2006_annual_report

2006 Campbell County

Annual ReporT

Campbell

Commissioner’s Office

Message From The

County

Board Of Commissioners

2006 was another year of significant growth and development in Campbell County. Our assessed valuation surpassed four billion dollars for the first time. The energy industry continues to thrive. There are currently twelve lease by applications (LBA’s) pending with the Bureau of Land Management. The Basin Electric Dry Fork Station project received approval from the Industrial Siting Council to proceed with a 422 MW Power Generation Facility. New residential subdivisions are planned and underway. Our unemployment rate ended the year, December 2006, at 2.0%. Campbell County led the State in the number of jobs gained during the first quarter of the year, with over 2,500. Work opportunities are plentiful in Campbell County.

Within county government the new Public Health Building was finished and opened in November. The remodel of our Public Library was completed in December.

The Joint Powers Fire Board has started construction on the new Main Fire Station and should be completed by early 2008. The Joint Powers Public Land Board broke ground on the Multi Event Center to be located at CAMPLEX, with an anticipated opening in August 2008. The county is participating with Youth Emergency Services (YES) House to build a new Crisis Shelter on their campus.

In 2007 we plan to move forward with an expansion to the Campbell County Detention Center and Sheriff’s Office. The County Parks & Recreation Board is working together with the School District and City on a new recreation facility. We are also working with the City, Hospital and Gillette College on the new Health Sciences Building. Major construction and infrastructure projects planned for the future include the development of Northern Drive and expansion of the Landfill. As Campbell County grows we are taking the necessary steps to insure we are effectively meeting the needs of our citizens.

Campbell County Commissioners (left to right): Dan Coolidge, Roy Edwards, Craig Mader, Amir Sancher and Chris Knapp,

Further achievements in 2006 are outlined below: Accomplishments • Subdivision Regulations update.

• Voter approval to continue the Optional One Percent Sales & Use Tax • Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant awarded and project completed on the Black & Yellow Road.

• Increased number of flights and enplanements through the Campbell County Gillette Airport.

• Change in the name of Gillette Campus to Gillette College.

Campbell County

Cover photos CCPLS Children’s Staff “pirates” Janet Tharp and Sandy Pokallus help kids don their pirate hats and find treasure during an August Storytime.

The makeover of CCPLS includes a beautiful new desk in the Children’s Department as well as a kid-size “tree house” reading nook.

Grown ups and kids alike enjoy the addition of the “castle” to the CCPLS Children’s Department.

Kids off all ages dress in costume for reading time at CCPLS Children’s Department Fright Night

Commissioners Office

500 S. Gillette Ave • 682-7283

Page

Our goals for 2007 include: Goals • Substance Abuse Oversight Committee.

• Maintaining a consistent and stable State revenue stream to local governments.

• Gillette College: Tech Center & Housing.

• Finalizing a uniform development agreement and regional utility plan with the City of Gillette.

As Commissioners, we look forward to the challenges of 2007 and beyond with the anticipation that our revenues and resources are sufficient to meet the needs.

Our greatest resource is the quality people that live and work here. We express our thanks to the county employees who take pride in providing for the needs of the public on a daily basis.

Campbell Airport Board

Kelly Peters-President Penny SchildVice President Amy Hetzer-Secretary/Treasurer Hein Kalke Jerry Dilts Jay Lundell, Director 686-1042

Building Code Appeals Board Arlyn Magnuson - Chairman Daryl Orbeck–Vice Chairman Larry Long Van Ewing Micky Shober Kevin King, Director 682-1970

CARE Board

Stasi Shippy-Chairman Lynne Chastain Lori Jones Heidi Lowe Chrissy Herrera Christopher R. Knapp Michael Surface Patrick Carpenter Doris Fassero

Children’s Developmental Services Clifford Knesel-Chairman Ralph Palmer-Vice Chairman Alice Bratton-Secretary Jennifer Peterson-Treasurer Linda Jennings Earlene Hastings, Director 682-2392

Commissioners Craig Mader-Chairman Dan Coolidge Roy Edwards Chris Knapp Amir Sancher

Board Members

County

682-7275

Chief Richard Adriaens William J. Edelman Diane Ford Erin M. Youngs Buddy Morman

Public Land Board

W. Todd Hoese-Chairman Anne Ochs-Vice Chairman Rod Smith-Secretary Chuck Land Jack Faublon-Treasurer Gregg Blikre Greg Lindblom Dan Barks, General Manager 682-0552

Fair Board

Kevin Geer-Chairman David Robinson-Vice Chairman Sharon Rinker-Sec./Treas.

Charlene Camblin Rob GallobBetty A. Hough, Coordinator 687-0200

Parks & Recreation Board

Larry Steiger–Chairman Sharon Stock-Treasurer Eugene Routledge Tom Schrupp Patrick Carpenter Dave McCormick, Director 682-7406

Joint Powers Fire Board

Steve Thomas, Chairman Sam Saunders-Vice Chairman Chris Knapp Dave Foreman Matt Avery Joe Robidoux Tom Johnson Gary Scott, Chief 682-5319

Rockpile Museum Board Kathy Kintz-Chairman Leland Turner-Secretary Fred Harvey-Treasurer Bernadette Barlow Tommie Butler Bob Kothe, Director 682-5723

Library Board

Christine Parravano Engel-Chairman Bill Carson-Vice Chairman Dale Belden-Treasurer Kevin Anders Jan White Patty Myers, Director 687-0009

Planning Commission Scott Benson-Chairman Susan McKay-Vice Chairman Donna Robbins Jim Nielson Vicki Schlautmann KEVIN KING, Director 682-1970

Public Health Officer Dr. George McMurtrey 682-7275

Public Health Board

Weed and Pest Board

Barbara Underwood-Chairman Dr. Robert W. Barelman-Vice Chairman Scott Lindblom Maggi McCreery Susan Hooker. Rhp-Financial Officer Nola Wallace, Director

Charles Tweedy-Chairman Ted Edwards-Vice Chairman David A. Shippy-Treasurer/Secretary Leslie Drake Duane Joslyn Allen Mooney, Director 682-4369

Corrections Board Sheriff Bill Pownall Judge Dan Price James B. Kelley Denise Fuller

Campbell County

Departments EXTENSION SERVICE Lindsay Taylor, Director 682-7281

ROAD & BRIDGE Gary Lowry, Director 682-4411

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Phil W. Harvey, Manager 682-7860

Human Resources Charlotte Terry, Director 687-6355

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS Robert P. Palmer, Director 682-7283

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Kevin King, Director 685-8061 County Landfill 682-9499 Building and Planning 682-1970

JUVENILE PROBATION Susan L. Cahill, Esq., Director 682-0746

Emergency Management David King, Coordinator 686-7477

As of March 6, 2007 Page

Campbell

Clerk

County

The year 2006 has kept Susan Saunders and her staff at the County Clerk’s office extremely busy.

land records department has been busy with various business and residential subdivisions.

The titling department consists of seven full time employees. This part of the Clerk’s office handles titling of motor vehicles and filing of personal, federal and state tax liens. Motor vehicle titles issued totaled 23,288 in 2006. The Clerk’s office saw an increase in titling new vehicles again this year. The Campbell County Clerk’s office issued 386 marriage licenses in 2006. The County Clerk’s office also issues malt beverage and catering permits for county wide functions.

Two employees work in the payroll/accounts payable section of the Clerk’s office. They handle all areas of payroll from enrollment of new employees to issuing payroll checks and payment of all taxes and benefits associated with payroll. An average of 364 employees received paychecks from this office.

On an average there are approximately 500 accounts payable checks issued per month. We also have one full time employee responsible for the budget process and financials.

The recording section (vault) consists of six full time employees. This section deals with oil and gas leases, royalty deeds, warranty and quit claim deeds.

Mortgages, oil and gas liens are also filed in this part of the clerk’s office along with overriding royalties, affidavits of heir ship, survivorship and notary public, military discharges and powers of attorney. The

The Clerk’s office collected over $783,605 in revenue for 2006 for the recording of various instruments, titles, marriage licenses, and miscellaneous receipts.

The County Clerk’s office is currently testing the implementation of computerizing our grantor and grantee records along with our receiving books. We feel this will be more time efficient for the public and for our office.

The employees in this office take pride in their The Election Department received their new election work and continuance of friendly and equipment and used it for the first efficient public service and excellent time in the 2006 elections. The Campbell County public record keeping. new system is an optical scan system with an optional touch screen. With 500 S. Gillette Ave • 682-7285 the new equipment we were able to provide results faster. The comments

Campbell A black tailed prairie dog (BTPD) management program was implemented in the northwest part of the county with 16 landowners participating. There were 7,250 acres of prairie dogs controlled within this management area. Nearly all of the landowners were extremely happy with the results.

Participating landowners were required to pay 20 percent of the program costs.

from the voting public were very positive of the new equipment. This year, the state will be implementing a statewide centralized voter registration system.

Clerk’s Office

Weed & Pest

spurge. This is a very expensive program if one only looks at the per acre cost of the spurge treated. This program is much more palatable if the cost is considered using the number of Campbell County acres that are

protected from the continued encroachment of this plant.

This was the 13th year that we have had goats grazing noxious weeds in the riparian areas along the Powder River drainage. The goats have been used to graze the leafy spurge plant to prevent seed formation, so that herbicides would not have to be used in the areas with the large cottowood trees. Because of a substantial increase in grazing costs, this will be the last year we will be using the goat grazing program.

We did get all 950 miles of county road rights-of-way checked for noxious weeds and sprayed in spite of the fact that our summer crews start work later each year and leave earlier. We also have 764 lane miles of state highways that were treated for the third straight year by commercial applicators. The railroad sprayed noxious weeds in their rightsof-way with a helicopter and then resprayed in August because of a serious annual weed problem.

Our backpack crews walked approximately 42,000 acres east of the river and spot treated 55 acres of leafy

An adult grasshopper survey was done within the county. As a general rule, the numbers were up from the Page

County

previous year but there were no areas found with large numbers that would likely cause problems in 2007.

Mosquitos have not been much of a problem this year primarily because of the drought, but also because of the larvaciding efforts of our mosquito crew who treat the waters around Gillette and within a five mile radius of Gillette.

Many of the methane and coal companies purchased larvicide to treat the waters that they produce to prevent mosquito development. There were only

two horses and four birds found in the county that tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV), but more importantly, there were no human cases of the WNV in Campbell County in 2006.

We have been using biological control agents on noxious weeds in Campbell County since the early 1980’s. The concept of classical biological control is relatively simple. Exotic or non-native

weeds are responsible for the majority of range weed (noxious or invasive) problems in North America. When foreign weeds were introduced into our country, they came without the coevolved enemies that are present in their native ranges. Introducing biological control agents from their native habitats can help restore the natural checks and balances. We have purchased and collected insects that have proven to be quite effective in

controlling specific weed problems.

We have been putting small flea hoppers on leafy spurge since the early 90’s, and in 2006, very large numbers of the insects are doing significant damage to leafy spurge.

Campbell County

Weed & Pest

213 Stocktrail Ave • 682-4369

Gillette-Campbell County Airport Fixed Base Operator Flightline, Inc. the fixed based operator provides aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, charter flights, hangar rentals, and aircraft fueling services.

Flightline’s total fuel into aircraft increased by 10% percent year over year. For more information concerning their services call Flightline, Inc. at (307) 686-7000.

Air Traffic Control Tower The GCC Air Traffic Control Tower realized a increase of 6 percent year over year in aircraft landing and takeoff operations. The control tower is staffed with veteran controllers that have more than 80 years of combined career experience.

Airline Service The GCC Airport had a total of 42,441 passengers utilize commercial air service from the airport in 2006, which is a 38 percent increase year over year. This increase doesn’t include the private and corporate air travelers using the GCC airport annually. Estimates of those using the Gillette-Campbell County airport are approximately 84,000 passengers this past year.

Great Lakes Airlines is the only airline to provide local air service to the Gillette-Campbell County community.

Great Lakes Airlines served the airport with the larger 30 passenger Brasilia turbo prop aircraft for two round trip flights per day and one round trip flight per day with the Beechcraft D-1900, for a total of three round trip daily flights from Denver International Airport. A fourth round trip flight served by the larger 30 passenger Brasilia was added on October 1, 2006 just in time for hunting season, typically the busiest passenger month of the year. The fourth flight added an additional 38 percent of seat capacity to the market.

The GCC airport continues to receive marketing and air service promotion grants from the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division to help advertise and market the upgraded air service. The Campbell County Economic Development Corporation has greatly contributed to the airport’s advertising and marketing campaign by providing availability to their professional marketing staff. The advertising and marketing campaign continues to emphasized the larger aircraft, a flight attendant, and a restroom amenities.

The Gillette-Campbell County airport continues to visit with other airlines concerning potential air service to our community. The airport director and the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation schedule

Campbell

“Horns, Hides, Laughs and Rides” was the theme for the 2006 Campbell County Fair, and there were some of each showcasing at the Fair. The weather cooperated, and everyone who came to the Fair had a great time.

We had top notch entertainment

meetings with potential air carriers throughout the year. Discussions include the communities growth and potential future air service scenarios with the air carrier.

Airport Grant and Aid In 2006, the GCC airport was reimbursed $545,097 for various projects through grants that were received from the Wyoming Transportation Department’s Aeronautics Commissioners, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Typically, Federal grant projects are paid 95 percent by the FAA, 3 percent by the Aeronautics Division and 2 percent by local county match. The grants were used for Construction, Equipment, and Marketing projects.

Construction Projects Construction projects for 2006 at the Gillette-Campbell County airport included a new access road to the new operations facility, a new runway approach lighting system, and a backup generator. All projects were successfully completed on schedule.

Air Show On August 19, 2006, the airport along with its sponsors, held an air show full of aerobatic acts and sky diving demonstrations. The Mig Fury

FAIR Office

Page

Airport Board Members The airport board is comprised of five members appointed by the county commissioners. The airport board meets the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the airport conference room. A special thanks to Robert Lowery, PastPresident who served on the airport board for ten years until his term ended December 31, 2006.

Current board members include: Kelly Peters, President Penny Schild, Vice-President Amy Hetzer, Secretary/Treasurer Hein Kalke, Member Jerry Dilts, Member

Gillette–Ccampbell County Airport 2000 Airport Road • 686-1042

County

at the Fair this year, starting with dances in their colorful costumes before Western Underground, featuring the rodeo and during the free barbecue.

Dustin Evan singing many of the Bill Crowley was featured in Central late Chris LeDoux’s hits. Some Pavilion drawing caricatures of all ages. of the Free Stage Shows included And last, but not least, the Calgary a return trip by Michael Mezmer, Fiddlers performed in the Free Stage Hypnotist. Michael always packs Tent and at the Pioneer Dinner - they the tent with his “mezmerizing” were really a hit - a very talented group talents. Magic Mike strolled the of kids. The Western Express Railroad grounds entertaining old and young toured the grounds giving rides to alike with his magic tricks. Sheers everyone; they were greatly appreciated Lumberjack Show featured some of on Day Care Day when all the little the top lumberjack people got to ride on competitors in the the train. The Pet Stop campbell county nation and was enjoyed petting zoo is always by all.

The Wind a hit with the young 1635 Reata Drive • 687-0200 River Indian Dancers children also. performed their native The numbers were

Fair Board

Fighters act was comprised of three jet aircraft that performed two shows during the day. Also, Bill Shepard flew two aerobatic acts in his military Yak II airplane. Several sky diving demonstrations were performed by the Big Sky Parachute Company. The air show was deemed a major success with approximately 5,000 people attending the air show.

up in all livestock areas this year except the rabbits. The heat earlier in the summer had taken its toll on the rabbit entries. Entries in Energy Hall were up in most categories with some beautiful items being brought in to be judged and for display.

The PRCA Rodeo had great crowds this year, with some terrific rough stock furnished by the Burch Rodeo Company. The number of people in the grandstand increased both nights over the previous two years. The rodeo featured the “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” night on Saturday. The Rodeo Committee donated a dollar to a breast cancer awareness group for each Continued on page 7

Campbell

Children’s Developmental Services County

OUR VISION: To promote the value of every child.

What Are Our Mission and Goals? All our services are guided by our Mission Statement: “The mission of the Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County is to serve the community by providing comprehensive quality early childhood services for children and their families, in caring and compassionate integrated environments, so that all children may achieve their fullest potential as unique individuals in society.”

Services of Campbell County? We are a non-political subdivision of County Government which provides early intervention/early childhood services for infants and preschool age children with disabilities and their families. Without our services, many families would be at a loss as to where to turn for support and

GOALS Will nurture each child in developing a positive self-image, knowing he/she is accepted as an individual, while maintaining a sense of belonging.

Provide maximum opportunities to discover, explore and problem solve, in order to make independent choices within a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment.

In order for families to enhance understanding of child development, opportunities will be given to be involved in CDSCC programs and greater community.

