The Niobrara Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 3, 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 and Sheriff Randy Starkey.
Chairman Wade led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road and Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and said the mayor of Manville had contacted him and asked if the Town could get any of the millings the county will be receiving from WYDOT from their HWY 85 road project. He said they also discussed the Manville Spur and the status of the transfer from the County to the Town of Manville and was told the paperwork is still waiting for completion.
Mr. Thomas also inquired about funding for building updates to the road and bridge Quonset. The Commissioners said this would be discussed during budget work sessions.
Community Juvenile Services Grant- Vice Chair Griffith reported that due to reporting issues, the WY Department of Family Services had terminated their contract with WYOHelp who had been managing the CJSB grant on behalf of Niobrara County. The Community Juvenile Services Board has applied for the grant but has not heard on the current status of the application.
She mentioned removing the tree in front of the sheriff’s garage. She asked Sheriff Starkey if he minded the removal and he thought it would be a wise decision, as the existing tree could damage the foundation of the garage.
County Attorney- County Attorney Anne Wasserburger discussed a letter she drafted regarding the operational status of the Pronghorn Bar. She recommended the Commissioners submit the letter.
Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the operational status inquiry letter from the Commissioners to the Pronghorn Bar. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The Commissioners wanted to make sure the letter was clear in the fact that it originated because concerns were raised by the Wyoming Liquor Division and the operational status of the bar.
Elected Officials and Department Heads- Melanie Pearce, Regional Public Health Nurse Supervisor updated the Commissioners on public health business. She said there were trainings people attended, and they have had successful vaccination clinics.
Kelli Chichester said the new 4-H Educator, Lauren Faurie, started on Friday. She also said new concrete has been poured at the back of the fairgrounds and that there are many events planned for the fairgrounds.
Chrisanna Lund, Clerk of Court said there is an annual courthouse security meeting scheduled for next Thursday.
Chairman Wade reported on the Newcastle BLM revisions.
Leslie Stewart met with the Commissioners and updated them on the old jail and asked for guidance and advice on how to proceed with the project. She said the steering committee had not had an opportunity to meet and discuss the report and she thought they should be able to offer their input before a decision is made.
She did note that the lead and asbestos remediation needs to occur before any further action can be taken.
Vice-Chair Griffith was appreciative of all the time and effort Ms. Stewart has put into this project, and she would also like to hear from the steering committee.
Melanie Pearce discussed the County Health Officer contract between the WY Department of Health and Niobrara County and asked that they sign it. She noted that this is a four-year contract, and not the usual one-year contract and is for $10,000.00 per year.
WY Department of Health Grant Agreement- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to sign the grant agreement between the Wyoming Department of Health and Niobrara County for the County Health Officer’s salary. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
2025 Responsible Gambling Behavior Funding- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to sign the invoice requesting $1,701.97 from the WY Department of Health, Public Health Division, for the prevention and treatment of problematic gambling behavior. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Visionary Fairgrounds Contract for Broadband- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to sign the contract with Visionary Broadband for fiber optic installation and monthly service for the Shooting Sports Building. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Ratify 24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to ratify the 24-Hour Malt Beverage permit for Adele Cass to give away malt beverages at the End of School Year Staff Party held at the fairgrounds on May 29, 2025. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Regional Director Drew Dietrich and Connor Christiansen of the WY Business Council met with the Commissioners and stated that they would like to meet with the community and leaders to discuss ideas of how they could help the community and help Niobrara County’s economic growth.
Mark Groh presented the Niobrara County Republican Party’s resolution opposing the Sidewinder Hydrogen Project in Niobrara County and the Pronghorn Hydrogen Project in Converse County. He wanted the Commissioners to be aware of the resolution and let them know he is in support of it. Dan Ritter echoed the sentiment about the resolution.
Dan Henry Hanson presented information regarding the resolution and spoke in opposition to it.
Dan Ritter, Kate Peters, with the Sidewinder project, Dan Henry Hanson, and Jordan Reed all had comments for or against the projects, with some speakers saying it would ruin their viewshed and be an extreme drain on the water situation, while those in favor of the project stated they should be able to do what they want with their private property. Chairman Wade thanked all that attended.
4-H Youth Educator Annual Compensation Agreement- Commissioner Hanson moved to sign the agreement between the University of Wyoming Extension and Niobrara County for the new 4-H Youth Educator. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
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 20, 2025, meeting, and receipts for May from the Clerk of Court for $749.66.
Payroll and the following vouchers were approved for payment:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:19 p.m.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 6252 published in The Lusk Herald on June 25, 2025.
