Fall leaves This year has brought beautiful fall colors as we move through the seasons. Click on this link to see more of Dave Bell's scenic photos of the area: Dave Bell Photo Gallery Photo by Dave Bell.

Memorial Service for Donnie Wilson January 10, 2026 (posted 12/13/2025)
Covill Funeral Home
Donald Paul Wilson, 65, of Big Piney, Wyoming, passed away on December 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on September 6, 1960, Donnie was known for his sharp wit, easy humor, and the remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. He never met a stranger, only someone he hadn’t laughed with yet.

Donnie spent his life in the outdoors he loved so deeply. Whether he was fishing, hunting, exploring the mountains, or talking about his adventures in Alaska, he was happiest under an open sky. A competitive cribbage player and a storyteller at heart, Donnie brought joy, laughter, and connection to every gathering.

For his entire career, Donnie worked various positions in the oilfield, ending as a measurement technician, earning the respect of coworkers and friends through his dedication, knowledge, and strong work ethic.

Donnie’s greatest pride and accomplishment was his family. He and Jalane poured their heart into raising and teaching their four children, guiding them with honesty, strength, and a desire to help them grow into the best versions of themselves. His love for his family was unwavering and immeasurable.

He is survived by his wife, Jalane Wilson; his children Tiffany (Travis) Stevens and their children Jaydon, Jordyn, and Jarron; Savannah Wilson (Danny Winner) and her children Dali, Peter Rambacher, and Baby Winner; Trevor (Courtney) Wilson and their children Brooklynn and Rhylee; and Lacey (Justin) Mazurie and their children Brockand Colby Mazurie; and his brothers Danny and David (Julie) Wilson.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents, Bette and Lewis Wilson, and grandparents Anna Myerscough and Lewis L.A. Wilson Sr., Jimmie and Paul Virostko.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will live on through each of them.

A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Sublette County Fairgrounds Event Center. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Donnie’s life.

Related Links:
Obituary – Donnie Wilson, 9/6/1960-12/10/2025 Covill Funeral Home, Pinedale, Wyoming

Volunteers sought for National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey (posted 12/13/2025)
Kemmerer Survey January 10, 2026
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management Kemmerer and Pinedale field offices are inviting volunteers to participate in the national Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey. The Kemmerer survey is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, while the Pinedale survey will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Volunteers should call the Kemmerer and Pinedale field office by Wednesday Jan. 7, 2026, to be assigned survey routes along public roads in Sublette and Lincoln Counties in Wyoming and to receive instructions on survey methods and eagle identification. The Kemmerer field office will add an additional route in the Star Valley area of Lincoln County. Two-person observation teams are needed so one person can safely drive while the other observes and documents eagles.

Since 1979, federal and state agencies as well as volunteers from the public have counted bald eagles throughout the United States every January. By monitoring and estimating national and regional count trends, an index of the total winter bald eagle population in the lower 48 states has been established.

For additional information:
• Pinedale Field Office: Contact Theresa Gulbrandson at 307-367-5359.
• Kemmerer Field Office: Contact David Merz at 307-828-4556.

Obituary - Betty Fear (posted 12/11/2025)
Betty Fear passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Services will be next summer in Big Piney.

Obituary
November 19, 1939 - December 3, 2025

Betty Louise Budd Fear was born November 19, 1939, daughter of Joe and Ruth Budd of Big Piney, Wyoming. She died on December 3, 2025. She graduated from Big Piney High School as Valedictorian of her class, then attended Loretto Heights College in Denver and went on to graduate from the University of Wyoming. She married Frank Fear and together they had three children, Mark, Susan and John. They later divorced, and in 1995 she married Rod Bennett. She lived in Big Piney most of her life, the main exception being the winters she and Rod spent in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, where they made many close friends.

She will be well remembered and missed by many in Sublette County and throughout Wyoming. She was truly a warrior for her town and community, for Sublette County and for Wyoming. She had made a career of working towards "what’s good for Wyoming communities." She was on the local School Board, the State Board of Education, on the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees and was dedicated to the needs of education at all levels. She served as Sublette County Commissioner, as a member of the Sublette County Treatment Court, the Sublette Community Partnership Board and the Sublette Center Board. She founded the Big Piney-Marbleton Community Development Committee, hoping to inspire young community members and business owners to invest time and energy to keep the community she loved alive and make it thrive. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, playing the piano for weekly services for many years. She used her musical abilities to generously give her time to accompany many Big Piney High School (BPHS) aspiring musicians in school competitions and volunteered her time to be assistant director for many BPHS musical theatrical productions. In addition, she helped with 4-H activities, was the High School Rodeo sponsor, local rodeo Secretary as well as being the Secretary of the Wyoming Rodeo Association.

She touched many in her life through her many professional roles. She worked at the bank in Big Piney, was both the Middle School secretary and Social Studies teacher, Justice of the Peace in Big Piney, Real Estate Broker, co-owner of The Country Cottage clothing store, original co-owner of The Marbleton Inn and Restaurant. She hired and trained many young people in various capacities; she was never a soft touch. Today, many of her trainees give her credit for their success later in life, because she expected and insisted that they do their jobs right.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Rod Bennett; her parents, Joe and Ruth Budd, and her granddaughter, Reagan Marie Nelson. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Budd Flitner and Nancy Budd Espenscheid; her children, Mark Fear, daughter Susan Fear Nessan (Doug Nessan), son John (Jody Alexander) Fear; and six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ceremonial services will be held next summer at the Big Piney Cemetery. Betty will be greatly missed by friends of all ages, vocations and callings.

Memorial contributions in Betty's memory can be made to the Green River Valley Museum, P.O. Box 12 Big Piney, WY 83113; or Sublette County Health Hospital, P.O. Box 627, Pinedale, WY 82941.

Related Links:
Obituary – Betty Fear Covill Funeral Home, Pinedale, Wyoming

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

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