Hometown Matters

Send us Fan MailIt’s all about new beginnings and fresh faces at Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness today on Hometown Matters. You’ll meet Cynthia Gonzalez, Director of Marketing and Fundraising and Meri Ann Dorman brand new Director of Grants. Find out why someone from San Diego has chosen Thermopolis and why a Chamber of Commerce Director has left her position to team up to serve eight communities in Wyoming with Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness.Find out more right now on Hometown Matters….WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is a buffet of events happening around our community.First up is Cathy Orchard Board Member from the Worland Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce. They are getting ready for their Diamonds and Denim awards banquet, May 2. This year they are celebrating Liberty and Legacy with special guest speaker Dan Starks of the National Museum of Military Vehicles. Call the Chamber for available tickets.Next is Janet Hofman Education Coordinator for the Washakie County Conservation District talking about Prairie to Pantry, Cheatgrass and The Generous Roots Garden Company.Wrapping up, will be Chloe Stine Events Manager with the Washakie Museum. She will share a full month of fun coming up in May at the museum!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailCan you run a lap and eat a donut four times in a row? Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness is hosting the Doughnut Mile May 3, and 2026 seniors could win a scholarship! Mycheal Wiles, Physical Therapist, shares all the details.Lila Jolley, Community Prevention Specialist, joins me in the second half of this episode with the fun plans for the Annual Drug Free Community Walk/Run planned for May 6th!Run or walk there is something for you and your family today on Hometown Matters……..WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailDid you know that Wyoming Bucket is a newer company right here in Worland? Today I’ll chat with Ed Keller III the Innovator and CEO of Wyoming Bucket. What’s a Wyoming Bucket you ask. It’s a vital resource for firefighting professionals around the world and the latest innovation is being created right here in Worland Wyoming in the old Mel’s OK Tire location. Worland native does Wyoming proud today on Hometown Matters……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailYou’re right you missed me last week!  But this week I’m back with two important topics.In the first part of this episode Commissioner Terry Wolf explains how your voice can be heard concerning the renewal of the 1% General Purpose Sales Tax and how an additional half cent is being proposed as a way to pay for emergency services in Washakie County. Have you completed the survey yet?In the second half Deb Coronado with the New Hope Humane Society fills us in on all the details about the annual Fur Ball to raise funds for the sheltered animals! Get your ticket for April 17th and plan to enjoy live and silents auctions for great prizes.  Learn more about both of these current topics now on Hometown Matters……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailThe Mammoth Mechanics have built a robot that can shoot baskets better than most basketball players! On this episode coaches Steve Radabaugh and Curtis Hamer will share exciting news about a group of young people from Washakie County who have built a robot worthy of competing in Long Beach California! Find out all about this robotics team and how you can learn more, have a great dinner and help support their success April 7th…Join me now for Hometown Matters.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailIt’s time to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Yellow Heart Shoppe in Worland. A year ago Pam Tigner decided to start a business for her retirement. You’ll get to hear how the year has gone and what she has planned for the businesses first anniversary celebration. Ambrosia Wellness is open in downtown Worland. They feature everything from Acai Bowls to sound baths. Caryn and Dave Paxton will share their journey. You’ll learn what to expect if you visit the store and hear all about their exciting hopes and dreams. You won’t want to miss today’s episode of Hometown Matters.Thanks to all our listeners who have made the first 100 Episodes of Hometown Matters a success!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailJulie Peterson drove all the way from Hyattville to chat with me about the Artisan Market set for March 21 from 10 AM-2 PM at the Ten Sleep Senior Center. This show is unique and you’ll hear about all the handcrafted items that will be for sale that day.In the second half of the show Mary Martinez Vice President of Worland Prolife stopped by to share the details about their upcoming event also set for March 21. They are looking to bring pregnancy resources to the families of Washakie County with a future resource center here is Worland. The event is a great way to help, and you could even win a half of beef in the raffle.Sit back and enjoy Hometown Matters….WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailThe National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Our very own Ten Sleep Library has been notified that they are among the five winners of this prestigious award for 2025. Karen Funk Washakie County Library System Director joins me to share the great news! Molly and Tyler Lockard are among our newest business owners here in Worland. They recently purchased W Designs from Donna Hunter and are now open at the same location 824 Big Horn Avenue. Badlands Branding Company is their new name, and you’ll learn all about their plans going forward from Tyler. WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailIt’s National FFA Week and as a proud alum I’m thrilled to share today’s episode. Kyston Rollema current President of the Chief Washakie Chapter of the FFA joins me visiting about his FFA aspiration to be a state officer and what the program means to him.In the second half of the show Josh Miller, President of the Chief Washakie FFA Alumni and Supporter chapter comes by to talk about this new group. If you were ever an FFA member you’ll want to listen and find out how you can help today’s youth make some of those fond memories and continue to excel in the future of agriculture.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailDr. Kristi St. Clair, a Georgia peach, has found her way to Washakie County. I enjoyed learning why a young couple would pack up and move to our community. Dr. St. Clair joins the team at the Washakie Medical Center Banner Health Clinic. She treats people from the cradle to the grave and has such enthusiasm for OB/GYN and bringing babies into the world! She also enjoys working with rodeos to provide medical coverage!In the second half of the show Marian Bender Executive Director for the Washakie Museum joins me accompanied by Deanna Skillman talented artist to talk about the upcoming art exhibit Walking Among the Stars and Dreams.Grab a beverage and join me now for Hometown Matters……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailWashakie County Commissioner Terry Wolf is the star of the show today. He’ll be talking about the upcoming legislative budget session and what the counties are watching and hoping for. You can follow the legislative session on www.wyoleg.govGrab a notepad and a pen so you don’t miss anything important and join me now for Hometown Matters.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailIf these nice days have you thinking spring…you’ll be excited to know daffodils and tulips will soon be here. Cheri Bundren with the American Cancer Society and her team are taking pre-orders now through February 11 for bunches of daffodils and tulips to benefit the ACS. Thursday January 29th you can order at the WCCC at 5:30 or call Cheri at 431-5876. Listen to learn more.You don’t need spring and summer weather to golf in Worland anymore you just need to book time at  The Bunkers. Brandon Yule joins me in the second half to give you the inside scoop. It’s not just for pros The Bunkers even has fun kid’s games! I’ll let Brandon tell you more…..today on Hometown Matters.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan Mail DFC WHITE OUT - JANUARY 23I’m excited today to talk to the girls down the hall. Lila Jolley Community Prevention Specialist with the Washakie County Prevention Coalition and Stacey Utterback DFC Project Coordinator join me talking about the big white out coming January 23! MEET ERIC BARLOW CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR In the second half Senator Eric Barlow Republican candidate for Governor stops by to answer some of my concerns and introduce himself to our community. This is not an endorsement by WDA and no funds were exchanged but I think you’ll find the interview interesting and educational.Join me now for Hometown Matters……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailI’m back! After taking a couple weeks off from Hometown Matters it is exciting to start the new year visiting with our community about what is happening in our hometown!On this episode Executive Director of the Washakie Museum, Marian Bender joins me to share the exciting January programs and events at the Washakie Museum. From Catapults to how people make things there is something for everyone! In the second half Worland’s Mayor Rebecca George and Clerk Treasurer Tracy Glanz share the issues the city is watching as the legislative budget session begins in February.Join me now for Hometown Matters……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailOne more new business to talk about today. Worland Tire and Repair has opened in the old co-op tire shop and I’ll be visiting with Luis Bernal the manager about how he and his team are working to build relationships starting with great customer service.As I was downloading the interview with Luis a surprise guest stopped by on this Christmas Eve. You’ll want to gather the family and hear my conversation with the one and only Santa Claus…..Thanks so much for downloading Hometown Matters. We are on holiday schedule and will return January 15, 2026. May you and yours make special memories this Christmas as you remember the true reason for the season. Merry Christmas!