Embrace a comprehensive vision of health in order to promote a wholesome lifestyle.

Provide a high quality, safe environment to ensure each child’s right to learn.

Honor each child and family’s cultural, linguistic, racial and socioeconomic diversity in order to increase the selfawareness of everyone.

The Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County shall serve the needs of children regardless of race, sex, color, national origin or disability.

emphasis on collaborative consultation utilizing a diverse group of professionals including regular education teachers, special education teachers, physical and occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, and the family.

We refer to other specialists and agencies as may be necessary to meet the unique needs of individual children and families.

We consult with families to help them meet the challenge of raising a young child with a developmental disability.

direction.

We screen infants and young children birth thru five for delays in development.

We provide evaluation and planning in partnership with families to design an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children demonstrating developmental delays that can assist the child in developing his/her full potential.

Services are provided in a trans-disciplinary approach with an

We are the only agency licensed by the State of Wyoming to provide these services in our Region, which consists of Campbell County.

We provide quality child care for children 2 to school age, of working parents, with priority given to single low income families and children with developmental delays. We are NAEYC accredited and are a Wyoming licensed child care facility. The child care component provides an inclusive environment for disabled and non-disabled children to participate in regular classrooms with adaptations made for

VALUE STATEMENT We believe in maintaining an organization built on integrity, that respects the value of each individual, and promotes personal and professional growth of all who are associated with CDS-CC. The Board of Directors are committed to maintaining and promoting high standards of Early Childhood and Early Intervention services through quality staff in a state of the art early childhood program, and maintaining fiscal responsibility and integrity through proactive governance.

Campbell County Children’s Development Services

SERVICES PROVIDED:

1801 S. 4-J Road • 682-2392

What is Children’s Developmental

disabilities when needed. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that children shall participate in activities with an age appropriate peer group.

CDS-CC uses “Creative Curriculum” to ensure a high quality experience for young children. Creative Curriculum is research based which follows developmentally appropriate practices and NAEYC recommendations. The key building blocks for this curriculum focus on; how children develop and learn; the teacher’s role; what children learn; the family’s role; the learning environment. A set of 50 goals and objectives guide the children, teachers and families as each child actively explores and learns at their own developmental level.

We provide Early Head Start services for pregnant women, children birth to age three and their families, in home based and interactional settings.

We offer parenting classes throughout the year including: Parenting With Love and Logic, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP), and Common Sense Parenting.

Three major service components: • Early intervention for children birth to school age with developmental disabilities.

• Early education/child care for children 2 ´ to school age.

• Early Head Start for pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Who Uses the Services?

This past year over 686 children were referred to Children’s Developmental Services’ screening and evaluation program. On the average, one out of four of these children are identified as developmentally delayed and in need of early intervention and related services. 206 Continued on page 7

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Children’s Developmental Services County

Continued from page 6

Early Head Start provides weekly home visits and twice monthly family interaction activities to 36 families who meet eligibility guidelines.

Currently there is a waiting list of 20 families. This past year, Early Head Start offered 1,570 home visits and 72 family socialization activities to 50 pregnant women, children age birth to three and their families.

The Child Care component is serving 60 children age 2 to kindergarten age with a waiting list of 468 age eligible children and 139 children too young to receive child care services.

All of our early intervention` and Early Head Start services are provided free of charge to any child who qualifies for these services. A sliding fee scale is established for child care services.

Parenting classes were provided 35 weeks of last year to a total of 139

Campbell County fulfills the function of being able to provide an array of services through one provider, in one building, utilizing a team of professionals and specialists. This is collaboration in its truest sense. Each component of services is not the sole support of all operational costs. Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County operates on sound Child Development and Public Expenditures: Are Public Investments in Line with Investment Opportunity?

100%

80%

80% Brain Growth

50%

60%

40%

40% Public Spending

20%

20%

0%

0% 0

neglect, prevention, or drug endangered.

20-25 percent of children and families receive income assistance from Department of Family Services Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County has been serving families for over thirty eight years and operates a variety of programs accessing local, state and federal funds for the benefit of children and families. It is the belief of this agency that when resources can be combined, yet allocated appropriately, it is a more cost efficient and people efficient way of doing business.

The Children’s Developmental Services of

Campbell

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Child’s Age in Years

17 18

budget principles, including equitable allocations to all funding sources.

Science has produced a compelling body of evidence that children who receive early intervention during a time when 90% of brain development occurs, have a significantly higher rate of success in school. Services provided to children with delays during the preschool years greatly reduces, if not eliminates, ongoing problems that would need to be addressed at greater cost in public school.

Cost benefits of quality Early Education/Child

FAIR Office

Continued from page 5

The annual Fair Demolition Derby was held on Sunday with great attendance.

The Youth Livestock Sale was held on Monday evening and, as always, was a huge success thanks to our local supporters year after year.

There were 174 animals sold, and the sale grossed $348,729.15.

Shows were on the grounds with their carnival rides. A free barbecue was held on Saturday afternoon hosted by the Methane Producers in the

Plans Page

Care/Intervention Programs: Projections have been made that quality early childhood child care programs demonstrate substantial cost-savings. According to the High Scope Perry Pre-School Project (Shore, R. (1997) Rethinking the Brain: New Insights into Early Development. New York: Families and Work Institute.) for every dollar invested in the program they had yielded savings of $7.16 in costs that might have been incurred if the program had not existed. The program’s savings to taxpayers (in constant 1992 dollars discounted annually to 3%) is estimated to be $88,433 per child from the following sources: Savings in schooling, due primarily to reduced need for special education services. Higher taxes paid by preschool participants because they had higher earnings once they entered the workforce. Savings in welfare assistance and other social service programs.

Savings of the criminal justice system and to potential victims of crimes.

Other impacts of the study indicate: Report monthly earnings of $2,000 or more. Own their own homes. Own second cars.

Board of Directors

Clifford Knesel, Chairperson; Ralph Palmer, Vice-Chairperson; Alice Bratton, Treasurer; Jennifer Peterson, Secretary; Linda Jennings, Member; Roy Edwards, County Commissioner Liaison

County

county.

person attending the rodeo who wore pink.

The Fair added four new events to the Fair this year with great success. They included the Miss Campbell County Pageant, the Fair Talent Show, Teen Bands at the Fair and an Open Dog Show in conjunction with the 4-H Dog Show. Other shows included the Coal Country Fiddle contest, an all time favorite, youth rodeo, jackpot rodeo, team penning, mini-animal show, and Sheep Lead Contest. Schoeppner

100% Cumulative Percent of Public Spending on Chdildren 0-18

children and families are currently participating in the early intervention component of the program. Services for children with disabilities has increased 99% since 2000. This past year, Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County has continued a screening campaign “One before Two” in conjunction with Child Development Services of Wyoming. The focus of the program is to encourage all families to have their child screened before the age of two.

individuals. The CDS-CC Foundation is presently providing funding for a meal before parenting classes. This enables the participating families to enjoy an unhurried meal together before beginning class- time.

8-10 percent of children and families are placed by Department of Family Services or court ordered for abuse,

Percent of Total Brain Growth

Campbell

are

progressing for the 2007 Campbell County Fair, so start working on those projects and come out and be a part of the Fair.

Campbell

Clerk of District Court

County

The year 2006 was a busy year for the Clerk of District Court Office, with three Judges and three courtrooms the Sixth Judicial District has become one of the busier districts in the state. Our goal has always been, and will remain, to help each and every person who walks into our office in a professional, efficient and respectful manner.

Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.

The Clerk of Court also summons jurors for District Court jury trials. Jurors are paid at the rate of $30.00 per day plus mileage, and most trials are completed within three days. There was a total of twelve jury trials. In 2006 the Secretary of State’s Office generates a random computer

As early as June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

On January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

CDC Office Staff: Back row; Dona Elkins, Krista Barkey, Cheryl Chitwood, Gretta Evans, Michelle Wanke, Middle row; Cheryl Williams, Chris Olson and Janice Howlett. Front row; Kristi Hanson, Darlene Fetters, Nancy Ratcliff and Pam Francis.

victims restitution, victims compensation, and various other fees.

The Clerk of Courts office has ten trained staff to receipt and distribute child support payments. Our core staff function, in concert with the Sixth Judicial District Child Support Authority and the State Disbursement Unit staff, ensures that child support is Cheryl Williams filing records. distributed in a timely fashion list of possible jurors for our according to federal and county. This list is compiled state requirements. During of names from drivers’ license the 2006 calendar year, our records and voter registration office handled $2,512,069.00 lists. Jurors are required to in child support payments, either appear four times, serve an average of $209,339 per on a jury trial or complete month. Together with our their four-month term. During Child Support Authority the months of August and partners, $8,075,029.00 was September, Campbell County collected and distributed to tried it’s first capital murder families. We continue to have success with Sandcastles. This case. program requires parents who In 2006, our office filed 1,365 are going through a divorce to new cases these consist of civil, enroll their children ages six to adoption, probate, mental seventeen in a three and a half health, criminal, and juvenile hour, one time group session cases. We filed in excess of prior to the finalization of the 4 4 , 2 5 7 divorce. The document s, program is Campbell County and collected facilitated over a million by school 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 2400 dollars in counselors.

It 682-344 criminal provides a safe felony fines,

Chris Olson stamping paperwork.

environment for the children to discuss issues that worry them and to ask questions. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the last half hour of the session in order for them to have a better understanding of what their children are feeling and to be able to develop a closer relationship with their children.

Almost 500 passports were processed by our office last

year. The fee for passports for persons 15 and younger is $52.00, and for persons 16 and older, the fee is $67.00.

Additionally, there is a $30.00 processing fee per application. Passports take approximately six weeks to obtain. A $60.00 expedite fee can be paid in order to get your passports within ten working days.

The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Kristi Hanson working on a computer.

Card) is a limited-use passport in card format.

Campbell County High Currently under development, the PASS Card will be available School students enrolled in for use for travel only via land or the mentorship program, and sea (including ferries) between interested in learning about the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, court procedures, can request the Caribbean, and Bermuda. to work in our office. This year’s student was Matthew Fare. Matthew learned about our legal system, clerical duties, filing system, office equipment, and observed court hearings, including criminal sentencing and jury trials.

Clerk of District Court

CDC WY CDC Association Group Photo at WACO Page

Campbell

Emergency Management Agency

If 2005 was, ‘The Year of the Wright Tornado’ for the Campbell County Emergency Management Agency, 2006 was ‘The Year of the Paperwork That Follows a Tornado.’ As the citizens of Wright put their lives back together following the August 12, 2005 tornado, the inevitable paperwork followed for emergency management. Those efforts included reports for state and federal agencies, working with Town officials on possible mitigation projects, examining what worked well and what could be done differently, and being invited onto the speaker’s circuit to tell the story of the response at various conferences and training sessions.

During the summer months, the Campbell County Emergency Management Agency relocated to the Courthouse, to an office within the County Commissioners’ Suite. CCEMA had been housed for the previous six years in the northeast corner of the Recreation Center

complex at 1000 South Douglas Highway, sector and government, the requirements and before then had been within the Fire being imposed, deadlines that are set, Department. Administratively, for the and paperwork, generated by federal past eight years Emergency Management homeland security grants and laws, has has been assigned as function of the doubled and tripled.

Commissioner’s Office. With the move Emerging as one of the bedrock to the courthouse the coordinator is standards is NIMS (the National Incident now in daily contact with the other Management System). NIMS is the three staff members of the office. As framework all homeland security activity the ripples are still being felt in the has to fall within, and plans and activities world of emergency management from must all be ‘NIMS-compliant’ by the the events of 9-11 and the creation of end of September. Federal programs are the Department of Homeland Security, now urging the private sector to become in addition to the tidal waves of change involved in NIMS training and planning, thrown up by Hurricanes Katrina and not just governmental agencies.

Rita, the coordination work for a countyOne such cooperative training level emergency management agency effort was conducted has compounded.

October 27th with As more attention the Powder River Campbell County than ever is given to Emergency Management Agency Energy Cooperative, emergency planning, 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 1100 which wanted to hold preparedness exercises 686-7477 an emergency drill and cooperation for its Gillette office. between the private

Campbell Responsibilities in the Treasurer's office include the licensing of motor vehicles, the collection of sales tax, the collection of property taxes, the distribution of revenues received to the proper entities, the accounting of the revenues and disbursements, the registration of mobile machinery, the movement of mobile homes, and the payment of bonds issue for the hospital, the school, and the county. Shirley Study was re-elected as Campbell County Treasurer in 2006 and will continue to employ thirteen full time employees who share the responsibilities of the office.

By the end of June 2006, our office collected and distributed $306,972,137 to various governmental entities.

The distribution of these funds is

Campbell County

Treasurer's Office

500 S. Gillette Ave • 682-7268

Treasurer’s Office

dictated by Wyoming Statutes.

The 1% Optional Sales Tax was voted in for another four years. The following shows the collections at the end of each fiscal year for the past five years:

1% Optional Sales Tax Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2002

$6,669,169

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2003

$5,707,900

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004

$5,958,972

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2005

$6,785,304

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2006

$9,053,842

The County Treasurer's office has a temporary worker decal that went into effect January 1, 2004. It is provided for temporary workers employed in the state for less than 90 days. These can be issued on cars, pickups, motor homes, motorcycles, trailers, and house trailers. They cannot be issued for commercial vehicles.

The decals are good for 90 days and the fee is $35.00. No person shall be issued more than one

decal in a twelve month period.

Another option is a temporary permit. These can be issued for 30, 60 or 90 days but only one can be issued. A temporary permit can also be issued if someone is having trouble with their title work. Once sales tax is paid off of a notarized bill of sale or a bill of sale from a dealer, we can then issue the temporary permit.

No person shall be issued more than one permit per vehicle in a twelve month period.

Effective July 1, 2005, legislation added a provision to exempt residents who meet the eligibility requirements for Disabled Veterans plates from registration fees. The added criteria is: • The applicant must be a resident at the time of application; • The license plates may be put on any motor vehicle except a motor home or bus; • Application must be made prior to 30 days before the vehicle's annual renewal Page

County

Members of Emergency Management, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement worked with company officials to plan and conduct a realistic drill at the office. The company’s emergency plan and training was tested, and officials of the company and the emergency response agencies all learned more about how each works and will interface in times of emergency.

CCEMA Coordinator David King was also drafted for portions of a week-long emergency exercise conducted in May at all of Wyoming’s hospitals. King was the overall ‘controller’ for the exercise segment at Cheyenne’s United Medical Center and then returned to Gillette where he was one of the evaluators the next day at our own Campbell County Memorial Hospital when their portion of the week’s exercise occurred.

County

month; • The exemption can only be granted for one vehicle owned by the applicant; • The applicant must bring in a new letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs every year unless they have a letter stating they are 50% or more disabled and no future examination is needed.

W.S. 39-13-109 which deals with property tax relief was extended again in the legislature through 2008.

The State of Wyoming now handles the review of the applications and the issuance of the refunds.

Applications can be turned into our office or mailed to the State of Wyoming. The applications must be received by the first Monday in June and refunds are issued in August. This year the state issued refunds to 23 Campbell County residents for a total of $5,180.79.

The Campbell County Treasurer's office held its annual

tax sale on September 26, 2006 in the commissioner's chambers.

It is held late September or early October every year. We only had 21 real properties with delinquent taxes this year and 35 people signed up to purchase the taxes. We use a bingo machine for selling the taxes and everyone is assigned a number.

The remodeling of the County Treasurer's office has been completed. We have enough stations at our counter for all our employees and also enough room for future growth. In 2006 we went to a laser printer for our motor vehicle registrations. They are a heavier form than the old registrations and we now give the taxpayer an extra copy for their records.

The employees of the Campbell County Treasurer's office will continue to strive to serve their customers with efficient and friendly service throughout the year to come.

Campbell Expansion of the Campbell County Detention Center In 2003, the Campbell County Detention Center expanded to 128 beds to accommodate the steadily increasing need for inmate housing. With the continuing growth of the community, the inmate population has continued to climb and has reached 170 inmates in recent times. Due to the increased demand, another expansion of the facility is planned to begin in the spring of 2007. The project will add another 144 bed pod to the facility. Other areas of expansion include a new inmate booking area, a medical unit, a 16 bed juvenile housing area and an expanded kitchen.

Medical Care The Campbell County Detention Center continues to operate at the highest professional standards. The Detention Center has maintained its accreditation through the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and has three nurses and a jail administrator that are certified “Health Care Professionals.”

Health Services coordinate and monitor a comprehensive

FACTS AT A GLANCE Animal Control 1,613 Calls for Service Busiest Week

Day

of Friday

B u s i e s t Mohan Subdivision Driving with Suspended License

276

DWUI

292

Minor in Possession 182 of Alcohol Speeding Tickets Total Issues

518

Citations 2,836

Total Responses to ,881 Calls for Service Town of Wright 798 Calls for Service Warrants Served

1,527

Sheriff’s Office

health care system for CCDC offenders. The nursing staff offers primary care services through on-site health clinics and mental health services.

