming for non-resident workers (posted 5/29/18)
Sweetwater County
In a joint release issued on Tuesday (May 29, 2018), Sweetwater County Sheriff Mike Lowell and County Treasurer Robb Slaughter described the details of Wyoming statute concerning vehicle registration for non-residents working in the state.

"The Wyoming statute that addresses this issue," Slaughter said, "is W.S. 31-2-201 (j) and (k). It can be reviewed online at the State Legislature’s website at http://www.wyoleg.gov/StateStatutes/StatutesConstitution?tab=0 ."

Lowell and Slaughter outlined the statute as follows:

A non-resident who is employed in Wyoming, on either a temporary or full-time basis, and who is the owner or operator of a vehicle in Wyoming that is not a commercial vehicle must immediately obtain a valid Wyoming registration or purchase a temporary registration.

To obtain a temporary registration, their vehicle must display a valid registration from another jurisdiction and be properly insured. Application is made in person at the County Treasurer’s Office at the Sweetwater County Courthouse at 80 West Flaming Gorge Way in Green River. The fee for a temporary registration is $50.00 per month and cannot exceed 120 days per vehicle. If a worker is going to be employed in Wyoming for longer than 120 days, a regular Wyoming registration must be issued.

Those applying for a temporary registration will need to bring with them the following:

- The vehicle’s current, non-expired registration
- Proof of insurance
- Color of vehicle
- Payment for temporary registration in the form of cash, credit card, or debit card

Subsection (k) of the statute makes the following provisions for a commercial vehicle owner, a non-resident owner of a vehicle who is not employed in Wyoming, or any owner, upon transfer of ownership to, as an alternative to registration:

A 30-, 60-, or 90-day permit may be obtained in any 12 month period. The temporary permit begins on the date the owner enters Wyoming or on the date of purchase of the vehicle. The fees for a temporary permit are:

Up to 30 days - .10 X regular registration fee
Up to 60 days - .20 X regular registration fee
Up to 90 days - .30 X regular registration fee

Lowell and Slaughter noted that Wyoming has full reciprocity agreements with Idaho, New Mexico, Illinois, and Nebraska. Non-residents working in Wyoming who live in these states may run with their regular registration. If they take up residence in Wyoming, however, (by living here over 120 days, for instance), they must obtain Wyoming registration.

In addition, Wyoming has daily commuter reciprocity with Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah. Non-residents who live in these states and commute to work daily in Wyoming may run with their regular registration.

Lowell emphasized that Sweetwater County deputies are enforcing this statute, and will continue to do so.

Slaughter said those with questions may contact their County Clerk’s office.

BLM to conduct prescribed fires in Sublette and Lincoln Counties (posted 5/14/18)
The Bureau of Land Management High Desert District fire crews are planning to conduct two prescribed fires between May and June as part of a multi-year project. Both projects will take place on public lands administered by the High Desert District’s Pinedale Field Office. Fire operations will begin only when conditions are favorable for a safe and effective burn.

The Perkins Creek prescribed fire project is located approximately 16 miles west of La Barge, Wyoming and consists of 47 acres of slash and standing conifer. The Burdick prescribed fire project is located approximately 12 miles west of La Barge, Wyoming on the east face of Miller Mountain, south of the La Barge Creek drainage. There are approximately 848 acres of slash and standing conifer targeted to burn on the Burdick prescribed fire Project.

These prescribed fires are part of the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Habitat Project, which was developed as part of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wyoming Range Mule Deer Initiative that was completed in 2011. The purpose of the project is to improve vegetation conditions in crucial mule deer winter range, transition range, and fawning ranges. The vegetation conditions are improved by using prescribed fires to reduce conifer where it is encroaching on native aspen stands and to stimulate new aspen growth.

Fire crews will implement a number of burning tactics to start and control the burns. Smoke will be visible to the public during the operations. Fire crews will remain on scene and monitor the burn areas afterward to ensure safety until the fire is out.

Prescribed fire is a beneficial management tool used to replicate natural wildfire. Many land management agencies conduct prescribed fire to ensure the overall improvement of land, vegetation, and wildlife. It can also help return the ecosystem to its natural composition and healthiest function.

For more information, please contact Mark Randall at 307-367-5350 or visit the Pinedale Field Office located at 1625 West Pine Street in Pinedale, Wyoming.

Marijuana talk in Marbleton May 15 and Pinedale May 16 (posted 5/14/18)
Free talk to help parents learn how to talk with their children about marijuana
Sublette County Wyoming has been selected to be the WORLD Premier for BlakeWorks’ Words Can Work: Marijuana education program for parents to talk to their children about modern marijuana. A panel discussion with local experts will follow. This is a free event sponsored by the Sublette County Public Health and Sublette County Treatment Court.

