The Niobrara Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 9:02 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- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and discussed gravel at the Manville Quarry. The crusher is here and Mobile Concrete will start drilling soon. Thomas submitted a preliminary invoice from Mobile Concrete for $90,000.00 for quantities included in the 60,000-ton agreement between Mobile Concrete and Niobrara County. Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the down payment amount of $90,000.00 for 10,000 tons of gravel. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded. There was discussion regarding whether or not it was a good idea to pay before any gravel was crushed, and it was noted that it would be good incentive for the company to crush as much gravel as possible. Chairman Wade called for the vote. Vice-Chair Griffith and Commissioner Hanson voted aye and the motion carried.
The Commissioners discussed tree removal at the fairgrounds with Foreman Thomas. Due to high winds, two trees were uprooted and needed to be removed. Thomas will gather his crew, and they will take care of the removal and disposal of said trees.
Old Business-
Old Jail- Clerk Freeman said she sent the application to DEQ for the Voluntary Remediation Program but has not heard anything yet.
Community Juvenile Services Board- Vice-Chair Griffith reported that there would be a meeting on Friday to interview the applicant for the position.
New Business-
24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve the 24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit for Legends Bar and Grill to sell malt beverages at the Will Johnson benefit. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Westco Fuel Delivery Contract- Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the contract with Westco for #2 dyed diesel at $2.799 per gallon or Ruby diesel for $2.849 per gallon effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with total gallons not to exceed 21,000. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
24-Hour Catering Permit- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve a 24-Hour Catering Permit for the Lusk Liquor Store to sell alcoholic beverages at the Mason’s Sportsman’s Banquet. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Resolution 26-04- Concerning the Appointment of a Special Deputy Prosecutor- Commissioner Hanson moved to approve Resolution 26-04. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded. Discussion: Concerns were raised that the resolution was too broad and needed more clarification. Chairman Wade called for the vote. Commissioner Hanson voted aye, Vice-Chair Griffith voted no. Chairman Wade cast the tie breaking vote, voting no, and the motion failed.
Property owner Jim Hollon met with the Commissioners to provide information about his future plans for property he owns within the city limits close to the hospital. His intentions are to install underground utilities for the property, to help develop the area and create housing for medical professionals. He has been in contact with the Town of Lusk about this matter and is still trying to meet with the hospital.
Wyoming Business Council East Central Regional Director Drew Dietrich and staff members Connor Christiansen and Vinicio Bueno met with the Commissioners and discussed the Growth Diagnostic Report.
County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed the resolution she had presented about the appointment of a deputy attorney to assist her in prosecution for an upcoming trial. They discussed the language in the resolution and Vice-Chair Griffith believed the wording was too broad. Mrs. Wasserburger countered that the money was in her budget and statutes allow for an appointment. The Commissioners asked her to revise the resolution and present it at the next meeting.
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 January 6, 2026, meeting and receipts for December from the Public Health Nurse for $5,847.98, and from the sheriff for $251.25.
There being no further business, Chairman Wade adjourned the meeting.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 6327 published in The Lusk Herald on February 11, 2026.