Facility staff include a contract Physician, Physician’s Assistant, four Registered Nurses, and one part-time Medical Records Clerk.

Two counselors are contracted to provide inmates access to mental health care.

Volunteer Program The CCDC has a family of dedicated volunteers. These volunteers are instrumental in maintaining the successful operation of several in-house programs available to the jail population.

The programs range from weekly Bible studies, Sunday worship services, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and crisis counseling.

Inmate Work Program In 2006 the Detention Center continued its successful inmate work program. Inmate workers are assigned to grounds keeping, food preparation, facility cleaning and laundry services. Inmate workers also provided 1,099 hours of trash cleanup along county roads and highways and 640 hours of Gillette city street cleanup. Over four and onehalf tons of trash was collected through these efforts. Some of the other local agencies that utilize the services of inmate workers are the Ice Barn, Rockpile Museum, Library, Courthouse, CAM-PLEX, and Council of Community Services.

Detention Center Statistics The Campbell County Detention Center is a 128 bed facility constructed originally in 1985.

The average daily population for 2006 was 135 inmates.

Campbell County

Sheriff’s Office

24 Hr Non-emergency 682-7271 Emergency 911

Cost per prisoner, per day, averages $114.58, if the facility is at maximum capacity.

Meals average $1.27 per prisoner, per meal.

Food budget averages $17,316.80 per month.

• Total intake of prisoners for 2006: 3,282 2,458 • Adult Males • Adult Females 604 156 • Juvenile Males • Juvenile Females 64

County

specifically investigations involving methamphetamine endangered children.

Special Response Unit In January 2006 members of the CCSO Special Response Unit received basic training and certification during a week long training session hosted by CCSO. This training prepared the SRU to respond to a number of critical response situations.

The Unit is fully operational and available for serving high

Sheriff Bill Pownall and Kevin MacAulay of Devon Energy stand in front of donated ATVs.

ATVs and Trailer In 2006 the Campbell County Sheriff’s acquired two four wheel ATVs through Homeland Security grant funding. A local business, Devon Energy donated a trailer for transportation of the ATVs to emergency scenes.

The four wheel ATVs have been utilized for training and have assisted in conducting two search and rescue missions.

These ATVs make response to remote or inaccessible areas of Campbell County more effective in emergency situations.

Vapor Tracer In 2006 the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office used locally seized drug money to purchase a General Electric Vapor Tracer.

This item is used as a “sniffer” to identify trace elements such as explosives and controlled substances. This item is proving itself crucial in controlled substance investigations, Page

10

risk warrants and supporting the patrol division in critical incidents in Campbell County.

Investigations In 2006 the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office assisted the County Attorney’s office in several successful prosecutions of murder suspects.

These cases stemmed from two murder investigations that were initiated by CCSO in 2005.

These proceedings were very time consuming compared to other cases. As such, a significant amount of manpower from CCSO

was expended during these cases. The manpower was in the form of operation personnel that investigated the case and were needed for testimony, as well as court security officers used during all related proceedings.

Less Lethal Weapons In 2006, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office continued implementation of a “less lethal weapon” program and purchased less lethal weapons for both uniform patrol and specialty unit use. The CCSO purchased 40mm foam baton rounds and launchers, bean bag rounds to be fired from duty shotguns, and Tasers. These weapons are designed to gain compliance through pain or incapacitation with less risk of serious injury than traditional weapons.

Traffic Enforcement Unit With the significantly increased traffic volume in Campbell County, enforcement of traffic laws is a high priority of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. In 2006, the Campbell County Commissioners provided funding for a traffic enforcement unit that currently consists of one officer whose full-time duties are enforcement of traffic laws on Campbell County roads and highways. Early in 2007 when personnel become available, a second full-time position will be assigned. In one month alone at the end of 2006, the traffic enforcement officer issued 223 citations and warnings and conducted 176 traffic enforcement stops.

Rocky Meek and Traffic Enforcement Unit

Campbell Human Resources/

Risk Management Department County The Mission of the Campbell County Human Resources and Risk Management Department is to support County departments, boards and agencies in the recruitment, retention and protection of Campbell County resources and assets six the most valuable of which is our employees.

The Department serves as a resource for all boards, agencies, departments and employees in Campbell County. They coordinate and administer all employee benefit plans, the employee classification and compensation program and the performance appraisal program. Campbell County strives to retain and recruit qualified employees in a very competitive job market during Campbell County Human Resource/ Risk Management Departme 500 S. Gillette Ave 687-6355

2006.

Although employee turnover decreased from 14.2% in fiscal 2004/2005 to 13.4% in fiscal 2005/2006, it appears to be increasing again in fiscal 2006/2007. If the current trend continues the turnover rate for fiscal 2006/2007 could be as high as 15.8%. Therefore, maintaining a competitive compensation system within the county, while containing the cost of a comprehensive benefit plan designed to be responsive to employee needs, continues to be a goal for the department. Employee education and communication, plan design review, and new wellness programs are just some of the tools being utilized to achieve

Campbell For thirty-two years the Rockpile Museum has collected, preserved and interpreted the history of Campbell County and Northeastern Wyoming.

Our collections range from priceless photographs of early Gillette to branding irons and barbed wire. Adding to those collections is one of our primary activities, and during the past year several hundred historic objects were donated to the Museum.

Throughout the year the Museum presents numerous activities and speakers for county residents and visitors. The annual Native American Artifact Show

this goal.

The importance of safety and the prevention of accidents is stressed through educational programs, workplace monitoring and post accident/incident investigation.

The safety program continues to show positive results, as reflected by the Wyoming Workers’ Compensation tax rates decreasing for five of the eight of the entities in the County for 2007/2008.

The Department also takes an active role in the community by helping to coordinate a food drive and a blood drive.

The Annual Campbell County Food Drive provides food for the Council of Community Services and the Soup Kitchen. In 2006 our remarkable County employees donated an amazing 8,672 pounds of food.

The department sponsors and coordinates the Annual County Blood Drive.

Rockpile Museum

County

presents private collections of arrowheads, practices from the 19th century. For stone knives and other objects fashioned example, students were required to by the original inhabitants of the West. recite clearly while standing at their Most of the items have been found by desks, and for the reluctant student, a dedicated hobbyists during countless short period in the Dunce chair while hours of searching. At the exhibition, wearing the Dunce hat was prescribed!

Museum visitors have a rare opportunity The Museum also sponsored a trip to to share in the efforts of these collectors the Pumpkin Buttes and the Ruby Bison and to have experts identify arrowheads Kill Site in Western Campbell County. they may have found. This year a highlight In conjunction with an exhibition on the of the event was a demonstration by a Bozeman Trail, Museum staff members Flintknapper using traditional methods led a day trip visiting sites on that to reproduce stone tools. historic trail. Our traditional Christmas Students from Campbell County open house elaborate automated display Schools had the chance to experience is a treat for many residents and visitors. some of the life of the everyday Temporary exhibits presented this year soldier in the Civil War as a included: The Bozeman Trails Historical result of demonstrations by Wyoming Women and Devil’s Tower well trained volunteers.

The Museum received a planning The Museum also grant from presented a “Day in the the Wyoming Campbell County 1890’s School” for local B u s i n e s s students. Volunteer Council to 900 West 2nd Street • 682-5723 teachers followed begin planning typical educational for the eventual

Rockpile Museum

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Many County employees generously give blood every October for United Blood Services of South Dakota in support of the regional blood banks. This year we collected 65 units of blood.

expansion of the Museum facility. As the year ended, staff was conducting surveys to see what residents would like to see in an enlarged museum.

In this photo ROTC students perform an artillery drill.

Campbell

Assessor’s Office

County

As one chapter comes to an end, another begins. Long time County Assessor Jerry Shatzer retired December 31, 2007, after serving Campbell County as your Assessor for an amazing 30 straight years. In fact, Jerry brought it to my attention during a conversation we had prior to his retirement that there have only been two Assessors serve our county since 1937. Preston Gilstrap endured a 40 year stint before Jerry took office in 1977. I, too, look forward to serving Campbell County not just for the next 4 year term, but for a number of years to come.

Front row: Angela Williams, Deb Malli, Hazel Vassar, Sarah Mooney. Back row: Richard Maisel, Cheryl Uhler, Cindy I can only speak for myself, but if Langley, Lynn Allar, Shanda Shatzer, Troy Clements anyone asked me twenty years ago what I wanted to be when I grew up, it had higher level. Although quite attractive, it’s hard and diligently towards them that is nothing to do with being an Assessor. not about the money or perks of having a so rewarding.

I’m pretty sure that if you asked Preston manager's position Our staff consists of ten or Jerry that question, chances are you that drove me to full time and two part time would probably get a familiar response. this decision. It’s employees, and I feel very Campbell County I feel it’s a desire that one acquires after about the feeling blessed to have each and spending a number of years in this exciting of achievement every one of them working 500 S. Gillette Ave • 682-7266 field that drives a person to achieve and one gets by setting for me. They are all very learn more by taking that next step to a goals and working professional, dedicated,

Assessor’s Office

Campbell

Coroner’s Office

The Campbell County Coroner’s Office began the year of 2006 with 13 investigations and continued to have a busy year. Total number of death Other statistics include: investigations in ‘06 was 107, up over 2005 with a 16% increase. Statistical Avg age of deaths - 2006 - 58.7 yrs old data changed a little bit but I feel some values may be interesting and 2005 - 58.4 yrs old have increased some facts for this year. Statistics can be broken down by In 2005 males 61%, females 39% several categories including age, manner of death, gender and seat belt use, Traffic deaths increased 38% from 2005 etc. The charts, at right, are a representation of how 2006 ended in death Suicide 2005 - 4 males avg age 30.25 1- firearm, 2 hanging, 1 carbon investigations: monoxide I want to thank all of the very valuable people who assist the Coroner’s 2006 - 6 males avg age 40.8, 1 female 15 yo, total avg 37.1 yrs Office in the performance of our duties.

6- firearm, 1 hanging Many people and organizations work together to help make this office Homicides - down 100% successful in our commitment to the citizens of Campbell County. I greatly SIDS - down 33% appreciate their assistance and time. I would like to thank my deputy Accidental - 2 drug, 1 ATV, 1 fall Rita Mashak for her assistance. My thanks to all the personnel with the Alcohol related traffic fatalities - 7 auto, 2 motorcycle Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, Gillette Police Department, the

Alcohol related deaths - 4 natural Campbell County Fire Department, Campbell County Memorial Hospital staff and EMS personnel, Dr. Woodward, Campbell County doctors and assistants, Wyoming Hwy Patrol, Wyoming Crime Lab Personnel, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations, Dr. Pat Allen and Dr. Stephen Cina of Forensic Pathology Consultants of Age - 2 months to 100 years old Loveland, Colorado, and Dr. Habbe from Rapid City Campbell County 8% Regional Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the 12% 28% Stevenson Funeral Home for use of their facility.

600 W. Boxelder • 687-6179 29% 17% Without the assistance from all involved, we wouldn’t be able to provide the service to our citizens.

Coroner’s Office

0-20(8) no change from '05 21-40(12) down 25% 41-60(29) up 30%

61-80(17) no change

hard working individuals that work well together as a team. We have over 100 years of combined knowledge and experience in our office, and that alone is a very valuable asset when it comes to gathering, entering, valuing, and storing clean data that is so crucial to our tax roll.

I am proud to announce that I have selected Hazel Vassar, a 30 year county employee, to serve as my Chief Deputy Assessor for the next 4 year term. Hazel’s dedication, good work ethics, and public relations truly speak for itself!

Congratulations Hazel!!

The coal, methane, and now power plants continue to bring new growth and development to Campbell County.

Although oil and gas prices have declined in the past few months, I look for 2007 to be another stellar year with our total valuation at least holding steady or even increasing slightly.

My staff and I look forward to working with each and every one of you and welcome all the new people to Campbell County.

County Drug related deaths - 3 natural, 1 motorcycle, 1 suicide, 2 accidental Drug and alcohol related - 1 motorcycle, 2 natural Traffic fatality involving pedestrians - 2 Frequency by the time of the day notified

0001-0800 - 34

0801-1600 - 32

1601-2400 - 28 Cases by agency involvement - 73.8% Campbell CO. Coroner 7.5% Campbell CO. Sheriff/ Coroner 12.1% Gillette Police Dept./Coroner 6.5% WY Hwy Patrol/Coroner Seat Belt use in traffic deaths 2/16 belted 10/16 unbelted 1 motorcycle - helmeted 3 motorcycle - no helmet

38 Females 36.5%

66 Males 63%

81-100(28) no change

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0

5

10

15

20

Campbell

ParkS & Recreation DepartMent

Our mission is to provide a variety of safe, modern and affordable Parks and Recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well being for all citizens and visitors in Campbell County.

Fitness classes welcome all participants of all fitness levels to join for as inexpensive as $9 per month. Kickboxing is our most popular class offering all levels of ability to improve their core strength and balance. Other classes include Cycling, Power Flex, Noon Aerobics, Boot camp, Core & More, Cardio Fitness and Baby and Me Fitness for families and children. Our certified personal trainers are available to members by appointment.

This program has inspired many members to increase activity and improve nutrition on their way to a healthier lifestyle.

The “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” road race series was a huge hit this summer drawing many walkers and runners despite weather conditions on a few of the races. The series was set this year for participants to work their way through the series increasing the distance at each race. The series kicked off with the Lyle Cottrell Memorial 7th street challenge at 1.8 uphill miles, then to the McDonald’s Spring Zinger 5K (3.1 mile), then the WhiteDavis Chevy Motors 4 mile, next the Universal Athletics Firecracker 5 mile, and the final CCMH Rehab Service 10K (6.2miles). Twenty-five Camel Hydration Packs were awarded to the participants that finished all five races. Fifteen lunch boxes were awarded to the participants that finished four of the five race series. Other races include the popular 5K Turkey Trot which had an outstanding number of participants waiting to win a free turkey at the social after the race and the Runner’s Resolution 5K. Nine Campbell County businesses competed in the 2006 Corporate Games including nearly 400 participants. The events kick

off with a Dart BBQ at the Ice Arena the last two weeks of June. The events then move onto the following competitions: Water Volleyball, Frisbee Golf, Bowling, Horseshoes, Billiards, Kickball and the ever so popular Waterslide Relay. It looked as if the Hospital was going to have an end to their for year winning streak in the A division until the county team was unable to out run them in the waterslide relay putting the two teams in

an overall tie for first place. In the event of a tie, the team that has the most first place finishes takes the traveling trophy to their business for the year.

CCMH wins the trophy for the fifth straight year.

The Annual Fourth of July Celebration provided the community with free events throughout the day and into the evening fireworks display.

Events included the early morning Fireman pancake feed, Firecracker 5 mile road race, Parade (Governor Dave F. served as our parade Marshall), Mud Volleyball, Chalk It Up, Tug of War, Free Hot Dog Feed (5,000 hot dogs and chips served), Strong Man/ Woman Challenge, Firemen Water Fights, Water Games for kids, and a Mini Hot Dog eating contest. The fireworks display is accompanied by music broadcast on Koal 103.9 to highlight the “Glory Days” theme of the day.

Other Special Events offered throughout the year by the Recreation Center include the Easter Egg Hunt, Fly Fishing

class, Forro Dance class, Dog Obedience class, Dodge Ball Tournament, Bench Press Challenge, Razor City Splash & Dash Triathlon, Jingle Bell Hike to Santa (over 200 kids received free snow tubes), The Secret Santa Program (452 kids), Kayaking class, and the Hawaiian Luau at the Pool.

Soccer and Kids Camp were the most popular youth programs. Spring and Fall Soccer had 1,218 participants.

Kids Camp had 394 participants in 2006, and with the need for more summer kids programs look for that number to rise.

Other programs that continued to do well are 4th - 6th grade Youth Basketball 1st - 3rd grade Bantam Basketball, Lil Slugger Baseball, Girls Softball and Youth Hikes. Youth basketball had 383 kids and Bantam Basketball had another 331. Lil Slugger Baseball stayed strong with 133 participants and Girls Softball jumped to 228 from 152 last year.

Campbell County

Park & Recreation

1000 Douglas Hwy • 682-7406 - Admin Gym 682-8527 –Pool 682-5470 S. Gym 686-9160 - Wright 464-0198

Page

13

2006 was a very good year for the adult programs. All leagues and classes saw growth, with softball increasing the most.

We had 80 softball teams in the league, a 15 team increase from a year ago. Basketball was up six teams in 2006, to a total of 46 teams. Adult volleyball is staying steady at 75 teams combined for the spring and fall seasons. Wallyball is at six teams as it was a year ago. Other tournaments and competitions offered this year were two dodgeball tournaments, that brought in a total of 21 teams and a bench

press competition that brought in 20 participants, with the winner pressing 405 pounds.

