LUSK – On May 13, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon took time out of his busy schedule to visit with the faculty, parents and students of Niobrara County School District #1 (NCSD #1). This was Governor Gordon’s first visit to NCSD #1. Niobrara County High School (NCHS) school counselor Michelle Ogburn made arrangements for the visit through Governor Gordon’s office.

“I think the school is beautiful,” said Governor Gordon. “It’s been great to visit. This is my first time visiting the schools here.”

Governor Gordon began his tour by visiting with students during LEMS (Lusk Elementary/Middle School) Track and Field day at NCHS. LEMS students listened as Governor Gordon quizzed students about Wyoming’s governors. In particular, Gordon asked the students about the first female Wyoming governor, Nellie Taylor Ross.

There were plenty of high fives and handshakes delivered by the Governor Gordon to his youthful audience. Gordon was invited to start the races of the third grade classes. He eagerly accepted and gave high fives to the kids.

“It is so nice to meet you all,” said Governor Gordon.

The sixth grade students listened as Gordon spoke about how the size differences between Kaycee and Lusk schools. Gordon asked the sixth graders about what they were looking forward to in the seventh grade. Many of the students stated that they were more than ready for seventh grade in the Fall at NCHS.

“If there is ever anything you need, please don’t hesitate to write,” Gordon said to the sixth graders. “I am so excited about what potential there is for our kids in Wyoming. You guys have the best school system. You really do. I see all of you doing some really cool stuff.”

After visiting LEMS, Gordon spoke with NCSD #1 superintendent, Dan Schmidt.

“I think you have a great group of kids,” said Gordon.

Before touring LEMS, Gordon spoke with the NCHS Student Council and senior class. Gordon gave a brief history of his time growing up on his family ranch in Kaycee.

“Growing up in Kaycee, we had two gas stations, two bars, one grocery store, one kind of general store, and I never thought that I would be standing as Governor,” said Gordon. “So, my point to you is to be prepared because it is people like you who come from places like Lusk that are going to make a difference in this world.”

Gordon spoke about who he knew present Lusk residents who were once his neighbors in Kaycee and how patriotism was very important to him.

“Why is it so wonderful to be in Wyoming is you have the chance as students and adults to meet everyone,” said Gordon. “I grew up with neighbors that came from Lusk from a guy named Dan Hanson. So, you might know Danny or you might know his dad named Dan.”

Governor Gordon stated that he felt the best education in the United States produced in Wyoming.

“What I love about the education system in Wyoming is that you have better quality classes. You have better teachers than almost anywhere in the country,” said Gordon.

Gordon gave a quick overview of Wyoming’s economy and what the state has to offer. Coal, oil, gas and mineral extraction were cited as integral to Wyoming’s economy. Gordon also cited tourism as the second largest additive to the economy. Gordon underscored the importance of agriculture and ranching, too.

“These things are fundamental to the background and history,” said Governor Gordon, “But we have also expanded into things that probably nowhere else could. We’re in digital assets now, things like cryptocurrencies and the ability to do payments. Wyoming is really out in the league. People all around the world are looking at what Wyoming is doing because Wyoming is small enough that we can get things done.”

Gordon touched on the environment as well.

“Wyoming is really remarkable in its leadership in environmental stewardship, in energy, in all of our digital assets and in our education system,” Gordon said. “So, I hope that you all look to the future of Wyoming and look for the opportunities you can have here.”

Gordon ended his talk with a Q&A. The most popular questions concerned green energy and wind farms, which are now dotting the landscape of Wyoming and could soon come to Niobrara County.

“I don’t believe having these wind towers is supporting the Green New Deal,” Gordon said. “Now, there is a concern that is it going to take our coal or is it going to take out oil and gas or our forms of traditional energy.”

A variety of questions and concerns were voiced by the students. Many pertained to wind farms in Niobrara County and the use of water for the upcoming Sidewinder project. Gordon told the students he was not familiar with the particulars surrounding the project.

Gordon drew attention to two items in the state constitution that constituted firsts in the United States. The first item was women’s right to vote. The second item was the incorporation of laws concerning Wyoming’s water supply.

Other questions involved education, taxable energy and political concerns. Gordon praised the students for asking so many intelligent questions and voicing their concerns.

“Thank you very much. It was wonderful to be here today,” said Gordon.