The Niobrara County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 8:59 a.m. Present were Chairman Patrick Wade, Vice-Chair Elaine Griffith, Commissioner Jeb Hanson, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman.
Members of the audience included Sheriff Randy Starkey, Brandie Bartlett of The Lusk Herald, and county commissioner candidates Tiffany Thurston, Kevin H. Baars, and John Midkiff.
Chairman Wade led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road & Bridge - Landowner Tom Simons met with the Commissioners and Road and Bridge Foreman Fred Thomas to discuss Leimser Road and request that it be extended to his property and maintained as a county road. Mr. Simons stated that when he purchased the property, it lacked legal access, and a title company would not close the sale. He obtained a conditional easement from the seller, which allowed the transaction to proceed. However, he said that without legal access, he would be unable to sell the property in the future if he chose to do so. The Commissioners explained that easements from the affected landowners must be obtained before any roadwork can be completed. Mr. Simons also stated that his research indicated the road extends beyond the county sign marking the end of county maintenance, and that it was dedicated as a county road when Niobrara County was part of Converse County. He requested that Leimser Road be recognized in its entirety as a county road so legal access would be established if he decides to sell the property.
Foreman Thomas updated the Commissioners on roads, gravel quantities, and equipment. He noted that 20 Mile Road has some damage due to large truck traffic.
Niobrara County Rural Fire District Chairman Colby Thurston met with the Commissioners and requested that they sign the Annual Operating Plan for Wildland Fire Management between the USDI, Wyoming State Forestry Division, USDA Forest Service, USDI National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, BLM, and Niobrara County.
Commissioner Hanson moved to sign the Annual Operating Plan agreement for wildland fire management. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
County Attorney - County Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners, and the group discussed Leimser Road and Mr. Simons' request for legal access to his property.
The file of originally signed and filed Leimser Road easements were reviewed by the Commissioners and Attorney Wasserburger. She stated that easements from the affected landowners, including the Hesters, DeGerings, and Simons, would be required before the road could be maintained beyond its current mileage.
Foreman Thomas later reported that Leimser Road measures approximately 1.4 miles in length and noted that the county road sign is located before the creek crossing.
Attorney Wasserburger then addressed the HVAC agreements for the justice center. She said she had contacted Johnson Controls and noted that the agreement does not contain an appropriate indemnity clause and should include governmental immunity language. Sheriff Starkey stated that he would contact his representative to discuss those issues.
She said the Emergency Management Preparedness Grant agreement appears to be in order and may be signed.
Attorney Wasserburger also reported that she has hired a new deputy attorney for her office. Pierce Peasley, who lives in Douglas, will begin work on July 1, 2026.
Emergency Management Coordinator James Santistevan joined the meeting, and the group discussed the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) agreement. The EMPG provides a maximum of $36,576.00 and requires a local match of $36,576.00 for the performance period of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026.
Commissioner Hanson moved to sign the EMPG agreement. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Old Business
Old Jail - Commissioner Hanson reported that he had contacted DEQ and was advised that Niobrara County should determine the future of the old jail before seeking contractors for asbestos abatement.
Commissioner Hanson moved to inform DEQ that Niobrara County intends to tear down the old jail. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded the motion.
Discussion followed regarding whether the matter should be advertised more broadly before a final decision is made. Chairman Wade also expressed concern that this action was not listed on the meeting agenda.
As a result, Commissioner Hanson withdrew his motion. The status of the old jail will be placed on the agenda for the June 2, 2026, meeting for further discussion.
Executive Session - Vice-Chair Griffith moved to enter executive session at 10:24 a.m. with Sheriff Starkey and Undersheriff Dean to discuss safety and security planning pursuant to W.S.S. 16-4-405(xii). Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Commissioner Hanson moved to leave executive session at 10:30 a.m. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried. No action was taken by the Commissioners on this matter.
New Business
Visionary Broadband - Vice-Chair Griffith moved to sign the 36-month contract between Visionary Broadband and Niobrara County for VoIP service for the extension office and shooting sports building. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Fairgrounds Cleaning Contract - Matt Jameson met with the Commissioners to discuss extending his cleaning contract for the fairgrounds. He would like to enter into another two-year extension with a moderate pay increase. The current contract expires at the end of June 2026.
Wyoming Child and Family Development - Representatives of Wyoming Child and Family Development met with the Commissioners to discuss their funding request for the upcoming fiscal year and provide an update on services being provided.
Traci Bruegger met with the Commissioners to discuss extending her cleaning contract for the courthouse, library, and justice center. She would like to enter into another two-year extension. The current contract expires at the end of June 2026.
Resolution 26-07 Elected Officials’ Salaries - Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve Resolution 26-07 regarding elected officials' salaries. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried. A complete copy of the resolution is available on the County’s website: https://www.niobraracounty.org/_departments/_commissioners/Resolutions.asp.org
Consent Agenda - Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the consent agenda. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda included the minutes of the May 5, 2026, meeting; April receipts from the Public Health Nurse in the amount of $1,591.42; and April receipts from the Sheriff in the amount of $566.25.
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. 6374 published in The Lusk Herald on June 10, 2026.