The karate program had an enrollment of 392 participants for the year compared to 302 in 2005, increasing by 90 participants. Adult sports for 2006 had a total of 228 teams, compared to 195 teams in 2005.

Campbell County has continued to grow in population, which has led to an increase in visits at the Recreation Center and Pool. The facility saw an increase of 8,539 people visit the Recreation Center and/or Pool over 2005 for a total of 124,593 total visits. Usages are recorded in six areas: the cardio room, weight rooms, gymnasium, pool, racquetball/ squash courts, and tanning.

Usage of these areas was also up over 2005 by 13,063 for a total of 181,997. The breakdown of those usages are as follows: Gymnasium 57,874, Pool 44,264, Cardio Room 35,484, Weight Rooms 37,566, Racquetball/Squash Courts 6,032, and the Tanning Bed

County

1,777.

Aquatics Division In 2006 the Campbell County Pool offered a variety of special events and activities to promote wellness throughout the community. Some of our most popular activities included lap swim, water aerobics, open swim and swimming lessons.

A total of 1,675 children participated in swim lessons and 494 adults joined at least one session of water aerobics.

Some more activities offered were lifeguard, water safety instructor and scuba classes.

Private rentals and birthday parties have continued to be two favorite activities.

Special events such as Dark Summer Nights, Easter Egg Dive, Back to School BBQ, and Christmas Break brought in 1,382 attendees. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend was definitely our busiest season, with the ever popular High Plains Thunder Run Water Slide. The 385 foot slide attracted 20,254 visits from individuals of all ages. As a whole, the Campbell County Pool had a very successful year with a grand total of 48,592 visits in 2006!

Wright Recreation Center The population of Wright continued to grow in 2006, and the Wright Recreation Center strives to have these new citizens join the facility.

Everyone has the opportunity to make new friends and be part of a healthy lifestyle.

The programs and events are multiple and diverse. The Community is well informed on all activities and events.

Youth programs are a big part of the Wright Recreation Center. Outdoor soccer is enjoyed by First through Sixth graders. Sessions are held in the spring, and also Indoor Soccer is played in January and February. Pre-school Indoor Soccer was well received in Continued on page 14

Campbell

ParkS & Recreation DepartMent

Continued from page 13

its fourth year. There were 73 soccer players combined, up 20 from last year. The sixth year of Flag Football, in addition to the second year of Indoor Nerf Flag Football, had 51 youth.

Bantam Basketball, played by 1st through 3rd graders, had 23 youth and 4th through 6th grade basketball had 44 boys and girls. Twenty-four girls joined mini-volleyball, a program for 3rd through 6th graders. Dance classes were added in 2006 for pre-school and grades 1 - 6, with a high degree of success. BBQ’s, healthy snack socials, and swim parties were held after the sports programs for the participants and their families.

The pool offers swim lessons year round for Pre-school and Red Cross youth. A time change for classes increased enrollment by 50 to a total of 200 students.

The Center also offers CPR classes, Lifeguard training, First Aid, Lap Swimming, Open Swimming and Water Aerobics. Our giant submarine inflatable, Yellow Fellow, was in the pool one evening a week during school, and two afternoons a week during summer months. This year’s pool usage stayed consistent with a total of 10,002. The pool is also utilized by the Swim Team. Practices are three times a week during the months of October through March.

Fitness classes have done well this year. Aerobics, Water Aerobics, Weight Training, and Yoga are offered year round.

Those holding memberships to the center definitely take advantage of the classes at half price. Cycling was introduced in 2006 and continues with maximum enrollment. Akai Ryu Dojo Karate Classes began in 2006 for all ages, and enrollment is solid.

Fitness workshops are held several times throughout the year, inviting the public in to the facility for trial exercise classes.

Dive-in movies are one of the favorite special events offered throughout the year. Over 145 youth have attended these

events. The annual Easter Egg Hunt brings together the whole community and also visiting relatives. A “Hike to Santa” was introduced this year by our facility with enormous success.

A total of 99 youth and adults hiked to visit Santa. The youth then enjoyed decorating their own sugar cookie. Other special events held during the year included the Water Carnival, Chili Dog Tuesday, Preschool Halloween Party, Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest, three bus trips to the Water slide at the Campbell County

the CCPRD Parks Dept.

Pool and one bus trip to the Campbell County Ice Arena in Gillette. Wright Days in August brought several participants to the annual 5K Fun Run/Walk and 34 participants to the 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney. The “Skate/Bingo” family nights were successful this year, with approximately 100 adults and youth in attendance. The 2006 total for all “Special Events” was over 630.

Center usage for school activities continues to soar. This includes Jr./Sr High volleyball and basketball practices, games and tournaments. Use of the pool by Cross Country, Track, Wrestling teams and Physical Education classes, along with grade school swim lessons, gave us over 9,109 usages for the center not including audience participation. This number increased by 2,279 from 2005.

The skate park was enlarged in 2006 by a Recreation District Grant and the Town of Wright.

Installation was completed by

The Spring Junior High Tennis and Soccer programs were also a hit in 2006.

Forty-eight boys and girls played soccer in 2006, and 44 participants enrolled in tennis lessons.

Summer trips to various places such as: Tie Hack Reservoir, Rushmore Water Slide Park, Cook Lake, Evans Plunge, and 1880 Train Ride, offered some summertime fun and excitement for youth ages 12-16.

The fall season here at the Recreation Center was also an exciting time for youth. The Junior High Girls Volleyball program saw an increase in participants with 61 girls playing volleyball in 2006.

The girls get to experience the excitement of traveling to surrounding counties for away games, but play most of their games at the Recreation Center.

High School Flag Football had 47 participants in the fall

Junior High /Senior High Intramurals The intramural programs at the Recreation Center continued to offer youth of many ages an opportunity to participate in recreational sports and fun activities in 2006. Many of the programs experienced an increase in participants; especially the Junior High Boys Basketball program. In 2005, there were 53 students enrolled and in 2006, there were 78 boys that played basketball.

Page

14

of 2006. The football games are held at Bicentennial Park where the youth play several games in competition for a league championship. The Mini-Mite and Mite Hockey Programs were also a continued success with an increase in participants. There were over 50 participants in each 8 week session of the program. We are fortunate to have many great parents and volunteer coaches that help us make this program fun and successful.

When it gets cold outside and winter sets in, so does Junior High Girls Basketball. This is a program that also saw an increase from the previous year with a jump in participants from 37 to 41 girls. They traveled to Newcastle, Sheridan,

Little Powder and Sturgis to compete in away games. They finished their season with a tournament, pizza party and award ceremony.

The High School Coed Basketball program added another team to the roster in 2006, with an astounding 19 teams competing in three different leagues. Over 200 young men and women played basketball at the recreation center gym every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. As with all of programs, we continued to stress our main goals in 2006: Positive sportsmanship and attitudes, hard work and dedication, developing fundamentally sound skills, and HAVING FUN! Overall, 2006 was a great year for the intramural programs at the Recreation Center!

Parks Division The year 2006 continued to be an active year of challenges and accomplishments for

County

maintaining and managing twenty-one park areas and the grounds at eight different County facilities. The accomplishment of this is knowing that an estimated 619,040 visitors enjoyed a family reunion, a picnic, walked for their health, watched a child participate in an event or just enjoyed a few minutes of casual relaxation.

Major improvements to the parks and facilities over the year included new playgrounds for Carlson Memorial Park in the Anderson Subdivision and South Fork Park, irrigation systems for the Wright Recreation Center and Buleah Underwood Park, new specimen trees planted in the Arboretum at Cam-Plex Park, flower planters installed in Bicentennial Park and a skate park addition at the Wright Recreation Center.

Steps were initiated two years ago to battle the infestation of bark beetles that are attacking the pine and spruce trees.

Parks Division employees are continuing to spray all pine and spruce trees in the early spring before the beetles emerge from the trees to attack additional trees.

The spraying program will expand to all parks managed by the Department in an effort to slow the advance of the insects. Additional spraying is also taking place to protect other types of trees from wood boring insects and other damaging pests.

At times, the parks will be closed to use for several hours while crews are spraying and will remain closed until the chemicals can dry.

Ballfield lighting improvements are ongoing at Bicentennial Park to enhance visitor safety and enjoyment.

New ballfield lights are being installed on Goatroper Field and Sampson Field to provide safer lighting for players, and new area lighting is also included with these lights to provide safety lighting for the parking lots and walkways around the fields. The Department is planning additional ballfield Continued on page 15

Campbell

ParkS & Recreation DepartMent

Continued from page 14

lighting and safety lighting to make more areas of the park safe for all visitors.

Parks are the venues for many neighborhood and community events throughout the year. The Fourth of July activities and the Easter Egg Hunt at Bicentennial Park are the two largest events held in the parks. Several weekend soccer and softball tournaments also take place at Bicentennial Park along with some Campbell County High School athletic activities. Cam-Plex Park hosts the Celtic Festival each year and several subdivisions hold community picnics in their neighborhood parks.

Providing safe, modern and affordable parks and recreation facilities is the mission of the Parks Division, and we are committed to maintaining and improving the parks for the enjoyment and safety of the citizens of Campbell County.

Ice Arena and Rockpile Community Center The Ice Arena provides an indoor skating rink for young and old alike.

Skating lessons range from toddler to adult, ice hockey ranges from youth to adults and figure skating also provides everyone an opportunity to participate in activities that promote health and well being.

Usage has continually increased over the years, as many residents have learned to ice skate and now enjoy the activity. The public skate sessions are

continually busy and seeing more people all the time. An estimated 33,900 people visited the arena with youth hockey as the largest group. Public skating is second with figure skating rounding out the top three user groups.

The Arena saw two major improvements this past year. New dasher boards and glass were installed around the rink to replace the original boards that have served the rink since it first opened. The new boards are made with a galvanized steel frame and covered with high density polyethylene facing that will last for many years to come.

A new roof was also installed, which will help to give the building a longer life and stop many of the leaks that have developed over the years.

The arena maintains an ice sheet for six months and a dry floor for the remainder of the year. Dry floor activities include roller hockey and space for youth soccer, baseball and softball practices when the weather does not cooperate.

Company picnics, auctions and dart tournaments have also been held in the arena during the off season.

The Rockpile Community Center provides a facility for wedding

Campbell As we reflect on 2006 it seems like we were just reflecting on 2005!!!! Road and Bridge continues to strive to be the best it can be to serve our customers, the citizens of Campbell County. As the county continues to grow, Road & Bridge conforms to the changes. We added two belly dump trucks with pups to our fleet, therefore, adding two more employees.

In July we used CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality) funds to resurface the Black & Yellow Road. We hired private trucks to haul gravel from our pit in Johnson County, and our trucks hauled the gravel to the Black & Yellow Road. We resurfaced the entire road with the gravel, rotomill gravel mix, and then sprayed mag water.

receptions, birthday parties, square dancing or just about any activity you can think of. The center is also home to the Soup Kitchen which is managed by the Council of Community Services and serves daily noon meals to people who are less fortunate and need a helping hand.

Bell Nob Golf Course Bell Nob had an outstanding year

that was marked with excellent playing conditions, opening of the par 3 and continued course improvements.

Maintenance practices continue to build the quality of turf.

One of the highlights of the year was the grand opening of the junior course. The junior program created a great place for kids and beginners to learn the game last year Bell Nob had 812 members, and of the 812 members

Road & Bridge

Page

15

112 were juniors. The junior clinic saw the participation numbers climb. Men's club had 262 participants, and the ladies' club had 45 members. The total rounds for the year were 23,139.

This past season the golf course concentrated on maintenance of the 18 hole course and the continued maturity of the Wee Links course. The new tee boxes gave golfers more variations from which to play.

This past fall we started the bunker renovation project which includes completely rebuilding and adding drainage to the existing green side bunkers. The project will be completed in the spring, enhancing the playability of the bunkers. The new sand is a silica sand that won’t break down like the calcareous sands used in the past. The plan is to complete the green side bunkers this spring and then start on the Front 9 fairway bunkers in the fall of '07 and the back 9 fairway bunkers in the fall of '08. When the project is complete it should give Bell Nob an exciting new look for golfers to enjoy.

One change coming this year is that a membership will now include the par 3 course giving pass holders the opportunity to play the par 3 course, as well as the 18 hole course.

As always the staff at Bell Nob continues to strive to improve each player's golfing experience.

County

The blades stayed busy putting on rotomill to the yard to be mixed with 16,304 hours. The lack of moisture and gravel. Our water trucks added on 17,853 increased traffic is really putting our miles spraying water and mag water. gravel roads to the test. When we do get In November we moved our crusher moisture you can bet our operators put it from south of town to our pit in Johnson to good use. We have even used our water County. They crushed a total of 243,942 trucks to provide moisture to blade so the tons of gravel. In February the annual roads stay put just a little longer. training was completed.

Eight belly dump trucks put on 455,434 The blades and dozer spent several days miles hauling road materials, equipment and nights helping the fire department all and helping out other entities. Seven end around the county cutting fire lines. In dump trucks put on 217,488 miles hauling the fall they went back in and reclaimed road materials, plowing the lines $168,668.21 Campbell County and sanding. The trucks was spent on replacing, hauled 332,774 tons of repairing and cleaning gravel, scoria and gravel auto gates and culverts.

1704 4-J• 682-4411 rotomill mix. They also Signing is another hauled in 18,223 tons of expense that is never

Road & Bridge

County

ending. The sign crew does a great job repairing and replacing signs. They try to salvage as many of the blanks as they can and reface the signs. We get calls nearly every week about signs that are down or just plain gone. The total cost for 2006 was $46,714.69, but this would have been much higher if the crew couldn’t reuse signs.

The shop crew put on 39,254 miles.

They go where they are needed. If it is to repair or change oil on a piece of equipment or to repair an auto gate, they head out to take care of it. Hours are spent right here in the shop. From setting up a new piece of equipment, to replacing a clutch, they can be counted on to complete the job.

Health Department Division of Public Health Nursing Service County

Campbell The most exciting point in the year 2005-2006 was the approval of the funding for the new Health Department building at 2301 South 4J Road. The State matching funds were approved as was the County Commissioners acceptance of the bid for the building. The site went from an open field to the ground breaking in September 2005 to the move into the building November 16 and 17, 2006 when Public Works was given a temporary Certificate of Occupancy with the ground work etc. to be finished in the spring.

It is so nice having the space to set up for programs and be ready to go and not have to move things around all the time. The staff also appreciates the office space they have now.

The Campbell County Health Department, Division of Public Health Nursing Service provides direct services in the areas of communicable disease, prevention, and health promotion: maternal and child health: pre-admission screening for nursing home placement: home health care for all ages.

It is also the local provider for many Wyoming Department of Health programs. Most services are provided free or at a reduced rate. Some of the services are funded by grants or contracts.

All funds received are deposited to the County Treasurer toward the annual budget.

Adult Health: This program includes nursing care of the chronic and /or stable adult in the home, office or clinic setting.

This includes the various adult clinics, home or office visits under physician order and special grant and contract programs. Personal care by the Home Health Aide may be included in the plan as well as skilled nursing care. Staff provided 2,321 home visits and 451 other setting visits in Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

Maternal/Child and Family: Services to the mother before, during and after pregnancy: care of the infant to twelve months:

but is a licensed home health agency through the Wyoming Department of Health.

the child and support to the parents.

This program includes home and office visits for the infant and parents, and or referral to appropriate state and local agencies. It also includes the Best Beginnings and presumptive eligibility programs, providing services as the nurse to Children’s Developmental Services, the Nurse Family Partnership Program, Welcome Home visits, Children’s Special Health Program and numerous other services. There were 2,077 home visits and 821 visits in other settings made in Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

program, HIV testing and counseling, communicable disease follow-up and referral.

During Fiscal Year 2005-2006, 2,328 throat cultures were sent to the state lab, 254 people obtained HIV testing and counseling, 10,785 individuals received 15,016 immunizations, including 7,442 flu immunizations. World

Communicable Disease: Services for the prevention of diseases and promotion of health. This program includes all immunization clinics, including infant, child and adult immunization, flu and pneumonia clinics, world travel immunization and any special immunization clinics. It also includes the throat culture

travel immunizations were administered to 133 individuals and 817 tuberculosis skin tests were administered. Four home visits and 61 other visits were made relating to communicable disease.

Campbell County Health Department Division of Public Health Nursing Service 2301 S. 4-J • 682-7275

Home Health: This program provides skilled nursing and personal care to the individual in the home setting under physician order, and 641 home visits were made.

Public Health is no longer certified by Medicare and Medicaid as a home health agency, Page

16

Long Term 101: This is preadmission review for the long-term care facility and the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid functional assessment for eligibility. Two hundred three home visits and 210 visits in other settings were made this year.

Clinics and Classes: Adult Health had 2,010 participants, Communicable Diseases had 13,879 participants, Maternal and Child health had 582 participants and office dropin clinic had 3,995 participants.

