NIOBRARA COUNTY - The Niobrara County Commissioners met on May 6 to award three new scholarships and one renewal scholarship. After perusing the scholarship applications, the commissioners made their decision.

Niobrara County High School seniors Ridge Kupke, Lainey Single and Quinton Bieri were awarded scholarships. Camden Rose received the renewal scholarship.

County Road and Bridge foreman Fred Thomas updated the commissioner on the upcoming WYDOT (Wyoming Department of Transportation) road project on north highway 85. The road construction project will begin on the north edge of Lusk until Hat Creek, approximately 12.6 miles. According to Thomas, the project will begin sometime in July. WYDOT is hoping to begin either the first or second weekend of July and will work through August during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Thomas asked the commissioners if he could request sick leave donation for one of his employees from other Niobrara County departments. The aforementioned employee has been out and has exhausted their sick leave. The commissioners agreed. An email soliciting donations of sick leave will be sent out to all of the departments.

The Country Assessor has purchased a new vehicle for their department to share with County Clerk Becky Freeman. Two vehicles were used as a trade-in with the purchase of the new vehicle.

County Attorney Annie Wasserburger updated the commissioners about Wyoming Health’s contract with Niobrara County. Wyoming Health will be ending their agreement with DFS (Department of Family Services) on behalf of Niobrara County, effective on June 30. With the agreement at an end, Niobrara County will be able to apply directly for the Community Juvenile Services Board Grant Program.

The commissioners will be considering Sheriff Randy Starkey’s requests concerning the inclusion of Sheriff’s Office employees in the Wyoming State Retirement program. The commissioners have yet to approve the request by Starkey until then. Deliberation on the matter will take place once Starkey has submitted his department’s budget.

Visitors Dan Ritter and Mark Groh asked commissioner Jeb Hanson about where he stands on the Sidewinder project. Hanson told Ritter he can see both advantages and drawbacks to having a hydrogen plan in Niobrara County. Hanson stated that there will be revenue from having a hydrogen plant. Additionally, it would bring jobs to Niobrara County. However, Hanson acknowledged the concerns of having wind energy and the hydrogen plant.

The next County Commissioners meeting will be held on May 20 at 9 a.m. at the Niobrara County Courthouse.