FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 BRIDGER VALLEY PIONEER PAGE A1

Bridger Valley Pioneer

Showcase
ANNUAL
PROGRESS
EDITION
March 31, 2017

PIONEER PHOTO/Virginia Giorgis

PAGE C2 BRIDGER VALLEY PIONEER FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Trona Valley Federal

Credit Union, 3rd largest
Member Appreciation Day member-owned in Wyo.
Member appreciation day is April 19 at all
April 19
branch locations. It will include food beverages,
10:00 AM to 5:30 PM give aways, raffle prizes and more.
Food, beverages, raffle prizes,
giveaways, and more! April is
Youth Month
Annual Meeting Check out the
5:30 PM accounts for
Rock Springs Branch kids 0-18.
Trona Valley Federal Credit Union is gram and can grant interest only or payment
dedicated and happy to assist you with your option first mortgage loans. Convenience
financial needs. You can always count on per- services include check cashing, interna-
sonable service with a smile. The Mountain tional remittances, low-cost wire transfers
View Branch is at 200 7th Street. To contact and money orders. Trona Valley Community
us by phone, call 782-7100. FCU members may also benefit from student
Trona Valley Community Federal Credit scholarships, income tax preparation assis-
Union of Green River has been in operation tance and tax refund loans.
for more than 51 years, currently from four Services to businesses and professionals
locations. include business share accounts, business
Trona Valley is considered a commu- loans and mortgage processing. Members
nity credit union. By having other financial,
number of members, savings, and investment
it is the third largest needs will want to con-
in Wyoming and it has sider individual develop-
the fifth fastest growing ment accounts, certificates
membership in Wyo- of deposits and insurance/
ming. It also is the third investment products that
largest in the state by are offered.
assets. It has the fifth You can do business
fastest growing assets with the credit union via
in Wyoming. home banking over the
Checking services include no cost share web, phone account access and mobile bank-
drafts, share certificates with low minimum ing apps. Automated functions let you apply
balance requirements, bill pay services, over- for membership, check your balance, order
800-331-6268 TronaValley.com
Trona Valley is a caring partner dedicated to your financial success. draft protection and overdraft lines of credit. share drafts, setup a new share account, do
Debit cards, ATMs with no surcharges and loan payments, check previous transactions,
prepaid debit cards are available. transfer money, automate your bill payments,
Besides car loans and other kinds of loans, download your account history, view elec-
Federally Insured by NCUA Trona Valley Community FCU can do real tronic statements and make payments via
estate loans, has a first time homebuyer pro- smartphone.

Bridger Valley Child

Bridger Valley Child Development Center gives
Development Center children a step-up on life
Bridger Valley Child Development Center
(BVCDC) serves children with special needs
and typically developing children, ages birth
through five years old.
Bridger Valley Child Development Center is
operated by the Lincoln Uinta Child Develop-
ment Association (LUCDA), a private non-profit
organization providing services to children in
the two-county area. It is one of 14 regional
programs with the State of Wyoming to receive
funding and other support from the Department speech/language pathologist, social worker,
of Health and Department of Education to serve special education teacher, early childhood
children with special needs. Preschool services teacher, occupational therapist and highly
are offered at six locations for children age three trained educational assistants. The ratio of
through five. Early intervention to children un- children to teacher is four-to-one.
der three is home-based and available to fami- A well-rounded curriculum is important
lies in all communities. LUCDA also offers Head and includes the area of literacy, mathematics,
Start services to children in all six locations. science, social studies, the arts, technology
This is a federally funded program based on the and problem solving skills. Each play center
familys income. promotes learning in every content area. One
LUCDAs mission is to improve outcomes example is the sensory table, which might
for children by supporting families, and design- contain sand, water, shaving cream, rice or
ing services to best meet the needs of individual a variety of other materials. It encourages
children within the community. A variety of children to learn about volume, measuring,
services are offered through the association, cause and effect, classification, comparison
including accredited preschool, developmental and problem-solving activities.
screening, developmental assessment, Head Throughout the year, BVCDC offers de-
Start and disability services. velopmental screenings for all children birth
Bridger Valley Child Development BVCDC has many qualified professionals
working with the children. They include a
through age five. Screenings cover vision,
hearing, problem-solving, social-emotional
Center is now accepting Head Start development, communication and physical
skill development. Additional assessment and
applications for the 2017-18 school therapy for children with special needs are pro-
vided. All of these services are free of charge.
year. Applications are being BVCDC is accredited by the National As-
sociation for the Education of Young Children
accepted through April 21, 2017. (NAEYC).
BVCDCs classrooms are open to parents,
For more information contact who are encouraged to participate in their
childs program. Opportunities to serve on
Susan or Mindy at 307-782-6601. parent committees are available. Activities
for the entire family are offered throughout
the school year.
Children with developmental delays receive
free preschool and special education services.
Income eligible children receive free preschool
through Head Start and TANF programs. Pri-
vate paying children, at $70 per month, attend
two half-days a week.
For more information about BVCDC, call
BVCDC children learning about nutrition in a previ- 307-782-6601.
ous year. COURTESY FILE PHOTO
 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 BRIDGER VALLEY PIONEER PAGE C3