This reflects the total participants in each program.

Counter -terorism and All Hazards Response: This program was added in January 2003. Prior to that time all terrorism-related education and activities were included in the miscellaneous programs.

Staff also attended education programs and participated in committees related to terrorism and hazards. July 2004, a Public Health Preparedness and Response Coordinator was hired through a Homeland Security Grant. Pandemic Flu education and meetings were held in the community and public health

provided tetanus/diphtheria immunizations in Wright following the tornado and the Coordinator assisted the county emergency manager.

Miscellaneous Programs: This includes all community activities not directly associated with specific programs, such as general education programs regarding services provided by Public Health; disease or health promotion education programs, participation in meetings and other community groups and activities, telephone calls, information and referral to other agencies and services; and other activities and services as needed.

Continuing education for the staff is also part of this program.

Community Service time spent in these activities was 12,842 hours.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC): This program is contracted with the Wyoming Department of Health to provide nutrition counseling and supplemental food packages to eligible clients.

Pregnant, breast feeding or postpartum mothers, infants and children up to age five who meet nutritional, health and financial criteria are eligible for these services.

The Campbell County active enrollment as of December 06 is 874 individuals.

A change this year was Crook County contracted for the WIC program, so our Campbell County staff no longer does the Crook County clinics.

The program is staffed by a supervising nutritionist who is also a registered dietitian, a part-time nurse and an office manager.

The agency is governed by the Campbell County Board of Health. The nursing policies of the agency are reviewed and approved by the Professional Advisory Committee, including the County Health Officer.

Campbell

Juvenile Probation

Courtesy Supervision

vehicles • Mental Health Evaluation and/or Counseling • Substance Abuse Treatment • STARS Program • Community Service • Employment and Payment of Restitution • Assigned Curfew • House Arrest and/or Electronic All Open Cases Monitoring Total Juveniles Males Females • Restriction on 196 158 38 associates In cases 61 41 20 proceeding 9 9 0 t h r o u g h 192 123 69 Juvenile Court, 458 331 127 the juvenile’s parents/ New Cases Filed guardians are Total Juveniles Males Females also assigned 84 68 16 a variety of 44 26 18 terms and 9 9 0 conditions

Municipal Court

175

Total Open Cases

312

During the course of 2006, the number of juveniles referred to our office from the Municipal, Circuit and Juvenile Courts continued to increase.

The Juvenile Probation Office handled a total of 458 open cases, 312 of which were newly filed during the year. The breakdown between the Juvenile, Circuit and Municipal Courts is as follows:

Court District Court Circuit Court Courtesy Supervision Municipal Court Total Open Cases

Court District Court Circuit Court

Juvenile Probation Supervision: The goal of supervised juvenile probation is three-fold:

• (1) Protection of public safety; • (2) Holding juvenile offenders accountable for the harm they cause to individual victims and the community generally; and • (3) improving the juvenile’s capacities and skills to live as a productive citizen.

A youth referred for supervised probation will be assigned to one of our Juvenile Probation Officers: Deb Lind- Adsit, Brenda Parks, Felice Acosta or Connie Scigliano. Terms and conditions of probation vary by case and include some combination of the following:

• Regular meetings between the PO, the juvenile and parents • Visits to home, school, work or community service worksites • Monitoring of academic progress, school attendance and discipline referrals • Random drug/alcohol testing • Searches of home and/or

which may i n c l u d e 216 96 providing supervision for their child, cooperation with the Juvenile Probation Officer and participation in a variety of treatment modalities.

Intensive Supervision Juvenile Probation (ISP): provides “stepped up” supervision,

by PO Andreah Leu for those juveniles who have not proven successful with the standard probation approach. ISP offers the juvenile another means of being successful before out-ofhome placement is considered.

In addition to the terms listed above, ISP may include: 113

62

• Daily contact with youth at school, work, community service or activity sites; • Weekly home visits; • Closed school campus; • Multiple drug testing per week.

ISP was first introduced into the Juvenile Probation Office in 2002 via grant funding. In July 2006, ISP became a fully-funded County position. During the 23 month grant period prior to July 1, 2006, 47 youth received some level of ISP with out-ofhome placement being avoided in 66% of the cases. During this

same timeframe, the following services were provided: # Type of Services

• School Visits 467 • Home Visits 761 • Out-of-home Placement Visits 71 • Office Check-Ins 489 • UA Tests Conducted 1,182 A very significant outcome of ISP is the marked improvement in the juveniles’ school performance, as seen in increased academic performance, improved attendance and decreased disciplinary referrals.

Measurement

23-Month Reporting Period

A c a d e m i c 68% improved Performance grades or remained above C Attendance

92% improved attendance or remained good

Tardies

56% decreased tardies or had none

Discipline Referrals

65% decreased or no new referrals

It is the expectation of the Program that with continued early intervention and provision of additional services, more juveniles can avoid out-of-home placements completely.

Electronic Monitoring: Use of electronic monitoring equipment is available for use in the Juvenile Probation Office and enables the ISJPO and Juvenile Probation Officers to maintain geographic awareness of a youth whose movements or activities may be restricted to certain locations or environments, such as when under house arrest.

Regardless of the Court of referral, or the level of supervision, the statistics demonstrate the high percentage of youth entering the system who are involved with tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

Cases involving alcohol and/or other illegal substances include charges for DUI, Minor in Possession (of alcohol), and possession or use of illegal drugs.

The break-out of these charges is depicted:

Community Service: A crucial element of the probation process is to require Page

17

County

that the juvenile make amends to either an individual victim or the community in general.

To that end, probationers may be directed to make payments of restitution, court fines and reimbursement for Courtappointed counsel, as well as to perform hours of community service.

In his capacity as C.S.S., David Anderson provides service to both the Juvenile Probation and Juvenile Diversion Programs, assigning and supervising community service hour requirements imposed upon juveniles through the Municipal, Circuit, Juvenile and Juvenile & Family Drug Courts, as well as those which are a condition of Juvenile Diversion.

The benefits of this position are numerous. Court orders are being implemented and fulfilled in a more timely manner, serving as an on-going reminder to our youth that these orders should be taken seriously, and saving the costs which accrue with delayed compliance.

During the Year 2006, juveniles supervised by the Juvenile Probation Office paid monies or performed community service hours as follows: Community Service Hours Performed All Courts

6,017

Restitution Paid to Victims Juvenile Court

$36,321.68

Fines Paid Juvenile Court

$2,450.00

Attorney Fees Paid Juvenile Court

$600.00

Total Monies Paid Through Juvenile Court

$39,371.68

Tobacco Education Group (TEG) Those juveniles who have committed a tobacco-related offense may be required to attend the TEG Class in addition to their community service requirement.

The TEG Class, which includes elements of lecture, video, demonstration and discussion, aims to move the participant through the stages of preparation and action to quit tobacco use.

Since commencing in November

2003, 137 juveniles have completed the program.

Corrective Curriculum:

Thinking

The use of Corrective Thinking Groups, which are aimed at teaching youth to become more accountable for their actions and develop their decision-making process continues into its sixth year.

The program addresses the juveniles’ thinking errors and reluctance to be accountable for their actions, providing youth with the tools necessary to avoid future involvement in the criminal justice system.

Juvenile & Family Drug Court: offers an alternative to District Court Juvenile Probation Supervision for youth 13 - 17 years of age, and their families, and focuses on juvenile crime involving the use of drugs and/or alcohol. Key elements of the 10-18 months program include:

• Weekly Court sessions w/ Judge Price and the Drug • Court Team • Substance Abuse Treatment at Personal Frontiers, Inc. • Family and individual counseling provided by a YES House therapist • Intensive Supervision Probation with PO Doug Carter • Frequent random urinalysis / breathalyzer testing • Use of immediate sanctions and incentives to address program successes and infractions.

The program utilizes a “team approach” in which the Judge, County Attorney, Public Defender, Probation, Department of Family Services, Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, Family Therapist and School District jointly address the needs of the substance abusing juvenile and his/her family.

To date, 32 juveniles and 74 family members, for a total of 106 participants, have entered into the Juvenile & Family Drug Court Program. There have Continued on page 19

Campbell

Public Works

County

Engineering ~ Building ~ Planning~ Fleet Management~ Surveying~ Facilities~ Solid Waste Kevin C. King, P.E. began his duties as Director of Public Works in December, 2006.

Kevin is a Wyoming native graduating from Lander Valley High School in 1978 and obtained a civil engineering degree from Montana State University in 1982. His professional career has included designing large earth moving equipment for a Montana manufacture, designing bridges for WYDOT, providing technical assistance to Wyoming manufacturers through the University of Wyoming and consulting engineering for two Gillette firms. His family has called Gillette home since 1991 and feels fortunate to live in a great community with progressive thinking people. Kevin also serves as the Chair-elect for the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce.

Kevin is working hard in his new position and is excited to use his experience, expertise and desire to be the best public servant he can be.

Del Rae Cox, Senior Financial Specialist, was named one of two 2006 Employees of the Year. Del Rae is honored by this award and thrilled to share this distinction with Alice Ohman, Human Resource Risk Manager.

Other employees from the Public Works Department who were honored with Employee of the Month awards are: • August Lois Abrams, Planning Technician • September - Bruce Gordon, Maintenance Technician III • December - Phillip Giffin, P.E., Engineering Services Manager

ENGINEERING The purpose of the Engineering Division is: • Responsible for project development, design development, construction oversight and management, construction budgets and the remodeling and modifications to all capital facilities owned

by Campbell County.

value of land and buildings throughout Campbell County, to minimize the conflicts among the uses of land and buildings, and to safeguard the common interests of the public, the landowner and the subdivider.

Campbell County.

• To Provide Assistance And Information Regarding The Minimum Type Of Permitting And Inspections Required For The Type Of Construction And Use Of Buildings.

Planning points of interest:

• Delegated authority for small wastewater facilities, publicly owned sewage collection facilities, publicly owned water distribution facilities and publicly owned non-discharging treatment works as delegated by DEQ. • Provide services to Joint Powers Boards for construction of facilities that fall under these boards.

• Provide subdivision planning services.

• 2005–2006 Projects • Gillette Library Courtyard Enclosure • Public Health Facility Construction • Detention Center Expansion Design • Fire Station Design • Landfill Phase III Design • Landfill Sewer Project • Bicentennial Park Irrigation • Kluver Road Bike Path • Recluse Road Re-alignment • County Parking Lot Repairs • County Road Maintenance • County Facilities Maintenance With continued population growth, the Department of Public Works and its many divisions strive to ensure the best possible service available to the community.

The department works as a team to ensure community services are housed in safe, adequate facilities; that roads and dust control continue to be a high priority; and that the citizens of Campbell County receive the highest level of professionalism and knowledge available.

• 2004 most dense subdivision contained 22 lots • 2005 most dense subdivision contained 120 lots • 2006 largest subdivisions Approved or Pending: Lot Density containing: 97, 120, 104, 217, 606.

2006 Total Proposed/Approved Lots: 1,465

PLANNING The purpose of the Planning Division is: • To promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the present and future residents of campbell county.

• To establish reasonable standards for design and construction of subdivisions and re-subdivisions in order to promote harmonious layout and use of the land, and to insure accurate and legal descriptions and monumentation of subdivisions.

• To guide the public and private policy and action in order to provide adequate and convenient transportation, utilities, educational and other public facilities, parks, recreation, civil defense, fire protection, light and air.

• To minimize population and traffic congestion, air and water pollution, and flood damage resulting from inadequate land planning, including provisions for minimum area and width of lots and tracts, proper location and width of streets and roads, adequacy of water source and of sewage and solid waste disposal methods, and adequacy of drainage and flood control facilities.

• To protect and preserve the Page

18

The density of County Subdivisions has grown considerably over the years necessitating more time spent in research and reviewing these properties.

BUILDING and ZONING The Building and Zoning Division provides building inspection and zoning services to the residents of Campbell County who live outside the incorporated areas of Gillette and the Town of Wright.

The purpose of the Building and Zoning Division is:

• To Provide Information And Help Determine The Applicable Building Codes For New Construction, Additions, And Remodels And Provide Information Regarding The Appropriate Zoning For A Specific Use Of Property.

• To Issue Permits For The Minimum Building Standards Adopted In

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE Facilities Maintenance Division provides maintenance and custodial services for several Campbell County facilities.

Facilities Maintenance Care Locations Airport, Public Health New Facility, Bell Nob Golf Course (assist), Public Health Old Facility, Children's Developmental Services of CC, Radio Towers Courthouse (Maint. & Custodial), Recycle Center, Diesel Tech Center, Road & Bridge (Maint. & Custodial), Extension Office, Rockpile Museum, GARF House, Senior Citizens Center (Maint. & Custodial), George Amos Memorial Library (Maint. & Custodial), Sheriffís Office (assist), Gillette College, Weed & Pest, Libraries – Gillette & Wright, Wright Recreation Center, Ice Barn Arena, Wright Safety Building, Landfill, YES House Crisis Center, Parks & Recreation (assist).

The purpose of the Facilities Maintenance Division is: • To provide ongoing maintenance functions to county facilities.

• To develop and institute preventative maintenance programs to maximize the useful life of county facilities.

• To maintain clean, attractive and safe environments for county employees and the

general public.

• To identify and mitigate potential hazards in county Continued on page 19

Campbell Continued from page 18

facilities.

• Facilities maintenance points of interest: • Changed in 2005 from a facility based maintenance system to a centralized maintenance system.

• Manager plus software program was incorporated to track work orders, repair expenses, and scheduling of routine preventative maintenance.

• The program has proven to be an asset with time management and tracking of needs and services through out County facilities.

Utilizing this software will better enable the Division to better serve the needs of the facilities.

• To date there have been over 2,000 work orders completed at an approximate cost of $362,000 throughout County Facilities.

Vern Fundenberger joined the team as Facilities Manager on December 18, 2006.

Vern has worked for the County for 23 years as Airport Operations Manager, and we welcome his experience and expertise.

Public Works

final cover system, which incorporates the latest design techniques for preventing the infiltration of water into the closed landfill.

• Installed a Methane Extraction System to evacuate methane gas from the closed landfill, thus minimizing groundwater contamination and the build up of gas. ï In 2001, Landfill #2 was designed with a life expectancy of 12 years. Today, projected life expectancy is four years remaining.

• Employees work 10 to 12 hour days and struggle to keep up with the incoming waste stream. ï The bale field was recognized as the best in the state.

• Wyoming Solid Waste and Recycling Association has recognized the Landfill for having the best transfer station.

• The Landfill continues to adapt our operating procedures to facilitate new operating guidelines and new facilities.

• We strive to maintain consistency and accessibility for the community.

FLEET MANAGEMENT The purpose of the Fleet Management Division is: • to ensure a modern, efficient, and dependable fleet of vehicles is available to County agencies for use.

• to plan and develop a fleet for the future needs of the County.

Fleet Management points of interest:

• The Division currently has 11 vehicles available for agencies to check out.

These vehicles range from sedans to trucks to vans.

• Vehicle usage has grown from one vehicle traveling 618 miles in July, 2006, to eight vehicles traveling 3455 miles in December, 2006.

• Fleet vehicles were used 90 times in 2006, and traveled just over 13,000 miles.

• This division was authorized by the Board of Commissioners in 2006.

SOLID WASTE - LANDFILL The purpose of the Solid Waste Division is:

• To provide a modern, efficient system for baling and transferring solid waste from the bale station in gillette to the landfill north of gillette.

• To dispose of household hazardous waste and used oil.

• To provide a modern and efficient system to collect and recycle waste.

Solid

Waste interest:

Division

points

County RECYCLE PROGRAM Recycle program points of interest are: ï The Wyoming Solid Waste and Recycling Association has recognized the recycling operations as the best in the state. ï Recycling operations include household and industrial recycle materials. ï Campbell County has the largest recycling program in the State, thanks to the community commitment to recycling. ï Julie Ruff joined the County as Recycle Manager in October 2006. Julie has extensive experience with the Campbell County Recycle Program. She spent many years as a volunteer in the Recycle Center before accepting the position as manager. We are fortunate to have Julieís enthusiasm, expertise and dedication to the program and the community.

Open Invitation We invite you to visit with the Public Works Department and it's divisions at anytime. We have a talented and knowledgeable team who is dedicated in serving the County and the community

Campbell County

Public Works

of

500 S Gillette Ave, Ste 1400 685-8061

• The Landfill completed the final closure of Landfill #1 by constructing a

Campbell Continued from page 17

been many significant program successes:

• 43 participants have graduated (11 Juveniles and their families) • 100% juveniles are in high school, high school graduates or obtained their GED • 86% juveniles have improved academically • 81% juveniles have improved

Juvenile Probation

school attendance • 81% juveniles have decreased school discipline referrals • 90% juveniles report improved family relationships • 82% juvenile graduates have had no new offenses since graduation • 100% juveniles have been involved in an extra-curricular activity,

obtained • Employment or completed community service.

