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Annual ReporT
COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE
Message From The Board Of Commissioners “Our mission is to provide quality, efficient and cost effective services for all Campbell County Residents through sound decision making and fiscal responsibility.” After 30 years of outstanding leadership, Dr. George McMurtrey retired as Campbell County Public Health Officer. The Board of Commissioners would like to thank Dr. Mac for his commitment and excellent service to the citizens of Campbell County and welcome Kirtikumar L. Patel M.D. as the new Campbell County Public Health Officer. Overall, 2009 continued the trend of a sound local economy. From November 2008 to 2009 our labor force grew by over 1,400 or 5.1%, and the County realized it’s highest assessed valuation at slightly over $5.7 billion in fiscal year 2009/2010. We also are beginning to see signs of a change in our economic condition, through November in the new fiscal year, sales tax collections have decreased by twenty five percent from the previous year and unemployment in November was at 6.1%, up from 1.9% at the same time last year. Campbell County has already started to prepare for this economic change and should be in a solid position to address lower revenues and assessed valuation. Even with this austere forecast, we have much to celebrate: • The two new electrical generation projects, Black Hills Corporation WYGEN III and Basin Electric Dry Fork Station, are well underway and both should be fully operational in the next two years. • Wyoming Machinery completed a significant expansion to their current facility in Campbell County, adding over 165,000 square feet in warehouse and service space. • Expansion of the Detention Center and remodeling of the Sheriff’s Office was completed in the summer of 2009. • The Gillette College Technical Education Center was officially opened last month, December 2009. In addition, Tanner Village opened in the summer to provide on campus housing for up to 100 students attending the College. In the current fiscal year, the following infrastructure projects are budgeted and underway: • The new Campbell County Recreation Center and Sports Facility on Shoshone Drive is scheduled to be completed and open to the public in April 2010. • The Joint Powers Fire Board new Fire Station Number 9 in Wright is under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2010. • The Campbell County Senior Center Expansion Project, jointly funded by the County and City of Gillette, will be under construction in early 2011 • Major infrastructure projects in the initial stages of development include the Northern Drive belt loop road, expansion of the Landfill and a regional water system.
Campbell County Board of Commissioners (left to right): Chris Knapp, Amir Sancher, Roy Edwards, Steve Hughes, and Dan Coolidge
Further achievements in 2009 are highlighted below:
• Remodeling of the Airport Terminal to allow for more secure seating, restrooms and additional flights. • Completion of a water reservoir and new wells at Bell Nob to maintain steady irrigation and reduce the demand for water on the City of Gillette. • Continued efficiencies in budgeting and operations. • Significant investment in the Capital Replacement Reserve, providing for the future of Campbell County. • Establishing long term capital depreciation accounts for the new College Technical Education Center and Recreation/Sports Facility. • Reduction of the annual mill levy to 11.088.
The 2009 Annual Report for Campbell County includes interesting and informative statistics, data and accomplishments from all of our agencies. We appreciate the work and commitment provided by all of our County Employees. The coming year will bring unique circumstances and challenges, to which we look forward to effectively and efficiently addressing. We invite your continued participation and involvement at County meetings, programs and activities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
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Our goals for 2010 include: • Maintaining a high quality of services and programs within a budget established on decreased revenue streams. • Working with the City of Gillette and State of Wyoming to establish a long term regional water distribution system. • Completion of the Campbell County Recreation Center & Sports Facility, Wright Fire Station Number 9 and Senior Center Expansion. • Providing internet access to all Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission meetings. • Continued investment in the Capital Replacement Reserve Account. • Preparation for the centennial anniversary of Campbell County in 2011.
Campbell County Commissioners Office 500 S. Gillette Ave 682-7283
BOARD
Board of Commissioners Roy Edwards, Chairman Christopher R. Knapp Dan Coolidge Stephen F. Hughes Amir Sancher
Building Code Appeals Board Arlyn Magnuson Daryl Orbeck Van Ewing Delbert Parks Micky Shober Kevin King, Director 682-1970 CARE Board Heidi Lowe, Chair Matt Sorenson, Vice Chairman Lori Jones, Secretary Lynne Chastain, Treasurer Stasi Shippy Dan Coolidge Wendy Hauck Danny Preston Christy Schomer Children’s Developmental Services Clifford Knesel, Chairman Carol Yonkee, Vice Chair Karen Reynolds, Secretary Scott Wiley, Treasurer Julie Fall Earlene Hastings, Director 682-2392
Corrections Board Chief Richard Adriaens, Chairman Sheriff Bill Pownall, Vice Chairman Judge Dan Price William J. Edelman Diane Ford Erin M. Youngs Norman (Buckey) Walters Paul Phillips Dena Knox
MEMBERS
Library Jan White, Chairman Karen Johnson, Vice Chairman Bill Carson Kevin Anders Cindy Arndt Patty Myers, Director 687-0009 Joint Powers Fire Board Sam Saunders, Chairman Matthew Avery, Vice Chairman Marilyn Mackey, Secretary/ Treasurer Christopher R. Knapp Jeff Wagoner Tom Johnson Ron Holmes Don Huber, Chief 682-5319 Public Health Officer Kirtikumar L. Patel M.D. 682-7275
LODGING TAX JOINT POWERS BOARD Steve Hughes, Chairman Duane Evenson, Vice Chairman Nolene Wright, Secretary Charles Schlesselman, Treasurer Ralph Kingan Aftab Khan Nasima Khan
Planning Commission Susan McKay, Chairman Toni Brown, Vice Chairman Donna Robbins Jim Nielson Vicki Schlautmann KEVIN KING, Director 682-1970
NATURAL RESOURCE AND LAND USE COMMITTEE Marilyn Mackey, Chair Scott Benson Richard Bonine Jr. Marion Scott Robert Grant Greg Schaefer Brenda Schladweiler Shane Pearson
Public Health Board Scott Lindblom, Chairman Nektarias (Nick) Bouzis D.D.S, Vice Chairman Maggi McCreery, M.D., Secretary Stacy Hobbs Linda Wegher Della Amend, R.N., BC, Director 682-7275
PREDATOR MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Shawn Terry - Sportsman Dan Reimler - Cattle Tom Edwards - Sheep Jason Oedekoven - Cattle Pete Quinnell - Sportsman Dave Daigle - Sportsman Jerry Dilts - Sheep Ken Ford - Sportsman Tom Mills - Sheep Gib Bell - Cattle
Public Land Board Anne Ochs, Chairman Rod Smith, Vice Chairman Brian Baglien Mark Christensen Andy Fitzgerald LD Gilbertz Jordan Ostlund Dan Barks, General Manager 682-0552 Weed and Pest Board Charles Tweedy, Chairman Leslie Drake, Vice Chairman Duane Joslyn, Secretary Ted Edwards James Tarver Allen Mooney, Director 682-4369
Campbell County Departments Airport Jay Lundell, Director 686-1042
Fair Betty Hough, Fair Board Coordinator 687-0200
JUVENILE PROBATION Susan L. Cahill, Esq., Director 682-0746
Rockpile Museum Terry Girouard, Director 682-5723
Emergency Management David King, Coordinator 686-7477
HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGEMENT Charlotte Terry, Director 687-6355
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS Robert P. Palmer, Director 682-7283
ROAD & BRIDGE Gary Lowry, Director 682-4411
Parks & Recreation Dave McCormick, Director 682-7406
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Kevin King, Director 685-8061 County Landfill 682-9499 Building and Planning 682-1970
EXTENSION SERVICE Bill Taylor, Interim Director 682-7281
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Phil W. Harvey, Manager 682-7860
As of Jan. 5, 2010
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CAMPBELL COUNTY CLERK
The County Clerk’s Office is mandated by the deals with oil and gas leases, royalty deeds, warranty Wyoming State Statute to provide a variety of servic- and quit claim deeds. Mortgages, oil and gas liens es to the citizens of Campbell County. The employ- are also filed in this part of the clerk’s office along ees in this office take pride in their work and con- with overriding royalties, affidavits of heir ship, surtinuance of friendly and efficient public service and vivorship and notary public, military discharges and excellent public record keeping. powers of attorney. The land records department The titling department consists of seven full time has been busy with various business and residential employees. This part of the Clerk’s office handles subdivisions. titling of motor vehicles and filing of personal, fedTwo employees work in the payroll/accounts payeral and state tax liens. Motor vehicle titles issued so able section of the Clerk’s office. They handle all far this year total 20,228 averaging over 77 titles per areas of payroll from enrollment of new employees day. The titling department is preparing for the new to issuing payroll checks and payment of all taxes legislative changes on motor vehicle titling which and benefits associated with payroll. An average of will take effect January 1, 2010. Some of those new 400 employees received paychecks from this office. changes include the titling of snowmobiles, boats On an average there are approximately 426 accounts and all trailers. payable checks issued per month. We also have one The Campbell County Clerk’s office is respon- full time employee responsible for the budget process sible for issuing marriage licenses which and financials. totaled 382 in 2009. Congratulations to The Election Office conducts the primary all the newlyweds. and general elections, in addition, all forCampbell County The County Clerk’s office also issues mation elections and enlargement elections Clerk’s Office malt beverage and catering permits for for special districts are done through the 500 S. Gillette Ave county wide functions. Election’s office. The Election Department 682-7285 The recording section (vault) consists is preparing for the 2010 election. of seven full time employees. This section The Clerk’s office collected over $610,435
WEED &
2009 proved to be a busy cations. year for Campbell County The Fish and Wildlife Weed and Pest. Spring brought Service announced this with it cool and moist con- month that the Black Tailed ditions that benefitted both Prairie Dog will not be listed desired vegetation and nox- as threatened or endangered ious weed growth. Our sum- under the Endangered Species mer Leafy Spurge crew hiked Act. They have concluded many miles, covering approx- that although human populaimately 70,000 acres this tions have attributed to some summer and treated a total habitat loss, adequate rangeof 95.5 acres of Leafy Spurge. land totaling about 283 milOur road crew remained busy lion acres exists as prairie dog all summer treating the coun- habitat and doesn’t warrant ty rights of ways, and our a listing. Campbell County mosquito crew did a great Weed and Pest doesn’t have a job of limiting the number of large prairie dog control promosquitoes that could pes- gram planned, however bait is ter the citizens of Gillette, as available to licensed individuonly one West Nile Virus case als who wish to control prairie was reported for Campbell dogs on their property. County. At the end of the In the summer of 2008, spray season Tanya Daniels, APHIS (Animal and Plant our Education Coordinator/ Health Inspection Service) Assistant Supervisor, performed surveys in ended her employareas of Campbell ment with us to purCounty, and saw Campbell County sue other endeavlarge numbers Weed & Pest ors in Montana. The of grasshoppers. 213 Stocktrail Ave position is currentAnticipating that 682-4369 ly open and we are 2009 could see an still accepting appliincrease in grass-
hopper numbers, Campbell County Weed and Pest with help from APHIS held a grasshopper management meeting to provide information to landowners about grasshopper control. The meeting was well attended, however the cool wet Spring brought adequate rangeland conditions, as well as healthy hay and other agriculture crops. So when grasshoppers first started showing up, not a lot of producers were alarmed. It wasn’t until mid summer when grasshopper numbers had increased enough to cause a reaction. Rangelands showed the effects of overgrazing, alfalfa hay fields became stands of sticks, and other fields were showing large losses. APHIS conducted surveys and it was found that many areas of the county had extremely high numbers of grasshoppers, far in excess of 15+ per square yard. Fourteen grasshoppers per square yard can cause a 30% forage loss. They were
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Maxine Lieber, Terri Blackford, Alton Backes, Cyndi Silbaugh, Teresa Hooper, Belinda Hays, Aneilia Snider, Sharon Groves, Patricia Ellenson, Jean Carmien, Raylene Hart, Linda Grose, Rose Jorgensen, Connie Klinger, Susan Saunders, Dar Kurtenbach, Trish Sparling Barbara Gregory, Sharry Walter, Alishia Cartwright & Cindy Ewing
in revenue for 2009 for the recording of various instruments, titles, marriage licenses, and miscellaneous receipts. The implementation of the computerization last year of the grantor and grantee records along with the land records receiving book has been more time efficient for the public and for our office. This has saved an enormous amount of time for our staff.
PEST so heavy in spots that we even saw damage to noxious weeds. Grazing losses were abundant in areas of the county and many landowners had to turn out their herds to winter pastures months ahead of normal. Campbell County hay and wheat certifications were also low this year, due to low crop production, mainly attributed to grasshopper loss. In mid summer, a group of land owners near Adon decided they wanted something done about grasshoppers, and we helped them organize a spray program. We had Big Horn Air, from Sheridan Wyoming, fly two airplanes to apply a product called Sevin. A total of 61,000 acres were treated. After the spraying was complete, a survey was done to see how effective the treatment was. Many grasshoppers had been killed, but there were still many live ones. Some involved with the program even joked that the hail storm killed more hoppers than the chemical did.
Campbell County Weed and Pest will be holding another meeting about grasshopper control on January 13, 2010. There is a 90% chance that grasshopper numbers will be equal to or greater than the numbers we saw this past year. To help with control we will talk about various scenarios that can lessen the damaging effects of grasshoppers. APHIS will also be in attendance to provide information about the programs they offer. One of the main talks will be on a product called Dimilin, a growth regulator insecticide specific to grasshoppers and morman crickets. This is less expensive than Sevin, it is applied at a lesser rate, and also has a longer residual. It also has no effect on non target insects such as the honey bee. The drawback is that Dimilin has to be applied early. As soon as grasshoppers first show themselves, a spray program needs to be under way to limit the Continued on page 5
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY “Social Media,” R azor’s Edge, Fake blood and Blizzards.
This past year has been an interesting mix of activities for the Campbell County Emergency Management Agency, ranging over a diverse range of topics. As the year came to a close, a major focus has been the migration to the “Generation II” software package for the county’s CityWatch® automated telephone warning system. Late in 2009 the county purchased the upgrade for this notification system and it opens up a host of new ways we can serve the public. One is the inclusion of an interface for “social media” you may know that as Twitter, Facebook and similar applications which are on your cell phone and computer. During the first quarter of 2010, Campbell County will be making it possible for the public to selfregister with the CityWatch® system to receive warnings, alerts and advisories via text messages, telephone calls and email. It will also be available to other county agencies to contact you, such as when the Rec Center needs to cancel or postpone a soccer game, swimming lessons, etc. More information will be coming on these opportunities as they become available, so keep an eye on the county’s web site www.ccgov.net and the local media for updates. Terrorists hit the Gillette/Campbell County Airport on May 20, 2009 and although the injuries and scenario were fake, the lessons learned were real. The full-scale emergency services exercise “Razors Edge” took nearly 8 months of planning and resulted in participation at the federal level of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, National Guard Joint Operations Center, TSA, FBI Denver Division
WEED AND PEST
Hazmat Team, FBI Field Office in Cheyenne. At the state level participants included the 84th Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team of the Wyoming National Guard, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, Wyoming National Guard Emergency Operations Center, DCI and Gillette College. Local agencies that participated included Emergency Management, the Fire Department, Hospital, EMS, Public Health, Sheriff’s Office and their Bomb Squad, School District, Coroner, Airport, Gillette EMA, Wright EMA, Gillette Police Department, Salvation Army and American Red Cross. For the first time ever, the Campbell County, City of Gillette and Town of Wright’s “Emergency Council” was activated for a training session and tabletop exercise. And, the exercise in Gillette was designed to be linked into exercises going on at the same time in Colorado, South Dakota and several other states. The actual exercise covered several days, with events staggered over multiple locations including setting up a Red Cross shelter, a full emergency decontamination line being established at the hospital and then actually processing “injured” patients thru that line (people wearing moon suits actually scrubbing down the swimsuit-wearing “contaminated” volunteers), and finally the day-long hands-on scene at the airport with a command and control operation established on scene, the weapons of mass destruction hazmat team and the bomb squad making careful entry and assessment of the scene and those activities being monitored at the local, state and federal levels and addition-
al resources being sought and dis- ries more realistic. patched during the exercise. The sceThe string of blizzards in March nario was based on some “bad guys” of 2009 was the first real test of the who were building improvised dirty county’s new Emergency Operations bombs with plans to fly to the Denver Center located at the Sheriff’s Office area and either throw them out of the and it worked well. What also worked aircraft or plant them on the ground. well was the county’s WebEOC® However, they were discovered on “virtual” emergency operations centhe ground by alert airport personnel ter computer program which allows and a scene developed with resulted agencies to connect from wherever in gunshots, injuries and of course they are without having to dispatch some of the bombs partially going off representatives to the actual EOC. and contaminating our airport and Following the first blizzard, an after possibly passengers of a commercial action review meeting was conducted flight deplaning as it all happened. at the EOC and the lessons learned In the exercise, all that happened and discussed at that meeting then the night before and the scene was resulted in changes in the way the secured and we started exercise play next week’s blizzard was handled. early the next morning when all the We also conducted a “virtual” exeroutside agencies had arrived. Oh, cise on WebEOC® at the start of the don’t forget, we were doing all of this school year in September, conducting while in real-life we were keeping the a two-week “NEWFLU!” (North East airport open and active as we had the Wyoming FLU) pandemic flu outhospital when we “decontaminated” break that theoretically killed off and folks the day before. Big and small les- hospitalized local officials and memsons were learned, local/state/federal bers of the public and forced agencies responders all got to work together for to work through their pandemic influthe first time and we found out what enza plans. Thus, it was all fresh in works and what needs rethought and our minds when the H1N1 outbreak tested further. occurred. CCEMA helps with “moulage” for Your Campbell County Emergency local emergency training moulage Management Agency is located at the being the art of “simulated injuries.” Courthouse and we try to keep timely We have helped the Mine Rescue information stocked in the brochure Competition, the accident scene at rack in the Courthouse lobby. Stop Life R U Ready and even by and help yourselves created some “victims” for to any of that materia training classes for new al. You can find us on EMT’s. And, two people the web on the county’s Campbell County from Campbell County web site and, if you’re Emergency Management traveled to a week-long in the building and Agency Advanced Moulage class to looking for the office, 500 S. Gillette Ave, learn the latest techniques we’re located within the Ste. 1100 686-7477 in the art of “gel effects” Commissioner’s Office, and how to make the injuSuite 1100.
was established this past summer, it was too late to use Dimilin so Sevin was used with disappointing results. We are expecting the January meeting to be well attended. With help from monies received and set aside for use on grasshopper control for the 2010 season, we also expect landowners to be willing to get programs set up and will be ready to use Dimilin when the time comes. For smaller operations, such as small acreage and home owners, we will again have available a variety of grasshopper control products. One
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amount of grasshoppers making it to adult hood. A grasshopper usually has five to six growth stages throughout its life before reaching adulthood. Dimilin is able to stop the molting process grasshoppers and morman crickets go through, and kills the grasshopper before adulthood is reached. This limits reproduction and also limits the effect grasshoppers have on forage degradation. When the Adon program
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of these products is Ecobran, a Sevin laced bran bait that proved effective this past summer. The Campbell County Weed and Pest board also approved that we may cost share these products to limit the cost of control of grasshoppers. Campbell County Weed and Pest will again hire summer help to treat noxious weeds in the county and will be ready to assist landowners with their weed control efforts. We plan to be very busy with weed control as well as getting grasshopper programs in order.
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
Happy Holidays and hello from the Assessor’s Office! We hope this report finds you all well, and starting the New Year off with a bang! 2009 certainly brought on some changes for our community with a decline in the economy, but to our surprise there still seems to be a lot of growth in the building industry in Gillette, Wright, and surrounding areas. And although sales have slowed down for our realtors there still seems to be a steady market out there according to the information we receive in our office, thus holding the market value on property steady as well. Our mineral industry saw some cut backs in 2009, and with minerals being our leading contributor to our total assessed value, we are certain to see a dip in 2010’s assessed value. Methane continues to slow down with many companies halting production and shutting in wells because of low
work diligently at collecting and recording accurate data. We have started a new project this past summer of updating property profile photos. Many of the photos we currently have of structures are from when properties were originally put on the tax roll, and in the original part of town, that may have been many years ago. Everett Knapp is heading that project, so if you see him out and about with his digital camera, please don’t be alarmed! Front Row: Hazel Vassar, Deb Malli, Angela Williams, Shanda Shatzer. Second Row: Everett Knapp, Troy Clements, Our office offers County Lynn Allar, Cheryl Uhler. Back Row: Cindy Langley, Jackie Casey, Alicia Gilliland, Erin Slattery and Butch Schell maps, plat maps, topographic photos, and tons of informagas prices, and with excess what started the boom tion, so please do stop in and coal reserves, our coal proin Campbell County see us anytime. May you all have a duction has suffered a decline many years back! Campbell County Blessed Year!! Assessor’s Office as well. Oil continues to be We have an awesome Troy D. Clements & Staff 500 S. Gillette Ave our strong hold in the mincrew in the Assessor’s Ste 1300 eral industry, and ultimately Office that continues to 682-7266
ROCKPILE MUSEUM
The mission of the county’s museum department is to serve as the local history center for the county’s residents and visitors. The Rockpile Museum fulfills its mission by collecting and preserving the objects and documents important to the county’s history, and presenting these materials in educational exhibits and informative programs. In carrying out our mission this year, CCRM welcomed over 10,000 residents and visitors from all states except Hawaii and from 17 foreign countries from Canada and Denmark to Uruguay and Mongolia. During the past year the Museum received 34 donations totaling over 400 new items for the County’s collection. The collection now totals over 19,000 items and ranges from historic photographs and social organization papers to branding irons and historic buildings. These objects, papers, and photographs illustrate the important events in the area’s history and document the daily events in people’s lives. The variety and range of materials represent the unique character of
Campbell County and its residents. Museum staff and volunteers continued cataloging and organizing the backlog in Collections.
exhibit which documents farming in Campbell County.
A number of temporary exhibits from the Wyoming State Museum and the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center were installed which featured the Bozeman Trail, Hispanic influences in the state, and farming in Wyoming. Work has also begun on changing the exhibits in the main building so that there are new and interesting things to see and learn about.
One donation of particular note was made by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hunkins of Wheatland. They very generously donated three very nicely restored horse-drawn vehicles, consisting of a two-wheel cart, a doctor’s buggy, and a sleigh. Over ten years ago, Mr. Hunkins had purchased these objects from a Campbell County ranch. In March museum staff rented a truck, drove to Wheatland, and brought these artifacts back home to Campbell County.
The Museum provided a full schedule of programs and events with many of our popular, traditional offerings and some new ones. The Christmas Open House, 14th Annual Native American Artifact Show, Appraisal Fair, Civil War Day, and Pioneer School are all established and well attended programs and events.
It was a busy year for the Museum’s exhibit program. The staff opened a new outdoor exhibit highlighting the county’s dry-farming boom during the 1915-1920 period. The farming equipment Campbell County had been scattered around Rockpile Museum the Museum grounds and 900 West 2nd Street off site. It is now orga682-5723 nized into an interesting
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In June the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum very graciously invited us to bring a bus full of resi-
dents over for their Living History Day event. The living history demonstrations, Basque food and dancing, unveiling of the new Nate Champion statue, and exhibit hall remodel made for a full and very enjoyable day. Guest speakers, musical events, and a book signing were presented throughout the year to round out the Museum’s educational program offerings. The Campbell County Rockpile Museum continues to collect objects, papers, and photographs that document the county’s and region’s history. The Museum’s excellent Collection is the result of generous donations from area’s residents. Although the Museum’s storage and exhibition facilities are limited, you can help to continue building an outstanding Collection by donating objects, papers, and photographs important to Campbell County’s History to the Museum.
P
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Campbell County Public Library System UBLIC LIBRAR 2009 Annual Report 2009 Highlights: • 85% of citizens taking the City of Gillette 2009 Citizen Survey rated the quality of CCPL as “excellent” or “good.” • Campbell County Employee of the Month awards were presented to CCPLS employees Sue Knesel, Janet Tharp, Lalia Jagers, and Susie Lindsey-Easton
Our CCPLS Mission:
To provide diverse cultural opportunities for reading, learning and entertainment to all citizens of our community. We lead the way to a universe of information with personal service and technology.
• CCPL and WBL updated their internet access to allow wireless connections. • A new print management system was installed that allows patrons to self pay for printouts and fines. • Improved Geographic Information System (GIS) access at CCPL has allowed for easier capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying of geographically referenced information. • A new evening children’s story time, Families & Jammies, was started at CCPL.
A Few Quick Statistics: 2009 vs. 2008 • Patrons Registered: 25,985 -- up 14% • Items Circulated: 478,535 -- up 16% • Database Queries: 146,469 -- up 18.5% • CCPL Children’s Program Attendance: 17,005 -- up 10.5% • CCPL Young Adult Program Attendance: 6,513 -- up 21% • Outreach Patrons Visited: 962 -- up 14% • Questions Answered: 251,717 -- up 14.5%
• Programs at your libraries included: Journey to Planet Earth -- a film discussion series lead by community members; a “Green Fair” featuring “green” information provided by numerous community organizations; historical programs featuring Melanie O’Hara; “Creative” and “Expressive” summer reading programs for children, teens and adults; author visits from Wyoming Poet Laureate David Romtvedt, children’s authors Bill and Carol Wallace, teen authors S. L. Rottman and Ben Mikaelsen; Wright One Book One Community author Shreve Stockton; Wyoming authors Pat Frolander, Jeanne Rogers and Amy Puetz; and musical performances by the US Air Force Heartland of America Winds of Freedom Quartet and classical guitarist Peter Fletcher. • The Library Foundation, Inc. raised nearly $70,000 in the first year of their “Bring Bucks Back” Wyoming Public Library Endowment campaign through raffles, tea parties, rummage sales, partnering with Durham Ranch’s Buffalo Stampede, and a couple of silent auctions.
“Books are the carriers of civilization… They are companions, teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind. Books are humanity in print.” -- Barbara W. Tuchman Pulitzer Prize Winning Author
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Campbell County Public Library 2101 S. 4J Road • Gillette, WY 307.687.0009 Wright Branch Library 305 Wright Boulevard • Wright, WY 307.464.0500
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Campbell County Information upgrading the hardware that houses port to several County departments The three members of the Network Technology Services (ITS) provides the County’s financial software. Once using the Fully Automated Courts Support division are responsible for technical support services to 23 differ- completed, he spent much of his time Transaction System (FACTS) and maintaining communications connecent County departments. The staff per- working on various programming proj- worked closely with other non-coun- tivity and helping other County departform a wide array of functions which ects. The largest of these involved prop- ty agencies such as the District Court ments plan their technical projects. range from basic troubleshooting to erty taxes; it required him to figure Judge’s Office as well as Crook and Steve, Dustin, and David worked colcomplete network designs. This year out how to properly address instanc- Weston County. She also began teach- laboratively this year, and their work proved to be one of the most challeng- es where properties had multiple ing software classes to County employ- produced a number of changes and ing the department has enhancements to the ever faced, but the staff County’s network. rose to the challenge and One area that realperformed admirably. ized a large step forIn April, Campbell ward was the standardCounty was hit with a ization of video surveilcomputer virus. This lance equipment. This malware affected approxongoing project includimately 70% of the ed putting the final County’s computers and pieces in place for the caused a severe disrupCourthouse to run on tion to operations. The one video system. An staff, along with severextension of that sysal volunteers from other tem was also installed at County departments, the Children’s Center. worked many long hours Standardization of systo remediate the problem. tems means lower overAlthough approximately all costs, and a more 99% of the County’s serefficient means of vices were restored witharchiving video when in a week, the cleanup needed. They also comBob Overman, Dustin Cooper, Phil Harvey, Dave Kelsay, Coleen Winterholler, Cathy Raney, Rocky Marquiss, Justin Penning, Steve Danaher, continued over the course pleted the migration of Nicki Lindahl, Rhonda Larmer, Natalie Linneman and Beth Kirsch of the next three months. various servers at the Initially, most of the Courthouse to a Blade infected computers were restored to a improvement districts, or properties ees this year. Conducting the classes Center. With this equipment, we now working order; however, many contin- within a district varied from the norm. “in-house” allows for more specialized have the ability to create “virtual” ued to exhibit intermittent problems, He also provided assistance to User training and provides the County with servers rather than having individuso the decision was made to reload Support staff with the project to pub- a substantial cost savings. al physical servers. This allows staff Beth worked with a committee to to more effectively replicate environevery computer that had been infected. lish meetings on the World Wide Web. Nicki finished a complete re-write of choose a solution for electronic time- ments for testing, and the ability to Needless to say, this incident had a far a new Landfill Management Program keeping. After several options were share disk space among servers means reaching effect on departmental goals which was rolled out to production in considered, the best fit for Campbell the available space is used much more and objectives for the year. October. This new program is more County’s needs was chosen and the efficiently The administrative staff worked to flexible than the old software, and it technical work proceeded. Timeclocks formulate the budget, reconcile hardMany of the other network projects integrates directly into the County’s have recently been installed in the completed this year centered on netware inventory, and oversee project work. Additionally, work on an all- financial software. This eliminates the Courthouse, and other County facili- work security. For example, new antiencompassing database used to facili- need for daily weigh tickets to be man- ties will see them soon. Use of the new virus management programs were put tate many facets of ITS activities moved ually entered, thereby improving effi- software package for a small selection in place, a new firewall was installed, ciency and accuracy. of departments is tentatively planned and an Internet content filtering system forward. Justin unveiled the County’s new for January, and the hope is to have all was implemented. Additionally, steps The Programming division consists Intranet this year. While still in its County departments utilizing the sys- to more effectively manage the deluge of three iSeries programmers and one early stages, this internal website protem by the end of 2010. web development programmer. These of daily spam email have been taken. vides a way for County departments Natalie continued to move forward individuals provide support for existCathy, the Geographic Information ing programs and develop custom solu- to communicate within, and it allows with a document management package Systems (GIS) coordinator, obtained them to distribute information to other that allows the Board of Commissioners new, high resolution aerial photogtions as needs arise. Bob continued to maintain the departments more effectively. The site to conduct meetings via an electron- raphy for the entire county. This has Motor Vehicle system and implement- also contains many new features such ic agenda rather than using paper. led to the creation of new data layed a number of changes mandated by as online class evaluation forms, RSS This greatly reduces the amount of ers, such as building footprints, for time required to prepare agendas and use in the GIS database. This helps the State of Wyoming. The most nota- feeds, and instructional videos. The User Support division is responsaves a substantial amount of paper multiple County departments such ble of these was incorporating the rule sible for providing front line technical every month. She also made great as Emergency Management and Risk changes governing the issusupport for the employees of strides toward making time stamped Management with their data needs. ance of prestige plates. More Campbell County. In addivideos of Commissioner and Planning It’s also available to the public through information on these rules can tion to daily support tasks, Commission meetings available on the our online mapping application on the County Campbell be obtained by contacting the Info Tech. Services each technician performs a Internet. The project is in the final County website, located at http://www. Campbell County Treasurer’s 500 S. Gillette Ave, lead role with a particular stages of testing, and she hopes to roll ccgov.net. Office. Ste. 2500 software package. it into production within the next few 687-6470 Rocky began the year by Rhonda provided sup- months.