Showcase 2017

Reliable Electric Bridger Valley Electric lights the lights in the Valley
Service
since 1938
Serving the communities of
Bridger Valley,Granger, McKinnon,
Eden-Farson, Dutch John,
Manila and Bear River

By VIRGINIA GIORGIS at Urie, but Mountain Fuel to the fold. The early history
Pioneer Editor refused to bring the gas line of the cooperative shows
vgiorgis@bridgervalleypioneer.com to the proposed site so it was there were many challenges
constructed just outside the to providing energy to ru-
On May 21, 1936, Con- incorporated limits of the ral western Wyoming and
gress passed the Rural Elec- Town of Lyman where the northeastern Utah. Through
BRIDGER trification Act, and Bridger
Valley Electric had been
gas company already had a
line. By late 1940 lines had
dedication and persever-
ance, each challenge was
VALLEY a fixture in Bridger Valley been extended and so many successfully overcome and
ELECTRIC since the late 1930s.
Bridger Valley Electric
homes and businesses con-
nected that the old Union
the members of BVEA today
enjoy tremendous benefits
ASSOCIATION incorporating in 1938, with power station and the new by having dependable elec-
the first board meeting on BVEA power station were tricity available to meet their
Nov. 3, 1938. BVEA has been not capable of supplying all needs.
a main stay of the Valley the electricity needed. After A growing project for
ever since and expanded its the demand again exceeded BVEA is Operation Round-
BRIDGER VALLEY EXTREME ACCESS service area well beyond the
Valleys borders.
the co-ops generation ca-
pability, a representative
Up which is a program in
which BVEA members can
Fast Internet for all our members, One of the earliest actions from Utah Power and Light round up their bills and do-
the Board took was to ap- came to a board meeting nate the change to this chari-
no matter where they live prove a loan from the REA and offered to sell wholesale table foundation. The funds
in the amount of $108,000. power to the cooperative. are used to help individuals
Those funds were to be The board asked REA for or charitable organizations
used to purchase the genera- advice, and the REA told in need. BVEA customers
tion plant owned by Union them to buy more genera- are urged to participate in
Light and Power Company, tors. Expansion continued this program.To participate,
(307) 786-2800 www.bvea.coop to construct new lines, and at a rapid pace. Lines were please check the box on your
to build a larger generation exteded and Granger, Lone- next statement. For more
P.O. Box 399, Mountain View, Wyoming 82939 station. The board wanted to tree, McKinnon, Manila and information, contact Bridger
build the new power station rural Kemmerer were added Valley Electric.

