Hello, Grandma? Two groups of children from the Big Piney Learning Center visited the Sommers Ranch Homestead historical site for a special pre-season tour on Thursday, May 23rd. The youngsters got to collect eggs, churn butter, ring a call on the old telephone, wash clothes on washboards, learn to throw a cowboy rope and lasso, and playing on the ranch playground. Click on this link for more photos (14 pictures). Photo by Pinedale Online.

Ringing the dinner bell Click on this link for more photos of the Big Piney Learning Center groups at the Sommers Ranch Homestead historial site (14 pictures). Photo by Pinedale Online.

Big Piney Learning Center children visit the Sommers Ranch Homestead (posted 5/24/13)
Pinedale Online!
Two groups of children from the Big Piney Learning Center visited the Sommers Ranch Homestead historical site for a special pre-season tour on Thursday, May 23rd. The youngsters got to collect eggs, churn butter, ring a call on the old telephone, wash clothes on washboards, learn to throw a cowboy rope and lasso, and playing on the ranch playground. DeeAnn Price had made homemade bread, so when the butter was churned everyone enjoyed a piece of bread with the churned butter and chokecherry jelly, made by Jonita Sommers.

The homestead is managed as a living history site under a cooperative agreement between the Sublette County Historical Society, the Green River Valley Museum, and siblings Jonita and Albert Sommers. Buildings on the site include the 100-year old, two-story log homestead house, a garage, root cellar, barn, meat house, ice house, and bunk house.The homestead will be open to the public during the summer season - June, July and August on Fridays and Saturdays from 10AM to 3PM. Private group tours are welcome on days the homestead is not usually open during the summer and can be arranged by calling the Museum of the Mountain Man, 307-367-4101. Admission is by donation.

Directions: On the East Green River Road, 7.3 miles south from US 191 (turn south at the Cora Y at Trappers Point). From Big Piney, take the East Green River Road north 15.2 miles. The historic site is on the south side of the Sommers Fishing Access Road-County Road 146.

Click on this link for more photos (14 pictures).

Related Links:
Sommers Ranch Homestead on Facebook
Grand Opening August 29, 2012
Open House September 8, 2011

Salmonella outbreak linked to baby chicks reaches Wyoming (posted 5/13/13)
Wyoming Department of Health
While most people know salmonella outbreaks can be linked with certain contaminated foods, some may not realize handling live poultry can also sometimes spread the illness, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

"Right now we are following up on three confirmed cases and one probable case connected to a large, current multistate outbreak of salmonella linked to baby chicks," said Kelly Weidenbach, foodborne disease epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. Many families order chicks directly from large hatchery businesses online or on a mail order basis; the same large hatcheries also often supply local feed stores.

"Unfortunately, this happens on a regular basis. Each year, particularly in the spring, we see salmonella infections among Wyoming families that we determine were caused by contact or close proximity with baby chicks," Weidenbach said.

Salmonella germs can cause a diarrheal illness in people that can be mild, severe or sometimes life threatening. Weidenbach noted baby chicks, ducklings and other live poultry can appear healthy and clean but still carry the germs, which are shed through their droppings.

Weidenbach offered advice to help prevent the spread of salmonella through contact with live poultry:

• Children younger than 5 years of age, elderly persons or people with weak immune systems shouldn’t handle or touch chicks or other live poultry.
• After touching live poultry or anything in the area where they are found, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
• Don’t let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored.
• Don’t eat or drink around live poultry, touch them with your mouth or hold closely around your face.
• Clean equipment or materials used in caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages or feed or water containers.

‘Putting Your Affairs in Order’ talks in June (posted 4/19/13)
The Sublette County Extension Office is sponsoring a series of talks in June to help people put their affairs in order to prepare for their death. The series is presented by Mary Martin, University Extension Educator, Community Development with the University of Wyoming Extension office. Classes begin at 12:30pm, after lunch, at the Marbleton/Big Piney Senior Center. All ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Tiffany Olson, Sublette County Extension Office, 307-367-4380.

Wednesday, June 5 Who Gets My Good Stuff? Looking at the non– titled property transfer in your estate & more important tools to have conversations about what is fair.

Wednesday, June 12 So, Now You are an Executor Someone’s got to do it & this job usually falls on a family member who is unfamiliar with the task at hand. Having the end in mind as you begin the process can reduce your frustrations.

Wednesday, June 19 Organizing Important Papers in Your Life Organizing important papers in your life & exploring systems for you to use as a guide.

Sublette County Ozone Health Study results available (posted 4/15/13)
Wyoming Department of Health
Results of a Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) study of possible health effects linked with higher amounts of ground-level ozone in Sublette County are now available.

For the study, WDH compared health records from two local health clinics with ground-level daily ozone concentrations, temperature and humidity data collected by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The study suggests that for every 10 parts per billion increase in the eight-hour maximum ground-level ozone there was a three percent increase in local health clinic visits due to respiratory-related complaints the following day.

"Ground-level ozone is formed through a reaction between sunlight and pollutants from natural or man-made sources," said Dr. Kerry Pride, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologist and veterinarian assigned to the Wyoming Department of Health. "Ozone amounts vary day to day and from place to place depending on the weather and pollution amounts and types."

Pride said exposure to ground-level ozone can make it more difficult for some people to breathe deeply and vigorously; cause coughing and sore or scratchy throats; inflame and damage airways, which leads to increased susceptibility to infections; and aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The DEQ data, which was collected from 2008-11, showed ground-level ozone concentrations in Sublette County followed seasonal patterns with highest concentrations between February and April and lower concentrations between October and December.

"Our findings for Sublette County were very similar to what other studies across the country and internationally have found," Pride said.

The full report is available online at www.health.wyo.gov.

DEQ has planned a post winter ozone season open house meeting for Thursday, April 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sublette BOCES Building, located on North Tyler in Pinedale. A WDH representative will be available during the open house to answer questions about the health effects study.

Local Contact Numbers
Big Piney Town Hall
PO Box 70
Big Piney, WY 83113
307-276-3554
E-mail: tbpiney@yahoo.com
Mayor: Phillip Smith
www.townofbigpiney.com

Marbleton Town Hall
10700 US 189
Marbleton, WY 83113
307-276-3815
E-mail: marbletontown@hotmail.com
Mayor: Jim Robinson

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
http///www.townofbigpiney.com/FlicksnPins.html

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

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!)
307-276-5699 or 307-360-7689 (days, evenings, weekends 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
Over July 4th
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