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailWe have enjoyed so many holiday events that today on Hometown Matters we’re going to take a break from the merriment and talk to the Public Relations Specialist for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Cody Beers. He’ll talk about the purchase of the co-op building, the Ten Sleep housing project and a route through the Wind River Canyon that is being studied.Join me now for Hometown Matters……Next week I'll be live with Santa Clause on Christmas Eve!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailThere certainly is no shortage of Christmas events still going on here in our community. On today’s episode Karri Savage Assistant Director for the Washakie County Library System starts us off with a sleigh full of events for families and friends. Everything from Gingerbread Houses to an ugly sweater photo shoot.Next up you’ll hear from Sherry Stottler founder and President of the Sagebrush Artisans. They are holding a pop-up shop at 1314 Big Horn with a variety of art pieces from local artists that will make great gift items. You’ll want to pick your favorite and let Santa know to shop here is Washakie County.Finally, Bryony Volin, of the Ten Sleep Saloon joins me with more Christmas Spirit than the law allows. She’ll make you want to share in all the fun holiday happenings in Ten Sleep.Ho Ho Ho… let’s go go go ….. on Hometown Matters!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailI goofed last week and somehow lost half of the planned episode so as you noticed it just didn’t happen. So, this episode is a double shot of Holiday Happenings here in our hometown.Chloe Stine Events Manager at the Washakie Museum will share all the info on the Nutcracker Ballet, Steam Saturday and the Soup and Cookie Fair!David Villa Director of the Worland Aquatic Center, dropped by to share about everything from kettle bell classes to Winter Break Swim Lessons. Their main event is Fear the Spear Jousting planned for December 20th.Deirdra Ortega and Jamie Craft from Pinnacle Bank will share their excitement for the Festival of Trees December 5th and 6th.Holly Getzfried Volunteer Fire Fighter lets us know how we can make children’s Christmas merrier with the Fire Departments Toy Drive. Finally, Brooklyn Hansen one of the key players stopped in to light up the studio with her enthusiasm for holiday lights and the drive thru extravaganza along with 2 Nights in Whoville! Free family fun at the fairgrounds!Christmas is coming so let’s not waste another minute…Join me now for Hometown Matters…….WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailThere is a new face at Range and today you’ll get to know Bobbi Mitzel the brand new Business Solutions Specialist at Range. She was fun to meet and just visit with about how Range works with our local businesses to help solve the issues that keep them awake at night.Why not give a listen right now to Hometown Matters……If you are in the holiday spirit and working with groups to plan events in Worland or Ten Sleep give me a shout so you can tell everyone about your plans here on Hometown Matters. December dates are filling fast.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailTen Sleep Schools are in the news again and on today’s episode we'll learn more. Superintendent Annie Griffin and Principal Robert Griffin join me to talk about back-to-back #1 ratings in the WYTOPP testing.  We’ll hear more about project-based learning and how students are solving problems while working with mentors to look at possible career choices. There is always something going on at the Ten Sleep School and will hear it all right here on Hometown Matters.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailNo sooner than the trick or treat candy is handed out it seems like we shift our focus to Christmas and all the events that get us in the spirit. Today Linda Weeks Marketing Manager for Range joins me to talk about Trim a Tree and how your family can make some holiday memories right here in our hometown.Before we talk about "Trim a Tree" you'll hear an update on the Range Pumpkin Hunt and how much fun it provided in 6 communities!Thanks Range, for always bringing the fun to our community!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode Stephanie Kolwalczyk, curator of the Washakie Museum shares all the details of the Mini Mammoth Mixer and the Mammoth Quickdraw coming up November 6th and 7th. Both events are put on by the museum and Worland Rotary. It’s the party of the year and you won’t want to miss it.In the second half of today’s podcast Kendra Bryant Ware shares some history of the 30 years Bryant Funeral Home has been in Worland and how a new crematory will be opening soon to help serve our community.Halloween reminders too!!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailMegan McCoy joins me today from Reach for Recovery. She facilitates a group on Friday nights in the downstairs of Crosspoint Baptist Church for people who are in recovery or who love an addict and want to listen and learn. Certainly, a serious topic and something that is important to our community.Join me now to learn more about Reach for Recovery through the story of Megan McCoy.Learn more about the Kyle Weaver Benefit and how you can help one of our own as he and his family battle cancer.