Rocky Mountain Power a force in job

creation and economic development
The goal has always been to ensure that and incentives for existing
electrical infrastructure projects are completed Wyoming businesses to be
more energy efficient, it all
on time to provide for the needs of customers. helps the vitality of our state.
Blythe explained that
Within the economic de- In addition, the company Rocky Mountain Powers
velopment organizations works with renewable energy wattsmart energy programs
throughout Wyoming, Rocky generators to help them un- and incentives are a great way
Mountain Power has been an derstand processes for inter- to save energy and money. All
active participant for many connecting their projects to these efforts combine to keep
years. Both local and corpo- the electric grid and for power Rocky Mountain Power elec-
rate employees are involved purchase agreements. tric rates among the lowest in
in a variety of ways across Working with the local the nation.
the state to help support job business community Rocky Involvement in the com-
creation and other economic Mountain Power regional munity has always been a
development efforts. business managers help busi- hallmark of Rocky Mountain
Company personnel part- ness owners access the com- Powers business in Wyo-
ner with state, regional and panys wattsmart energy ef- ming, said Blythe. Our
local economic development ficiency incentive programs. employees are part of the
groups and community lead- The companys wattsmart communities we serve and
ers in responding to and work- programs for residential cus- our company is a corporate
ing with business expansion tomers are well known and citizen in those same com-
and relocation prospects. popular. This year there is a munities. Whether its a com-
Rocky Mountain Power is renewed emphasis to reac- munity charitable donation or
pleased to help sponsor some quaint business customers financial support to economic
of the key economic devel- on the wattsmart programs development agencies in the
opment and energy-related designed especially for them. state, we want our neighbors
events that facilitate sharing Helping businesses in- to know they can count on
of information and knowledge crease the efficiency with us as a partner in the com-
as well as offering important which they use electricity munity.
networking opportunities, is good for everyone, said For more information
said Rocky Mountain Power Leslie Blythe, regional busi- about Rocky Mountain Power,
economic development man- ness manager. We know that check out the companys
ager Mickey Beaver. healthy businesses help build website at www.rockymoun-
Working with state, region- a healthy economy for us all tainpower.net.
al and local officials across throughout the state. Whether For individual help with
Wyoming, Rocky Mountain the company is helping with your service or account, you
Power assists in the develop-
Energizing Wyoming.
electrical connections for a can speak with a custom-
ment and implementation of new business to locate in the er service representative at
economic growth strategies area or providing programs 1-888-221-7070.
After more than 100 years of service, you can count on us for solutions to help and planning for the future.
you save time and money: Beaver explained the com- COURTESY PHOTO
panys role in economic devel-
Get cash incentives on energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.
opment throughout its service
Buy discounted LED bulbs at local retailers.
area has changed over the
Download our free mobile app to pay bills, report outages and more.
years, but the goal has always
2017 Rocky Mountain Power

Its our pleasure to serve you. Find been to ensure that electrical
convenient ser vices and energy infrastructure projects are
solutions at rockymountainpower.net. completed on time to provide
for the needs of customers,
including new, expanding
and existing businesses and
industries.
PAGE C4 BRIDGER VALLEY PIONEER FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Showcase 2017

