White Columbine Wildflowers are beautiful in the mountain high country. This is white columbine. Click on this link to see more of Dave Bell's scenic photos of the area: Dave Bell Photo Gallery Photo by Dave Bell.

Obituary – Warren E. Sorensen (posted 11/21)
Covill Funeral Home
Warren E. Sorensen went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reunite with his wife, Betty Jo Sorensen on November 18, 2024. He was 89 years old.

Warren was born on December 7, 1934 in Bancroft, NE, to Jeff and Anna Sorensen. He was the youngest of seven children raised on the family farm. His childhood involved going to church every Sunday, going to school, and doing chores on the farm. After graduating from Bancroft High School, Warren enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served from 1954 to 1957, which included a tour of duty in the Korean Conflict. He was recognized for his service in Korea by the Korean Ambassador.

After concluding his military service, Warren returned to Nebraska. He was working for Flint Energy Services, LTD in Kimball, NE, when he met Betty. Warren drove up to Betty’s parent’s property in a red ‘57 Chevy. (He always teased that she actually fell in love with the car.) The pair were married on August 25, 1958. They were married 57 years before Betty passed away in 2016.

Warren and Betty moved between Nebraska and Wyoming during Warren’s tenure with Flint. In 1973, Warren and Betty were farming in Nebraska when Belco, (later became Enron Oil & Gas) called Warren to offer him a position in Big Piney. Warren accepted the position and worked for Enron and EOG Resources for the next 27 years before retiring in 2000. Warren was awarded the Legacy of the Land Award by BLM for his dedication to the sustainability and conservation of the land.

During his retirement, Warren was the happiest when he was helping at the church, puttering around his property, driving a tractor for Glade Jones, hunting in the fall, and gardening in the summer. He dearly loved his family and spending time with them. He welcomed each grandchild into the family by holding and rocking them as often as possible.

Warren is survived by his children Anna Marie (Gilberto) Carrillo of Big Piney, Marvin (Ranae) Sorensen of Big Piney, Scott (Lani) Sorensen of White Rock, NM, Timothy (Krista) Sorensen of Brighton, CO, and Joseph (Miranda) Sorensen of Brighton, CO, 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law and 2 brothers in law, one brother, Alvin Sorensen of Bancroft, NE, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service has been held. A public celebration of life will be held June 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Center in Marbleton, Wyoming.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or to the Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Center.

Crews remove Wildcat Canyon Stock Pond Dam near LaBarge (posted 11/18/2024)
Land restoration underway
Bureau of Land Management
LABARGE, WYOMING — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming Pinedale Field Office is proud to announce the successful removal of the Wildcat Canyon Dam, marking a significant step forward in environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts. The removal of this structure marks a major milestone in rejuvenating local habitats and natural processes. Wildcat Canyon is located near the town of LaBarge.

"This project is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship," said Pinedale Field Manager Stewart Cogswell. "By removing the Wildcat Canyon Stock Pond Dam and restoring the landscape, we are revitalizing a critical ecosystem that will support and contribute to long-term ecological health."

The removal and restoration efforts, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, align with the broader goal of enhancing water quality, bolstering flood resilience, and supporting vegetative and wildlife communities.

For more on how the project began, read the first press release here: (https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-begins-dam-removal-work-wildcat-canyon-stock-pond). For additional information, contact Ben Smith at 307-367-5300.

Improvements and repairs completed to Reardon Road (posted 11/6/2024)
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pinedale Field Office has completed maintenance on Reardon Road (BLM road 5401), funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The repaired section of the road, located in Sublette County between Big Piney and La Barge, is now open to the public.

"These repairs will allow safer access to public lands," said Ben Smith, Pinedale’s assistant field manager for resources.

The IRA-funded projects "improve public lands that are being significantly degraded by invasive species, unprecedented wildfire, unregulated use and climate change."

The BLM remains committed to providing safe access to public lands for local communities and visitors.

For more information, contact Ben Smith at 307-367-5300. You can also visit our official website to view the press release or explore photos in our image gallery. Stay updated on all things BLM Wyoming by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Next phase of Monument Ridge Vegetation and Recreation Management Project to begin (posted 5/21/2024)
BIG PINEY, WYOMING — The Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest plans to initiate the next phase of the Monument Ridge Vegetation and Recreation Management Project during the month of June. The project area is located near the town of Bondurant in Sublette County. The habitat/fuels treatment area is situated within the wildland urban interface (WUI), an area where human development meets with undeveloped, natural areas like forests and wildland vegetation, creating a zone that is at risk for wildfires. Monument Ridge borders the western edge of the treatment area, and the residential area along the Hoback River borders the eastern edge.

The project, proposed by the Sublette County Collaborative, is multifaceted and includes fuels reduction actions within the WUI, wildlife habitat enhancement activities, and safety and access improvements for recreation. These activities will improve forest health; promote wildlife populations for elk, mule deer, and sage grouse; and provide sustainable recreation opportunities well into the future.