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CAM-PLEX MULTI-EVENT FACILITES
Your CAM-PLEX Multi-Events Facilities continued to serve Campbell County and Northeast Wyoming by hosting more than 400 events attended by over 350,000 people. Additionally, the events at CAM-PLEX brought in nearly $18,000,000 in economic impact to local businesses. CAM-PLEX continues to offer facilities to accommodate diverse events each year. Energy Hall is
raisers, hockey tournaments, ultimate fighting, public skating, concerts, and so much more. The Campbell County Public Land Board and CAM-PLEX staff are dedicated to assuring the Wyoming Center and all CAM-PLEX facilities continue to meet the varying
the setting for many banquets, needs of this great school events, meetings, con- community. ferences, receptions and trainThe CAM-PLEX ing seminars. Central Pavilion Heritage Center houses various trade shows, craft proudly continfairs, gun shows, auctions, and ues to provide the car shows while East Pavilion community with and Barn #3 are booked with a variety of high local horseback riders as well as quality entertainteam ropings, rodeos, and dog ment shows. The shows. Morningside Park and “Theater Series” Wrangler Arena continue to host Broadway and demolition derbies, fair activi- variety perforties, outdoor horse shows and mances of 2009 4-H events. were Nunsense; Rhapsody In It is hard to believe, but the Taps; Bye, Bye Birdie; Footloose; Wyoming Center has been Lowe Family Variety Show; and open and serving the people of Of Mice & Men. The “Family Campbell County for over one Friendly Shows” are programs year now. In that time the build- specifically targeting appropriing, approved by voters in May ate shows for the entire famof 2005, has hostily. 2009 brought ed a wide variety in Soul Street of events including Dance Company; local and national Phantom Toll Cam-plex Multi-Event trade shows, RV ralBooth; The Perfect Facilities lies, banquets, wedGentlemen; Let’s 1635 Reata Drive dings, seminars, Go Science Show; 682-0552 state conferences, The Crayon Court; Ticket Office community fundAlfredo Rolando 682-8802
Ortiz; Alpin Hong; Colin Ross; and Bryan Ragsdale. The theater’s “Special Events” included The Second City; Missoula Children’s Theatre production of The Little
Mermaid; Romanza; Williams & Ree; Men of Worth; Six Songs of Ellis; and The Nutcracker The Heritage Center art gallery featured exhibits by local artists such as the Advocacy for Visual Arts (AVA) Community Arts Center; Herb Kalenberg; JB King; and Karen Jensen. The gallery also hosted a show with Campbell County School District art classes featuring art from all grade levels. Regional exhibits included works by the Artists of the Black Hills; Hans Kleiber; and Joel Ostlind. The final display of 2009 was the
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annual charity Christmas wreath show which also features 6-foot Christmas trees decorated by local preschool children. The 18th Annual CAM-PLEX Winter Western was held in February and continued the tradition as a well attended event. The event provided a
1,000 RV’s on site. CAM-PLEX hosted the Cowboy States Reining Horse Show in June with 300 attendees using over 200 stalls. The National Horse Show Association O-MOK-SEE and the Wyoming Junior Rodeo utilized Morningside Park. These
variety of entertainment for the community including The Coors Pro Rodeo, Town and Country Trade Show, Free Stage shows by Kenny Giordano, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Stock Dog Trials, Petting Zoo, and Fun On The Go. The summer of 2009 was busy with RV rallies, conventions, wedding receptions, roping events, training seminars and reunions. CAM-PLEX hosted the Fleetwood International RV Rally, Campers on Mission National RV Rally and The Good Sam RV Rally – all with a total of
two events filled over 400 stalls combined as well as kept the Boxelder RV Park humming with campers. The Campbell County Fair, produced by the Fair Board, utilized all the buildings at CAMPLEX in early August. The fair was well attended by the public and featured events such as the Energy Town Pro Rodeo, Demolition Derby and country great Josh Turner in concert. The two largest indoor garage sales in Wyoming were hosted by CAM-PLEX in April and October. Local bargain hunters flocked to the Wyoming Center to find their treasures among the booths. Major events in 2010 will include the American Coach Association National RV Rally, the Cowboy States Reining Horse Show, the Airstream International RV Rally, the National High School Finals Rodeo and the North American Dog Agility (NADAC) Championships. The date for the NHSFR will be July 18-24, 2010 Please visit our web site at: www.cam-plex.com to view the schedule of upcoming events and to learn more about your CAMPLEX facilities.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Campbell County Detention Center was constructed in 1985 with a maximum capacity for 101 inmates. In 2002 a portion of the detention center was expanded, and this construction project increased the maximum capacity to 128 beds. Due to an increase in population of Campbell County and the City of Gillette, another expansion project was started in 2008. In early September 2009, the most recent expansion project was substantially completed and all areas were occupied. The following areas were added during the expansion: Inmate housing, booking, vehicle sally port, nursing, programs and interview rooms, kitchen upgrade/ remodel, officer break room, laundry & work programs office, receiving/unloading dock, and maintenance workspace. The new inmate housing (“C” Pod) area added 144 beds and increased the maximum capacity to 306. After the transition into the new housing area was complete and inmates were moved, repairs to the existing “B” Pod housing area were started. These repairs will consist of plumbing, doors, and painting. The majority of these repairs will all be done by the Sheriff’s Office maintenance staff, which will add up to a large savings in tax dollars.
Also included in the 2008/2009 expansion was a 16 bed juvenile facility. The Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is collocated in the existing building, but separated entirely by design, allowing for sight and sound separation from adult inmates. The JDC is staffed by Detention Officers who have received additional training, specific to juvenile offenders. The JDC serves as a short term, secure placement for youth under the age of eighteen; however, the JDC’s structure provides more than shortterm confinement. The philosophy is to challenge youth to take responsibility for the thinking/ behavioral patterns that brought about their placement, and to explore areas of growth and change needed to assure that they will not be detained again. This philosophy has already served us well as we have received high praise by state and national juvenile delinquency prevention representatives. Following a tour of the facility, Elissa Rumsey from the Office of Juvenile Justice for Delinquency Prevention, said that of the hundreds of facilities she’s toured across the country, our facility ranks among the top 5.
FACTS AT A GLANCE (Stats through 11/30/2009)
In 2009 the Sheriff’s Office completed installation of a new digital mobile video system for the marked patrol
review by the officer or their supervisors. In 2009 the Operations Division realigned deploy-
vehicles. The new system utilizes the latest technology to provide the highest level of accountability and evidence gathering during vehicle stops and emergency response. The system automatically and wirelessly downloads the videos from the vehicles when the vehicles drive into the Sheriff’s Office lot. The videos are stored on a secure server, and are then immediately available for
ment of personnel by assigning our three K-9 units to one work crew separate from the assigned patrol shifts. This change has improved the availability of an on-duty K-9, and has also allowed for more flexibility of K-9 officers to conduct special operations such as scheduled K-9 searches and drug interdiction
efforts without being limited by the time constraints of responding to routine calls for service. In 2009 the Sheriff’s Office participated in special Impaired D r i v i n g en forcement efforts funded through a WYDOT H i g h w a y Safety Grant. Campbell C o u n t y received an award from WYDOT for our commitment to the program and the results of our efforts. Due to this grant and our continuing focus on impaired driving enforcement as a way to increase public safety, we increased our DWUI arrests by more than 7%. 2009 also marked completion of the remodel of the Sheriff’s Office Administration, Records, and Operations portion of our building. The remodel modernized and expanded many areas of the existing building and provides room for future growth of the agency as the community needs require.
Animal Control Calls for Service
1,446
Busiest Day of the Week
Friday
Busiest Subdivision
Sleepy Hollow
Jail Intake Comparison
Driving with Suspended License
369
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
DWUI
358
Minor in Possession of Alcohol
88
Speeding Tickets
747
Total Citations Issued
3,928
Total Responses to Calls for Service
10,865
Town of Wright Calls for Service
721
Adult Males
Campbell County Sheriff’s Office 600 W Boxelder 682-7271
2,042
2,195
2,561
2,458
2,693
2,843
Adult Females
516
562
649
604
606
691
723
Juvenile Males
162
138
151
156
161
128
92 29
Juvenile Females
46
56
64
64
76
59
2,766
2,951
3,425
3,282
3,536
3,721
Average Daily Population ( Jan - Nov, 2009)
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2009
Jan.-Nov.
2,613
3,457
162
ROAD & BRIDGE
Once again Road & Bridge had a the year by bringing the crusher to the busy but great year. Even with things yard for preventive maintenance and slowing down, we never seem to run repairs. We will be returning to the out of things to do. Hakert Pit after the first of the year. In March we were hit two weeks in We had several overlay projects a row with Spring Blizzards. With our including American Ranch Road from crews out for long hours, those storms Highway 51 to I-90, Southern Drive cost $130,337.45. We are grateful for from Highway 59 to Highway 50, first our fantastic employees, but when we two miles on Echeta and two miles on are hit with the unexpected, we real- Union Chapel. We used a combinaize how fortunate we are. tion of stabilization and dust control Annual MSHA training was done on Black & Yellow, Kingsbury, part in February. The crusher was of Montgomery and busy at the Hakert Pit, crushing Fortification. The last 92,700 tons of river rock. We three were our CMAQ opened the Elmore pit north on project for the year. Campbell County Road & Bridge Garner Lake in September and There were four 1704 4-J crushed 26,967 tons of scoria major culvert proj682-4411 and scoria chips. We finished ects. We had two on
Trail Creek for a cost of $211,260.94, Barton Road at $18,378.59 and Hilight at $22,364.66. The belly dump trucks and end dumps hauled 26,760 tons crushed scoria and scoria chips, 89,299 tons crushed gravel, and 30,483 tons rotomill gravel mix to the county roads and stockpiling in the yard. Maintaining the paved roads is just as important as the gravel roads. Crack sealing, patching, and striping came to a cost of $192,549.96. The shop crew stayed busy. They hauled 30,753 gallons diesel to our equipment on various projects. They hauled 65,002 gallons diesel and 11,533 gallons gasoline to other county agencies. Tires, change
overs, oil changes, repairing major to minor equipment problems, welding on equipment and auto gates, they never run out of things to do. As we approach 2010, please remember, when you see a county blade, truck or even a pickup, they are out there to keep the county roads safe. Please stay at a safe distance, for your safety and theirs.
CORONER’S OFFICE
The 2009 annual report for the Campbell County Coroner’s Office reflects data collected through Dec. 11, 2009. January started with 15 investigations continuing to end with a total of 131 calls at mid December. These investigations included cases dealing with assisting other agencies for help in notification of next of kin, cases that were declined by this office and cases that were deferred to other counties after investigation indicated so. As in previous years, I have broken down some of the statistics that have been of interest throughout the years and noted some of the changes each year brings. Statistics include age, manner of death, gender, seatbelt/helmet, use, alcohol and drug involvement. 2009 ended through mid December with the following:
Age of Death 6 0-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100 Age- 4 mo to 102 years old
43
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32 30
Other statistics include:
Campbell County Coroner’s Office 600 W. Boxelder 687-6179
Death By Gender
Manner of Death
Natural – 101 Accidential – 10 Traffic Deaths – 5 Suicides – 8% Homicides – 0 SIDS – 1 Undetermiend –0
Average age of deaths - 64.5 yrs old, up from 2008 In 2008 males 57% females 43% Traffic deaths down 65% from 2008 Suicide 2009 - 7 males, 1 female 2008 - 5 males, 2 females SIDS - no change Accidental - 5 auto, 3 drug, 3 falls, 2 industrial, 1 auto/ pedestrian, 1 asphyxia Drug related deaths - 1 suicide, 3 accidental
1% 6% 4% 8%
40% 81%
60%
Mail 75 Female 49
I would like to thank all of the very valuable people who assist the Coroner’s Office in the performance of Mail 75 75 Natural – 101 101 our duties. Many people and organizations work together to help make this office in our commitFemale 49successful 49 Accidential – 10 10 Traffic Deaths – 5 5 ment to the citizens of Campbell County. I greatly appreciate their assistance and time. I would like to thank Suicides – 8% 8 0-20 Homicides –0 0 my deputies613 Rita Mashak and Lee Centner for their help. My thanks to all the personnel with the Campbell 21-40 SIDS – 1 1 41-60 32 Undetermiend –0 0 County Sheriff’s Department, Gillette Police Department, Campbell County Fire Department, Campbell 61-80 30 County Memorial Hospital staff and EMS personnel, Dr. Woodward, Campbell County doctors and assistants, 81-100 43 Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Crime Lab Personnel, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations, Dr. Pat Allen of Forensic Pathology Consultants of Loveland, Colorado and Dr. Habbe from Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. With the assistance from all involved, we are able to provide professional service to our citizens. Thanks again. Tom Eekhoff - Coroner.
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Seat Belt use in traffic deaths l/4 belted 3/4 unbelted Frequency by the time of the day called: 0001-0800 - 25% 0801-1600 - 43% 1601-2400 - 32% Calls by days of the week Monday - 18% Tuesday - 15% Wednesday -14% Thursday - 13% Friday - 16% Saturday -10% Sunday - 14% Death does not take a holiday. The Coroner’s Office was called on 40% of the holidays in 2009 through December.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
In 2009 the Campbell County Fire Department (CCFD) experienced one of the most dynamic years in its history. In January the Joint Powers Fire Board developed a comprehensive Five-year Plan which will enable delivery of the highest level of emergency services possible far into the future. The Five-year Strategic Plan was established as a “living document” as it is referred to and updated continually. The plan addresses all aspects of the organization including facilities, personnel, vehicles, and the Alan Mickelson Fire Training Center (AMFTC).
FACILITIES
The fire department with the assistance of the City of Gillette GIS Department has formulated a plan to strategically place fire stations in the CCFD service area. This arrangement will enable the fire department to minimize response times in all areas. Construction is currently underway on a new Fire Station Nine in Wright. This will be a 13,800-square foot facility situated on 4.5 acres. It will include four 80-foot “drive-through” apparatus bays, an administrative/office area, a Volunteer Room, a Community Room, four dorm rooms, and a living area with a kitchen, day room, fitness room, and showers. This $2.9 million project is slated for completion in May of 2010. As part of the Facilities Plan, a new Fire Station Seven will soon be built in the Cam-plex area. As growth in the area continues, further new fire station construction/relocation is anticipated. The fire department also placed 14’ X 30’ structures at three outlying Campbell County locations; rural wildland apparatus are now stationed at these sites.
CCFD STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
accepted a Captain’s position for the C-Shift. Replacing Acton and Beltz as career firefighters were Doug Rigsby and John Sullivan. The CCFD career staff was increased this year to help accommodate 24-hour staffing requirements adding the following Firefighters: Andrew Rutigliano, C.J. Fisk, Kate Eischeid and Sam Clikeman
In 2009 the fire department took delivery of two new Fire Engines, two Brush Trucks (Type IV Apparatus), two Grass Trucks (Type VI Apparatus), and a 2,000-gallon Tanker Truck. These replaced aging trucks that had accumulated considerable mileage. In 2010, CCFD will receive two fire engines as part of the 2009/2010 Vehicle Replacement Plan.
FUNDING ENTITIES/ FIRE BOARD
TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR COVERAGE
The City of Gillette, the Town of Wright, and Campbell County serve as CCFD’s funding entities in accordance with a Joint Powers Agreement. These are valued partners of our organization. Gillette City Councilman Everett Boss and County Commissioner Chris Knapp are to be commended for their service as liaisons to the fire department. The Campbell County Fire Department is extremely fortunate to be guided by seven dedicated individuals serving as CCFD’s Board of Directors. Board members include Chairman Sam Saunders, Vice-chairman Matt Avery, Secretary/Treasurer Marilyn Mackey, Chris Knapp, Jeff Wagoner, Tom Johnson, and Ron Holmes. Many thanks go out to Joe Robidoux of Wright who resigned from the Fire Board after serving in that capacity for several years. Past and present Board Members are vital to the fire department as they have worked tirelessly to help lead this very complex organization through a myriad of challenges.
As a result of the rising number of emergency response calls, on September 1st CCFD implemented a system to provide 24-hour coverage from Fire Station One. This was the culmination of several months of planning and preparation. Twenty-four hour coverage is provided by a combination of career and volunteer firefighters. Crews now work and are available to be dispatched from the fire station 24 hours per day continually. Response times have already been greatly reduced, and as a result, Campbell County citizens now enjoy an unprecedented high level of service from their fire department.
TRAINING DIVISION
The CCFD Training Division is responsible for coordinating and providing entry level training for new members to the department, continuing training and education for current members, advanced training for all members (volunteer & career) and specialized training opportunities for those members participating in special operations such as hazardous materials response. Training is also provided to private industry through partnerships with the various mine rescue teams and safety personnel from the oil and gas industry. In addition, fire extinguisher training was provided to over 600 private industry employees in 2009. Five CCFD personnel attended training at the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland, and two addi-
The Campbell County Fire Department is a “Combination Department” comprised of approximately 155 volunteer and 23 career firefighters. Additional support is provided by the Fire Cadets, Auxiliary, Rural Firefighters, two Emergency Vehicle Technicians, and four administrative APPARATUS staff. Don Huber serves as CCFD’s Every year CCFD coordinates with Chief, and Tracey Sve has begun her the City of Gillette Fleet Management fourth year as the Business Manager. Division to arrange for the replaceFire Inspector/Fire Marshal ment of aging staff vehicles Dave Mansur retired after 25 and fire apparatus. This is Campbell County years as a career firefighter. an enormous task as the fire Fire Department department requires a vast There were two promotions 106 Rohan Ave within the career ranks: In latefleet in its efforts in respond682-5319 June Eric Acton was appointed ing to emergency calls in its Fire Marshal, and Chris Beltz 5,000-square-mile service area.
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tional personnel will attend in early 2010. Five personnel attended a two week Hazardous Materials Technician course in Pueblo, Colorado. Tuition for this course was provided by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Two additional personnel attended a two week Hazardous Materials Technician course in Riverton, WY sponsored by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office. In August the Campbell County Fire Department, in partnership with the Powder Basin Safety Association, hosted the Annual Surface Mine Rescue Competition. CCFD Training Division conducted a Spring Recruit Academy with eight new members completing the training. The Training Division is currently conducting a Fall Recruit Academy with seventeen new members in training. Division Chief Dale Izatt has been accepted to attend the prestigious National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in March of 2010. This annual course is limited to 100 attendees selected from fire departments throughout the nation. Training Chief Ron Smith continues to serve as a member of the Wyoming Firefighter Certification Committee. This committee, appointed by the State Fire Marshal, is responsible for the establishment of training and certification standards for firefighters in the State of Wyoming.