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailHey listeners. If you have suggestions for podcast guests, give me a shout! I always need new ideas!This short and sweet episode features Tertia Gillet new Grants Director for Washakie County and the City of Worland. She is new to our area and offers her insight as to what her job entails and her hopes for finding resources for both Washakie County and the City of Worland.Join me now to get to know Tertia Gillet…..WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailSo much is happening at Octoberfest this weekend the fun spilled over into this week’s episode. Deb Cornado with the New Hope Humane Society wants to invite all to the Doggy Races October 4th just before the pumpkin drop. Your dog not interested? Come join the fun and sponsor the dogs to help raise funds for the New Hope Humane Society.Cheri Bundren and Becky Cook two thirds of the ABC Committee heading up the organization of several breast cancer awareness activities stopped by to give me the details. Mark October 5th on your calendar to help kick off a full week of Pink Powerfest!Join me now to learn more about what’s happening in our hometown……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailOctoberfest happens October 4th, at the Washakie County Fairgrounds. Kids activities, beer, cabbage burgers, a pumpkin tasting contest, crowning of the royalty, live entertainment, dog races and much more. You’ll hear Worland/Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Caryn Paxton share all the details.Jay Richard also stopped by to share the latest information on the Wyoming State Pumpkin Weigh-Off Championship in conjunction with Octoberfest. You’ll hear about his 1600 pound pumpkin and learn how you can compete or just stop by to watch a huge pumpkin be dropped from 200 feet in the air!Join me now to learn more about what’s happening in our hometown……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailFall is in the air and that means it’s time for Applefest at the Circle J above Ten Sleep. Jackie Denison, Camp Coordinator,  joins me to talk about all the fun set for September 27th from 10AM-4 PM. Food, music, lots of fun kids activities, and delicious apple pie!Stephanie Kowalczyk, Curator at the Washakie Museum, returns to the podcast to let us in on the September-October events. Archeology Symposium, Cinderella and a big announcement about “The Nutcracker” set for December 4th. You’ll have to listen to learn all the exciting details. Listen now to learn more about what’s happening in our hometown……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailIt's Homecoming Week for the Warriors September 15 through the 20th! Ethan Partridge, Student Body President and Laramie Trauntvein join me to talk all about Tailgate Tuesday September 16th, along with the Lady Warriors Volleyball game!  Food trucks, The Local Lemon Lemonade, sweet treats and more will be on hand to celebrate!Karen Funk Washakie County Library System Director joins me in the second half. The new addition to the children’s area in the Worland library is open and a telehealth booth is expected soon. Karen shares a whole list of fall activities for the libraries in Worland and Ten Sleep.Join me now to learn more about what’s happening in our hometown……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailFrom Warrior fall sports to foraging weeds for your dinner, this episode is diverse.Jordan McKamey of McKamey Broadcasting is getting ready for another year of bringing you Warrior and Lady Warrior sports when you can’t be in the bleachers. He’ll share his story and invite you to each and every game. Go Warriors!Our second guest is Renelle Williams local herb enthusiast,                                          who will try to convince me to eat purslane instead of spraying it. If you are interested in using natural plants as food and medicine you’ll want to listen and learn. She even offers a monthly class.You never know what you might hear on Hometown Matters.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailLaura Mocko, Director of Human Resources for Range stops by to share about an opportunity for small businesses who lack capacity for an HR department but could benefit from a networking group of professionals. The regulations are complex and ever changing. SHRM, The Society for Human Resource Management, has free virtual Coffee and Conversations each month to help businesses of all sizes manage the daunting task of human resources. Laura tells us how we cab up our game in HR.Commissioner Terry Wolf will then join us for an informative overview of the upcoming EMS, Emergency Medical Services, Assessment taking place September 4-5th. He’ll share how every citizen can have their input heard through group sessions, a public meeting and available survey. The assessment will help the Commissioners find a pathway forward for long term funding based on the community input. The questionnaire is available on the Washakie County website. WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailDawna Burton is the new Assistant Director for the Worland Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce. Lots of changes are happening at the Chamber and Dawna will share the inside scoop along with all the details on the Annual Customer Appreciation BBQ set for Thursday August 21, at the Washakie County Courthouse. You just might find out about ways to volunteer in our community you hadn’t thought of.Let’s see what the Worland Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce is up to these days right here on Hometown Matters……….WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan Mail This episode starts out with all you need to know about the  Washakie Hospital Foundation's Badlands Poker Run and ends with an update for all the cultural events planned at the Washakie Museum.Mark your calendar for August 23rd . You’ll find out why when you listen to Kristin Fox and Wally Wallace from the Washakie Hospital Foundation talk about this year’s Badlands Poker Run! It’s a full day of fun and the proceeds go to help local families who are fighting the fight against cancer right here in the Big Horn Basin. Kick stands up 9:00 AM August 23rd from the Worland Elk’s.Stevie Kowalczyk, Curator for the Washakie Museum joins me in the second half of this episode. You’ll hear about “Freedom in Art Making”, learn how to make your own paper and get the information on the new exhibit opening Friday, August 29th. Metaphor , Myth, and Politics is certain to be an interesting exhibit. We might even share the date for the Mammoth Quickdraw….All this and more when you join me now for Hometown Matters…WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailNowoodstock 24 is coming to Ten Sleep this Friday August 8, Saturday and Sunday and you will want to be there for the whole party! Pat O’Brien one of the founders of the event and Kurt Steinke will fill us in on the song writers, local stars and well- known artists who will be performing live on the banks of Ten Sleep Creek. Entertainment, vendors, food and fun for the whole family!Not to be out done Lynn Murdoch and Dave Paxton stopped by to get us all excited for the Pepsi Wyoming State BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival and Brewfest set for August 14-16. It will be smokin from a brewfest Thursday night to kid’s Q, Car show, Bluegrass Run, to Championship BBQ and some of the best bluegrass music around!  No FOMO just be there!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailMusic is in the air again this weekend at the Washakie County Fairgrounds when Big Praise presents Musicfest August 2nd from 4-10 PM. Kelly Schauble and Jenna Byers from Big Praise join me to share their enthusiasm for the event and invite one and all to come out and enjoy wonderful music with musicians from all around the Big Horn Basin. Concessions and fun for the kids will be available but you will want to bring your own chair!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailI’m guessing everyone is at the Washakie County Fair. It’s so quiet around the studio and everyone was too busy to come talk to me today so as per usual here I sit talking to myself. At least I know one person is listening.I’m nearing retirement well if I can figure out how to pay the bills….and everyone asks what I am going to do when I quit working. Every year at fair time someone asks me about the history of the fair. I’m guessing they think I am one of the older supporters. I haven’t missed our county fair in 60 years!  I’ve decided that one thing I’ll do when I retire is put together the History of the Washakie County Fair. For fun I’ve spent time in the morgue… of the newspaper researching and have put together some of the facts and some anecdotal information. I thought today I’d share just a little and remind you of what is happening at the Washakie County Fair 2025 …..WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan Mail This episode is an opportunity for youth to shine and learn. It was my pleasure to offer this experience.I am finally a queen and the Washakie County Fair Royalty even gave me a crown! The Washakie County fair gets underway this week with the shooting sports and horse show but really heats up next week with youth shows, exhibits, food and entertainment! You’ll hear from the real royalty Hailey Wall Washakie County Fair Queen, Mesa Whitehead Washakie County Fair Princess and Aspyn Noland Washakie County Fair Junior Princess. The 2025 Royal Court has the best possible mentor in Beth Stiver and you are going to be impressed at the excitement these girls have for the Washakie County Fair 2025!In the second half, our fair theme continues with Chief Washakie Chapter FFA President, Kyston Rollema and Renegade 4-H Member Tylee Clark giving us a bit of insight about their fair plans and what fair week means to them. I’ll see EWE at the Washakie County Fair next week but for now catch some of the youthful enthusiasm on this week’s episode of Hometown Matters…… Did I mention what a fun opportunity for these youth this is to be on a podcast?WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailForbidden Sips....The Outlaw Speakeasy Cocktail Lounge and Cigar Bar is open in the old Brass Plum building . On this episode you’ll get a history lesson while finding out more about this new local business.  