Fire managers plan for implementation of the project to occur in June on 2,150-acres north of the Monument Ridge Lookout and Hoback Guard Station. The Forest Service prepared this area in 2020 by felling trees and allowing the fuels to cure during the subsequent time, preparing an adequate fuel bed for the planned prescribed fire.

The Forest Service will implement the prescribed fire with weather and conditions to meet project objectives. Forest personnel plan to treat the area in a mosaic pattern, producing a complex mix of burned and unburned patches. These activities will enhance wildlife habitat by increasing forage (i.e., grass, forbs, and shrubs) and will stimulate aspen growth in areas where stands have declined due to the lack of wildfire.

During operations, smoke may be visible from the communities of Bondurant, Jackson, Pinedale, and Big Piney. Resources will implement ignitions over the course of three to five days. A Closure Order will be in effect for the impacted area, roads, and trails, during the prescribed burn.

For more information, call Big Piney Ranger District at (307) 267-3375 or visit https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc/home/information/prescribed-fires.

Text-to-911 now available in Sublette County (posted 2/13/2024)
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center is excited to announce the launch of Text to 911, Inbound non-emergency text, Text Language Translation, and Real-Time Text (RTT).

This addition to our technology suite will significantly improve our ability to respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently in the community when a traditional 911 call is not an option.

Text to 911 allows dispatch to receive inbound emergency text in the Prepared Live interface. This will allow someone who can’t make a voice call to text us in emergencies. This is exciting for the hearing-impaired, a person in unfortunate situations where making a phone call could put the caller in danger, and backcountry rescue, just to name a few. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to text 911, be prepared to describe the nature and location of your emergency and answer all the questions asked by the dispatcher.

Call if you can, text if you can’t.

Inbound non-emergency text allows dispatch to receive non-emergency text when a voice call is not optional. Again, call if you can, text if you can’t. The number to text in non-emergency situations is 307-448-6477.

Text Language Translation auto-detects and translates incoming foreign languages and allows us to respond in the same language.

Real-Time-Text (RTT) is a feature that instantaneously transmits the text of your typed messages to the recipient. It is frequently used by device users who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have a speech-related disability, and can be crucial for these callers in an emergency.

TEXT-TO-911
NON-EMERGENCY TEXT 307-448-6477
CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT IF YOU CAN’T

Sublette County Hospital District now offering Urgent Care (posted 6/26/2022)
Sublette County Hospital District
Starting July 5, 2022, the Sublette County Hospital District will now be offering Urgent Care. This will be open at the Pinedale Medical Clinic from 7am to 7pm, Monday thru Friday.

Administrator Dave Doorn notes, "When we administered our Community Health Needs Assessment survey, one of the top requests was for more access to patient care. By adding an Urgent Care and expanding hours, we are able to better meet the needs of the community."

Urgent Care consists of non-life-threatening acute needs, such as lacerations, minor fractures, fevers, animal bites, sprains or asthma.

Public Relations Director Kari DeWitt notes, "I am thrilled we are able to offer Urgent Care, especially for the parents in our community who might have a sick child after hours. It will be such a time saver not to have to drive out of the County for care."

Patients may either call 307-367-4133 or walk in to schedule an Urgent Care appointment.

Routine Care will continue at both the Pinedale Clinic and Marbleton/Big Piney Clinic from 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday. Routine Care is preventative maintenance, prescription refills, physicals, WYDOT physicals, going over test results and other routine healthcare visits.

Kari DeWitt notes, "We do ask if you have a routine concern, that you make a regular appointment. That will leave the Urgent Care free to deal with truly urgent matters."

Lab and Radiology visits will also remain on the Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm schedule. If you need blood draws, lab work, CT scans, ultrasounds, or other routine lab and radiology services, please plan on coming during normal business hours.

Of course, the Emergency Room is available 24/7 for true emergencies. The SCHD operates full 24/7 EMS service in both Pinedale and Marbleton/Big Piney, so someone can always call 911 for a true emergency. If it’s not necessary to call 911, a patient can call 307-367-4133 to speak with our answering service which can connect you with the ER provider on call if necessary.

Dave Doorn notes, "We couldn’t expand services like this without the buy in from our staff. We would like to thank them for going above and beyond and figuring out how to expand access to care in Sublette County and better serve our community."

Be aware of new Wyoming ID rules for voting (posted 4/10/2022)
Wyoming voters are now required to show one of the following acceptable forms of ID when voting in person:
- Wyoming Driver’s License or ID card
- Tribal ID Card
- Passport
- US Military Card
- DL Card or ID card from another state
- University of Wyoming Student ID
- Wyoming Community College Student ID
- Wyoming Public School Student ID
- Valid Medicare Insurance Card
- Valid Medicaid Insurance Card

If you don’t have any of these IDs, you can obtain a free ID card from your local Driver’s Services office. For more information, call 307-777-5860, email elections@wyo.com, or go online to http://www.sos.wyo.gov/Elections/VoterID.

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.

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