Marbleton/Big Piney: Wednesday, May 16, 2018
6:00PM to 7:30PM
Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Center
Marbleton, Wyoming

Pinedale: Thursday, May 17, 2018
6:00PM to 7:30PM
Sublette County Library, Lovatt Room
155 S Tyler Ave

Big Piney-Marbleton Airport Fly-In and Car Show June 30 (posted 4/25/18)
Mark your calendar: The Big Piney-Marbleton Airport Fly-In and Car Show will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 8am to noon. There will be a free pancake breakfast. Bring the family, enjoy breakfast on us, and see the airplanes. Please call Phil Stevens at 307-231-6244 for more information.

3 towns call themselves the ‘Ice Box of The Nation’ (posted 1/15/18)
Including Big Piney, Wyoming
Wyoming Public Radio posted an article today (Monday, January 15) about three towns that are fighting to claim the title of "Ice Box of the Nation.’ Those three towns are International Falls, Minnesota; Fraser, Colorado; and Big Piney, Wyoming. Each has had record cold recorded temperatures. Big Piney has reached -61F.

For more on this story, click on this link,Why Three Towns Are Fighting To Be The 'Ice Box Of The Nation' and then click on the audio link on the left hand side. Story by Kelly McEvers, All Things Considered, npr.org, Jan. 15, 2018

Local Contact Numbers
Big Piney Town Hall
PO Box 70
Big Piney, WY 83113
307-276-3554
www.bigpiney.us

Marbleton Town Hall
10700 US 189
Marbleton, WY 83113
307-276-3815

Flicks & Pins Entertainment Center
Open Sunday through Thursday from 3:00PM to 10:00PM
Friday & Saturday 3:00PM to Midnight
Phone 307-276-4062 for movie times
www.flicksnpins.com/

Big Piney Ranger District
Bridger-Teton National Forest
P.O. Box 218
Big Piney, WY, 83113
307-276-3375 or 276-5800/5200
Fax: 307-739-5235/276-5835
www.fs.fed.us/btnf/

Sublette County Courthouse
21 S Tyler, Pinedale, WY 82941
Big Piney Direct Line 307-276-3827
Marbleton Annex 307-276-3735
Pinedale Information: 307-367-7722

Sublette County Sheriff's Department
PO Box 701
Pinedale, WY 82941
Marbleton: 307-276-5448
Pinedale: 307-367-4378

Big Piney Post Office
401 Budd Avenue
307-276-3772
1-800-275-8777

Sublette County School District #9
Superintendent's Office: 307-276-3322
Big Piney High School: 307-276-3324
Big Piney Middle School: 307-276-3315
Big Piney Elementary School: 307-276-3313
Big Piney Pool: 307-276-9966
www.sublette9.org


Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Citizen Center
429 E First St, Marbleton, WY
P.O. Box 33
Big Piney, WY 83113
Phone: (307) 276-3249
Fax (307) 276-3249
E-mail: southwest001@centurytel.net
Open 8:00am to 4:00pm
Lunch at 12:00 noon Tue. Wed. Thurs. (starting July 1, 2008)
Joan Mitchell / Director
www.bpmseniorhousing.com
Facebook page

Green River Valley Cowbelles
www.greenrivervalleycowbelles.com

More Area Information:
Sublette County Chamber of Commerce (Pinedale)
307-367-2242 or 1-888-285-7282
www.sublettechamber.com

BigPiney.com (Pinedale Online!)
307-360-7689 (days, evenings, weekends, after hours calls ok)

Sublette County Fair
July - August
The Sublette County Fair is packed with entertainment and fun. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the many highlights is the Lil' Buckaroo Rodeo. The audience holds their breath as these young cowboys and cowgirls try their hand at bronc riding. The evening ends with the youngest contestants competing in the stick horse barrel race. The greased pig contest is another favorite, the crowd roars with laughter watching the wave a kids overtaking the slimy critters.

Spend some time viewing the livestock shows and watch the participants as they receive their awards for a job well done. Enjoy the wonderful food which some how tastes more delicious in the atmosphere of the fair festivities. Finish the night off at the rodeos with many local cowboys and cowgirls participating in the fast paced events. Visit the Sublette County Fair web page to enjoy pictures from previous years fairs.

For more information visit - www.sublettecountyfair.com.

Green River Valley Museum
Open June through October
The Green River Valley Museum is located on the main street in Big Piney. Artifacts from prehistoric Indians, pioneers, homesteaders and other various groups that have settled this area are on display at the museum. Many of the items displayed at the museum were donated by local families. 'Hard Hats and Stetsons' is the annual fundraiser for the museum. The name of the fundraiser itself reflects how important the cattle and oil industry have been for this valley.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM from June into October (opening date varies, so watch for announcements on the specific date each year). Admission is by donation. Special tours can be arranged by calling Museum Director Jeannie Lockwood at 307-276-3637.

For more information visit www.grvm.com

Chuckwagon Days July 3rd & 4th in Big Piney
Chuckwagon Days takes place each year over the 4th of July holiday in Big Piney. There is a Lil' Buckaroo Rodeo, a parade down Big Piney's main street followed by a free BBQ at the Sublette County Fairgrounds, an afternoon rodeo, street dance and late evening fireworks (on the 4th).