Jessica Peragine, a first grade teacher and Matt Haviland formerly of the State Engineer’s Office are hoping to put Worland on the map and make the Outlaw Speakeasy a  fun and unique destination. Farm Fresh.....It’s almost opening day for the Washakie County Farmer’s Market. Mayor Rebecca George and all- around community volunteer Cheri Bundren share their excitement for the season in the second half of today’s podcast. You won’t want to miss the first market Saturday July 12th  8:00 AM- 12:30 PM  as it kicks off with a free pancake breakfast.I know you can’t wait so join me now for Hometown Matters…….WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan Mail Let's have some fun keeping "Four Eyes on the Fourth!" This episode is a mix of celebration of the Fourth of July and an introduction of Dr. Dusty Asay our brand new optometrist at Worland Vision Clinic.Ten Sleep Wyoming has the best Fourth of July party and you won’t want to miss it! Bryony Volin from the Ten Sleep Saloon joins me to  put it all together so you won’t miss a thing this Independence Day. From the Pony Express and parade to the rodeo and street dance you’ll get all the 411! July 3rd, 4th and 5th you’ll want to find yourself in Ten Sleep!Dr. Dusty Asay is my second guest this week. You’ll hear his story and how he plans to add some new services to Worland Vision Clinic. If you see him or his family around, you’ll want to remind them that Worland is certainly a better choice than Loveland Colorado.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailRobin Hood the Musical and Shakespeare in the Park are coming soon and you’ll find out who, when and where from Washakie Museum’s Curator Stephanie Kowalczyk. You’ll even learn more about Dinosaurs at the upcoming STEAM camp.In the second half of today’s show, you’ll hear from Amy Truman Director of Sales at the popular Ten Sleep Brewing Company. They have fun live entertainment, brand new Mama Z’s pizza everyday and plenty of cold craft beer on tap.Every week I'm reminded of the great place we live and the fun people that make it so. I hope you are too! Enjoy these early days of summer here in our hometown!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailThe Pony Express will ride again this Fourth of July from Hyattville to Ten Sleep just in time for the big parade at 10 AM in downtown Ten Sleep. You’ll hear from Lyle and Shelly Spence representing the Ten Sleep -Hyattville Lions Club, who will share some history of the cross- country mail service. You’ll also find out how you can send a keepsake letter to your loved ones this Independence Day.  Get your envelopes today in Worland at the Worland Library or the Worland Senior Center, in Ten Sleep at the Sleepy Coyote, Ten Sleep Saloon, Ten Sleep Library or Ten Sleep Senior Center or in Hyattville at Paintrock Processing or the Paintrock Inn.You’ll also hear a reminder about Wings and Wheels Car Show and Fly-In coming to the Worland airport this Saturday June 21. Josh Hellyer and Bill Pennington share the details on the third annual day of family fun. Free pancake breakfast, free lunch courtesy of NAPA in Worland and even free plane rides from the flying club.Go from Pony Express to Wings and Wheels when you join me now for Hometown Matters……..WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailIt's Father’s Day weekend, don’t forget to hug your dad! I think of my dad almost daily and he has been gone over 30 years. He taught me many things including how to milk a cow, how to garden and how not to talk back to my elders.On today’s episode I sit down with local Optometrist Dr. Carl Cottrell of Worland Vision Clinic. Carl shares a little bit about his life, past, present and future and how being the dad of five girls has been one of his greatest successes. Listen now for an emotional visit with Dr. CCC.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailIt’s time for Summer reading at our libraries and you’ll learn all about how youth will spend the month of June coloring our world. Karri Savage Assistant Director for the Washakie County Libraries System will share all the information. You’ll also learn about a program in July including Legos and cyber security! Readers can even win a pizza! A little older reader can win baskets and prizes in both Worland and Ten SleepIn the second half of this episode Beth Stiver joins me to talk about finding a queen to represent and promote Washakie County this summer. These young ladies don't have to be horse women they just have to want to have fun representing Washakie County at summer events. If you know a young lady age five through 21 that wants to wear the crown you’ll want to listen to the very end!Join me now for Hometown Matters!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailJune is my favorite month! On today’s episode you’ll learn all about Safe Community Day coming June 7th .  Kami Neighbors Washakie County Emergency Management Coordinator and Sheriff Austin Brookwell join me live to let us in on all the fun activities planned complete with Robo Bear!The episode really takes flight with Josh Hellyer of Hellyer Aviation and Bill Pennington of Guardian Flight and the Worland Flying Club visiting about Wings and Wheels a Fly In and Car Show planned for June 21 at the Worland Airport. Free Pancake breakfast, free lunch courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts, car show lots of aircrafts and some skills competition for the pilots! free airplane rides too!Start marking your calendars for June fun and join me now for Hometown Matters…WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is all about 5R’s Services and Rey Moreno!  5 R’s Services just opened their new shop where Young’s Body Shop used to be across from the Bentonite Plant. You are going to hear a great story about how a family ends up in Worland, Wyoming learning life’s lessons along the way, working hard and living a life of service. You’ll learn just how far this new business will go to serve their customers. How far is Cheyenne from Worland?WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailSo much great information so little time! Heidi Roberts, Infusion RN and Barbara Brown Senior Medical Assistant for the Banner Health Clinic paid me a visit to share about the many cancer resources at Washakie Medical Center Banner Health. You’ll want to mark your calendar to attend the Celebration for National Cancer Survivors Day May 31, at the hospital.Wendy Fredericks the Executive Director of the Worland Senior Center stopped by to share concerns that Washington DC is threatening to make cuts to the funding provided by the older Americans Act. Find out how you can help save the services at the senior center.Finally, Gottsche is planning a Grand Opening for their new facility on 23rd street in Worland. Take a tour Monday May 19th from 3-6:30 PM.   Mychel Wiles, Courtney Barrus an Katelyn Thoren  from the team at Gottsche Worland give us all the details.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan Mail  Are chicken's really dinosaurs? On today’s episode Stephanie Kowalczyk Curator of the Washakie Museum stops by to share all kinds of free programming for young people happening at the Washakie Museum in May. The Dinosaur exhibit is open and you’ll learn that chickens are dinosaurs?The Reverand Jim Stewart and Shirley Wildman from St. Alban’s Episcopal Church stop by in the second half of today’s podcast to invite the community to a special Mother’s day event featuring the Little Sun Drummers from the Wind River Indian Reservation.  WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan Mail Two of Washakie County's newest video stars, Ann Brock and Amy Baugh of Richard Realty are stopping by today to talk all about Washakie Wednesday a video/podcast they have started focusing on real estate, community events and school activities. You’ll learn how and why they started the program and just maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own or at least want to learn more about investing in real estate. You too, can be a star!On the second half of today’s show my friend Bryony Volin joins me to share her and her finance Will Lester’s enthusiasm about becoming the new owners of the Ten Sleep Saloon!   Learn how this young couple with no restaurant experience, chose to buy the Ten Sleep Saloon, one of Washakie County's favorite watering holes! The new team loves Wyoming and is so excited to be hosting a big Kentucky Derby Party May 3rd complete with a hat contest and fresh mint juleps! You can even pick your favorite horse!Let’s get right to the fun ….join me now for Hometown Matters!WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailWe all get our local information once a week from the Northern Wyoming News. It’s our community newspaper truly focused on the Big Horn Basin. On today’s episode you’ll learn a little more about the paper and lot more about Karla Pomeroy Editor and General Manager. You might even hear more about Roscoe the famous editorializing canine.Hear all about it on today’s episode of Hometown Matters……WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.

Send us Fan MailTax relief, tax refunds, tax exemptions, 4% cap, NO Backfill. What does it all mean? On this episode of Hometown Matters we are going to learn more about the very complex situation that is unfolding as we maneuver through the changes to property taxes in Washakie County. Nancy Quinn Washakie County Assessor and Bobby Swalstad Deputy Assessor join me to try to give us as tax payers an idea of what the changes will mean to us one year at a time.Listen closely as we try to provide more information for you to use. Don't forget to visit the County Assessor's office in the basement of the courthouse to pick-up your helpful cheat sheet to keep you informed about tax relief. They are happy to help with your questions and concerns and will help you understand property taxes and how you just might benefit.WDA looks forward to bringing you Hometown Matters each week and we appreciate you stopping by. Find Hometown Matters on your favorite podcast platform.  Visit Washakie Development.com or check us out on Facebook.