Telling Our Story: Wyoming Pioneer Joins Chamber as Community Partner
From Film Development to Digital Dreams - 35 Years of Chronicling Our Community
In a perfect example of "practicing what we preach," the Hulett Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the Wyoming Pioneer newspaper as our newest member. For over three decades, this dedicated publication has been telling the stories that matter most - the stories of our businesses, our people, and our community's growth.
Standing Strong When Others Fall
The timing of the Wyoming Pioneer's Chamber membership carries extra significance in light of recent industry challenges. Just days ago, eight Wyoming newspapers suddenly closed when News Media Corporation announced immediate shutdowns due to declining revenue and increased costs. While those publications have since been rescued by the Hicks family and Rob Mortimore, the near-crisis highlighted how precious locally-owned community newspapers truly are.
"This makes what Sarah and Wes Pridgeon have built with the Sundance Times group even more remarkable," said Chamber Director Bunny Engberg. "While corporate-owned papers struggle, their locally-owned operation continues to thrive and grow because they understand their communities' needs."
The Sundance Times has been Crook County's official newspaper since 1884, making it one of the county's oldest active businesses. Under Sarah and Wes's ownership, the Times group has expanded to include three publications: the award-winning Moorcroft Leader (serving as "The Voice of the Community Since 1909"), the Wyoming Pioneer (serving Hulett and Devils Tower area since 1991), and the specialized Wyoming Snowmobile Wrangler.
Wyoming Pioneer owners Sarah and Wes Pridgeon receive their Hulett Chamber of Commerce membership plaque and welcome materials from Chamber representative in Sundance, celebrating their commitment to community journalism.
Wyoming Pioneer team member Melissa Bears receives her Hulett Chamber of Commerce membership plaque and welcome materials from Bunny Sings Wolf Engberg, Chamber Director, in Hulett, celebrating her 30+ year commitment to community journalism.
The presentation photos, fittingly taken beneath ancient area trees with their deep root systems and spreading branches, seem to symbolize what both organizations represent - growth that honors established foundations while reaching toward new possibilities.
What began in 1990 with founder Kay Cheshier's vision for community journalism has evolved into something far greater than a newspaper - it's become the chronicler of our community's heart and soul. Cheshier established the Wyoming Pioneer to serve the Hulett and Devils Tower area with local news and information, creating the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy of community service. The Wyoming Pioneer's journey mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit we celebrate in all our Chamber members: starting with vision, growing through dedication, and succeeding through unwavering commitment to excellence.
Capturing History, One Story at a Time
Long-time photographer and reporter Melissa Bears remembers the early days when capturing community stories meant racing to the Corner Market to send film rolls for development, then waiting anxiously to see if there were "some good ones for the paper." Her 30+ years with the publication have witnessed the transformation from those uncertain film days to today's instant digital photography - but her passion for telling local stories remains unchanged.
"Melissa has always been the heart of the Pioneer," notes current Editor Sarah. "She's the one who tells Hulett's stories with the depth and care our community deserves."
Ink in Their Blood
When previous owners Jeff and Yvonne Moberg approached the current team about taking over the business, the response was immediate: "It took less than a minute to say yes. Ink is in our blood," explains Sarah. "We truly believe that community newspapers are vital, and we want to make sure the three papers that belong to Crook County continue the work our predecessors were rightly proud of."
This dedication to community journalism drives everything the Pioneer team does. Sarah, who moved to the U.S. fifteen years ago and started as a reporter for the Sundance Times, brings countywide perspective to local stories. Designer and photographer Wes officially joined three years ago, though Sarah jokes he "probably feels like he's been here all along considering how many places I've dragged him to over the years." Stan, their lead designer, serves as the team's "encyclopedia of everything newspaper-related."
Mission Meets Momentum
"Our mission is to support our communities, however we can, which is why we are now a proud member of the Chamber," Sarah explains. "The momentum has been building as Hulett grows and becomes more vibrant than ever, and we were keen to be a part of it!"
This partnership represents more than business networking - it's a commitment to the principle that strong communities are built through collaboration. The Wyoming Pioneer doesn't just report on Hulett's growth; they're now officially invested in that success as Chamber members.
Perfect Timing, Perfect Partnership
The timing couldn't be better. As the Chamber celebrates record membership growth and national recognition through partnerships like Yellowstone National Park Journal, having our local newspaper as an official member creates a powerful synergy. They tell our stories while being part of the story themselves.
"Having the Wyoming Pioneer as a Chamber member while they're featuring all our growing businesses makes this partnership incredibly special," said Chamber Director Bunny Engberg. "They understand the importance of supporting local businesses because they ARE a local business."
Continuing the Legacy
From Kay Cheshier's vision in 1990 to today's digital newsroom, the Wyoming Pioneer has adapted with the times while maintaining its core mission: telling the stories that matter to the people who matter most - our neighbors, our businesses, our community.
Their Chamber membership represents more than recognition; it's a commitment to the future. As Hulett continues to grow and attract national attention, we have a newspaper that's not just covering our success story - they're part of writing it.
Ready to join the momentum? Whether you're a decades-old community institution like the Wyoming Pioneer or a brand-new startup, Chamber membership connects you with like-minded businesses committed to our community's success. Visit www.visithulett.com or call 605-722-0004.
The Wyoming Pioneer: Serving Crook County with integrity, dedication, and ink in their blood since 1990.
The Hulett Chamber of Commerce welcomes businesses, non-profits, churches, individual supporters, civic organizations and community groups of all sizes and services throughout the Northern Black Hills region. As an all-volunteer organization, we also gratefully accept donations to support our efforts in promoting and strengthening our regional communities.