LUSK – Niobrara County Commissioners met for the first meeting of the month on April 2.

Road and Bridge Foreman Fred Thomas reported there are plans for six auto gates for Cheyenne River and one head wall for 28 Mile Road. There will be pre-bids on April 23 at 10 a.m. and then bids will come open on May 7 at 10 a.m. at the Niobrara Courthouse.

Thomas also reported he had received a call from Ivan Eddy about semi-trucks running fast on the county road and causing a lot of dust. Thomas spoke with an employee of the Maverick company concerning slowing the traffic down. He did speak with somebody from another trucking company that would be blading the road. Sheriff Randy Starkey had witnessed six semi-trucks traverse one county road within a half-of-an-hour. 

Thomas spoke with the commissioners concerning his new hire, Kassidy Bruegger. Thomas inquired about paying Bruegger’s wages while he attends Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) school in Casper. Thomas also asked if the commissioners would consider paying for Bruegger’s schooling as well. Bruegger is required to have a CDL license as a stipulation of his employment with Niobrara County Road and Bridge. The commissioners agreed that they would pay his wages and for his schooling. The commissioners stated the county has paid for trainings and wages in other departments.

Lusk Police Chief Jacob Gordon discussed the proposed contract with the commissioners for the School Resource Officer (SRO). This contract would be in effect for the 2024-25 school year. The contract stated the county would contribute $20,000 to this position. The commissioners asked if the Town of Lusk and the Niobrara County School District #1 agreed with having an SRO. The commissioners also asked if the SRO proposal included the Lance Creek School. Chief Gordon responded in the affirmative. Chief Gordon said the Town of Lusk and school district were all contributing to this position. Lusk Police Officer Chris Smith will be filling this role after he attends the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (WLEA). Officer Smith will be attending training pertaining specifically to the SRO role. The commissioners were voiced no objections to the contract and unofficially said that they would support the agreement and officially sign it at a later date. Commissioner Chairman Patrick Wade said the commissioner appreciated the PD for working on this and that he regarded this was important. Wade also voiced approval of Smith as a potential SRO.

Sheriff Randy Starkey reported Rapid Fire, a company specializing in fire protection, has done a walkthrough of the sheriff’s office. He said the sheriff’s office had moved inmates back into the detention center from Torrington. Starkey said, as of right now, carpet was being laid and preparations were being made for the final move back into the office. Starkey is still looking for a nurse for the Sheriff’s office. This nurse would come to the detention center twice a week and make sure the inmates have their correct medications. The nurse would also address any inmate health concerns.

Public Health Regional Supervisor Melanie Pearce was pleased to report the Public Health office had hired a Prevention Specialist person. Cassidy Miller will be filling that position. Pearce said Miller is very excited about working in that position. The COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant (Public Health Building Remodel) was extended through May 31, 2024.

Pearce said the Public Health office needs to purchase a new midsized fridge/freezer. The office intends to purchase this item with grant funds. Pearce said Public Health nurse Michelle Kremers was doing an outstanding job with their current fridge/freezer, which is 10-years old. They will be planning an open house towards the end of May.

Emergency Management Coordinator James Santistevan told the commissioners there will be an advanced Weather Spotting class next week. 

Chairman Wade wanted to reiterate the importance of attending the public comment meeting, which will discuss the Land Use Plan. The meeting will be held on April 9 at 5 p.m. at the Niobrara County Sports Shooting Complex. An alternate snow date has been set for April 16 at 5 p.m. in the same building. Wade said the state has a law stipulating that every county has a Land Use Plan. This law was established in the 1990’s.

The next County Commissioners meeting will be held on April 16 at 9 a.m. at the Niobrara County Courthouse.