• 97% of the drug/alcohol testing has produced clean UA tests Although occasional setbacks

Campbell County

Juvenile Probation

500 S. Gillette Ave • 682-0746 Page

19

County

are inevitable, thus far the program has demonstrated its effectiveness in strengthening family bonds and decreasing substance abuse in a manner not equally seen in traditional juvenile probation.

In the year to come, the Juvenile Probation Staff will continue to work cooperatively with it’s juvenile service partners -- Department of Family Services, YES House, Personal Frontiers,

CCMH and local counseling agencies, School District, Law Enforcement and the County Attorney’s Office, toward our mutual goal of holding juveniles accountable and improving the quality of their lives. We continue to be thankful to the Campbell County Commissioners for their support of these essential juvenile programs.

Campbell

Public Library

Average Week

Campbell County Public Library and Wright Branch Library play special roles in the communities they serve. Within the buildings, opportunities are available to everyone regardless of age, ability, education or economic status.

Your libraries provide cultural resources, vital social spaces and reflect some of society’s noblest values: social justice, democracy, learning, creativity and curiosity.

Each year your libraries strive to improve the services they provide to Campbell County residents. Although the Gillette and Wright libraries enjoy wide community support and use, the Library Board of Trustees and staff are committed to reaching out to new users, to transforming pre-schoolers into avid readers, and to exceeding the already high level of customer service.

Following is a sampling of why your libraries are justifiably proud of their accomplishments in 2006.

The Biggest Accomplishment The remodel of the Gillette library this past year was the most obvious accomplishment of 2006.

The process presented many challenges along the way but, true to form, the outstanding staff at CCPL persevered.

Regular hours were maintained throughout the year. Dust everywhere, funny smells, loud banging, and moving, moving, moving wheeew. Thanks to you, the citizens of Campbell County, for continuing to visit your library in Gillette despite the mess. We, patrons as well as staff, lived through it, and now have a beautiful, cutting edge facility to call our own.

CCPL

WBL

Hours open to the public

63

46

Patrons e n t e r i n g library

3,276

557

New patrons registered

62

7

Items checked out

6,224

561

Items added to collection

343

7

Items loaned to 28 other libraries

5

Items sent to 64 our patrons

4

R e f e r e n c e 1,797 questions answered

122

Children’s programs

7

1

Children’s p r o g r a m attendance

253

33

Young Adult 3 programs

.17

Young Adult 146 p r o g r a m attendance

.57

A d u l programs

t

3

.11

Adult program attendance

3

2.42

Hours internet terminals used

1,176

96

Meeting room usage

12

1

Outreach patrons visited

17

N/A

Minilibrar y patrons

22

Minilibrar y items checked out

155

N/A N/A

There is no such thing as an “average” week at the library!

But if we take some of the annual service totals and divide them by 52, we get an idea of how much our communities use Campbell County Public Library and Wright Branch Library each week.

and 43 part time employees.

With such a high number of part time employees, the smooth operation of the library is only made possible by teamwork. In addition to regular duties, staff members volunteer each year to serve on various committees that contribute to the safety, opportunities, and overall atmosphere offered to patrons who visit their library.

STEP Committee: Have you ever thought about what would happen at the library in the event of an emergency? We have.

The CCPL Staff Training for Emergency Procedures (STEP) committee has created guidelines to assist staff members in dealing with medical emergencies; building emergencies such as power failure, fire, or severe weather; unsupervised children; or boisterous patrons. Becky

Nichols, CCPL Circulation Services, has chaired this committee for the past eight years.

Nichols and her committee have carefully thought of scenarios of all types and created procedures for each. The idea is to prepare staff and make situations less alarming by knowing appropriate actions to take. Thanks to the detailed efforts of this committee, rest assured that any emergency, large or small, will be handled professionally at your library.

The Rest of the Story...

Technology Team: The Impressive numbers, to be Technology Team was established sure. But in order to achieve such in 2002 in an effort to assure that numbers dedicated staff members our library patrons have access who strive for excellence at to cutting edge technology. Terri Lesley, CCPL every turn are Senior Financial necessary. The Campbell County Specialist, has CCPL staff is chaired this made up of 2101 South 4J Road • 682-3223 committee since 22 full time its inception and employees

Public Library

Page

20

County

with their guidance, your libraries have purchased equipment and software that many patrons would not otherwise have the opportunity to use. Lesley has lead this committee with the passionate belief that libraries must provide access to the newest technology for all.

Web Team: Did you know you can sign up for a library card online? Did you know you can look for a book, put it on hold, or renew a book online? Did you know you can check out events that are happening at your libraries online?

CCPLS’ web site came in to existence in 1996 due to a visionary staff member who was of the mind set that your libraries must be leading the way into the future.

Part of that vision included establishing www. ccpls.org. That vision is currently being carried on by committee chair Jackie Darnall, who is also the circulation manager at CCPL. The Web Team carefully reviews your library system’s website for content and provides input for making the site easy to navigate while providing information pertinent to our users.

Marketing Team: Did you see this month’s library calendar in your newspaper? Or perhaps you picked it up at a local business.

Maybe you heard about a class offered at your library on the radio. Did you receive a packet of library information when you signed up for a library card?

All of those things are a result of efforts from the CCPLS Marketing Team. The purpose of this committee is to make your

libraries your first thought when you need a question answered or need a safe place to “hang out.”

Gen Schlekeway, CCPL Public Relations Specialist, chairs this committee. Schlekeway is a parttime employee and without the help of staff members volunteering for this committee, her job would be much more difficult. The team was responsible for the establishment of a new CCPL logo several years ago and was more recently involved in the creation of the Welcome Packet all new patrons receive along

with their new library card.

The packet won a 2006 American Library Association “Best of Show” award. Another example of the amazing teamwork that goes on behind the scenes at your libraries.

Christmas Decorating Committee: Weren’t the libraries decorated simply elegantly this past holiday season? Peggy Bloxham, CCPLS Financial Specialist, and Debbie Eberle, CCPL Administrative Assistant, co-chaired this committee this year. The Library Foundation, Inc. provided funds for decorations, including the beautiful poinsettias, and Bloxham and Eberle directed staff in creating soothing holiday atmospheres at your libraries. Thanks to their efforts, the hustle and bustle of the season was eased just a bit by a visit to your library.

National Library Week Committee: Did you have the chance to enjoy a free cup of gourmet coffee provided by The Library Foundation at CCPL last April? Or perhaps you had a cookie or two, also provided

by The Foundation. Maybe you Continued on page 21

Campbell

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Continued from page 20

enjoyed some live music or came and shared your poetry a couple of years ago? National Library Week is celebrated each year in April with various events in an effort to introduce or reintroduce the community to the vast array of opportunities available at your libraries. Although chaired by Gen Schlekeway, two long-term committee members Debbie Eberle and Mary Gillis, CCPL

Campbell

an amazing variety of events that have educated, amazed, and entertained patrons over the years. Look for more outstanding events coming this April.

Reference Specialist, have led this rotating committee for the past six years. They have organized

County Committees: In addition to CCPLS committees, staff members represent the library on various county-wide committees. Debbie Eberle is a member of the Employee Recognition committee, Terri

County

Lesley is chairperson of the Personnel Committee, Lyle Fogle and Terry Hurley, CCPL Maintenance Staff, are members of the Safety Committee, Marcia Cheney, CCPL Children’s Librarian, is a member of the Wellness Committee, and the library is represented on the Web Page Committee by Julie Berentson, CCPL Information Technology Specialist.

Again, the impressive statistics

are only made possible by the outstanding staff at Campbell County Public Library and Wright Branch Library. It is through their efforts that your libraries helped improve your world in 2006. 2007 promises more improvements as we continue to exceed your expectations on our mission “to provide diverse cultural opportunities for reading, learning and entertainment to all citizens of our community.”

Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services continued to stay busy throughout the year.

The staff completed a number of projects, and added several enhancements to the County’s data and telecommunications network. The network has grown to include 23 departments in 18 different physical locations. The ITS staff now maintains 20 different servers, 12 phone systems, and supports over 400 end user computers.

The organization of the department consists of three Network Support Analysts, three System Support Analysts, four Programming Support Analysts, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, an Administrative Assistant, and the department manager. Personnel changes saw Phil Harvey accepting the managerial position of the department in February, and in July, Dustin Cooper joined the Network Support team.

Coleen Winterholler, our Administrative Assistant, continued her work to update user files for software and hardware tracking, including license distribution for our transition to the Microsoft Office Suite.

She was instrumental in the reorganization of storage for hardware in the new high density storage area. She is also taking part in the research of a bar coding system to improve asset tracking.

The staff of the programming department successfully completed a number of projects this year. Nicki Lindahl is currently developing the new Land Records Management System software for the County Clerk’s office.

She also worked closely with the

Campbell County

Info Tech. Services

500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 2500 687-6470

Elections Office and the State to assist with voter data transfers, thus assuring data integrity between our database and that of the State. In addition, she also wrote numerous reports throughout the year; two reports of significance include one for the Victim Witness Office to comply with state standards, and one for Juvenile Probation to track statistics on drug testing results.

Bob Overman was able to capture the motor vehicle Veteran’s Exemption information for 2005 to populate the new Veteran’s Exemption database being developed at the State level. He also converted the motor vehicle, mobile machinery, and temporary registration forms from a continuous form output to a more modern laser form.

Due to changes in data formats mandated by the State, Rocky Marquiss was forced to quickly learn new software in order to complete data conversions from one system to another. This enabled the County to get tax notices out on time. He also completed the upgrade of the County’s iSeries mainframe as well as rHhesearched, designed and made significant progress towards electronic check printing.

The System Support group performed research on special projects, and provided support to specialized systems, all while continuing to provide help desk support to the County’s users. Beth Kirsch was instrumental in overseeing a number of projects involving our financial software this year. In July, she facilitated the upgrade process of our financial software package. She then attended the Oracle Open World conference in San Francisco, and spoke on our experience with the upgrade process. She also started offering training for new JD Edwards (JDE) users on a semi-monthly basis, and recently attended ASC Sequel training to facilitate Page

the downloading of financial reports for users.

Vicki Burden played a key role in the research and analysis of an electronic agenda package that we hope to implement in the upcoming year. She also upgraded our current inventory software package, and assisted in the distribution of new computers, monitors, and printers.

Rhonda Larmer placed a new Fully Automated Courts Transaction System (FACTS) server into production, and coordinated the upgrade of its database engine. She wrote several reports for various County offices, and assisted the Victim Witness office with a project to covert commonly used forms into Spanish.

She also acted as the liaison between the State, the University of Wyoming, and the Victim Witness office for a new WyoSafe program used to record statistics.

The Network Support team was laden with multiple projects this past year. One of Steve Danaher’s first projects was an upgrade of the county’s email system. This project was completed almost flawlessly with virtually zero service disruption.

Throughout the remainder of the year, he replaced several aging file servers, as well as built and installed the new ArcGIS server. He also worked to redesign the public networks at both the Gillette and Wright Libraries. This new network topology simplifies the network design, and eliminates the need to multi-home computers and printers.

On the telecommunications side, Mike Porter was kept busy with numerous installations. He installed phone systems at the Wright Branch Library, Bell Nob Golf Course, and the Airport, as well as oversaw the installation of a new phone system and upgraded telephone connectivity at CAMPLEX. He took the lead on network and telephone installations for Public Health, 21

County

which included moving them into their new building. At almost the same time, he coordinated the temporary move of the Public Defender’s network and telephone equipment. Other projects of note included connecting the Bicentennial Park shop to the county network, installation of a new backbone switch for the County’s voice and data network, and implementing protocols to converge the voice and data networks.

This will ultimately lead to the utilization of Voice Over IP (VoIP), which will save the County money by using the existing data network for its voice communications.

Cathy Raney, our GIS Coordinator, deployed two mobile mapping pilot projects this year; the first is an implementation of mobile mapping applications for the Sheriff’s deputies to use in their vehicles. The second is a mobile mapping application for Public Health. Included in this application is a routing function that allows the nurses to plan their home visit routes throughout the County much more efficiently. A future project for GIS will involve scanning and spatially enabling Road Bore Application forms, and Road Approach Application forms for the Road & Bridge Department. This will allow Road and Bridge staff to track changes made to county roads, and maintain a historical record of these changes.

Our web designer, Justin Penning, was able to successfully configure local hosting on our ArcGIS server. This server provides general GIS information, such as property information, administrative boundaries, and transportation information. He also completed a number of webpage redesigns for the County Attorney, the Airport, Public Health, and the Human Resources department. These pages, as well as other County information, are available on the County website at http://www.ccgov.net

Campbell The County Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of criminal offenses occurring in Campbell County and represents and advises the various county entities in civil matters.

The County Attorney’s Office is located in the basement of the Courthouse.

Jeani Stone was re-elected Campbell County Attorney in 2006 and has completed her first four year term. Bill Edelman serves as the Chief Deputy Attorney. Jack Sundquist, Charlene Edwards, Carol Seeger, Bill Eichelberger, Will Bierman, Wendy Bartlett and Christi Williams served as Deputy County & Prosecuting Attorneys. Support staff during 2006 included Myrna Clark, Lyla Fevold, Jessica DeMott, Toni Ellis, Carolyn Waldrop, Sandy Wilder, Debra Jennings, Jackie Adair, Lorene Stricker, Heather Carnahan, Gail Eliasson, Danalynne Miller, Doug Marler, Sarah Roberts, Cindy Erickson, Nancy Knox-Bierman, Teresa Kirkpatrick and Jody McGee. Cherilyn Thompson, Monica Eskew and Renee Proffitt comprise the Crime Victim Office staff in the County Attorney’s Office.

The County Attorney’s Office supervises the Campbell County and City of Gillette Juvenile Diversion, Teen Intervention and Early Age Intervention Programs. The Juvenile Diversion Office staff consists of Erica Wood, Jimmy Hilliard, Janet Vaccari and Officer Randy Monk of the Gillette Police Department.

2006 STATISTICS During 2006, the County Attorney’s Office prosecuted 198 felony offenders, who were charged with approximately 444 felony counts. The numbers were roughly the same number of defendants as the year previous, however, roughly one hundred more counts against those defendants. slightly up from last year.

The Deputy County Attorneys assigned to District Court had 7 jury trials, with five guilty convictions, one not guilty and one defendant who failed to appear.

In addition, the felony attorneys filed 88 probation revocations, down from 103 the previous year. In addition, there were 8,523 misdemeanor offenses in 2006, an increase of roughly 1,300 offenses from the year before of 7,254. During 2006, law enforcement recruitment of officers appear to have helped in the prosecution of criminal offenses in Campbell County, reflecting the increase in traffic related offenses being cited. During 2006, 680 individuals were charged with Driving While Under the Influence, an increase from the year previous of 540 Driving

Attorney’s Office County

While Under the Influence defendants. removed from their parents’ care as a The Deputy County Attorneys assigned result of neglect due to methamphetamine to Circuit Court participated in 18 jury exposure during 2006. In August 2006, trials, up from 13 the year previous. Karla Perez-Molina was charged with Wendy Bartlett and Christi Williams Aggravated Vehicular Homicide in the prosecuted individuals appearing in front death of her two year old daughter, of the Honorable William S. Edwards and alleging that she was intoxicated at Honorable Terrill R. Tharp. There were the time she was driving. In October, 235 new Juvenile Court cases in 2006, LaDonna Carothers was charged with an increase of 4 from the previous year. Aggravated Vehicular Homicide resulting Of the 235 new juvenile cases, 92 were in the death of Madison Scalzo, alleging for delinquency, 28 for child in need of that she was intoxicated at the time supervision, 30 for neglect, 54 for probation she was driving. Trials are pending in revocations, and 31 contempt of courts. In both matters. In 2006, the County, 2006, the County Attorney’s Office filed City, Town of Wright and Hospital began more juveniles into Juvenile Court for looking at the feasibility of an inpatient delinquent acts and fewer as Child in treatment facility in Campbell County.

Need of Supervision and Neglect Petitions A multi-agency committee is forming than the previous year. More probation to discuss the issue more thoroughly in violations and contempt allegations were upcoming months. The County Attorney’s filed against those in Juvenile Court for Office continues to actively participate non-compliance. In 2006, the Campbell in the Adult Drug Court and Juvenile County Detention Center continued to and Family Drug Court Programs. Jack see ever increasing numbers of inmates, Sundquist serves as the Adult Drug Court with the influx of new people into the representative and Charlene Edwards community. Plans for an expanded county serves on the Juvenile and Family Drug jail are moving forward at this time. Court team.

The Civil Department continued to be AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS, busy, advising the various county entities, VIOLENT OFFENSES & PROPERTY collecting delinquent taxes, and handling CRIMES During 2006, the County involuntary commitment proceedings.

