2011 Campbell County Annual Report

Message from the

Campbell County Commissioners Our mission is to provide quality, efficient and cost effective services for all Campbell County Residents through sound decision making and fiscal responsibility.

2011 was a historic year for Campbell County; we celebrated our hundred year anniversary. Admirably chaired

by Carol Seeger, our Centennial Committee facilitated many tremendous events and activities throughout the past year. One of the Committee’s first projects was a contest to select a centennial logo.

Local residents were encouraged to submit entries and the one selected was created by Shauna Carpenter, pictured below.

Additional activities to mark the Centennial included the minting of a coin and lapel pin, street banners and flags, commissioning of a centennial survey marker and a United States Post Office cancellation stamp, living history portrayals, placement of a centennial etched stone and a centennial theme for the 4th of July parade. Several other groups and organizations also were involved to commemorate the centennial.

The Campbell County Historical Society produced belt buckles, playing cards and ornaments with the centennial logo, commissioned the production of two collector edition centennial rifles, and hosted a centennial theme symphony performance. The Public Library produced centennial ‘moments in time’ throughout the year, and a brochure on marriages which occurred in 1911. The Rock-

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pile Museum hosted several events, including a gallery display of historical photos and products. A local quilting guild produced several centennial quilts, and the Gillette News Record published a weekly series honoring the history of centennial ranches in Campbell County.

A culminating event was the Centennial Festival held on September 17, including family activities throughout the day and the burial of a time capsule. The concept of the time capsule was orchestrated by committee member, Sandra Bott. She organized a team of local professionals, including representatives from Cloud Peak Energy, Major Metal Services, Sunshine Custom Auto Body, and Gillette Memorial Chapel, to design, build, paint and prepare the time capsule for burial. A majority of the work and materials were donated by this group. The team’s objective was to have the time capsule celebrate the centennial and embrace the current industry of the County. The result was a scale model coal haul truck with an oil barrel located in the bed.

Items placed in the barrel of the Time Capsule include a United States Senate Centennial Proclamation introduced

by Senator John Barrasso, current census for the City of Gillette, Town of Wright and Campbell County. Community newspapers, books, calendars, movies, aerial photograph of Campbell County, School pennants, County master plan, industry and community demographics, Historical Society objects, letters, and several

Commissioners Micky Shober, Chris Knapp, Steve Hughes, Dan Coolidge, Matt Avery

more items. Campbell County’s one hundred year anniversary celebration concluded with the lighting of a Centennial Christmas Tree, including ornaments representing the brands of County ranches.

Thank you to all who participated in the centennial events.

In the past year, we experienced a significant rebound in our economic environment with an eight percent increase in the County’s Assessed Valuation to $5.4 billion, the second highest recorded valuation in history. The number of individuals employed in Campbell County increased slightly, December to December, and our unemployment rate fell from 4.9% to 4.2%.

In August, Basin Electric’s Dry Fork Station was completed. Gas Pipelines and Uranium Exploration continued to garner interest in 2011. Production of coal, oil and natural gas have held steady.

The remodeled Campbell County Senior Center and the new, re-located Fire Station Number 7 were both completed in 2011. Both of these projects were jointly funded by the County and the City. The YES House Center of Hope was also completed this past year, and this project additionally received substantial funding from the County and City.

Current infrastructure to be completed or under construction in 2012:

Our goals for 2012 include: • Maintaining a high quality of services and programs within a budget established on stable revenue streams.

• Consolidation of County maintenance services.

• Continued support of the City of Gillette, State of Wyoming and area Improvement and Service Districts efforts to develop the long term regional water distribution system.

• Facilitate Strategic Planning meeting and Budget Performance Measurement objectives.

• Continued investment in the Capital Replacement Reserve and Long Term Maintenance Accounts.

• The re-alignment project of the Union Chapel and Fairview Roads.

• Major infrastructure projects in the early stages of development include the Northern Drive belt loop road, expansion of the Children’s Developmental Services building, and the regional water pipeline system.

The 2011 Annual Report for Campbell County includes interesting and informative statistics, data and accomplishments from all of our agencies, including several Centennial events photographs. We appreciate the work and dedication of all our County Employees.

We invite your continued participation and involvement at Campbell County meetings, programs and activities.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Campbell County Commissioners Office 500 S. Gillette Ave 682-7283

Board Members Airport Board

Penny Schild, President Jefferey Robinson, Vice President Joel Ohman, Secretary/Treasurer Erika Peckham Kelly Peters Jay Lundell, Director 686-1042

Board of Commissioners

Corrections Board

Commissioner Micky Shober, Chairman Commissioner Stephen F. Hughes Commissioner Christopher R. Knapp Commissioner Dan Coolidge Commissioner Matt Avery

Sheriff Bill Pownall, Chairman Chief Jim Hloucal, Vice Chairman Judge Dan Price William J. Edelman, Treasurer Diane Ford Tammy Akovenko Norman (Buckey) Walters Paul Phillips Craig Deuter