Bridger Valley, my home Bridger Valley Pioneer spotlights Valley events

By VIRGINIA GIORGIS
Pioneer Editor
vgiorgis@bridgervalleypioneer.com

The Bridger Valley Pioneer has chronicled

the lives of Bridger Valley residents since its
inception in May 1977. Week after week, the
paper has been on the stands bringing area
news to residents. Many of the surnames
featured today are the same as when the pa-
per first started, but as the Valley has grown,
new names have graced the area.
The paper also serves as a catalyst and
a forum for residents to vent, praise or just
let others know what they think with let-
ters to the editor. Sometimes the page is a
PIONEER PHOTO/Virginia Giorgiss
cornucopia of ideas, good and bad.
The Bridger Valley Pioneer has focused
By VIRGINIA GIORGIS the horizon south of the Bridg- and green during the hot, on covering the Valley, its residents, the
Pioneer Editor er Valley. The southwestern summer months providing growth of the communities, celebrations,
vgiorgis@bridgervalleypioneer.com Wyoming valley, on the north a perfect opportunity for tragedies and all of the other events the
slope of the Uinta Mountain the areas ranchers to raise flow through the sands of time and the lives
Bridger Valley, a lush green Range, sits at the crossroads and fine-tune their livestock of the residents. Events such as weddings,
valley with rivers running of Interstate 80 and Wyoming its about blood lines, births, military service, schools, deaths and who live here, the Pioneer hopes to help the
through it, has three main Highways 410 and 414. It conformation, bulls that much more serves as the historical record area grow and become more prosperous.
townsLyman, Mountain serves as one of the primary throw good calves, cows of the area. The newspaper also provides an outlet for
View and Fort Bridger. Other entrances to the High Uinta that mother their calves and The Pioneer promotes Keep it Local to area businesses and residents to advertise
communities and the ranching Mountains and the Wasatch more. The sheep industry is help build and make the Bridger Valley a locally. The local connection and people work-
industry make up the rest of Cache National Forest where not as prevalent in the Val- stronger, more vital place to live and do busi- ing together help to make the area strong.
the Valley. there is unlimited hunting, ley, but there are still some ness. Success in one area helps build success Accolades for the Pioneer occur almost
The Valley takes its name fishing, camping and hun- major producers who are in another area. Dollars spent in the area yearly as the paper goes head-to-head with
from an early mountain man dreds of miles of trails for just as concerned with the turn over eight times before being exhausted. the small weeklies at the Wyoming Press As-
who left his home in the East hiking, mountain biking, cross same types of factors, which By believing in Bridger Valley and the people sociation convention.
as a young man, donned a hat country skiing and ATV and affect their animals.
of adventure and travelled to snowmobile riding. The Valley serves as a
the far unsettled west. the Fort Amenities include a gro- bedroom community for the
Bridger State Historic Site sits cery store, gas stations, bowl- Trona Industry in Sweetwa-
adjacent to the town of Fort ing alley, banks, restaurants, ter County. Many families
Bridger and draws world-wide appliance store, fast food know what it is for shift
visitors off of I-80. places, general merchandise work and the long ride to go
In addition to the three stores, medical clinics, a the- underground at the mines.
main towns, the communi- ater, hair salons and much Many times graduates
ties calling the Valley home more to serve the needs of the from the Valley schools
include McKinnon and Burnt locals and travelers. Names return home to raise their
Fork, Robertson, Carter, Urie, such as Shopko and Family families and to build their
Lone Tree and Milburne. Dollar, Wells Fargo, Pizza Hut lives after experiencing the
These sites form a nucleus and Taco Time dot the Valley outside world. They return
for the surrounding ranching and testify to the growth of to the area to stake their
areas. the Valley. claims, raise their families
The Uinta Mountains line Much of the Valley is lush and call the Valley home. PIONEER PHOTOS/Virginia Giorgis

Questions?
Comments?
Story Ideas?
Your opinion is something we always want to hear.
Contact us online or e-mail us with your ideas.

317 Bradshaw Street #2, Lyman 787-3229

news@bridgervalleypioneer.com www.bridgervalleypioneer.com
 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 BRIDGER VALLEY PIONEER PAGE C5

Showcase 2017

Solvay Chemicals in Green River, Wyoming

Asking More
More commitment to sustainability providing our customers
with innovative and competitive solutions for a sustainable
chemistry that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and leads
to a healthy planet and healthy lifestyles.

More commitment to safety our Safety Excellence initiatives

makes Safety our number-one priority. It is a value.

More involvement in the community we have taken an active

part in the Wyoming community for over 35 years! We work here
and live here. We are part of Wyoming!

Solvay asking more of chemistry

PAGE C6 BRIDGER VALLEY PIONEER FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Showcase 2017
79 years in Bridger Valley, and counting

Your last stop on the way to Flaming Gorge or the High Uintas

Fixing up the home or just stocking up for the weekend

Groceries
Custom Meat Shop
Fresh Bakery
Hot & Cold Deli
Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Camping Gear
Propane
RV Supplies & Antifreeze
Specialty Groceries
Fresh Produce
Full Service Lumber &
Hardware
Farm & Ranch Supplies
Fishing & Hunting Gear
Ammo
Special-Order Firearms

950 North Highway 414, Mountain View (307) 782-3581