ISO RATINGS IMPROVED
The Campbell County Fire Department periodically undergoes an ISO rating evaluation. ISO is an independent organization that collects fire protection information, analyzes it, and assigns a Public Protection Classification. Many insurance companies base their rates on ISO Classifications; thus these evaluations are extremely important to citizens throughout the nation. In mid-2009, the ISO conducted a several-day survey of CCFD and its service area. The results of this evaluation were very favorable as the ISO Ratings were improved for all areas of Campbell County. The fire department strives for excellence by responding to the community’s needs, providing leadership in times of change, and committing to continual improvement through strategic planning. The Campbell County Fire Department remains firmly committed to the safety of the citizens and visitors of Gillette, Wright, and Campbell County.
GILLETTE-CAMPBELL COUNTY AIRPORT 2009 was a busy year at GilletteCampbell County (GCC) Airport, full of exciting changes. The expansion and remodel of our passenger screened area, the expansion of our parking lot, and the changing of air service were just few of the many things that happened last year.
Photograph taken by Christopher Cole,
Fixed Base Operator
With the help of GCC airport, Flightline, Inc. received a new hangar door and a new hangar roof, and heating system in the fall. The original hangar door and roof were 30 years old and had reached their useful life. Flightline, Inc. is the airport’s fixed base operator and provides certified aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, charter flights, hangar rentals, and aircraft fueling services. Flightline’s total fuel flowage into aircraft decreased year over year by 1.3 percent from 2008 to 2009. For more information concerning services at Flightline, Inc. call (307) 686-7000.
Air Traffic Report
The Gillette-Campbell County Air Traffic Control Tower realized an 11.3 percent decrease in operations from 2008 to 2009 in aircraft landings and take-offs. This decrease in reported activity was due in part to a 18 percent decrease in general aviation activity, and the fact that due to a shortage in air traffic controller staffing the control tower was closed on weekends for three months.
Airline Service
The GCC airport had a total of 52,087 passengers utilize commercial air service in 2009. This was approximately a 6 percent decrease from 2008 year-end totals. GCC was able to maintain service from Gillette–Campbell three airlines County Airport over the course 2000 Airport Road 686-1042 of the year
was able to expand the secure area for screened passengers by over 60 extra seats, add more concessions for passengers before boarding the plane, and added bathrooms inside the secured area. With increasing activity and airline flights per day, parking congestion was starting to become a concern. With the help of the FAA, state and the county, GCC airport was able to design and construct an expansion to its existing parking lot. With the completion of the parking lot expansion GCC airport added an additional 169 spaces for a total of 443 parking spaces.
New Employees
GCC Airport proudly added a new Air Traffic Controller to the staff in 2009. Allison Kornbau came to us from Rapid City, SD where she worked as a controller for four and a half years for the United States Air Force. Photograph taken by by Allison Kornbau.
and offered almost 20 flights a day. Great Lakes Airlines had service to Denver, Billings, and Miles City; while SkyWest Airlines offered service to Salt Lake City as a Delta Connection, and to Denver as United Express.
of $16,000 (20%) to match $64,000 (80%) from the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission to leverage a grand total of $80,000 in necessary funding to maintain a successful marketing and advertising campaign for the Airport’s new air service. Both the county commissioners and Wyoming Aeronautics commissioners approved the Airport’s request.
Airport Marketing
In 2009 the GCC airport continued a strong marketing and advertising campaign. The airport contracted Forecast, Inc. as a consultant to help the airport develop new marketing and advertising strategies towards local air service. The airport re-structured the airport Web site to include a ‘booking engine” which will allow those visiting the Web site to actually book flights from our local airport. The Web site with the new feature will be available the early part of 2010. The Web site is www.iflygillette.com The GCC airport also contracted with a local company - Graphic Design & Photography Services to help re-brand the airport’s Web site, print, and billboard advertisements. Again in 2009 the GCC airport requested the county commissioners approve funding in the amount
Airport Grant and Aid
In 2009, the GCC airport received $2,177,353 in grants from the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Typically, federal grant projects are paid 95% by the FAA, 3% by the Aeronautics Division and 2% by local county match. The grants were used this year for construction, air service, marketing, and preventative maintenance for GCC Airport. The Passenger Screening area remodel was a well received addition to the terminal from passengers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the airlines. After the remodel the airport
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Retirement
Kerry Heriger retired after 16 years of service at the GCC Airport as an Air Traffic Controller. Kerry had served as the Chief Air Traffic Controller the last 12 years of his career. Kerry and his wife Joyce spend their winter months in Pensacola, Florida and their summer months in Wasta, South Dakota. The airport staff wishes Kerry a happy retirement.
Airport Board Members
The airport board once again was exemplary in 2009. Comprised of five members appointed by the county commissioners, the airport board generally met the second Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the airport conference room. The airport board was officially dissolved by the county commissioners on December 31, 2009. Airport executive director and board members:: Jay Lundell - Executive Director Penny Schild - President Jerry Dilts - Vice President Hein K. Kalke - Secretary/Treasurer Will Cunningham - Member Kelly Peters - Past President
EXTENSION SERVICE
Horticulture, Lori Bates:
al arts, family and consumer sciences, rabbits, shooting sports and geology. Campbell County had three hundred
During 2009, Lori Bates worked on three major project areas including Master Gardeners, Community Garden and the Farmers’ Market. The remainder of the time in this position was spent with walkin requests for answers to specific questions as well as visits to individual residents to help homeowners identify issues with trees, shrubs and turf. The Master Gardeners joined forces with the City of Gillette, to provide the first annual Speaker Series devoted to educating Campbell County residents on water wise options for the home garden. The Campbell County Master Gardener program grew in 2009 with a total of twelve local community members completing the Master Gardener course. three of the twelve trainees have already completed their 40 hours of volunteer service to become official Master Gardeners. 2010 classes will begin in February. The Community Garden is located on the corner of 1st and Rohan. Sixty plots measuring 400 square feet are available to community members each spring for planting a vegetable garden. Increased interest in the Community Garden this year resulted in a waiting list to get in. The Farmers’ Market is a service provided by the Master Gardeners to give local residents a chance to buy and sell local produce. Plans are underway to “grow” the market in 2010.
4-H/Youth Educator, Jessica Gladson, As the University of Wyoming 4-H / Youth Educator for Campbell County, Jessica Gladson worked with more than 270 4-H volunteers and over 460 youth to develop a wide array of educational seminars, Cooperative events, local and Service Extension state contests, and 1000 S Douglas Hwy, Ste A state and national 682-7281 trips. The culmina-
tion for youth in 4-H is the annual Campbell County Fair where they are able to exhibit and visit with judges in more than 60 project areas, including animals, welding, fabric and fashion, leathercraft, woodworking, visu-
youth exhibit projects at the Wyoming State Fair and 72 youth members that attended with division champions in areas such as Quilting, Market Beef and Visual Arts. The Campbell County 4-H Wool
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Judging team won the Wyoming State Championship in March, 2009. They then represented us at the National contest in Texas where they placed high as a team! The 4-H Clover Corrals town facility for urban youth to raise sheep, swine, goats, r a bbit s and poultry was full and youth reported an increase in the areas of responsibility and teamwork in their lives and project related interactions. Tours of this facility are available through the Extension Office to continue to educate youth in our community on information on livestock and agriculture. This unique program for our county continues to grow every year. The Campbell County 4-H Horse program had great success with the growth of timed rodeo events including team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping and dummy roping. The horse project also continues to grow in halter, showmanship, trail, and English riding. This year more than 120 youth participated in the horse program. Campbell County 4-H also remains a presence at the Youth Ag Expo. In 2009, we focused on “Field to Table,” wool felting and swine. The “Field to Table” program educated youth on the nutritional value of whole wheat grains and how they get from a farmer’s field to their table. This included youth being able to grind their own flour from wheat with hand grinders. The wool felting allowed for education on the sheep industry in the textile area. The swine educational exhibit Continued on page 15
EXTENSION SERVICE Continued from page 14
was designed to enhance understanding of the swine industry. The 4-H Clover Bud program continued to be strong with over 40 youth ages 5-8 participating. Our young members in this program are able to experience 4-H opportunities along with special ones of their own. The highlight of their year was again a two day camp with activities that included horse, conservation, gun safety, and cooking. The largest 4-H sponsored activity of 2009 was the annual Campbell County 4-H Camp. The camp is held at the Mallo Camp facilities in the Black Hills and last four days and three nights for 4-H members. 4-H Young Leaders arrive at camp the day before the campers to undergo leadership training to help facilitate the small groups they are in charge of during camp. The leadership training consists of team building sessions that facilitates camaraderie between the older 4-Hers and give them insight on leading the younger 4-Hers in a social setting away from home. The Young Leaders, which are 4-Hers who are 14 and older, are involved with the planning and implantation of the camp schedule, educational activities and execution of the activities at camp. Campbell County 4-H camp is designed for youth to rotate through workshops, activities and programming throughout the week in a small group setting. The groups are designed to enhance a sense of community and facilitate growth for our members. As a group they attended sessions during the week that focused on citizenship, team building, cultural knowledge, photography, rifle, muzzle loading, wilderness survival, archery, fly fishing, and physical activity.
Cent$ible Nutrition Program, Lori Jones Cent$ible Nutrition is an educational program that helps families learn basic nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and cooking skills. There is no charge for the series of eight classes. A cookbook and several kitchen items such as a refrigerator thermometer are some of
the incentive items to remind families what they have learned. There were 212 families enrolled in the Cent$ible Nutrition program in 2009. Almost half of the families have four or five members. Those families had a total of 328 children. The positive results are that 43% of those families now plan meals ahead of time more often. Research shows that when a family practices meal planning, everyone is more likely to get their daily nutrients. Of those families, 52% now read the Nutrition Facts label when deciding what to purchase. Families are making choices based on nutrition rather than convenience or appearance. The most important change is that 47% now thaw food safely more often. Families that use unsafe thawing techniques sometimes have mild symptoms of food born illness. With food safety it is always best to the safe rather than sorry. Food resource management takes into consideration things like planning meals ahead, shopping with a list, and buying only what you can use before it spoils. There were 83% of the families that improved at least one food resource management category. There were 88% of the families that improved their nutrition practices. Nutrition practices include choosing whole grains, offering at least
three different vegetables daily, offering two different fruits daily, watching fat intake, and choosing milk or juice over drinks with no nutritional value. Food safety practices were improved by 58% of the families. Food safety includes keeping cold foods cold, heating or reheating to proper temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination, sanitizing, and safe thawing practices. This category historically shows the least improvement. One of the reasons is that more families come into the program with good food safety practices. Some of the agencies Cent$ible Nutrition partners with are Early Head Start, Head Start, Even Start, Climb Wyoming, Department of Family Services, Workforce Development, Wright Community Assistance, Westwood High School, Campbell County High School, and the YES House. If you are interested, please call Lori at 682-7281 to enroll in Cent$ible Nutrition.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Lindsay Taylor The main focus of the agriculture extension educator position in Campbell County is to provide a link
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between people in the community and the research taking place at the University of Wyoming. Throughout 2009 the Ag/Nat Resources program in Campbell County focused on four major areas, livestock nutrition, ranch economics, oilseed crop production, and renewable energies. Other minor programs that were hosted by the office included a course on estate planning and range management planning sessions. Livestock nutrition and economic information was given out when individuals contacted the office regarding the nutritional needs of livestock ranging from supplemental feeding through the winter to quality of hay and forages being harvested. There were 42 calls and walk-ins in 2009 relating to animal nutrition and economic analysis of ranch operations. Feed costs are the number one cost of production for most people raising livestock. By matching the nutritional requirements of animals to what is fed savings can be made while maintaining production. Between walk-ins, calls and attendees to courses taught there were 134 people given information regarding oilseed crops in Northeast Wyoming. A Cooperative in Sheridan County has purchased equipment to move forward with the processing of oilseed crops into locally produced livestock feed and potentially biodiesel. Research is continuing at both a local and regional level to determine the feasibility of oilseed crops for Campbell County producers. Renewable energies, primarily wind and solar have been a major focus of popular media in recent years. Wyoming has an abundance of both and UW is currently working to determine how landowners, agricultural operators and communities can utilize these resources. In 2009, five sessions were taught by the educator in Campbell County and 24 calls and walk-ins were given resources for determining if small scale wind energy is a good fit for a landowner.
CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES OUR VISION: To every child.
which consists of Campbell County. • We are NAEYC (National Assocation for the Education of Young Children) 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 disabilities when needed. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that children shall participate in activities with an age appropriate peer group. • The Early Intervention Preschool Classroom provides an environment for children with and without disabilities to interact and promote maximum developmental growth. • We provide Early Head Start services for pregnant women, children birth to age three and their families, in home based and interactional settings, using "Parents as Teachers" curriculum. • We offer parenting classes several times during the year including: Parenting With Love and Logic, and Common Sense Parenting.
promote the value of
MISSION: All of CDS-CC 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.”
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 CDS-CC 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 self-awareness of everyone. • Commit to maintain and promote high standards of Early Childhood and Early Intervention services through quality staff in a state of the art early childhood program, and maintain fiscal responsibility and integrity through proactive governance.
The Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County shall serve the needs of children regardless of race, sex, color or national origin.
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.
SERVICES PROVIDED: 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.
What is Children’s Developmental 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 direction. • We screen infants and young children birth thru five for delays in development. Screenings include: cognitive, motor, social, self help skills, speech and language. • 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 emphasis on collaborative consultation utilizing a diverse group of professionals including regular education teachers, special
Who Uses the Services?
This past year over 931 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. 252 children and families are currently participating in the early intervention component of the program. Services for children with disabilities have increased 132% since 2000. This education teachers, physical and past year, Children’s Developmental occupational therapists, speech/ Services of Campbell County has conlanguage pathologists, and the tinued a screening campaign “One family. before Two” in conjunction with Child • We refer to other specialists and Development Services of Wyoming. agencies as may be necessary The focus of the program is to encourto meet the unique needs of age all families to have their child individual children and families. screened before the age of two. • We consult with families to help Early Head Start prothem meet the challenge of vides weekly home visraising a young child with its and twice monthly a developmental disability. family interaction activiCampbell County • We are the only agency Children’s Development ties to 36 families who Services licensed by the State of meet eligibility guide1801 Four-J Road Wyoming to provide these lines. Currently there is 682-2392 services in our Region, a waiting list of 20 famiContinued on page 17 16
Continued from page 6
CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES tions 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.
Continued from page 16
lies. This past year, Early Head Start offered over 1600 home visits and 60 family socialization activities to 54 children age birth to three, 1 pregnant woman, and their families. Pregnant women and children receive medical and dental care through referral. The Child Care component is serving an average of 54 children age 2 to kindergarten age with a waiting list of 137 age eligible children and 114 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 22 weeks of last year to a total of 38 individuals. There is a meal provided before parenting classes, which enables the participating families to enjoy an unhurried meal together before beginning class-time. 8-10% of children and families are placed by Department of Family Services or court ordered for abuse, neglect, prevention, or drug endangered. 20-25% of children and families receive income assistance from Department of Family Services Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County has been serving families for forty plus years and operates a variety of programs access-
Cost benefits of quality Early Education/Child Car e / Interv ention Programs:
Projections have been made that quality early childhood child care programs demonstrate substantial costsavings. 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
ing 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 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 budget principles, including equitable alloca-
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 Cliff Knesel, Chairperson Carol Yonkee, Vice-Chairperson Scott Wiley, Treasurer Karen Reynolds, Secretary Julie Fall, Member Steven Hughes, County Commissioner Liaison
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Bell Nob Golf Course
2009 saw the completion of a water storage reservoir, new pump station and delivery system along with the completion of two new wells and the reha-
bilitation of two existing wells. This allowed Bell Nob for the first time ever to be able to say, “We used no city water to maintain the golf course in 2009. The most noticeable of last year’s projects was the completion of the new irrigation reservoir that covers 14 acres and holds a little over 42 million gallons of water, coming from wells at the golf course. Bell Nob staff was able to fill the pond through the winter months and then draw from the reservoir during the summer to maintain the golf course. The storage allows Bell Nob to be self supporting and not put a strain on the city’s water system. The golf course now has four wells that produce water for the reservoir. Two of the wells are in the Wasatch Formation and two are in the Fort Union Formation. The unique thing about this project is that
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neither of the formations was conducive to growing grass but when the two were mixed together they created a good source of irrigation water. The plans for 2010 are to finish the last phase of the renovation project with the large bunker being removed on 13, the two mounds being leveled and trees added to both sides of the hole. This will widen out the landing area and make the hole more aesthetically pleasing. Some of the other projects the staff is looking at are to widen the golf holes on 1, 2, 9 and 16 to give the players more grass and less native rough to play from in hopes of speeding up play. The staff at Bell Nob is looking forward to next season and doing everything they can to make your golfing experience the best. As always their goal is to provide the best playing conditions possible.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Parks Division
The parks offer a venue for a variety of community recreation events such as road races and walks, high school athletic events such as cross country and tennis and fun events such as the Annual 4th of July Picnic, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Jingle Bell Hike to Santa and the Festival of Lights. Each of these events enhances quality of life by allowing participants an opportunity to get out and enjoy nature, mingle with their friends and neighbors or just relax and watch others participate in an event. Improvement projects that were completed in 2009 included playground improvements for Fox Park, Green Valley Estates and Cedar Hills. The old playgrounds were removed and new integrated play structures were installed which provide more children an opportunity to play and also provide a wider variety of play activities to help broaden their learning and play experience. Several fence sections were replaced on softball fields in Bicentennial Park to take care of safety concerns for players.
Additional fence repairs are planned for the coming year. The park shop building in Cam-Plex Park received new siding this past year as part of an on-going project to improve the structure and energy efficiency of the buildings in the park. The building was also wrapped with a vapor barrier wrap that will assist in keeping the building warmer during the winter months. The main Parks Division shop building also saw new doors to improve the energy efficiency of the building. A project for Cam-Plex Park that was started in 2008 was the addition of several new Ponderosa Pine and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees to begin a new shelter belt along the northwest end of the park. The purpose of this project is to have larger established trees up a growing well when the older pine trees in the current shelter belt begin to die and have to be removed. Many of the current elm trees in the tree rows have already lived past their prime and removals have started because of the hazardous nature of some of the dying trees. Additional
hardwood trees and several varieties of shrubs were added to the area to increase color and to provide additional habitat for wildlife. Several improvements to facilities in Wright were completed with the installation of a picnic shelter near the playground and resurfacing the parking lot as the major improvements. Juniper trees were planted along the property boundary of the Recreation Center to slow wind from blowing through the park area and a fence was also installed to define the property edge.
Recreation Center.
Ice Arenas
The Spirit Hall Ice Arena is a wonderful addition to the recreational opportunities for the citizens and visitors in Campbell County. Several Hockey tournaments were held in the arena as well as a Junior A Hockey game which brought out over 1000 spectators to the event. Spirit Hall Ice Arena is located at the west end of the Wyoming Center at CAM-PLEX. The ice rink is a full size NHL rink that offers a larger area for recreational skating, figure skat-
ing and hockey games. The rink offers a full concession stand and a heated lobby for spectators. Permanent seating is available on the mezzanine level overlooking the rink so spectators can enjoy hockey games or figure skating programs in comfortable seating and a warm environment. The Campbell County Ice Arena opened for the year in early October and is used on a limited basis for hockey practice, figure skating practice and recreational programs. Private rentals are available at both ice arenas.
Rockpile Community Center
The Rockpile Community Center hosts the Soup Kitchen operated by the Council of Community Services. Meals are prepared and served daily by volunteers. Continued upgrades to the building include new ceiling tiles and emergency exit lights. The Community Hall is a popular building for community meetings, wedding receptions, square dancing, parties and classes offered by the
Recreation
train with cardio classes and weight The “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” road training. Our personal training program race series draws runners and walkers is offered by appointment only and has of all levels and ability to participate in been used for one on one fitness and a great community activity encouraging exercise advice for those that choose to a healthy lifestyle. This year 50 people take advantage of the program. The 2009 Corporate Games includparticipated in all 5 races and received ing nearly 340 participants from local an ipod Shuffle to enjoy music as they community businesses. The events continue to participate in a healthy kick off with a Dart BBQ at the Ice lifestyle. Other races include the Razor Arena the last two weeks of June. The City Splash and Dash Triathlon, the events then move onto the following Turkey Trot 5K (with a record turnout competitions; Frisbee Golf, Bowling, of 260 runners and walkers) and the Darts, Dodge ball, Horseshoes, Polar Bear 5K Race. Billiards, Wallyball and Waterslide Fitness classes are booming with Relay. Any business is encouraged to many new participants come out and participate trying a variety of classes at a recreational level to keep a balance in their outside of the stressful exercise routines. Fitness work environment. County Campbell classes included Water The Annual Fourth of & Recreation Park Aerobics, Power Flex, 1000 Douglas Hwy July Celebration providCycling, Pilates, Cardio 682-7406 - Admin ed the community with Fitness, Step Aerobics, Gym-682-8527 free events throughout Zumba and Kickboxing. Pool-682-5470 the day and into the eveThe department encourS. Gym-686-9160 ning fireworks display. ages participants to cross Wright-464-0198 Events included; the
early morning fireman pancake feed, Firecracker 4 mile road race, Parade , Mud Volleyball, Chalk it Up, Free Hot Dog Feed (6,000 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 was accompanied by music broadcast on Koal 103.9. Other Special Events offered throughout the year by the Recreation Center include the Easter Egg Hunt, Fly Fishing class, Hip Hop Dance class, Dog Obedience class, Dodge Ball Tournament, Bench Press Challenge, Jingle Bell Hike to Santa and the Secret Santa Program. Campbell County residents continued to use the recreation and pool facilities. A total of 128,819 total visits were recorded at the Recreation Center and pool from December 1, 2008 to December 1, 2009. Usage
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The Spirit Hall Ice Arena
areas include the cardio room, weight rooms, gymnasium, pool, and racquetball/squash courts.
Adult Programs
2009 was another great year for the adult programs. All leagues and classes saw growth with softball and volleyball increasing the most. There were a 133 softball teams in the league with a 12 team increase from 2008. Basketball stayed steady at 51 teams. Continued on page 19
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Adult volleyball is also seeing a good showing at the courts with a total of 141 teams for the spring and fall seasons, which is a 26 team advantage over last year. Wallyball stayed steady at 8 teams. Other tournaments and competitions offered this year were a Dodgeball Tournament that brought in 10 teams and a bench press competition that brought in 9 participants, with the winner pressing 440 lbs. The karate program had another great year with a total of 333 participants. As a whole the adult programs brought in 343 teams in 2009.
Youth Programs
As Gillette continues to grow, so does the youth programs for Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department. With Soccer, Youth Basketball, Bantam Basketball and Kids Camp being very popular with participants, the programs saw great growth in 2009. Soccer, which is two sessions (fall and spring) had 1547 participants. This is up 138 from last year. Youth Basketball, grades 4-6 grades, continued to be strong in Gillette with a total of 432 ball players. 1st-3rd grade Bantam Basketball Program had 331 future basketball stars participating in the program. The summer was a big hit with Kids Camp with a total of 527 campers enjoying all the summer activities. Other programs that are going strong are Girls Softball (174 participants), Kids Night Out (339 kids), Hershey Track and Field Meet (74 athletes) Lil Slugger Baseball (113 sluggers) and Youth Hikes with 27 hikers. With over 3100 youth participating in our programs, 2009 has been a great success in developing skills, friendships, and enjoyment.
Intramural Programs
The intramural programs at the Recreation Center continued to offer
community. Some of our most popular activities included lap swim, water aerobics, open swim and swimming lessons. A total of 1,227 children participated in swim lessons and 587 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, and Hawaiian Luau, Back to School BBQ, Dog Daze of Summer and Christmas Break brought in 1,048 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 18,732 visits from individuals of all ages.
youth of many ages an opportunity to participate in recreational sports and fun activities in 2009. Many of the programs experienced an increase in participants; programs such as Junior High Boys Basketball, Junior High Girls Basketball and Junior High Tennis, Junior Golf and Soccer. During the season the boys and girls get to experience the excitement of traveling to surrounding counties for away games, but still get the opportunity to play most of their games at the Recreation Center and Bicentennial Park. The Blades and Avalanche Youth Hockey Programs was also a continued success with an increase in participants. There were over 60 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. Summer trips to various places such as: Tie Hack Reservoir, Rushmore Water Slide Park, Cook Lake, Raging Bull Paintball, offered some summertime fun and excitement for youth ages 12-16. When it gets cold outside and winter sets in, so does the High School Coed Basketball Program. Over 200 young men and women played basketball at the recreation center gym every Tuesday night. As with all our programs, we continued to stress our main goals in 2009: Positive sportsmanship and attitudes, hard work and dedication, developing fundamentally sound skills and HAVING FUN! Overall, 2009 was a great year for the intramural programs at the Recreation Center!
sons all year for pre-school and youth. A total of 137 youth took advantage of these lessons. A Mom and Tot class for Mom’s and their little ones, ages 6 months to 2 years, as well as swim lessons for adults rounds out our swim lesson programs. The Center also offers CPR classes, lifeguard training, first aid classes, lap swimming, open swimming and Water Aerobics. “Yellow Fellow”, the giant inflatable, is in our pool several times a year.
Wright Recreation Center
2009 was another year of many changes in the town of Wright. The influx of population inspires flexibility and versatility at the Wright Recreation Center. The diversity of the Center attracts all age groups and fitness levels. The Wright Recreation Center is referred to, by many, as the “heart” of this small community. It is the perfect place for everyone to meet new friends while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through various resources, the community is kept well informed of all activities and events. Youth programs are an important and large part of the Wright Recreation Center. Spring Outdoor Soccer is enjoyed by boys and girls in grades 1-6 and Pre-School Indoor Soccer for ages 3 & 4 is played in January and February. There were 37 soccer players combined. Outdoor Flag Football, in addition to Indoor Nerf Flag Football had 50 youth participants. Bantam Basketball, played by 1st through 3rd graders, had 32 participants and 4th through 6th grade basketball had 42 boys and girls. These activities alone help keep our youth active from fall through spring. Summer programs offered keep youth in our parks with biking, hiking, sports and organized games. The department in conjunction with Wyoming Game and Fish had a “free” fishing day for families at Panther Pond. All ages enjoyed an adventurous day outdoors. The pool offers Red Cross swim les-
Aquatics
From Dec. 1, 2008 to Dec. 1, 2009 the Campbell County Pool offered a variety of special events and activities to promote wellness throughout the
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Along with this, we offer “two for the price of one” nights to increased pool usage. The pool helped attract many of our 5,558 daily “drop-ins” for 2009, as well as our 5,184 membership visits. The Wright Recreation Center is seeing an increase in adult drop-in visits; increasing by 114 throughout the three summer months alone in 2009. All other age groups remained constant. Wright is very fortunate to have excellent certified fitness instructors. Cycling, Aerobics, Water Aerobics, Weight Training and Yoga are offered. Belly Dancing for adults was introduced in 2009. Patrons with memberships to the Center definitely take advantage of these fitness classes at half price. An additional new bike in 2009 increased cycling classes. Akai Ryu Dojo Karate Classes for all ages has a solid enrollment with several students earning belts and winning metals at various tournaments in 2009. Fitness workshops are offered several times throughout the year, at no charge, inviting the public to try our Fitness classes and meet the instructors. An average of 310 clients joins these fitness classes yearly. Over 153 youth attended Dive-In Movies in 2009, one of the Recreation Centers most popular special events. Continued on page 20
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Parks and Recreation
The annual Easter Egg Hunt brings the entire community and visiting relatives together and attracts approximately 150 youth. The annual “Hike to Santa” had 148 youth and adults bundling up and hiking to visit Santa. Other special events in 2009 were the Water Carnival, Pre-School Halloween Party, Turkey Shoot free throw contest, family Bingo/Roller Skate, Bowling, three trips to the Campbell County pool and City Pool along with one trip to the Spirit Hall ice arena in Gillette. The Wright Days 5K Run/Walk, held in conjunction with Wright Days, had 26 par-
spectators. Adult clients are excited with the 2009 weight room updates at the Wright Recreation Center. Updating a Treadmill plus adding a Recumbent Bike keeps our cardio equipment modern. New carpet in our dance/ fitness room and new commercial rubber flooring in our weight room certainly gives us a more inviting and contemporary look. The Parks Maintenance crew worked extremely hard in 2009 outside the facility and at the baseball fields. Planting grass and trees in both areas is continuous. The Parks crew succeeds in keeping our grounds immaculate. Each year we see an increase in outside activity, park utilization and positive comments.
Continued from page 19
ticipants. Our Wright Days 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament brought 18 contestants. The 2009 total attendance for all “Special Events” was over 700, staying consistent with previous years. The Wright Recreation Center is regularly utilized for school activities. This includes Jr./Sr. High Volleyball and Basketball practices, games and tournaments. The pool is used by Cross Country, Track, Wrestling teams and Physical Education classes, and Elementary school swim lessons. School usage numbers in 2009 totaled 6,510 students which does not include
CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT
The year 2009 was a busy year for the Clerk of District Court Office, with three Judges and three courtrooms the Sixth Judicial District is one of the busiest districts in the state. The duties of the Clerk of District Court, are set forth in both Wyoming Statutes and Wyoming Court Rules. These duties are to keep the journals, records, books, dockets, and papers pertaining to the District Court. Other duties include collecting, receipting, recording and processing all monies paid to or through the court. The office enters orders for child support matters and judgments, both civilly and criminally. The District Courts in Wyoming are responsible for handling felony cases, civil matters above $7,000.00, probate cases and domestic relations. In addition, the district courts are also the state’s juvenile courts. The Clerk of Court summons jurors for District Court jury trials. Jurors are paid at the rate of $30.00 per day
Nancy Ratcliff, Krista Merryman, Chris Olson, Michelle Lieber, Gayle Cooper, Denise Fuller, Greta Evans, Donna Elkins, Cheryl Chitwood, Shonna Lundvall, and Pam Francis. Seated: Cheryl Williams and Darlene Fetters
plus mileage, and most trials piled of names from drivare completed within three ers’ license records and voter days, but can last much lon- registration lists. Jurors are ger. 2009 we had a total required to either appear of 17 jury trials. The four times, serve on a Supreme Court jury trial or complete Office generates their four-month Campbell County a random comterm. The Clerk Clerk of District Court puter list of of Courts office 500 S. Gillette Ave, possible jurors has trained staff Ste. 2400 for our county. to receipt and dis682-3424 This list is comtribute child support
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payments. Our core staff function in concert with the Sixth Judicial District Child Support Authority and the State Disbursement Unit staff ensure that child support is distributed in a timely fashion according to federal and state requirements. We continue to have success with Sandcastles. This program requires parents
who are going through a divorce to enroll their children ages six to seventeen in a three and a half hour, one time group session prior to the finalization of the divorce. The program is facilitated by school counselors. It provides a safe 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. Planning a trip overseas?? Pick up a passport application at the Clerk of District Court office, or for passport and travel information, please visit www.travel.state. gov. Applications are processed by the Clerk’s office and forwarded to the regional passport office. 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.
JUVENILE PROBATION
MISSION:
Under the Courts’ direction, the Juvenile Probation Office shall equally implement the goals of community protection and victim restoration, while improving the juveniles’ competencies to live as productive citizens.
CORE VALUES:
• Unity: We work together, both with our department and with other agencies, to accomplish our mission. • Respect: We take personal responsibility for treating employees, probationers, victims, and all others, with respect and fairness in all our interactions. • Integrity: We commit ourselves to maintaining the public’s trust and creating public value by adhering to the moral, ethical, judicial and legislative codes that govern the operation of our department. • Altruism: We commit ourselves to being empathetic and considerate of all employees, probationers, victims, and all others, and their unique life situations and the belief in the capacity for positive change. • Diversity: We appreciate the cultural differences of the communities we serve and the value gained from having a workforce that represents their diversity.
• Quality Service: We shall provide a work product of the highest quality through continuous measurement, assessment, and improvement.
JUVENILE PROBATION SUPERVISION:
Juveniles are assigned to one of our Juvenile Probation Officers: Deb LindAdsit, Brenda Parks, Felice Williams or Connie Scigliano. Terms and conditions of probation vary by case and include some combination of the following: • Regular meetings with juvenile and parents • Visits to home, school or work • Monitoring -school grades, attendance, discipline • Random drug/alcohol testing • Searches of home and/or vehicles • Mental Health evaluation and/or counseling • Substance Abuse evaluation and/or treatment • STARS Program • Community Service • Employment and Payment of Restitution • Assigned Curfew • House Arrest / Electronic Monitoring • Restriction on associates In Juvenile Court cases, parents/
INTENSIVE SUPERVISION PROBATION:
For those juveniles who are unsuccessful with the standard probation approach, ISP offers another avenue to be successful before out-of-home placement is considered. In addition to the terms listed above, ISP with Probation Officer Andreah Leu may include daily contact, weekly home visits, closed school campus, and multiple drug testing per week. Since ISP Supervision was introduced into the Juvenile Probation Office in 2002, 156 youth received some level of ISP with out-of-home placement being avoided in 67% of the cases. During 2009, 19 juveniles received intensive supervision services.
