Contributors
CYD HOEFLE
WRITER
A fourth generation Montanan, Cydney was raised on a ranch on the banks of the Yellowstone River where an appreciation of the outdoors was fostered. She and her husband raised three children in Billings and are now the proud grandparents of three. The best part of any of her days is time spent with Jesus, family, friends, a good book or capturing someone’s story in words.
MELANIE FABRIZIUS
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Melanie was raised on a farm on the banks of the Clarks Fork River in Belfry. Her lifelong love of art led her to a career as a freelance graphic designer. When she’s not busy working, Melanie enjoys being with family, spending time with her dogs, camping, ATVing, collecting rocks, and watching the sunset.
Melanie can be reached at ads@raisedinthewest.com
Visit her website at https://melaniefab.com/
JEAN PETERSEN
WRITER
Jean is a cookbook and children's picture book author, freelance writer and weekly columnist with Western Ag Reporter for over 15 year. she and her husband live near the Beartooth Mountains in Red Lodge with their four children. Most days she can be found outdoors with her animals or on a hike, at her children's activities, or cozying up writing and reading.
You can learn more about her and her work here: https://www.jeanpetersen.com/
AMY GRISAK
WRITER
Great Falls' writer Amy Grisak loves writing about all things related to gardening and the outdoors. Look for her book, Nature Guide to Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, published by FalconGuides, in 2021, and follow her work at amygrisak.com.
KAYLA WALKER
WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER,
WEB DESIGNER
Originating from a fifth-generation Montana ranch, Kayla has a real connection to the agriculture industry and the cherished western lifestyle synonymous with the state. The upbringing is what drives her to excel in her current position as Western Ag Reporter Editor and nonstop position as an ag communicator. Whether it be through photography, writing, social media, or design, she strives to share the story of this way of life on a day to day basis.
Keep up with her work at www.ranchraisedmedia.com or by following
Ranch Raised Media on Facebook and Instagram.
DAVE VICKERY
WRITER
Born and raised in the mountain foothills of Montana, Dave, early in life, learned an abiding love of wild places. Descended from a pioneer family with deep roots in the early west, he wandered the broad reaches of Big Sky Country as a young man. He has lived and worked in Alaska and Idaho as well as his native Montana. A book author and freelance writer, his work has appeared in national and regional publications. Currently, he lives in a quiet rural setting with his wife of 51 years and enjoys, in order, grandchildren and the outdoors.
MELANIE LIMPUS
WYOMING ADVERTISING SALES & WRITER
Melanie was born and raised in Billings and is a fifth generation Montanan. She moved to Wyoming in 2013 to attend the University of Wyoming where she earned a degree in Marketing. She fell in love with Wyoming and her husband, Blaine, and the two of them make their home in Lander. They are now joining RITW and just launched Adventures in the West Magazine. Mel enjoys climbing, painting (Acrylic Melon), skiing, biking, graphic design, and her crazy cat. She can be reached at publisher@adventuresinthewest.com
RANDYN GREGG
WRITER
Randyn Gregg is a weekly columnist for the cattle and ag news publication Western Ag Reporter covering agriculture, political, and cultural issues from a rural perspective which he gained from living and working on ranches in Montana, Wyoming and Utah. He graduated from Montana State University Farrier School and currently runs Performance Farrier Services in Meagher County, Montana. Randyn is also a candidate for Montana House District 78. In his spare time, Randyn loves to spend time with his family, read about the incredible history of our country, and explore Montana’s beautiful landscapes with his two dachshunds. rghorseshoeing@gmail.com
SUSAN METCALF
WRITER
Susan Metcalf, a fifth generation Montanan, and her family ranch outside of Big Timber. She has taught and served in school administration for 42 years. In 1995, she began writing a weekly cooking/humor column, “Cooking in the West,” for the Western Ag Reporter. Writing a humor and recipes column perfectly combine her two favorite hobbies – cooking and writing. Susan feels blessed to continue the legacy that began when both sets of her great grandparents homesteaded in Montana in 1915. She can be reached at cookinginthewest@yahoo.com
KAYCEE MONNENS CORTNER
WRITER
Kaycee is a cowboy’s wife from Wyoming. She was placed in the saddle before she could walk, and her passion for horses, rodeo, and the western industry have led her to tell fascinating stories as a freelance journalist. Her full-time job is serving as an equine body worker, helping four-legged athletes perform at their best. Kaycee equally loves spending time in her little library at home and roping in the branding pen. Check out her website: thepreservationoffire.com
CHARLIE DENISON
WRITER
Charlie Denison is a freelance writer, singer/songwriter and award-winning Montana journalist. He lives in Lewistown where he works as Train Coordinator for the Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce. His stories have been featured in “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” “Montana Quarterly,” “Rural Montana,” and other publications.
STU HOEFLE
WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER