Public Notice No. 6250

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Niobrara Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Those present were Chairman Patrick Wade, Vice-Chair Elaine Griffith, Commissioner Jeb Hanson, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman. Members of the audience included Brandie Collins with the Lusk Herald.
Chairman Wade led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road & Bridge- Brian Wakefield, with BenchMark of Torrington, met with the Commissioners and Foreman Fred Thomas to discuss the status of the 2025 Road Rehabilitation Project on 20 Mile Road. According to Mr. Wakefield, the contractor is done on the project, the headwall functions, and water will flow as it is designed to do, but there are cracks, and the headwall will require continued maintenance by the County. The group discussed what the final payment would be to the contractor, minus additional costs outside of the contract price, which were incurred by road and bridge and BenchMark of Torrington for which the contractor is liable.
Commissioner Hanson moved to pay Whetsell Carpentry $3,000.00 to finish out the project and make the final payment after the 40-day advertising period has ended. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A public hearing was held at 10:00 a.m. regarding a Change of Zoning application received from Robert and Keslye Bute requesting that twenty acres be changed from residential to agricultural on land located in T33N, R63W, Section 22. Keslye Bute called in to the meeting to discuss the request. Chairman Wade noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a do approve consideration to the Commissioners. There was no one else in attendance to speak in favor of or in opposition to the change and the hearing closed at 10:10 a.m.
Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve the change of zoning request from residential to agricultural on twenty (20) acres of land for Robert and Kesly Bute. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners to discuss county business. She asked them to enter executive session. Commissioner Hanson moved to enter executive session pursuant to W.S.S. 16-4-405(a)(v) licensing agency. Chairman Wade consulted the county commissioners’ handbook and did not see that it applied to Commissioners as they were not preparing, administering, or grading examinations. After reviewing the statutes closer, Attorney Wasserburger concurred. Based on this information, Commissioner Hanson rescinded his motion.

Ms. Wasserburger discussed the status of the Pronghorn Bar’s retail liquor license. There are questions regarding the operational status of the bar. Based on information provided by the Wyoming Liquor Division, it was deemed necessary to send a letter to the owner requesting a written response for further information on the future operations of the bar.
Commissioner Hanson moved to authorize the county attorney to write a letter inquiring about the operational status of the Pronghorn Bar. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Community Juvenile Services Grant- Board members Anne Wasserburger and Chrisanna Lund met with the Commissioners to discuss the status of funding from the WY Department of Family Services for the grant. It was noted that DFS sent a letter to Wyo Help (who administers the grant on behalf of Niobrara County) was terminating their agreement with Wyo Help effective May 1 for cause due to the failure of Wyo Help to provide reports for the first three (3) quarters of the Contract and juveniles were not being served pursuant to the contract guidelines.
New York Life Agent Denise Erickson met with the Commissioners and presented information about whole life insurance for employees. She said the premiums are paid by the employees, so there is little to no cost to the employer.
Conservation District Director Lisa Shaw met with the Commissioners to discuss a quote she received from Y2 Consultants to perform a revision of the Natural Resource Management Plan update. The plan is required to be updated every five years, and this plan was last updated in 2021. All parties agreed the cost to update the plan was almost as much as the original cost was to update in 2021. All parties felt the revisions could be done in house.
Old Business- There was nothing new to report on the old jail at this time.
Vice-Chair Griffith Elaine noted that the predator board has a vacancy, and the board will submit names to the Commissioners for an appointment.
Consent Agenda- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the May 6, 2025, meeting, and receipts for May from the Sheriff for $226.25.
The Commissioners accepted the Assessor’s abstract and acknowledged if there are corrections to it, she is authorized to adjust accordingly.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.

NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk

Public Notice No. 6250 published in The Lusk Herald on June 11, 2025.