The Niobrara County Commissioners held their first meeting of the month on February 4. County Road and Bridge supervisor Fred Thomas updated the commissioners concerning the second oldest bridge in the state of Wyoming, which is situated in Northern Niobrara County.

According to Thomas, the state conducts inspections on county structures. The historic bridge did have some things that will necessitate attention. However, it is still currently in use. Thomas said it isn’t used that much because many vehicles opt to go around the bridge. Because of its historic value, the bridge cannot be torn down. After a brief discussion, the commissioners tabled the topic for a later discussion.

This summer, about 11 miles of highway 85 will be under construction. According to Thomas, the Wyoming Department of Transportation will begin construction later this summer before Sturgis begins. They tentatively plan to complete work after Sturgis.

Kellie Chichester, University Extension Educator 4-H/Youth Development, has been exploring different options for updating the internet service at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds. It is Chichester’s hope that one of two proposals for the update will be tenable. One recommendation is Starlink and the other is Visionary Fiber Optics. Those performing the update will require access to the internet at the Niobrara County Shooting Sports Complex and the Rodeo Box. Chichester will keep the commissioners apprised as she examines the options.

James Santistevan, Niobrara County Emergency Coordinator, told the commissioners that this year will be the tenth anniversary of the flood that engulfed Manville and Lusk. Santistevan said that the flood is still discussed at training meetings. The disaster constituted something of an oddity for Niobrara County.

Santistevan and Chichester are currently working together on a security grant for the possible installation of cameras at the Fairgrounds. Where the cameras will go will decided at a later time. There was a brief discussion about changes within FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Santistevan is unsure concerning the exact nature of those changes, but he will update the commissioners as more information becomes available.

Prevention Specialist Kassidy Miller gave a presentation about grant money for combating opioid addiction. She offered suggestions concerning how to spend those funds. Miller told the commissioners that she had been in contact with the Niobrara County High School Principal Kathrine Kruse. Kruse told Miller that there were growing concerns about high school students vaping. Miller found a program dubbed VIVE18. The program has three levels that schools can choose from. Miller suggested the Silver program, which involved an assembly for the high school and middle school. The assembly would feature a motivational speaker, parent videos and a student leadership program. The program shows kids how to have fun and to make healthy choices. The commissioners agreed that such activities would be constitute an appropriate allocation for the opioid funding.

Leslie Stewart and JoAnn Wade spoke with the commissioners about the upcoming anniversary of the State of Wyoming and of the United States. They sought suggestions for community members who could helm a steering committee. This committee would plan the upcoming celebrations. Stewart informed the commissioners of two grants that the county could help cover costs of festivities. Wyoming is hoping that the counties will hold long lasting celebrations showcasing the state’s rich history. The commissioners agreed and they approved a resolution concerning the grants and steering committee.

The next Niobrara County Commissioner meeting will be on February 18 at 9 a.m. at the Niobrara County Courthouse.