LUSK – On Feb. 8, multiple members of the Lusk community, Niobrara County and State Agencies which included County Commissioners, Town Council members, the Mayor, Town of Lusk employees, Chamber of Commerce Director, the Warden of the Wyoming Women’s Correctional Center, representatives from Department of Family Services/Licensing Division, representatives from Wyoming Child and Family Development Inc., a representative from the Wyoming Business Council, Niobrara County Hospital COO, and a hospital Board Member, and a representative from UW Extension Office and several other community people came together in a round table forum to provide ideas and brain storming for the Child Care Crisis in Lusk and Niobrara County.

After discussion three priorities were established for a direction for the committee to move forward on. These priorities are: 1) Needs assessment to establish the specifics of demand, 2) building options/locations and 3) funding for both establishing and then maintaining.

Wyoming Child and Family gave a sample of a Child Care Survey to Chamber Director Jackie Bredthauer to edit and send to the school, the Library and other places in the community to find out what the childcare needs are. These surveys are to be returned to the Town of Lusk office no later than February 27th. It is imperative that community members respond to this survey request to establish a baseline of data for funding opportunities. Without specific data and information further steps will be difficult to take.

WCFD provided the name of a contractor who has helped construct several of the buildings for WCFD and other government buildings.

Department of Family Services has offered their expertise in any way necessary to get a building/facility constructed with Early Childhood Development in mind.

The next childcare round table meeting will be held on March 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Town of Lusk council chambers. Hannah Swanborn will be the facilitator.