Attorney’s Office filed aggravated assault ALCOHOL, METHAMPHETAMINE on 26 defendants, which alleged threats & OTHER DRUG RELATED ACTIVITY of using drawn deadly weapons, serious With the prevalence of drug and alcohol bodily injury, or attempts at serious bodily abuse in Campbell County, the courts injury. Alcohol and controlled substance and Campbell County Attorney’s Office abuse were seen in a number of these were overwhelmed with the devastating offenses. In August 2006, the County toll those substances have upon this Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department community. In June 2006, 330 pounds successfully prosecuted Christopher of marijuana was recovered by the Hicks in the Conspiracy to Commit First Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Degree Murder of Jeremy Forquer and in a stop of a vehicle, making it the Conspiracy and First Degree Murder of largest drug bust in county history. The Bryce Chavers following a capital murder County Attorney’s Office continues to jury trial. The jury imposed life without prosecute individuals under the Drug parole for Christopher Hicks. In addition, Endangered Child criminal statute which Jacob Martinez plead guilty to Conspiracy took effect in July, 2004. From July, and First Degree Murder in the deaths 2004 through December, 2004, four of Bryce Chavers and Jeremy Forquer. individuals were prosecuted for exposing Michael Seiser plead guilty to Accessory their children to methamphetamine. In after the Fact to First Degree Murder in the 2005, 29 individuals were charged under death of Jeremy Forquer and Conspiracy the Drug Endangered Child criminal and Second Degree Murder in the death statute and in 2006, 15 individuals were of Bryce Chavvers. Sentencing is pending charged under the statute. Through for Michael Seiser and Jacob Martinez. In collaboration with local law enforcement November, 2006, the jury returned guilty agencies and the Department of Family verdicts for Kent Proffit Sr. for Conspiracy Services, both criminal and First Degree Murder and neglect petitions have of Jeremy Forquer. Jury Campbell County been filed on parents who trial is pending for Kent expose their children Proffit, Sr. involving the 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste B200 to methamphetamine. death and alleged sexual 682-4310 Seventeen children were assault of Bryce Chavers.

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SEXUAL ASSAULTS, SEXUAL OFFENDERS & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE During 2006, 12 defendants were charged with first, second, or third degree sexual assaults compared with 17 in 2005. In addition, 3 cases were filed as sexual battery and 3 were filed as indecent liberties with a minor. In 2006, state legislators began focusing more on sexual offenders and penalties after attention to Wyoming was raised by national news programs on how Wyoming is dealing with these individuals. Bill Edelman, Chief Deputy County & Prosecuting Attorney was responsible for sex offender assessments and classifying sixteen sexual offenders in 2006. There are currently 6 pending classification hearings. There are 81 registered sex offenders in Campbell County.

In 2006, 234 domestic violence victims were served by the County Attorney’s Office, compared to 239 domestic violence victims the year previous.

These offenses included Family Violence Battery, Stalking and Protection Order Violations. In addition, 9 felony battery family violence charges were filed in 2006, compared to two in 2005. Wendy Bartlett and Christi Williams were the Deputy County Attorneys primarily responsible for the successful prosecution of domestic violence incidents. Domestic violence dismissal rates have remained consistent throughout the past several years, with the number one reason for a dismissal being a lack of cooperation by the victim.

CRIME VICTIM OFFICE Cherilyn Thompson, Monica Eskew and Renee Proffitt, Crime Victim Witness Coordinators for the County Attorney’s Office, were responsible for assisting victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process. The Crime Victim/ Witness Coordinators are instrumental in collecting restitution information from victims of criminal acts. The Circuit and District Court continue to enforce and collect restitution orders for victims.

During 2006, the Crime Victim Office worked diligently on raising awareness in the community of the various services available to victims.

JUVENILE CASES Jeani Stone, Charlene Edwards and William Eichelberger prosecuted juvenile cases in 2006. Juvenile court cases involve neglected and delinquent children and children in need of supervision. There were 235 juvenile cases that proceeded Continued on page 23

Campbell Continued from page 22

in juvenile court, compared to 231 in 2005 and 177 in 2004. Of those, 92 were delinquent children, compared to 78 delinquents in 2005; 28 children in need of supervision, compared to 39 children in need of supervision in 2005; 30 neglect proceedings, compared to 48 neglect proceedings in 2005; 54 revocation proceedings, compared to 41 revocations in 2005 and 31 contempt of court proceedings, compared to 25 contempt of court proceedings in 2004.

Court ordered treatment, counseling, probation, community service and the importance of education are emphasized in juvenile court. Neglect cases resulting from parents under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or who have exposed their children to the potentially fatal ingredients in methamphetamine continued to be prevalent in 2006, and of the 30 neglect cases, nine were specifically related to methamphetamine abuse by parents. In 2006, the County Attorney’s Office saw more juvenile crime involving unauthorized use of motor vehicles, with several juveniles being charged into juvenile court after taking a number of vehicles in the community. To date, the Juvenile and Family Drug Court program have had 43 participants and their families successfully complete the program and 26 who are currently in the program.

CIVIL DEPARTMENT Carol Seeger, Deputy County and Prosecuting Attorney, handled the majority of civil issues for the County Attorney’s Office. The Civil Department was busy during 2006, advising the County Commission on issues ranging from road issues, delinquent tax collection, bankruptcy collection for the county, joint boards, and joint dispatch negotiations, to name a few. In 2006, Deputy County Attorney Bill Eichelberger, who was appointed as a special assistant Attorney General, and successfully obtained a civil forfeiture order from the District Court allowing roughly 330 items deemed to be ‘drug paraphernalia’ with the Hip Hop Hippie store in Gillette to be destroyed. In addition, Charlene Edwards advises the Sheriff’s Department on various issues, including jail policies and procedures. The County and City continue to discuss the possibility of a joint dispatch center and the County Attorney’s Office continues to be involved in those discussions. Carol Seeger handles the Title 25 involuntary commitment hearings involving individuals who were suffering from a mental illness who posed

Attorney’s Office County

a danger to themselves or others and who required court ordered treatment. During 2006, there were 103 individuals detained on Title 25 involuntary holds, compared to 79 in 2005, with 9 of them resulting in Title 25 actions being filed, compared to 10 the previous year.

COMMITTMENT TO THE SYSTEM The County Attorney’s Office actively participates on the Sexual Assault Response Team, Child Protection Team, Adult Drug Court, Juvenile & Family Drug Court, Child Support Authority Board, Campbell County Community Corrections Board, Underage Drinking Coalition, and Coalition Promoting a Drug-Free Community, to name a few.

COLLABORATION OF EFFORTS During 2006, several agencies have assisted the Campbell County Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of criminal offenses. The Campbell County Attorney’s Office acknowledges the cooperation and excellent job done by the Gillette Police Department, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Division of Criminal Investigation, Campbell County Fire Department, Gillette Abuse Refuge Foundation and the Department of Family Services in the investigation of cases and assistance given to the County Attorney’s Office.

JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAM The Juvenile Diversion Program’s mission statement is to turn mistakes made by first time juvenile offenders into an educational opportunity and decrease recidivism of criminal activity. The Juvenile Diversion Program focuses on modifying a juvenile offender’s thinking patterns, curtail their criminal activity, improve school performance, improve parent/child communication, boost selfesteem and encourage positive decision making. The Program offers juveniles a record of no conviction if they complete the six to twelve month probation program under the supervision of the Diversion Officers. The Juvenile Diversion Program is a collaboration between the County Attorney’s Office, Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and Gillette Police Department. The Juvenile Diversion Team consists of Erica Wood, Jimmy Hilliard, and Gillette Police Officer Randy Monk.

Janet Vaccari serves as the Office Assistant.

David Anderson is the Community Service Supervisor who works closely with this program. To be accepted into the Juvenile Diversion Program, juveniles must meet eligibility requirements and complete a Page

screening process. Youth who have not been convicted of a previous crime and who otherwise qualify for the program must submit to random drug and alcohol testing, maintain a curfew, complete a corrective thinking course, community service, maintain good grades, and often times seek outside counseling services.

Statistics revealed that since the program’s inception in September, 1999 through December, 2006, 2,940 juveniles have been screened. Of those, the program has admitted 628 juveniles. In 2006, 116 juveniles participated in the program, with 57 juveniles completing, 19 failing, and 40 juveniles still in the program.

The juvenile diversion program has a 91.4% percent success rate for juveniles completing the program.

57% of juveniles who failed juvenile diversion in 2004, 2005 and 2006, 75 of them failed due to drug or alcohol use while on the program and 25% failed due to not complying with program rules or committing a new criminal offense.

The Diversion Program utilizes corrective thinking, a theory based on Dr. Stanton Samenow, which focus on decision making skills within youth and retraining the thinking process of youth to hold “themselves” more accountable for their actions.

The Juvenile Diversion Program is currently in its sixth year of operation and

is seeing remarkable gains in changing criminal thinking and reducing recidivism.

The Diversion Officers’ backgrounds are unique to many other programs in the United States as ours has both members of law enforcement and those trained in counseling. A key component of the program is to improve communication within the family. In addition, education and maintaining grades are emphasized and improved following the corrective thinking class and the diversion program.

The Juvenile Diversion Officers continue to participate in Camp Postcard, a week long camp which works with at-risk 23

youth. During 2006, 12 at-risk fifth and sixth graders are invited and attend Camp Postcard with the Diversion Officers EARLY AGE INTERVENTION & TEEN INTERVENTION PROGRAMS In addition to the Diversion Program, an Early Age Intervention component is also available to youth 5-12 years of age, who are experiencing difficulty in school and are exhibiting disruptive behaviors.

The program focuses on parenting, anger management, conflict resolution, and self esteem. Youth do not have to be involved in the court system to benefit from the services of the Early Age Intervention Program. The Early Age Intervention Program encourages parents to attend parenting classes and counseling with their child. Contact with the school, siblings and parents is a key component of the program. Involvement in community activities is explored. In addition, many juveniles in the Diversion, Early Age and Teen Intervention Programs participate at the local community garden. The Early Age Intervention Program has assisted 79 youth and their families since the inception of the Early Age Program. Nine juveniles were admitted to the program in 2006. Three juveniles failed to complete the program. The program has had a 75 percent success rate for juveniles successfully completing. During the past year, the Early Age Program has been short staffed due to a shuffling of the law enforcement officer assigned to the program, back to the street, resulting in fewer children being admitted into the program this past year. In January, 2007, the program has become fully staffed again, and is admitting children who are currently on the waiting list for the program.

In late fall 2005, the Diversion Program developed and began the Teen Intervention Program which is designed to help at-risk juveniles who are exhibiting out-of-control behaviors. To date, there have been eight juveniles and their families who have participated in the Teen Intervention Program.

Both Juvenile Diversion and Early Age Intervention Program work closely with the Campbell County School District, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, Gillette Police Department, and the Campbell County Attorney’s Office.

Campbell The Adult Drug Court Program is funded through grants provided through the State of Wyoming and Campbell County. The Adult Drug Court Program operates under the supervision of a board. The Adult Drug Court staff includes Kathy Williams, Coordinator; Doug Marler, Drug Court Administrative Assistant; and Jon Mau, Drug Court Case Manager.

The Adult Drug Court is a courtsponsored intensive, supervised rehabilitation program that provides an alternative to traditional incarceration and sentencing. Drug courts integrate alcohol and substance abuse treatment with the criminal justice system. The program utilizes intensive supervised probation, electronic monitoring, regular drug and alcohol testing and a Campbell County

Adult Drug Court

500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 2500 687-6470

comprehensive counseling component to address the underlying causes of alcohol and substance abuse.

Participants are required to attend Court regularly where they are held accountable by the judge. Positive behaviors are rewarded, while relapses are dealt with quickly and effectively through the court system. The program deals with all aspects of an offender’s life, including mental health, family and employment, with the hope of modifying the offender’s behavior and reducing recidivism of alcohol and substance abuse offenses. All participants are gainfully employed and contribute to the cost of the program.

Campbell County Adult Drug Court is unique in that it deals with just felony offenses, including Driving While Under the Influence and Delivery and Possession of a Controlled Substances.

DRUG COURT SCREENING As of December 31, 2006 1,403 met the criteria to participate 96 have been

Campbell The Campbell County Fire Department (CCFD) is responsible for the delivery of emergency services for all of Campbell County, the City of Gillette, WY, and the Town of Wright, WY. Management for the department is supervised by a Joint Powers Fire Board which is comprised of four appointees from Campbell County, two from the City of Gillette, and one from the Town of Wright.

The fire department provides fire suppression, hazardous materials response, wildland operations, technical rescue, and a countywide first responder program.

CCFD is organized and managed as a combination fire department.

The fire department has 22 full-time employees who support the efforts of 180 volunteers. Three of our employees are assigned

Adult drug Court

admitted, 20 are still active in the program, 16 were active in the program but failed & “dropped out”, 60 have graduated Adult Drug Court, began in January, 2002 and since its inception has screened 1,403 clients who were program eligible. Ninety-six clients have been accepted into the program, with 60 successfully completing the program. Of the 60 graduates, nine of them have been re-arrested for a drug or alcohol related offenses. Preliminary statistics indicate that the Adult Drug Court program is effective in changing behaviors and indicate overall achievement of drug court clients.

In late 2006, the Adult Drug Court Program began exploring ways to

Crime Investigation.

Administrative services including Building Inspections, Community Safety training classes, Public Education, and Emergency Response are driven by the growing amount of population within the community. In 2005 CCFD responded to more than 2,004 calls.

Emergency responses increased by 26% year-over-year in 2006. Since 2004 emergency responses have increased 38%.

A significant contributor to the increase in responses in 2006 was the above-average number of wildland fires.

CCFD Emergency Response History Response statistics reveal that our busiest days of the week for emergency responses are Tuesdays and Saturdays (both Page

establish a DWUI Drug Court model that would address the specific needs of individuals with alcohol addictions.

During the past several years, the current program began targeting primarily felony Drug offenses. With 20 active participants, all of which are felony drug related, in the Drug Court program, it became evident that there was a need for a DWUI Court to focus on misdemeanor and felony alcohol charges. Once up and running, this court will serve the 6th Judicial District, which includes Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties.

On July 17, 2006, Governor Dave Freudenthal spoke at a Drug Court graduation where he commended the program and graduates for their success. There were eight graduates at that graduation, the largest class to date. Each graduate was required to speak and indicate the change in their life.

fire Department

to the newly created Business Management Office, two are assigned to the maintenance facility and are responsible for the department’s 87 vehicles which are assigned to ten structural stations and other rural locations throughout the county, two firefighters are assigned to Wright, WY, and the remaining fifteen positions are assigned to emergency operations in Gillette.

The staff of career firefighters is divided into three shifts providing emergency services Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In additional to their emergency responsibilities, each career firefighter provides specialty services consisting of Inspections, Investigations, Public Education, Firefighter and Industrial Training, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Preplanning, Logistics, Wildland Management, and Environmental

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days averaged 378 calls per day).

Mondays were the next busiest with 368 calls. The busiest hours of the day were 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. (each with 168 calls), and 6:00 p.m. with 160 calls.

Construction is now underway for a new CCFD main fire station at 106 Rohan Avenue. Ground breaking for construction took place this past fall, and it is estimated that the new headquarters will be completed

by February of 2008.

The new fire station is designed to accommodate the business offices and provide a productive work environment.

Provisions also include a public education and safety awareness

classroom, and sleeping quarters to offer the public better service with 24-hour coverage. Our goal is to maintain one four person shift on duty in the evening and weekends which is comprised of two career and two volunteer emergency responders.

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emergencies.

One of the keys to maintaining a healthy combination fire system is the availability of space that is attractive and comfortable for volunteers to socialize. These accommodations, contained on the second floor, will also allow for enhanced opportunities for our extended families to interact.

The new station will also assist in attracting increased volunteer participation by offering a number of shift coverage options to meet the various response requirements.

The board is currently considering a station renovation and/or replacement plan for other stations in and around the Gillette area. Of particular concern is the high rate of growth in southern Gillette and the adjacent county coverage areas.

Division Reports In 2006, the CCFD Training Division provided over 250 training opportunities to CCFD members for a combined total of 6,740 man-hours of training.

This training included basic skills training in structural and wildland firefighting, advanced level training for firefighters and fire officers, and specialized training in the areas of hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, helicopter operations, and response to terrorism events.

The Training Division also provides annual basic fire safety and fire extinguisher training to approximately 2,000 individuals from local industry, predominately from the methane gas, and coal industries. The goal of this training is to allow for better decision making in the event of an emergency within these industries. This results in fewer employee injuries, faster reporting of an emergency with

Campbell County

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200 Rohan Ave • 682-5319

fire Department

accurate information regarding location and what has occurred, and employees at their workplace who have the knowledge to either attempt to fight a fire, or evacuate and wait for emergency responders.

The Inspection Division is responsible for visually inspecting local businesses, daycare facilities, and public schools to insure that they comply with the adopted fire codes and are safe for the general public to use.

