The Niobrara Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 9:03 a.m. Those present were Chairman Patrick Wade, Vice-Chair Elaine Griffith, Commissioner Jeb Hanson, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman.
Chairman Wade led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road and Bridge- Town of Manville Mayor Richard A. Ladwig, met with the Commissioners and Foreman Fred Thomas and asked if the Town could acquire any of the millings that will be available when WYDOT’s Hwy 85 road project begins. He was asking for approximately ten truckloads. Mr. Thomas said he would have to contact WYDOT to figure out the logistics of transporting the millings.
Commissioner Hanson moved to donate ten loads of roto mill to the Town of Manville. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Thomas said that BenchMark of Torrington is going to measure the County’s gravel stockpiles and noted that there is nothing new from the contractor on the 2024 Road Rehab project.
Mr. Thomas and the Commissioners then reviewed his budget request.
County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and the group reviewed county business and her budget request.
The Commissioners attended a Zoom meeting with Dru Palmer of Dru Consulting, and she provided an update on BLM, Sage Grouse, and various other federal matters of interest.
Public Health Response Coordinator Grant- Melanie Pearce, Regional Public Health Nurse Supervisor, met with the Commissioners and discussed a grant agreement between the WY Dept. of Health and Niobrara County for the Public Health Response Coordinator position. Vice-Chair Griffith moved to sign the grant agreement for the Public Health Response Coordinator position. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried. The term of the grant is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025, and is for $63,000.00.
The Commissioners and Ms. Pearce reviewed the public health departmental budget requests.
24-Hour Catering Permits- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve the following catering permits for the Lusk Liquor Store with all events being held at the fairgrounds: West wedding reception being held on June 21, 2025, Legend of Rawhide Dance being held on July 11, and July 12, 2025, Ranch Rodeo being held July 25, and July 26, 2025, and the Senior Pro Rodeo, being held August 7, and August 8, 2025. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Library Board Member Reappointments- Commissioner Hanson moved to reappoint Rich Luchsinger and Valerie Wasserburger to the library board for three-year terms, each ending June 30, 2028. Vice- Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
24-Hour Catering Permits- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve the following catering permits for 3 Sisters Truck Stop with all events being held at the fairgrounds: Alumni Banquet being held June 28, 2025, and the Weber wedding reception being held July 19, 2025. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Planning and Zoning Board Member Reappointments- Commissioner Hanson moved to reappoint Heather Irvine-Goddard and Sena Pearson to the Planning and Zoning Commission for three-year terms, each ending June 30, 2028. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Annual Compensation Agreement- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve the FY26 Annual Compensation Agreement between the University of Wyoming and Niobrara County for the 4-H Youth Development Programming position, currently held by Lauren Faurie. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried. The term of the agreement is July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount of $24,000.00 to be paid by the County in quarterly payments.
Leslie Stewart and Greg Starck met with the Commissioners to discuss the old jail and the architect’s report. The consensus, regardless of the outcome of the old jail, was that lead and asbestos remediation will need to be performed, and was estimated to cost $52,500.00. There was also discussion about funding for a new roof; however, the future of the jail needs to be determined before that expense is incurred.
Dan Ritter spoke briefly with the Commissioners and reiterated his concerns about the Sidewinder project and asked if any permits from Sidewinder have been submitted to the Commissioners. The Commissioners said they had not received anything.
Vice-Chair Griffith moved to hire Jeff White to remove the tree in front of the sheriff’s garage for $250.00. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Visionary Broadband- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to sign the contract between Visionary Broadband and Niobrara County for fiber optic installation at the fairground’s auditorium. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Consent Agenda- Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the consent agenda. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the June 3, 2025, meeting, a tax roll supplement from the WY Dept. of Revenue for 1876 Resources LLC. for $25,423.26, and receipts for May from the County Clerk for $4,092.30, and from the Sheriff for $290.00.
Department of the Interior- Commissioner Hanson moved to request that Budd-Falen Law submit comments on behalf of Niobrara County regarding the regulatory reform on policies for the Department of the Interior. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
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. 6263 published in The Lusk Herald on July 9, 2025.