The "Chuckwagon Chug" a 5k and 10k Walk/Run, will be held on July 4th, before the Big Piney Parade. Start/Finish is at the Big Piney High School parking lot. There will be prizes for top finishers and gift bags for all contestants.

More information about Chuckwagon Days can be found here: www.ChuckwagonDays.com

Local Lodging
If you are looking for local lodging and places to stay in the Big Piney-Marbleton areas, be sure to check the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce website under lodging. Big Piney and Marbleton are located about 35 miles south of Pinedale, so look under motels, RV parks and campgrounds specific to our towns.
Lodging Links:
Bed & Breakfasts, Cabins, Motels, Guest Ranches, RV
www.sublettechamber.com

Camping near Big Piney & Marbleton
The closest campgrounds are located on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. They offer two developed campgrounds and many opportunities for dispersed camping in the Wyoming Range west of Big Piney and Marbleton. The forest boundary is approximately 20 miles from local businesses and town services. For detailed information, contact the district office at 307-276-3375.

Sacajewea Campground Located 25 miles west of Big Piney. This campground has 26 sites, basic amenities, and is open June 15th through September 30th. The camping fee is $7.00 per site, per night. This campground has running water, an on-site host, and is well maintained. No electricity, showers or phone.

Middle Piney Lake Campground This is a primitive campground located further down the road from the Sacajewea Campground. This camp area is next to Middle Piney Lake and has 5 tent sites, tables and pit toilets. NO running water, electricity, showers or phone service. NO fees. Because of the narrow winding road to this campground, it is not recommended to take trailers to the lake site.

Forest Service Cabins Big Piney Ranger District offers two Forest Service work centers for rent for overnight stays. One is located at Snider Basin and the other in the Hoback. Contact the Big Piney office for more information on availability and fees.

NOTICE ABOUT BEARS: These campgrounds are in bear country. Both black bears and grizzly bears inhabit the Wyoming mountain range. Visitors are strongly encouraged to practice clean camping techniques and store attractants in a manner that makes them unavailable to bears. Bear-proof canisters are available for rent from the Big Piney Ranger District office. Bear-proof dumpsters are located at various locations at campgrounds and recreation areas on National Forest land.

Dispersed Camping:
There are practically unlimited opportunities for dispersed camping on the Bridger-Teton National Forest near Big Piney/Marbleton. The forest boundary is approximately 20 miles from town. Stay limit is 16 days in any one location. Campers should either bring their own water or boil water obtained from sources in the outdoors to avoid getting sick from organisms that live in lakes and streams. Do not drink untreated surface water. Dispersed camping is available along the Piney, Cottonwood and LaBarge Creek drainages.

Camping on BLM land
There are no developed campgrounds on BLM land near Big Piney or Marbleton, however there are many places for dispersed camping for those who are prepared to bring their own drinking water and camp without developed facilities. For more information, contact the Pinedale Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Pinedale.

Private RV Campgrounds
There are several private businesses that offer RV campsites for overnight and extended stays. Most have power, water and sewer hookups. Click here to our sister website, Pinedale Online, for info about private RV campgrounds and services.

Related Links:
Bridger-Teton National Forest/Big Piney Ranger District
Sublette County Chamber of Commerce

Big Piney, Wyoming, "Ice Box of the Nation"

Big Piney & Marbleton
Ice Box of the Nation
Big Piney is the oldest settlement in Sublette County, Wyoming and was named by Dan B. Budd for the Piney Creeks. In 1879, Daniel B. Budd and his partner Hugh McKay brought a thousand head of cattle from Nevada hoping to ship them at Point of Rocks, but winter caught up to them here in the Green River Valley. The following year Dan Budd moved his family here and that is how the settlement of this town began. Big Piney was called "Ice Box of the Nation" when it was officially made a weather station in 1930. Big Piney had the coldest year round average temperature of any place nationally.

It's a curiosity, considering most Wyoming towns are few and far between, that Big Piney and Marbleton would only be a mile apart. They have separate post offices and town governments. Big Piney was incorporated on July 5, 1913. In the early days there was a lot of drainage problems with the site on which Big Piney was built. So Charles Budd, eldest son to Dan B Budd had hope to build the town up on the bench to alleviate this problem. Charles did establish Marbleton on the bench, in late 1913, but it never replaced Big Piney. Any attempts to combine the two towns has been unsuccessful. The truth is people here kinda' like it that way. Both towns cooperate with each other, they have a common school. The citizens of these two towns take a lot of pride in the growth of their little metropolis over the past years and think the founders would be proud too. Both communities have thrived in the last several decades because of the oil and gas industry. In the 1980's Marbleton recieved it's own post office, because of the number of people moving to the area.

To contribute information to this community website,
please e-mail: info@bigpiney.com or info@marbleton.com.
Phone: 307-276-5699 • Fax: 307-276-5414