CCFD employs two inspectors to check all the businesses within the city, county, and the Town of Wright and to administer preconstruction plan reviews.

The local business community can expect to see a complete fire engine company performing a number of these inspections this year. They will not only check these buildings for fire code compliance, but they will also gather critical preplanning information regarding these buildings, their occupants, any special hazards, and special needs.

This information should soon be available to the Incident Command Officer from a remote data terminal within his/her command vehicle. The immediate access to this kind of information will greatly assist firefighters and rescue personnel to make timely decisions while handling an emergency in a particular facility.

Public Education provides information and planned activities to improve community awareness regarding the prevention of fires and enhancement of fire safety. Increasingly, our Public Education division focuses on all hazardous in an attempt to improve the general and overall safety of the public.

During 2006, our Public Education personnel sponsored 64 classes for children as well as selected segments of the adult population. Those classes were provided for 476 adults and 2,458 children in grades Kindergarten through the 6th grade. We also

County

participated in six festivals and safety day events in addition to handing out safety materials to another 4,500 individuals.

Firefighters also conducted numerous station tours for civic groups and school children.

Other Public Education activities included reading dates in the grade schools, making Station 1 available as a juvenile probation worksite for community offenders, and sponsoring a formal mentorship program for high school students interested in the fire services.

supporter of the community Fourth of July activities with the morning pancake feed at Fire Station 1 and the water fights at Bicentennial Park.

The pancake feed raised $1,777 after expenses; these funds assist local families who lose their homes due to fires.

• CCFD Honor Guard coordinated the community 911 Remembrance Service at the Alan Mickelson Training Center.

The Campbell County Cadet program has twenty young adults ranging from the 7th grade through high school. These young individuals actively participate in training, assist with fire station duties, and help with logistics at emergency scenes.

Their total time commitment to the department this year exceeded a combined 5,000 hours.

Some of the non-emergency response activities that CCFD career and volunteer personnel are involved with each year are listed as follows:

In 2006 our Wildland Division responded to 249 wildland calls which consumed nearly 20,000 acres of grasslands and timber, and CCFD also assisted with a number of large fires in surrounding communities. One of the more significant challenges in the upcoming years will be the management of wildland responses in urban interface areas. A fire that is started by lightning out in the middle of the prairie requires a lot less equipment and personnel than the same fire that is located in the proximity of a rural subdivision.

Firefighters will be working with the county to enhance awareness of wildfires and preventative ways to minimize property damages.

Campbell County Fire Department continues to be a host for the Wyoming Regional Response Team Number 1 which is designed to respond to large hazardous material incidents or the aftermath of large weather related incidents within the five northeastern Wyoming counties (including Sheridan, Johnson, Campbell, Crook and Weston counties). This unit is funded by the Wyoming Homeland Security Division, and the primary team members are provided by the fire department and are supported by qualified individuals from all communities within the response area.

• The CCFD Tree Burn is a fundraiser that benefits a local family who may have exceptional medical bills from an accident or illness. Firefighters collect Christmas trees after the holiday and ask for a donation. This year those efforts raised $7,800.

• The annual Muscular Dystrophy Fill the Boot drive was successful again this year; it raised over $9,800.

• The CCFD Relay for Life team collected $2,500 for this most worthy community cause.

• Our Chili Cook-Off Team did not place this year, but it contributed to the indigestion of the attendees with 36 quarts of its home brewed chili.

• CCFD continues to be strong Page

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CCFD Volunteers The amount of time that volunteers have to participate in the fire department is negatively

affected by the soaring growth rate of our community. It also stresses the response activity of the volunteer. They are afforded less freedom by their employer to assist on significant community emergencies, and they put in more overtime at work which in turn severely limits their time to be active in the fire department.

CCFD has formally tracked the amount of time that volunteers have contributed since 1996. A special study determined that our volunteers contributed an average of 31,051 hours over a three-year period. This included several years of normal wildland fire seasons. Available volunteer time has dropped every year since it peaked at 36,000 hours in 2002.

One answer that could offset the time loss is to actually increase the number of volunteers through a Diversification Plan.

This concept would allow for individuals to volunteer without necessarily being frontline firefighters. Their talents might be used in a variety of ways including volunteer fundraiser activities, tractor trailer operators that transport water, oversight of logistic operations, dispatching, or Hazardous Material specialists who are not required to wear protective clothing and/or self contained breathing apparatus.

This plan could add as many as twenty new volunteers to the department each year for the next three years.

2007 Department Goals Objectives

and

The fire department has four significant goals for 2007.

• 1. A concentrated effort to recruit new volunteers with a Diversification Plan, • 2. Develop a comprehensive fire station renovation/ replacement plan, • 3. Review and recommend changes/improvements to our wildland services, and • 4. Evaluate existing services to ensure they meet the needs of the community.

Campbell The University of Wyoming Campbell County Extension Service provides educational information and programs in the areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Youth, Horticulture and Cent$ible Nutrition. The Campbell County Extension Office is located at 1000 South Douglas Highway.

Janet Thompson, Extension Office Horticulture Program Coordinator There were many events that took place this last year concerning horticulture. A booth at the annual Ag day held at Cam-Plex taught children about worms and how they can be beneficial. The Master Gardeners had a booth at the Home Show and many people stopped by for information.

There were ten people who graduated from the Master Gardener course. Several of them have put in their voluntary hours already. The Master Gardeners are also doing filming for Gillette Public Access television (GPA).

The segments air on Channel 31 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at about 5:00-5:30 p.m. The seedling tree sale was very successful and the Community Garden had a terrific year.

In spite of a slow start, the Farmer’s Market had several vendors a few Saturdays later.

The Farmer’s Market starts the first week-end in August and goes through September, or until the first killing frost. The Master Gardeners had Mark Winland do a “Walk on the Wild Side,” showing us edible plants. In addition, there were presentations on herbs, greenhouse management, and xeric plants.

Jessica Gladson, 4-H and Youth Educator On October 2, 2006, Jessica Gladson joined the Extension Office staff as a 4-H and Youth Educator, with educator responsibilities primarily in the Family and Consumer Science (FCS) area. The areas that Family and Consumer Science cover in the 4-H program include: Fabric and Fashion (sewing construction and

Cooperative Extension Service 1000 S Douglas Hwy, Ste A 682-7281

Extension ServicE

buymanship), Quilting, Knitting, Crocheting, Child Development, Cake Decorating, Interior Design, Photography, Gardening, and Vegetable Judging. In addition to focusing in these areas, Jessica also helps facilitate county-wide events such as 4-H Camp, the Children’s Festival, 4-H Carnival, and Clover Buds.

Throughout the course of the year the FCS program reaches 4-H youth on a regular basis through workshops, day camps and classes designed to educate youth with a fun and recreational curriculum. Some examples are: Sewing Conference, Sugar Mold Day Camp and Fashion Revue Modeling.

Lindsay Taylor, Ag/Natural Resources Extension Educator Since beginning this position in June of 2006 Lindsay has spent much of her time attending local and statewide meetings in order to receive training and meet the people she will be working with. Through these experiences she has determined two of the primary focuses of this community to be the education of exurban and small acreage land owners, and the preservation and continuation of local agricultural operations.

There is currently an influx of people who have recently purchased anywhere from 5-80 acres. This area, like all others, has its unique aspects that these new land owners will want and need information about; such as stocking rates, weed identification, and the construction and maintenance of livestock facilities. Because of the level of interest in this area throughout Campbell County, she has become an active member of the state’s Small Acreage Issue Team. Through collaboration with this team, she hopes to provide information and education in the form of the Barnyards & Backyards magazine, land management brochures, and small acreage “Hands-On” workshops.

Workshops planned for the Spring & Summer of 2007 are scheduled to include instruction

in fencing, rotationally grazing livestock, and Xeriscaping.

Sustainable agriculture is the second focus of Lindsay’s programming activities.

At the present time that focus is dependant on the introduction of value added crops and marketing techniques.

There are two projects planned to more closely evaluate the potential of two such enterprises. A cropping research trial will begin to evaluate the cost of producing camelina, an oilseed crop, for use in biodiesel production. A market study is also scheduled to evaluate the feasibility of locally produced and harvested beef.

Lori Jones, Cent$ible Nutrition Program Coordinator In 2006 the Cent$ible Nutrition Program had 143 families participate.

Just as the face of our community is changing, so are the participants.

Last year 13% were Hispanic and 5% were American Indian.

Also, while we are in the midst of a boom, 59% of the clients are living in poverty.

The target audience for Cent$ible Nutrition is mothers with children. Teaching mothers the importance of good nutrition as it relates to their children’s development, growth, and ability to learn is one avenue to help break Page

26

County

the cycle of poverty. Hungry children have a very difficult time learning or behaving. Giving families the tools they need to use what resources they have to be successful is the outcome of Cent$ible Nutrition classes.

The classes focus on planning, learning what is healthy, and the importance of feeding your children breakfast. Last year, 52% showed improvement in their planning. A little more, 53% showed improvement in healthy choices. And, 38% began making sure their children ate breakfast before attending school.

Of those healthy choices, 48% began using whole grains, 58% were cooking more at home, and 43% were always including vegetables and fruits in their daily menus.

Eighty-two percent improved in managing their resources. This includes planning ahead and using their money for foods with more nutrition. So, it naturally followed that when we considered overall nutrition, 91% of families made improvements. Also, 61% of families improved their food safety practices.

Cent$ible Nutrition participated in Fright Night at the Campbell County Public Library, operated the Clean Team tent at the Children’s Festival, and again operated the Clean Team tent at the Ag Expo targeting third and fourth grade children. Hand washing instruction was also given at various pre-schools and agencies. Referrals come from all human services providers.

Please call 682-7281 if you are interested in attending classes or know of someone who could benefit.

R indy West, 4-H/Youth Educator and Director of Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service More than 400 4-H events were offered in 2006. Program development ranged from Barn Tours at the Clover Corrals facility to a County Shoot in

the disciplines of shotgun, muzzleloading, rifle pistol and archery.

Some popular events in the program in 2006 included: a Donkey Basketball game involving the whole county, a 4-H style Carnival that entertained and involved more than 2,000 youngsters, a camp focusing on natural resources, shooting sports, crafts, tobacco prevention education, leadership and recreation, a Chili Supper and Bingo Party and much, much more.

Youth at the annual Campbell County Fair were able to exhibit and visit with judges in more than 200 project areas, including welding, scrapbooking, leathercraft, woodworking, visual arts, family and consumer sciences, rabbits, chickens, llamas and geology. Campbell County had three hundred youth exhibit projects at the Wyoming State Fair, with division champions in areas such as Cake Decorating and Photography. Campbell County 4-H also boasted Champions in areas such as Dog Agility and Obedience.

In 2006, the 4-H Iron Workers 4-H Club drew some attention as the only one of it’s kind in the state. This club focuses on life skill development in teaching welding and safety and it’s approach to a technical skill education at a young age. Additionally, the 4H Clover Corrals town facility for urban youth to raise sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and poultry was full, and youth reported an increase in the areas of responsibility and teamwork in their lives and project related interactions.

As a highlight, the 4-H Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS/GPS) group undertook a project utilizing layers of maps to discuss important community topics, such as grasses, roads and infrastructure. The project for 2007 is to help local government plot and map safe neighborhoods as community service. Each youth in the group understands using GPS units and maps, and the group is hoping to have a donated computer lab in place in 2007 to work on websites and mapping projects.

The Campbell County 4H Horse program undertook Continued on page 27

Campbell Continued from page 26

the addition of some rodeo events including team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping and dummy roping.

The addition of these events was a positive change to the program and involved more than forty more youth in the horse project.

In the horse program, 2006 was the first year for a 4-H Horse Queen and Princess Contest.

Youth selected were responsible for publicity, some fund-raising and marketing efforts at various local events.

Campbell

Extension ServicE

West worked with more than 200 4-H volunteers and youth to develop a wide array of educational seminars, events, local and state contests, and state and national trips to more than 7,000 youth.

Educational efforts remain strong due to the volunteer leadership base, and in 2006 there were 26 4-H Clubs and approximately 430 youth in the traditional program. 4-H members in 2006 were competitors or ambassadors at 38 state and national events throughout the year. Campbell County 4-H had the Champion

Wool Judging Team and Reserve Champion Horse Judging Team in 2006. Both teams competed and did very respectable in the National Contests in Senora, Texas and Columbus, Ohio respectively.

Campbell County 4-H formulated a program to educate the public about the Campbell County Fair, complete with a guided tour of the events, programs, shows and booths. 4H youth and leaders underwent training on the fair itself, livestock and indoor exhibit judging

County

and more to be able to give a quality educational experience to fair goers. This program was beneficial especially to local daycares and the children’s center during the fair.

A special aspect of the 4-H program in 2006 was to offer a leadership training program for youth from any organization or affiliation in Crook, Weston, Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan Counties. These youth spent three intensive weekends learning youth in governance, self assessment, team building, business etiquette,

communication and group dynamics. Upon graduation from the program youth were certified as acceptable candidates to serve on local boards as a youth voice, either voting or non-voting.

Pat Christensen and Jacque Helsley administrative assistants, complete the Campbell County Extension Office staff. The public is encouraged to stop by the local Extension Office or call 682-7281 if they have any questions or would like a program presented on one of the related educational areas offered.

Cam-plex Multi-Event Facilities

'To enrich the quality of life in our community' is the mission statement for CAM-PLEX. With nearly 300,000 visitors in 2006 attending a wide-range of events, we feel that not only is the quality of life for our local citizens enhanced, but also that of visitors from around the world who attend events here.

The highlight of the year for the Campbell County Public Land Board and CAM-PLEX staff was the groundbreaking ceremony for the 123,000 sq. ft. new multi-event facility. A web cam is available to view the construction progress at our web site: www.cam-plex. com. A complete schedule of events in our existing facilities is always available on the web site as well.

The CAM-PLEX Heritage Center is committed to providing community members with a broad range of entertainment.

We achieve this goal through the 'Theater Series,' 'Arts in Education Family Series,' Special Events, and the gallery which features many different forms and interpretations of art. Our community is very fortunate to have a venue that supports such a wide variety of events.

Special Event highlights included Bill Engvall performing in partnership with Rio Tinto; CJ Harding 'A Tribute to Patsy

Cline'; American Idol finalist - Josh Gracin; The Performing Arts Workshop; country music legend Ray Price; and A Christmas Carol.

Gallery artists featured the Boys & Girls Club artwork; Dick Termes and his 'Termespheres;' Elaine Goseís artwork; Campbell County School District art display featuring all grades; Terri Thurmanís metal artwork; Jane Vinsonís quilts; and the annual charity Christmas wreath display.

The Annual CAMPLEX Winter Western continues to be a favorite winter event each February. The Coors PRCA Rodeo, Town and County Trade Show, Free Stage shows in Central Pavilion, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Stock Dog Trials, Petting Zoo and a newly added event ñ Fun On the Go Mega Carnival brings in large crowds of all ages each year.

In its third year, the Rotary Wine and Microbrew Festival was a spring time favorite with over 900 people attending. A percentage of the ticket sales go to the local Rotary clubs to benefit local charities. The 2007 event is scheduled for March 30.

The 2006 summer was busy with RV rallies, conventions, wedding receptions, ropings, trainings and reunions.

In July the World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament was held in Central Pavilion with pitchers from throughout North America. Gillette residents also participated and one, Starla Kurtz, even won her division.

The O-MOKSEE Horse Show returned

to CAMPLEX in July with approximately 4,200 people attending. In Page

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September the North American Dog Agility Championships were held.

The largest indoor garage sales in Wyoming are hosted

by CAM-PLEX in April and October. Local bargain hunters flock to Central Pavilion to find their treasures among the booths. Everyone wins here.

Our community

c o n t i nu e s to keep C AM-PLEX a busy place.

Energy Hall is the setting for many banquets, school events, meetings, conferences, receptions and trainings.

Central Pavilion is kept busy with trade shows, craft fairs, gun shows, auctions, and car shows. This is also where most of the voters in Campbell County cast their votes in

County

2006. East Pavilion and Barn #3 are fully booked with riders as well as team ropings, rodeos, and barrel racing events.

Morningside Park continues to be the site of the demolition derby, motorcycle races and many Fair activities.

The Campbell County Fair, produced by the Fair Board, utilized all the buildings at CAM-PLEX in early August and was better than ever with added events and a carnival.

Looking to the future, 2007 will bring the Newmar International RV Rally, the North American Dairy Goat Association National Show, the Roadtrek International Chapter RV Rally and the North American Dog Agility Championships to CAM-PLEX, as well as the usual array of more than 400 local events.

The future is bright in Campbell County and CAMPLEX is proud of the part it plays in enriching the lives of those we serve.

Cam-plex Multi-Event Facilities

1635 Reata Drive • 682-0552 Ticket Office • 682-8802

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