PUBLIC NOTICE
The Niobrara County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8:59 a.m. Present were Chairman Patrick Wade, Vice-Chair Elaine Griffith, Commissioner Jeb Hanson, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman.
Also in attendance were Sheriff Randy Starkey, Brandie Collins of The Lusk Herald, Marlin Godfrey, and county commissioner candidates Tiffany Thurston and Kevin Baars.
Chairman Wade led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road & Bridge - Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and updated them on road and bridge business.
He said they are still hauling gravel, cleaning auto gates on Cheyenne River Road, and working on roads. He noted that the tractor at the fairgrounds is in the shop.
He will be meeting with DEQ to inspect pits. He said this should be the final inspection for most of the pits as he has obtained landowner sign offs. Chairman Wade explained that the pits have mostly been depleted and the material that is in the pits is considered pit run gravel and does not meet County Road Fund requirements so it cannot be used to maintain gravel roads, only spot gravel.
County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners to discuss county business.
The group reviewed last year’s snow removal contract and added language requiring the contractor to arrange for snow removal coverage if unable to be present. Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the contract with the proposed changes, subject to the contractor’s review and acceptance. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Attorney Wasserburger then reviewed the bid proposal with Boomtown Parking Lot Maintenance for painting steps and curbs at various county owned buildings. She said she would like to have a governmental immunity clause included before the proposal is signed unless weather becomes a factor.
Commissioner Hanson moved to approve the bid proposal from Boomtown pending the addition of the governmental immunity clause, weather allowing. Vice-Chair Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Doyle Davies met with the Commissioners to discuss whether McConaughey Road is a recognized county road. Bruce and Barb Kilmer and County Attorney Anne Wasserburger were also present.
Mr. Davies provided historical information about the road’s origin in 1888, when the area that is now Niobrara County was part of Converse County. He and the Kilmers researched the road’s history from its origin to the present. They found no record that Niobrara County had vacated the road. There does not appear to be any documentation showing that the County had adopted it when Niobrara County separated from Converse County. He stated this meeting was to provide historical information to the Commissioners on this matter.
Vice-Chair Griffith moved to authorize Attorney Wasserburger to add the deputy county attorney to Westlaw and approve the additional cost to the office. Commissioner Hanson seconded, and the motion carried.
Old Jail- Commissioner Hanson said there will be a walk through with Loren Ruttinger and the asbestos abatement contractor on Sept 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
PMCH Audit Engagement Letter- Vice-Chair Griffith moved to approve and sign the engagement letter with PMCH for the FY2026 audit of the County and its component units. 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. The consent agenda consisted of the minutes of the September 1, 2026, meeting, and a Notice of Valuation Change for Castle Rock Oil LLC., resulting in a tax roll supplement of $899.28.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
ATTEST:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 6428 published in The Lusk Herald on October 14, 2026.
