LUSK – The Lusk Town Council has agreed to contract for services with Converse Hope Center in the amount of $2,500 quarterly. The contract is for their vital services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. This will be a voucher program and the Converse Hope Center will have to account for expenditures through receipts.

Mike Oakley from the Henningson, Durham and Richardson Engineering firm gave an overview of their plans for the second phase of a project involving pathways (sidewalks) and ramps. These sidewalks and ramps stretch from 6^th Street from Main Street to Poplar Street and from 7^th Street to Main Street to South Poplar and run to Quigley Road by the Senior Center. The town was able to use TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant funding for the project, which will go out to bid this summer. Oakley said the town will work with landowners as much as they can. There is still quite a bit of work to do with design. According to Mayor Doug Lytle, the town had design funds left over. Lusk will apply for Tap grant funding for this portion of design. The design has to be complete before funding is released.

Visitor Danny Matney spoke to the council about the upcoming Ranch Rodeo on July 25 and 26. Matney told the council the Ranch Rodeo board is predicting around 1,000 people expected in Lusk for this event. Matney said he would be visiting with local law enforcement about the Ranch Rodeo. Matney requested that the town provide a couple more dumpsters at the fairgrounds during the event. Director of Public Works Todd Skrukrud agreed to provide some additional dumpsters. The Ranch Rodeo board is planning on making a donation to local emergency services.

The council approved the third reading of the 2025-2026 budget. There were some changes made to accommodate funding for a new plow truck and some grant funding. Budget funds for revenues will be $22,264,578.00 and expenditures will be $22,264,578.

The Fly-In at the airport will be July 19. The event will still be held at the same venue with a free breakfast, according to Royce Thompson. Thompson said he will be speaking with the Niobrara Chamber of Commerce about holding the farmers’ market at the airport during the event.

The council approved a contract for solid waste transport with Underground Enterprises LLC in the amount of $565.00 per load.

The next Town Council meeting will be held on July 1 at 5 p.m. at the Lusk Town Hall.