CASELOADS:
During the course of 2009, the Juvenile Probation Office handled a total of 455 open cases, 268 of which were newly filed during the year. The breakdown between the Juvenile, Circuit and Municipal Courts is as follows: All Open Cases Court
Total Juveniles
Males
Females
District Court
212
140
72
Circuit Court
25
20
5
Courtesy Supervision
5
5
0
Out of County
4
1
3
Municipal Court
39
28
11
Community Service
170
120
50
Total Open Cases
455
314
141
New Cases Filed
Connie Scigliano, Susan Cahill, Judy Ratcliff, Debra Lind-Adsit, Shelly Eliason, Andreah Leu, Felice Williams, Brenda Parks
• Communication: We foster and sup- guardians are also assigned a variety port an environment where infor- of terms and conditions which may mation is openly shared and ideas include providing are freely discussed within the supervision for their boundaries of confidentiality. child, cooperation Campbell County • Innovation: We promote an with the Juvenile Juvenile Probation enpowered environment in which Probation Office and 500 S. Gillette Ave staff members are encouraged to participation in a Suite B600 explore new ideas that foster posivariety of treatment 682-0746 tive change. modalities.
erally for a term of six months and may require substance abuse or mental health evaluations and/or treatment. During the first 1st six month period: • 26 juveniles and 9 18-21 year olds received probation • 62% of the juveniles had alcohol related offenses • 67% of the 18-21 group had alcohol related offenses Probationers are also placed on terms and conditions similar to Circuit and District Courts and supervised by Probation Officers David Anderson and Tom Sly.
Court
Total Juveniles
Males
Females
District Court
72
46
26
Circuit Court
12
8
4
Courtesy Supervision
7
7
0
Out of County
1
0
1
Municipal Court
39
28
11
Community Service
137
92
45
Total Open Cases
268
181
87
New Programs MUNICIPAL COURT SUPERVISION:
In July, the Juvenile Probation Office, in collaboration with the City of Gillette Municipal Court, began providing supervision to youth under 18 years of age, as well as those 18-21. Municipal Court supervised probation is gen-
Thomas Sly, Devonn Sosa & David Anderson
ELECTRONIC MONITORING:
Use of electronic monitoring equipment enables the 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. During 2009, 5 probationers have been subject to house arrest w/ electronic monitoring, with periods ranging from 2 to 31 days.
DRUG & ALCOHOL OFFENSES:
Regardless of the Court of referral, or the level of supervision, a high percentage of youth entering the system 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. From 2006 through 2009, alcohol and other drug- related offenses made up 17.7%, 22.7%, 27.7% and 33.2%, respectively, of the cases handled throughout the year. Of the 455 open cases handled by the Juvenile Probation Office, 151, or 33.2%, involved drugs and/or alcohol. Continued on page 22 Continued on page 23
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JUVENILE PROBATION
JUVENILE & FAMILY DRUG COURT: This program may be offered to adjudicated youth 13 - 17 years of age, and their families, and focuses on juvenile crime involving the use of drugs and/or alcohol and provides an alternative to juvenile incarceration and other long-term residential placements for juveniles entering the criminal justice system due to their dependency on alcohol and other substances. The Key elements of the program include: • Weekly Court sessions • Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment • Family and Individual Counseling • Intensive Supervision Probation • Frequent random urinalysis / breathalyzer testing • Immediate sanctions / incentives for program successes and infractions.
The program utilizes a “team approach” in which supervising community service hour requirements the Judge, County Attorney, Public Defender, imposed upon juveniles through the Municipal, Probation, Department of Family Services, Substance Circuit, Juvenile and Juvenile & Family Drug Courts, Abuse Treatment Provider, Family Therapist and as well as those which are a condition of Juvenile School District jointly address the needs of the sub- Diversion. Benefits include more timely completion stance abusing juvenile and his/her family. Drug of Court orders, serving as an on-going reminder to Court Probation Officer Brandy Edlund provides our youth that these orders should be taken seriousintensive supervision probation services to the pro- ly, and saving the costs which accrue with delayed compliance. This year, juveniles supervised by the gram participants. JFDC has completed nearly eight years of opera- Community Service Supervisor paid monies or pertion. To date, 45 juveniles and 105 family members, formed community service hours as follows: for a total of 150 participants, have entered into the Juvenile & Family Drug Court Program. There have been many significant program Community Restitution Attorney Fines Paid Total successes: Service Paid to Fees Monies Hours Victims Paid Juvenile Paid • 70 participants have graduated (17 Juveniles Performed Court Through and 46 family members) Juvenile Juvenile Court Court Juvenile • 100% juveniles are in high school, high All Courts Court school graduates or obtained their GED 4,189.65 $8,297.06 $3,883.00 $530.00 $12,710.06 • 79.49% juveniles have improved academically hours • 70% juveniles have improved school attendance TOBACCO EDUCATION GROUP • 60% juveniles have decreased school discipline (TEG) referrals Those juveniles who have committed a tobac• 91.67% juveniles report improved family relationco-related offense may be required to attend the ships TEG Class in addition to their community service • 63% juvenile graduates have had no new offenses requirement. The TEG Class, which includes elesince graduation ments of lecture, video, demonstration and dis• 100% juveniles have been involved in an extra- cussion, aims to move the participant through the curricular activity, obtained employment or com- stages of preparation and action to quit tobacco use. pleted community service. During 2009, 44 juveniles completed the program. • 94.64% of the drug/alcohol testing has produced clean UA tests
CORRECTIVE THINKING CURRICULUM:
Although occasional setbacks 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.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Brandy Edlund and Nikki Burris
Crucial to the probation process is requiring the juvenile make amends to either an individual victim or the community in general. Probationers may be directed to make payments of restitution, court fines and reimbursement for Court-appointed counsel, as well as to perform hours of community service. Community Service Supervisor, Devonn Sosa, provides service to both the Juvenile Probation and Juvenile Diversion Programs, assigning and
22
The use of Corrective Thinking classes, which are aimed at teaching youth to become more accountable for their actions and develop their decisionmaking processes continues into year six. Juvenile Probation Officers are trained in, and utilize on a daily basis, Corrective Thinking methods to help juveniles focus on the choices that they have made to bring them into the court system. Corrective Thinking addresses the juveniles’ thinking errors and reluctance to be accountable for their actions, providing youth with the tools necessary to make better decisions and avoid future involvement in the criminal justice system. 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, among others -- 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. Susan L. Cahill, Director Campbell County Juvenile Probation
PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering ~ Planning ~ Zoning ~ Building ~ Facilities ~ Landfill ~ Recycle ~ Fleet It has been a very busy and productive year for the Campbell County Public Works Department and we are proud to share a bit of our story with you. As with last year, on the capital construction front, we have a number of projects in various stages of planning, construction, or post-construction phases. A few projects include: • The Campbell County Detention Center was completed. • The Recreation Center is scheduled to be open in the spring of 2010. • Gillette College Technical Education Center will be open for second semester in January 2010. • Slate Street extension is complete and provides the third access into the new Recreation Center. • Bell Nob Reservoir and well project is complete. This past irrigation season, the project saved nearly $1 million in water costs and 102 million gallons of City water. • Adon, Svalina and Sunny Slope Road Drainage
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Manager: Phillip Giffin, P.E., Engineering Services Manager The Engineering Division is designed: • to take responsibility for project development, design development, construction oversight and management, construction budgets and the remodeling and modifications to all capital facilities owned by Campbell County. • to administer permit authority for small wastewater facilities, publicly owned sewage collection facilities, publicly owned water distribution facilities and publicly owned nondischarging treatment works as delegated by DEQ. • to provide services to Joint Powers Boards for construction of facilities that fall under these boards. • to recommend and administer District Support Grant applications. • to provide Engineering review of subdivision cases.
PLANNING and ZONING DIVISION
Manager: Kevin King, P.E., Public Works Director, Megan Lehman, Planning Technician The year of 2008-2009 was an exciting and demanding one for the Planning Division. Even though we saw a decrease in cases, many new subdivisions have been finalized and more are in the planning process. The Planning and Zoning Division had a new assistant join the team. Melissia Kershner was hired in August 2009. Melissia’s enthusiasm for Campbell County, the community and her dedication to providing great planning services is a great asset to the team.
Improvements (Donkey Creek) have all been Our department strives for continuous improvement completed. and welcomes feedback from the citizens we serve. We • Road overlays included Bishop Road, Union Chapel are always on the look for new technologies and tools Road, American Ranch Road, Southern Drive and to increase our efficiency and decrease our costs, folEcheta Road. lowing my mantra that if it doesn’t add value, it adds • Courthouse Roof repairs and replacement. cost. In the coming year, we will institute a document • Fair Board pole barn was completed. archival system that will allow us to search for and • Landfill asphalt patching and overlay project was recall documents efficiently and quickly. In addition, complete. we will continue to make improvements to our web• Landfill waste oil vault and pit was completed. site and educational products, making more informa• Wright Library parking lot rehabilitation was tion available to the public in a more convenient mancompleted. We also added a second entrance into ner. Finally, look for updates and modifications to our the parking lot, affording more efficient subdivision regulations and a complete traffic flow. re-write of our zoning regulations...both • The Senior Center expansion project is designed to make the documents more underway. user-friendly and consistent. Campbell County Planning is underway for several projects, Our door is always open and we are here Public Works including a comprehensive study of the road to serve the citizens of Campbell County to 500 S Gillette Ave, network in the Coal Belt and a comprehensive the best of our abilities. Enjoy the report. Ste 1400 study of our landfill facilities and operations.
2008-2009 Construction Projects • Detention Center • Recreation Center • Gillette College Technical Education Center • Sinclair Street • Kluver Road • Slate Street extension • Bell Nob Reservoir • Bell Nob Water Wells • Sunny Slope Road Drainage Improvements • Adon & Svalina Roads Drainage Improvements • Bishop Road Overlay • Courthouse Roof repairs and replacement • Fair Board pole barn • Courthouse remodel projects • Landfill asphalt patching and overlay • Landfill waste oil vault and pit • Wright Library parking lot rehabilitation • County Parking Lot Repairs • County Road Maintenance • Southern Drive Overlay • Union Chapel Road Overlay • America Ranch Road Overlay
The re-write and adoption of Subdivision Regulation amendments has been a big project for the Planning Division in 2009. The new amendments are expected to be adopted in early 2010 and will help to make the County subdivision process more effective, user friendly and will provide for quality planning for Campbell County’s future. 2009 also brought the re-write of the County Zoning Regulations. PMC World is the consultant that has been hired to work with the Planning Division on the Zoning Regulations Re-write. The complete overhaul to the Zoning Regulations should bring modern and increased user friendly zoning regulations to Campbell County.
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• Echeta Road Overlay • County Facilities Maintenance
2008-2009 Project Design
• Hoadley Road bridge rehabilitation • Slate Street extension • Cow Creek drainage structure • Ruby Estates Access Study • Hart Road realignment • Wright Library parking lot rehabilitation • Northern Drive right-of-way • Landfill scale and drainage • Landfill II Phase III • 4-J Facilities Study
With continued population growth, the Department of Public Works strives to ensure the best possible services are available to the residents of the county. The department works as a team to ensure public 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.
The purpose of the Planning and Zoning 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. Continued on page 24
Continued from page 23
PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING & ZONING • to protect and preserve the 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. The Planning and Zoning Division looks forward to servicing the citizens of Campbell County in the future.
BUILDING DIVISION
Manager: John Boniface III, Building Code Official
The Building Division is designed:
• to provide information and help in determining 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 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. • to explain and help persons unfamiliar with construction or with using the adopted codes to understand what is required of them to obtain a permit and inspections or to simply explain how best they can get through their project.
The Building Division has been very active this year. While we saw a decrease in permits and inspections from the previous three years, retirements resulted in increased workload for our inspectors. After the retirement of Steve Anderson in June, John Boniface III joined the County as the Building Code Official in September. We thank Steve Anderson for his many years of service to the County and for the knowledge he brought to his position. John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position and strives for a high level of customer service. The division is tasked with enhancing our customer service levels. From the instant one enters the door clear to the final inspection, we are providing advice and guidance to the public. We have revamped our handout pamphlets to ensure easier explanation of permitting requirements.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE DIVISION
Manager: Vern Fundenberger, Facilities Manager The Facilities Maintenance Division provides maintenance and custodial services for the following Campbell County facilities.
Facilities Maintenance Care Facilities 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
YES House Campus
Road & Bridge
Diesel Tech Center
Rockpile Museum
Extension Office
Senior Citizens Center (Maint. & Custodial)
GARF House
Sheriffís Office (assist)
(Maint. & Custodial)
George Amos Memorial Library (Maint. Weed & Pest & Custodial) Gillette Library
Wright Library
Ice Barn Arena
Wright Recreation Center
Landfill
Wright Safety Building
Parks & Recreation (assist)
The Facilities Maintenance Division is designed:
• 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 facilities. • to team with contractors to complete capital construction projects. • the installing, repairing and monitoring of fire and security systems. • project management and oversight of capital construction improvements. The combined experience of our Facilities Maintenance Staff enables us to perform most repairs in-house, resulting in significant savings to the County. It also provides the ability to respond to and maintain County facilities at the highest level for the safety and well being of employees and the public. Our Custodial staff is second to none and take great pride in their jobs. Their dedication is evidenced in the appearance of the facilities to which they are assigned. The Facilities Maintenance Division staff members are dedicated public servants and we are fortunate to have them as County employees.
Continued on page 26 24
PUBLIC WORKS
FLEET MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Manager: Rod Warne, Fleet Manager The Fleet Management Division of the Public Works Department exists to”Keep Campbell County’s Employees on the Move”which is the motto for Fleet Management. Here are some quick statistical figures about the county’s fleet. • Campbell County’s light vehicle fleet is comprised of 192 vehicles. • In 2008 Campbell County employees drove light fleet vehicles 1.96 million miles. This does not include the large fleet vehicles that Landfill and Road & Bridge drive on a daily basis. At the time of this report, it is estimated 2009 will be a little less at approximately 1.8 million miles. • 17 County departments utilize the Fleet Pool through assigned vehicles to the departments that demonstrate needs for utilization of a county vehicle for county business. • The other County departments utilize 11 vehicles from the Fleet Management Pool by checking them
SOLID WASTE LANDFILL DIVISION
Manager: Mark Swan, P.G., Environmental Services Manager The purpose of the Solid waste Division is to: • provide a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible system for baling and transferring municipal and construction and demolition solid waste from the transfer station, to the landfills north of Gillette. • dispose of household hazardous waste and used oil. • provide a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible system, to divert products from the municipal waste stream, to be recycled.
Solid Waste Division 2009 Points of Interest: • we submitted a permit renewal to DEQ for Landfill #2 (Municipal Solid Wastes - MSW) and have received approval for a permit renewal for
out on an as needed basis. Other county vehicles can be transferred for use in the Fleet Pool when not in use through assignment. An example would be use of Parks & Recreations passenger vans through winter months or a 4WD pickup truck needed for a brief time. This enables a broader and more efficient use of currently owned vehicles that can be better utilized by all county employees. • Fleet Management Pool vehicle’s statistical use charts are included below. The charts show trends in miles traveled and vehicle usage for the year (pool vehicles only). It is interesting to note that since February, 2009, vehicle usage has climbed and remained steadily above 2007 and 2008 but yet the mileages have remained somewhat the same with the exception of July and August.
2009 Accomplishments:
• creation of a self check-in and check-out procedure for fleet vehicle daily users to create a user friendly system enabling them better access to the vehicles. • creation of an after-hours check-in and check-out system for departments with on call users and for employees returning vehicles after hours. • acquisition of specialized equipment, including a vacuum truck and bucket truck, that qualified and trained County department employees may check-in and out through the fleet reservation system. • continued working relationship with the Campbell County Commissioner’s Office and County Clerk’s Office to maintain funding for county vehicle replacement account. The original process created a savings account that ensures monies are available for replacing vehicles when they are ready
Landfill #3 (Constructions and Demolition - C&D). • we have removed for recycling the remaining used tire stockpile, which at one time had reached 750,000 tires. • construction has started, for completion in June 2010, of the first phase of a new lined landfill cell for baled MSW in Landfill #2. This new cell (Phase III) will serve the County for at least 16 years, with approximately 7 years in the first phase and 9 in the second. • from 2004 thru 2007 MSW volumes increased by 32% and C&D volumes increased by 60%. This has resulted in the Transfer Station being near capacity. We are presently using consultants to study and plan our entire operation including locating new facilities to cover future growth and eliminate the deficiencies at the present facilities. • the new Landfill #2, Phase III cell is under construction and will be completed by June 15, 2010 prior to Phase II being filled. • a new baler was installed at the
RECYCLE PROGRAM
Manager: Julie Ruff, Recycle Manager
Recycle program points of interest are:
• the recycle rate at the Campbell County Landfill is 11% while the rest of the state averages 6%. The recycle rate has jumped the past 2 years due to large increases in yard waste and scrap metal recycling and the start of a tire recycling program
Landfill #1 Transfer Station. This new baler operates at twice the speed, resulting in a reduction in overtime requirements. Through changes in operations and the new baler, we have increased the bale density by 40% and increased the density the bales are packed in the cells. These improvements have doubled the life of the lined landfill cells and will significantly reduce landfill costs. • with C&D volumes increasing, the remaining life of our C&D landfill has decreased, requiring a new C&D landfill to be designed, permitted and built before the present pit is filled in 2012. • as a result of being near capacity at our Transfer Station, employees work 10 to 12 hour days and struggle to keep up with the incoming waste. This has made diversion of recyclables from Landfills #2 and #3 more important than ever. • we are striving to maintain consistency, accessibility and
in 2008. • the national average is 26%, which shows there is an opportunity to substantially increase our recycling efforts. • efforts have started to increase our recycle rate. We are looking at ways to divert cardboard and steel to recycle from the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) tipping floor and we have started to divert clean wood waste to mulch and compost from the Construction and Demolition (C&D) tipping floor.
25
for replacement. • cooperative meetings between county officials and new automobile dealer managers regarding improvement of communications and a mutual understanding of each other’s perspectives. • mandatory vehicle pre-bid meetings to increase awareness of vehicle bid specification issues allowing for a mutual discussion and decision process. • collaboration with Human Resources to provide monthly National Safety Council Defensive Driving training. • the Fleet Manager also serves as an Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator to ensure the functionality of the office during the absence of the Emergency Management Coordinator. • Emergency Operations Center training sponsored through the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Training. • the Fleet Manager serves as a representative on the Employee Recognition Committee and the Countywide Communications Committee.
convenience for the community while maintaining safety at our facilities. This is a challenge considering the increase in traffic experienced at our transfer stations. • a Methane Extraction System is operating in Landfill #1 to evacuate methane gas. Extracting methane gas minimizes the possibility of groundwater contamination and the build up and movement of gas to adjacent properties. • due to economic conditions in 2009, we have seen a 5% reduction in Municipal Solid Waste and a reduction of 18% for Construction and Demolition Waste.
• a new"Used Oil"Collection and Storage System has been designed and installed at the recycle center. This system has been designed to meet EPA’s Spill Prevention Control and Containment (SPCC) regulations. The"used oil"is stored in a 6000 gallon storage tank and used in an oil burner to heat the Recycle Center. An SPCC plan was completed for the new Used Oil Handling Facility. • we have streamlined our operations and are Continued on page 26
Continued from page 25
PUBLIC WORKS
sending commingled recyclables to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Rapid City by utilizing a new walking floor trailer. We are hauling co-compost back from Rapid City in exchange for these recyclables. The co-compost will be used for reclamation projects at the Landfill facilities. In the past we used manual labor to sort these recyclables and market them separately. This was a very costly, inefficient operation. By utilizing the"MRF"we are able
to accomplish our recycling more efficiently, at less cost. • the Campbell County School System has started a recycling program at each of its schools. This has increased the amount of commingled recyclables we handle by 30%. We have been able to accomplish this, without increasing manpower, through the streamlining process • recycle processing operations include #1 and #2 plastics, corrugated cardboard,
newspaper, office paper, magazines, phone books, steel cans, aluminum cans, lead acid batteries, used oil, scrap metal, appliances, clean wood
Mission Statement
waste, yard waste, and household hazardous waste such as paints, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals.
HEATH DEPARTMENT DIVSION OF
The mission of the Campbell County Health Department is to promote health, prevent diseases, protect our community, and empower people in Campbell County to optimize their quality of life. Campbell County Health Department Division of Public Health Nursing is staffed by 14 Public Health Nurses, 1 Home Health Aide, 1 Public Health Response Coordinator, 4 Administrative Staff members, and 2 part time Custodians. The Women, Campbell County Health Department Staff 2009 Infants, and Children (WIC) proFront row: Carmen Harrison, Jane Bradberry, Patricia David, Kelly Hubbard, Pat Heinz, Heather Reede, gram has 1 Nutritionist, 1 Nurse, and an Office Manager. Della Amend Lin Sassman, Judie Howe, Vivian Watson, Della Amend, Linda Duvall. Back row: Penny Eutsler, Sue Edwards, Deanne Dinsmoore, Renee Hochhalter, Amber Grubb, Joli Carr, Charlie Messenheimer, Reba Lindblom, RN-BC is the Executive Director of the Connie Moore, Miranda Allen, Tara Wallingford, Lori Dvorak Department. Dr. George McMurtrey retired as the County Health Officer on Aug. 31, 2009 The nursing policies of the agen- agencies. Long Term Care Assessment after 30 years of service to the county. cy are reviewed and approved by the Dr. Kirtikumar Patel was selected by Professional Advisory Committee, (LT 101): This is a pre admission the Board of Health and appointed by including the County Health Officer review for a longer care facility and the the County Commissioners as the new and are in accordance with the poli- home and Community Based Services cies and standards of the State Nursing Medicaid waiver program. County Health Officer. Maternal/Child and Family: The Campbell County Health Service and requirements of the various Services to the mother before, durcontracts, grants, and accreditations. Department , Division of Public Health ing and after pregnancy, care of the Nursing Service provides direct ser- Our Services: infant, the child and support to the vices in the areas of communicable Adult Health: Nursing care of diseases, prevention and health promo- chronic/stable adult in the home, office parents. This program includes home tion, maternal and family health, pre or clinic setting. Personal care by the and office visits for the infant and admission screening for nursing home Home Health Aide may be included in parents. The program includes the Best Beginnings and Presumptive placement, and home health care for this service. Eligibility programs, the Nurse Family all ages. It is also the local provider for Home Health: This program pro- Partnership program, Welcome Home many Wyoming Department of Health vides skilled nursing and personal Programs. Most services are provid- care to the individual in the home visits, Children’s Special Health program, and services as the nurse to the ed free or at a reduced rate. Some of setting under Physicians Children’s Developmental Center. the services are funded by order. Public Health is Communicable Diseases: Services grants or contracts. All funds a licensed home health for the prevention of disease and proreceived are deposited to the agency through the motion of health. This program includes Campbell County Health county treasurer toward the Wyoming Department of all immunization clinics; infant, child, Department Division annual budget. Health. It is required to adult, flu, and world travel. It also Nursing Health Public of The agency is governed by meet the same standards includes the throat culture program, Service the Campbell County Board of practice and proce- HIV counseling and testing, communiRoad Four-J 2301 of Health appointed by the dures as the Medicare cable disease follow up and referral. The 682-7275 County Commissioners. and Medicaid certified nurses also teach blood borne patho-
gen classes and other classes to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. From May of 2009 the agency has been working on prevention of the spread of the H1N1 flu virus by teaching prevention methods and offering the H1N1 flu vaccine to the community including outreach to Wright , Recluse, and Little Powder River. Public Health Preparedness and Response Program: This program is funded by a grant from the Wyoming Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness with funding from Homeland Security. The Public Health Response Coordinator assist the Public Health Nurses to prepare the agency and community to respond to a Public Health emergency. 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 active enrollment as of 12/18/2009 is 1,1178 and they are seen four times a year.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
26
July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009 Client Contacts Program
Total Contacts
Adult Health
4011
Home Health
835
LT 101
353
Maternal/Child
2605
Communicable Diseases
7343
Flu vaccines
7554
Walk-in Clinic
2007
TOTAL
24,708
2009 Annual Report
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
by Jeani L. Stone, Campbell County & Prosecuting Attorney
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. Jeani Stone was re-elected Campbell County Attorney in 2006 and has completed her seventh year as Campbell County & Prosecuting Attorney. Bill Edelman continues to serve as the Chief Deputy Attorney. Jack Sundquist, Charlene Edwards, Carol Seeger, Bill Eichelberger, Wendy Bartlett, Brooke Steele, Dan Reade, Jonah Buckley, Doug Dumbrill and Valerie Thomas served as Deputy County & Prosecuting Attorneys in 2009. Support staff during 2009 included Myrna Clark, Lyla Fevold, Jessica DeMott, Toni Ellis, Carolyn Waldrop, Sandy Wilder, Debra Jennings, Jackie Adair, Lorene Stricker, Gail Eliasson, Danalynne Miller, Doug Marler, Sarah Roberts, Lisa Rang, Teresa Kirkpatrick, Renee Proffitt and Jody McGee. Bill Monahan, Monica Eskew and Charlie Hardin served in the Campbell County Attorney’s Office Crime Victim/Witness 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 consisted of Erica Wood, Janet Vaccari, Paula Martinez, Erin Wiley, and Randy Monk .
2009 STATISTICS
During 2009, the County Attorney’s Office prosecuted 217 felony defendants, compared to 247 in 2008, and 191 in 2007. The Deputy County Attorneys assigned to District Court had 15 felony jury trials, compared to 19 in 2008 and 13 trials in 2007. In addi-
tion, the felony attorneys filed child in need of supervision, 117 probation revocations, 53 for neglect, 61 for probacompared to 85 probation tion revocations, and 70 conrevocations in 2008 and 94 tempt of courts. in 2007. The Campbell County The volume of misdemean- Sheriff’s Department comor cases continues to increase. pleted a jail remodel this In 2009, 10,888 misdemeanor year which expanded the charges were filed, compared jail’s capacity. The number of to 10,106 misdemeanor charg- inmates over the last couple es in 2008, 9,859 in 2007, of years has steadily increased 8,523 in 2006 and 7,254 in and had reached record num2005. Of the 10,888 mis- bers, necessitating the expandemeanor offenses in 2009, sion. 8,988 were traffic offenses. The county civil departThe continuing influx ment continued to be busy, of workers to the commu- advising the various county nity, together with targeted entities, including the comDriving Under the Influence missioners, departments, and (DUI) patrols, has caused boards. In addition, the civil an increased DUI caseload department was busy collectover the last several years. ing delinquent taxes and hanIn 2009, 1,008 individuals dling involuntary hospitalizawere charged with Driving tion proceedings. While Under the Influence, compared to 1,002 individuFELONY als in 2008, 900 individuals in 2007 and 680 in 2006. 15 DEPARTMENT During 2009, the County of the 1,008 DUIs were bound Attorney’s Office prosecutover to the District Court for felony DUIs, as a result of ed 217 new felony defenthe defendant having multi- dants in the District Court ple prior DUI convictions in in Campbell County, coma short period of time. This pared to 247 in 2008, and July, new legislation went into 191 the year previously. In effect requiring DUI offend- addition to the usual hearings ers to install ignition inter- that occur in felony cases, lock devices into their vehi- the Deputy County Attorneys cles requiring them to submit assigned to the District Court to breathalyzer screens before handled numerous probation revocations and appeals that driving their vehicles. The Deputy County were processed in the District Attorneys assigned to Circuit Court. Cynthia Leonard plead Court participated in 18 jury trials, compared to 11 guilty to attempted manjury trials in 2008 and 16 in slaughter and no contest to 2007, 18 in 2006 and 13 in aggravated assault in the 2005. Wendy Bartlett, Brooke shooting of her estranged husSteele, Doug Dumbrill, Jonah band. Ms. Leonard was senBuckley, and Dan Reade tenced to serve 10-18 years in primarily prosecuted indi- prison. Maurice Noller plead viduals appearing in front guilty to aggravated vehicuof the Honorable William lar homicide for the death of S. Edwards and Honorable Jonni Brown and two counts Terrill R. Tharp in Circuit of driving under the influence of alcohol with serious bodily Court. There were 319 new Juvenile injury for injuries sustained to Rori Coates and Court cases in Joby Coates after 2009, compared to driving drunk and 265 in 2008, and Campbell County hitting their car. 288 juvenile cases Attorney’s Office Mr. Noller was in 2007. Of the 500 S. Gillette Ave, sentenced to serve 315 new juvenile Ste B200 • 682-4310 up to 40 years in cases, 97 were for 307-687-6441 (fax) prison for those delinquency, 38 for
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offenses. The County Attorney’s Office prosecuted and convicted Julie Jacobsen Deliramich in embezzlement from Fox Park Association. Ms. Deliramich absconded prior to the verdict being read and her whereabouts are unknown. Gary Briggs plead no contest to two counts of aggravated robbery, after robbing the Loaf ën Jug in 2007 and was sentenced to 15-25 years in prison as a result. The County Attorney’s Office continues to prosecute individuals under the Drug Endangered Child criminal statute. Beginning in 2004, parents and caregivers have been prosecuted in criminal court and juvenile court depending on the facts and circumstances of each case. There were 12 cases filed under this statute in 2009, compared to 23 cases in 2008, and 11 in 2007. In May, 47 people were arrested in a massive drug ring investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation and indicted federally for these charges. 2009 continued to show a remarkable amount of sexual assault cases, both proceeding to trial, as well as new cases filed. Many of the 2008 cases proceeded to trial or had hearings during 2009. This, coupled with the new cases filed, kept the felony attorneys extremely busy this past year. In 2009, there were 10 adult victim sexual assault cases and 18 sexual assaults with minors, for a total of 28, compared to 31in 2008 and 20 in 2007. Many of the cases had multiple victims. Gary Scott, former fire chief, pled no contest to 14 counts of sexual abuse of a minor in 2009 and is awaiting sentencing for those offenses. A Wyoming Highway Patrolmen, Jay Gruwell, was prosecuted and convicted of third degree sexual abuse of a minor during 2009, and is awaiting sentencing.
MISDEMEANOR DEPARTMENT
The volume of misdemeanor cases continues to increase. Due to the increased workload, many of the defendants charged into traffic court have had a substantial wait prior to making their first appearance. In 2009, 10,888 misdemeanor charges were filed compared to 10,106 misdemeanor charges in 2008, an increase of roughly 782 offenses from the previous year. Of these misdemeanors, approximately 8,988 were traffic citations. In 2009, 1,008 individuals were charged with Driving While Under the Influence, up from 1,002 in 2008 and 900 in 2007. In 2009, 274 victims of domestic violence were provided services by the County Attorney’s Office, compared to 266 in 2008, 243 victims in 2007, 234 cases in 2006, and 249 in 2005. These offenses included Family Violence Battery, Stalking and Protection Order Violations. In 2009, there were 184 Family Violence Battery offenses, 17 stalking offenses, 20 Protection Order Violation, 10 sexual assaults and 18 sexual assaults with minors. In addition, 6 felony battery family violence charges were filed in 2009, compared to 2 in 2008 and four in 2007. In 2009, 18 misdemeanor defendants were tried before a jury, compared to 11 in 2008 and 16 in 2007. Wendy Bartlett, Doug Dumbrill, Dan Reade, Jonah Buckley and Brooke Steele were primarily responsible for prosecuting cases before the Honorable Continued on page 28
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Continued from page 27
William S. Edwards and Honorable Terrill R. Tharp. During 2009, charges were filed alleging open meetings act violation against members of the Campbell County Cemetery Board. These charges are the first of their kind under a newly implemented law. Members of the Cemetery Board are awaiting trial on these charges.
CRIME VICTIM OFFICE
Monica Eskew and William H. Monahan were the Victim/ Witness Coordinators for the Crime Victim Office in 2009. Mr. Monahan worked with victims of property and nonfamily violence battery crimes, while Ms. Eskew worked with victims of sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence crimes. Charlie Hardin is the Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator. The Crime Victim/Witness Coordinators are instrumental in working with victims in criminal court cases in Circuit and District Court. The Coordinators provide victims
J UVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAM
of crime an understanding of the criminal justice system and support during the court process. The Crime Victim Office files Wyoming Crime Victim Compensation claims, provides emergency services for victims in the form of food and gas cards, and provides referrals to other victim service providers as needed. During 2009, the Crime Victim Office took out ads in the local community paper informing the community about services provided by the Campbell County Attorney Crime Victim Office, stalking issues, elder abuse and sex offender registration. The Crime Victim Office participated in the County Health Fair, collaborated in training on sexual abuse with local law enforcement agencies, and provided training to others in the community who deal with sexual assaults
JUVENILE CASES
Jeani Stone, William Eichelberger, Brooke Steele, Charlene Edwards, Dan Reade, and Valerie Thomas handled juvenile cases in 2009. Juvenile court cases
involve neglected and abused children, delinquent children and children in need of supervision. There were 319 new juvenile cases that proceeded in juvenile court, compared to 265 in 2008, 288 in 2007, 235 in 2006 and 231 in 2005. Of those, 97 were delinquent children, compared to 78 in 2007; 38 children in need of supervision, compared to 25 in 2008; 53 neglect proceedings, compared to 53 in 2008; 61 revocation proceedings, compared to 73 in 2008; and 70 contempt of court proceedings, compared to 36 in 2008. Court-ordered treatment, counseling, probation, community service and the importance of education are emphasized in juvenile court. Wyoming is evaluating their juvenile court system to see if changes need to be made statewide to address and meet the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act standards. During this year, Department of Family Services lost a great caseworker, Gene Watt. Mr.Watt was a valued and dedicated caseworker and advocate for children and is
gram, located in the Campbell County Juvenile Probation Department, who also works closely with this
greatly missed by those who worked with him.
CIVIL DEPARTMENT
Carol Seeger, Deputy County and Prosecuting Attorney, was primarily responsible for civil issues for Campbell County government in 2009, including advising the Campbell County Commission and all other elected officials, appointed county boards and county department heads, other than the Sherifff’s Department who was advised by Deputy County Attorney Charlene Edwards. Some of
Officers. To be accepted into the Juvenile Diversion Program, juveniles must meet eligibility requirements and complete a 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 seek outside counseling services. The Juvenile Diversion program began in 1999, largely in response to the overload of the juvenile court system. It has been very successful for juveniles who have committed their first time offense. This program strives to provide the necessary interventions early. Statistics reveal that since the program’s inception in September of 1999 through December of 2009, 4,607
The Juvenile Diversion Program, the Teen Intervention Program, and the Early Age Intervention Program program. are all programs supervised by the The Juvenile Diversion Program’s Campbell County Attorney’s Office. mission statement is to turn mistakes The Juvenile Diversion Program is made by first time juvenile offenders in collaboration with the Gillette Police into an educational opportunity and Department, Campbell County School decrease recidivism of criminal activity. District, the Campbell County Sheriffs The Juvenile Diversion Program focusDepartment, and the Campbell County es on modifying a juvenile offender’s Attorney’s Office, City of Gillette thinking patterns, curtail their crimiMunicipal Court, City of Wright nal activity, improve school perforMunicipal Court, Campbell County mance, improve parent/child commuCircuit Court, and the 6th Judicial nication, boost self-esteem and encourDistrict Court. age positive decision making. The 2009 Juvenile Diversion The Program offers juveTeam consisted of Erica Wood, niles a record of no conC.C. Attorney’s Office Randall Monk, Paula Martinez, viction if they successErin Wiley and Janet Vaccari. Juvenile Diversion Program fully complete the six to S. Gillette Ave, 500 David Anderson and Devonn twelve month probation Ste B300 • 687-6311 Sosa were the Community program under the superService Supervisors for the provision of the Diversion
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these matters include road issues, planning and zoning, taxation and tax collection, and contract review. I s s u e s involv ing public meetings and conduct at those meetings has been evaluated this past year. Due to the large amount of construction projects including the expansion of the detention center, new recreation center and other projects, the County Attorney’s Office was involved in advising the commissioners and other departments on these projects. Carol Seeger also handled the majority of the Title 25 involuntary commitment hearings involving individuals who were suffering from a mental illness who posed a danger to themselves or others and who required court ordered treatment on behalf Continued on page 30
juveniles have been screened for the program. Of those, the program has admitted 1,118 juveniles. In 2009, 176 juveniles participated in the program, with 71 juveniles completing, 29 failing, and 76 juveniles still in the program. During the past 10 year, the Juvenile Diversion Program has been tracking recidivism, or additional criminal offenses committed by Campbell County youth. For the time frame of January 1, 2005 through July 31, 2009, statistics indicate that only 13% of juveniles who graduated from the Juvenile Diversion Program re-offended, compared to 49% who re-offended who opted to not participate in the program. This indicates an 87% success rate for those who participated in the Juvenile Diversion Program in not re-offending Continued on page 29
RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
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 – the most valuable of which is our employees. One of the projects that has been a priority of Human Resources/Risk Management during the last year has been participation in the development and implementation of a Safety Team approach to emergencies in the courthouse. The Safety Team is comprised of department team leaders that are trained to guide Courthouse employees and members of the public through established emergency procedures. The Safety Committee began working toward a unified County-wide safety program during 2009. This process required extensive review of existing procedures for each division with regard Campbell County Human Resource/ to employee Risk Management Depart. safety train500 S. Gillette Ave ing, envi-
ronmental controls, and job tasks/hazard analysis. The ultimate goal is a unified approach to safety that will increase employee awareness, reduce injuries, and qualify the County for a discounted Worker Compensation rate. The department also implemented a shared drive network to improve communication and increase accessibility of critical information between HR/Risk and departments. Included on the drive is an electronically formatted OSHA injury reporting system. The generosity of county employees made the Annual Campbell
Ste 1200 687-6355
Wellness Committee
County Food Drive another success. County employees donated 5,227 lbs of food to the Council of Community Services in November 2009. This is an increase of 154 lbs from 2008. Communityminded County Employees also donated 31 units of blood at the annual blood drive. This blood is used throughout the region.
The Wellness Committee continues to develop new ideas to challenge employees to live a healthy lifestyle. The Meltdown, fitness challenge calendar, and a healthy soup cook off are all in place to kick off a healthy 2010. Some hardworking members of the Wellness Committee Ongoing projects for the department include updating personnel guidelines, assisting in the implementation of Kronos timeclock software, and continuously improving employee training and enrichment opportunities.
5,227 pounds of donated food
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Continued from page 28
compared to only 51% who opted to not participate in the program. 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 ninth 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 social work. 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 youth. During 2009, 16 at-risk fifth and sixth graders were invited and attended Camp Postcard with the Diversion Officers. Since the Juvenile Diversion Program implemented Camp Postcard, 64 at-risk youth have benefitted from Camp Postcard.
EARLY AGE INTERVENTION
The Early Age Intervention Program which began in 2001, is a voluntary program that is offered to youth between the ages of 5-12, who are identified as at-risk. Youth participating in the Early Age Intervention Program do not need a pending criminal offense to enroll in the program. They must meet eligibility requirements to be accepted into the 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 195 youth and their families since the inception of the Early Age Program. 27 juveniles were admitted to the program in C.C. Attorney’s Office 2009. Five juveniles failed to Early Age Intervention 500 S. Gillette Ave, complete the program, and 20 Ste B300 • 687-6311 participants will be carried over 307-687-6441 (fax) into the next year.
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TEEN INTERVENTION PROGRAM
In late fall of 2005, the Diversion Program developed and began the Teen Intervention Program, which is a voluntary program designed for youth 12-17 years of age who are exhibiting defiant and out-of-control behaviors such as skipping school, alcohol or controlled substance use, and disrespectful behavior toward parents and/or school personnel. The program works on modifying behavior through intervention in the home and school, bolstering academic performance and self esteem increasing community safety, and strengthening the individual and family unit, prior to any criminal charges. To date, there have C.C. Attorney’s Office been 34 youth and Teen Intervention Program their families who 500 S. Gillette Ave, have participated in Ste B300 • 687-6311 the Teen Intervention 307-687-6441 (fax) Program.
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
ATTORNEY”S OFFICE
of the State. In 2009, 125 individuals were detained on Title 25 involuntary holds, compared to 114 in 2008 and 97 in 2007. Of the 125 individuals detained, 12 resulted in Title 25 actions being filed. .Deputy Campbell County Attorney Charlene Edwards continues to advise
EFFORTS
Continued from page 28
During 2009, 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
the Sheriff’s Department on various issues, including jail policies and procedures. Ms. Edwards also worked on civil suits filed involving the Sheriff’s Department this past year.
COLLABORATION OF
Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Division of Criminal Investigation, Campbell County Juvenile Probation, 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.
TREASURER’S OFFICE
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 issued 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 2009, our office collected and distributed $419,375,715 to various governmental entities. The distribution of these funds is dictated by Wyoming Statutes. We have an optional 1% sales tax that has been in effect since July 1, 1986. The following chart shows the collections at the end of each fiscal year for the past five years: Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2005
$6,785,304
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2006
$9,053,842
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2007
$10,705,358
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2008
$11,487,733
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2009
$12,850,848
The Campbell reside in order to C o u n t y qualify. The 2008 Treasurer’s office median househeld its annuhold income for al tax sale on Campbell County Sept. 29, 2009 was $60,368. in the commisYour total personsioner’s chamal assets cannot bers. It is held exceed $100,000 late September per adult houseor early October hold member. This every year. We includes real estate, had 179 real bank accounts properties with and investments. delinquent taxes However, this does this year comnot include the Front row: Left to right Sue Harrison, Marlo Kruckenberg, Patty Brown, Janelle Cook, Marlene Lujan. Second row: pared to 26 last value of your home, Left to right: Yvonne Wagner, Shirley Study, Ronda Hunter, Jackie Blikre, Cathy Dowdy, Rachael Knust, year. The number a car for each adult Marilyn Howard, Becky Brazelton. Not Pictured: Pat Spainhower of people signed household member, up to purchase the and any retirement taxes was 51 comaccounts (IRA’s,401K currently licensed in anothpared to 34 last year. We use a er state. The previous tempo- plans, medical savings, etc). bingo machine for selling the rary worker decal was $30 for You have to be a resident of taxes and everyone is assigned 90 days. In-transit permits are Wyoming for the past five a number. also new and are for out of state years. The State of Wyoming There will be several changpeople who buy a vehicle here handles the review of the applies to motor vehicle starting and just need to get it out of the cations and the issuance of the January 1, 2010. Titles will state. They are a 2 day permit refunds. Applications can be be required on trailers weighturned into our office or mailed for a fee of $20. ing less than 1,000 lbs as well W.S. 39-13-109 which deals to the State of Wyoming. The as on boats and snowmobiles. with property tax relief had applications must be received If someone currently owns some amendments to it in the by the first Monday in June one of these, the title won’t be to be picked up. For people 2009 general session. The stat- and refunds are issued starting required until change of own- wanting embossed plates (the ute now reads that the taxes in August. ership unless the owner wants raised lettering) instead of the need to be paid before the first The employees of the to title it. The Department of flat plate, you can apply for Monday of June in order to Campbell County Treasurer’s Transportation now offers a those for a $50 fee. The flat qualify. They do not have to office will continue to strive specialty plate for all branch- plate must be registered to you be paid on time. Your to serve their es of the military. The vet- before you can apply for the household income customers with eran must send in a copy of embossed plate. Workers who needs to be equal to efficient and Campbell County his DD 214 along with $50 expect to be in the state only a or less than the greatfriendly service Treasurer’s Office to the Wyoming Veterans few months can obtain a tem- er of three fourths of throughout the 500 S. Gillette Ave Commission. Once approved porary worker decal for a fee of the median houseyear to come. Ste 1700 by the commission, the plates $50 per month, not to exceed hold income for the 682-7268 are forwarded to our office 120 days, as long as they are county in which you
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FAIR OFFICE
The theme for the 2009 Go, games, face painting and Campbell County Fair was “Express Yourself with Music” “Your Brand of Fair” and there by the Campbell County Public definitely was something for Library. The Campbell County everyone at this year’s Fair. Memorial Hospital held a Child The weather was colder than Safety Fair on Thursday in the usual for the first few days Kids Corral area. but then warmed up and gave The Fair Trade Show was us some great temperatures to moved from Central Pavilion to finish the week. the Wyoming Center this year. Fair week kicked off with a It was a great opportunity for nearly sold out concert in the vendors to sell their items in Jody Black - Grand Champion Market Swine Wyoming Center by country air conditioned comfort with superstar Josh Turner and no limitation on space. Dog Productions, magicians special guest comedian, Herb Other events included the ever Double Vision, street enterDixon. The Fair also presented popular Coal Country Fiddle tainer Jules Ross, the Balloon a concert on Thursday night in Contest, Miss Campbell County Buffoon, Caricatures America, the Heritage Center featuring Contest, Talent Show, Pioneer the Wizard of Wood, and the Hotel California, a Tribute to Dinner, Jackpot Roping, Youth Preifert Percheron Hitch. A the Eagles. Both concerts were Rodeo, Team Penning, Ranch new addition to the terrific and enjoyed by all in Sorting, Mini-Animal Fair this year was attendance. Show and Dachsund Campbell County a Kids Corral held Free Stage Entertainment Races. The 4-H, FFA and Board Fair in the Wyoming during the week included The Open Class livestock 1635 Reata Drive Center which feaPet Stop Petting Zoo, country shows and Energy Hall 687-0200 tured Fun on the singer Gwen Sebastian, Cool exhibits are always of great
interest and well attended by county residents. The 6th Annual Energy Town Pro Rodeo featuring the Burch Rodeo Stock was held on Friday and Saturday nights, with the Neighborhood Barbecue sponsored by the Methane Producers kicking off the rodeo weekend. The great Preifert Hitch performed at each performance along with being on display on the grounds during the day. Attendance increased significantly this year over past rodeos. The popular Fair Demolition Derby was held in Morningside Park on Sunday with great attendance. The Youth Livestock Sale was held on
Adult Drug Court allows for corrective action to be taken by interrupting the repetitive cycle through rehabilitation. Drug Court treats the problem, not the symptoms. Drug Court is strictly voluntary and an individual must meet a screening by the Drug Court Board to be accepted into the program.
Graduations
Monday night, following the Fair. Thirty more animals were sold in 2009 than in 2008 but our sale total was down 55%. The economic downturn in the nation definitely took its toll on our sale but there still were many good faithful buyers present to support the kids. The 2010 Fair is already in the planning stages and will be held August 2–8, 2010. Make plans to attend and get working on those projects to enter in the Fair.
Market Goat Show
resources to make the Drug Court successful.
ADULT DRUG COURT
Campbell County 2009 Facts
• 1,497 criminal cases filed involving substance abuse (compared to 1,417 in the year 2008) • 381 involved drugs (384 in 2008) • 964 involved driving under the influence (860 in 2008) • 152 involved minors in possession (173 in 2008) • County designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Of the 20 active Drug
• Campbell County Drug Court graduated the first 3 individuals on February 28, 2003 • 11 more graduated in 2003 • 16 more graduated in 2004 • 13 more graduated in 2005 • 17 graduated in 2006 • 19 graduated in 2007 • 7 graduated in 2008 • 7 graduated in 2009
Jon Mau, Kathy Williams and Doug Marler
Court participants at the end of 2008: • 8 are female, 12 are male • 93 have successfully completed the program: • 29 females, 64 males Profile of a “typical” Campbell County Drug Court Client: • Single, white male • Between the age of 18 & 27 • High school education • Employed
• First started using drugs/ alcohol between ages 15 & 16 • Considers use of drugs/alcohol to be excessive • Multiple DWUI’s and perhaps a possession and/or MIP • Drugs of choice include alcohol, cannabis and stimulants (including methamphetamine) • Never received treatment for drugs or alcohol use
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Taxpayer Benefits of Drug Court
Without Drug Court involvement: • 6 months incarceration possible • $65 per day for each day of incarceration • If full 180 days incarceration @ $65/day = $11,800 Drug Court • ALL TAXPAYER FUNDED Funding With Drug Court participaAdult Drug Court is funded tion: under a state grant. The Drug • Treatment costs less than jail Court participant is required • Less crime to support a habit to pay for a portion of the cost • Less insurance costs of the treatment and other • A working citizen who pays costs associated with the protaxes instead of using tax gram. dollars Adult Drug • A healthy parent to Court personnel care for their own are paid through a children State Drug Court Campbell County • Drug Court treats grant. In addiAdult Drug Court the problem, not 500 S. Gillette Ave, tion, many differthe symptoms Ste. 2500 ent agencies donate Source: Wyoming 687-6470 their time and Department of Health
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Dan Coolidge 682-7283
Chris R. Knapp 682-7283
Roy Edwards 682-7283
Amir Sancher 682-7283
Steve Hughes 682-7283
Assessor
Attorney
Troy Clements 682-7266
Jeani Stone 682-4310
Clerk
Clerk Of District Court
Susan Saunders 682-7285
Nancy Ratcliff 682-3424
Coroner
Sheriff
Treasurer
Tom Eekhoff 687-6179
Bill Pownall 687-6160
Shirley Study 682-7268