Building Code Appeals Board Arlyn Magnuson Ron Mathis John Simon Delbert Parks Matt Tonn Kevin King, Director

Sherry Bertoncelj Jeani Stone Chief Jim Hloucal Sheri England Bonnie Volk Della Amend Peter Edis Susan Cahill

Fair 682-1970

CARE Board

Matt Sorenson, Chair Christy Schomer, Vice Chairman Lori Jones, Secretary Wendy Hauck, Treasurer Traci Knutson Stasi Shippy Commissioner Steve Hughes Danny Preston Mary Silvernell

Children’s Developmental Services

Joint Powers Fire Board

Carol Yonkee, Chairwoman Scott Wiley, Vice Chair Karen Reynolds, Treasurer Julie Fall, Secretary Clifford Knesel Earlene Vandeventer, Director 682-2392

Community Juvenile Services Joint Powers

Commissioner Micky Shober Kevin McGrath Linda Jennings Kevin Allen

Sharon Rinker, Chair Dave Slattery, Vice Chairman Linda Lynch, Secretary/Treasurer Scotty R. Hayden Glen Terry Debra Sneathen Steve Schrater Betty Hough, Fair Board Coordinator 687-0200

Library

Kevin Anders, Chairman Karen Johnson, Vice Chairman Matt Sorenson, Treasurer Cindy Arndt Vicki Kissack Patty Myers, Director 687-0009

Natural Resource & Land Use Committee Marilyn Mackey - Agriculture John Daly - Water Ben Weiser Environmental Curt Shatzer - Wildlife Robert Grant - Oil and Gas Greg Schaefer - Mining Brenda Schladweiler - Conservation District Shane Pearson - Citizen at Large

Predator Management District Murphy Love - Sportsman Dan Reimler - Cattle Tom Edwards - Sheep Jason Oedekoven - Cattle B.J. Clark - Sportsman Dave Daigle - Sportsman Ken Ford - Sportsman Tom Mills - Sheep Gib Bell - Cattle

Doug Evans, Chairman Stacy Hobbs, Vice Chairman Linda Wegher, Fiscal Officer James Naramore, M.D. Nektarias (Nick) Bouzis D.D.S, Public Health Officer Kirtikumar L. Patel M.D. 682-7275 Della Amend, R.N., BC, Director 682-7275

Public Land Board

Mark Christensen , Chairman Andy Fitzgerald, Vice Chairman LD Gilbertz, Secretary Robert “Nick” Jessen Brian Baglien, Treasurer Charlene Murdock Jordan Ostlund Dan Barks, General Manager 682-0552

Rockpile Museum

Tommie Butler, Chairman Nola Wallace, Vice Chair Denise Tugman, Secretary/Treasurer Everett Knapp Sally Ferris Terry Girouard, Director 682-5723

Senior Center Board

Sherwin (Buddy) Cater, Chairman Kevin Van Dyke, Secretary/Treasurer Commissioner Christopher R. Knapp Chuck Dobkins Ron Holmes Scott Rankin Frank Latta Don Huber, Chief 682-5319

Planning Commission

Lodging Tax Joint Powers Board

Wade Burr, Chairman Scott Matheny, Secretary/Treasurer Eugene Routledge Tonja Cale Trevor Larson Dave McCormick, Director 682-7406

Charles Schlesselman, Chairman Tom Murphy, Vice Chairman Brenda Boss, Secretary Debby Zolnoski, Treasurer Nolene Wright Commissioner Micky Shober Tim Albin

Public Health Board

Jim Nielson, Chairman Vicki Schlautmann, Vice Chairman Kevin Couch Blaine Geer Douglas Gerard Kevin King, Director 682-1970

Parks & Recreation

Jeanne Haakinson, Chairman Gary Jahnke, Vice Chairman Teri Bagwell, Treasurer Jack Matheny, Secretary Nello Williams Carol Graf Sam Bennett Les Haight, President ex de Facto

Weed and Pest Board Charles Tweedy, Chairman Leslie Drake, Vice Chairman , Secretary Ted Edwards, Treasurer James Tarver, Secretary Duane Joslyn Quade Schmelzle, Director

682-4369

Campbell County Departments Emergency Management David King, Coordinator

Extension Service

Jessica Gladson, Director

Human Resources/Risk Management Charlotte Terry, Director

686-7477 682-7281

Information Technology Services

Road & Bridge

Juvenile Probation

Public Works Department

Phil W. Harvey, Manager

682-7860

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

Office of the Commissioners 687-6355

Robert P. Palmer, Director

682-7283

Gary Lowry, Director Kevin King, Director County Landfill Building and Planning

682-4411 685-8061 682-9499 682-1970

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Campbell County Assessor’s Office

Left to right: Deb Malli, Jackie Casey, Alicia Gilliland, Cindy Langley, Angela Williams Erin Slattery, Hazel Vassar, Lynn Allar, Shanda Shatzer, Cheryl Uhler, Troy Clements

It is hard to believe Campbell County has been in existence for 100 years, and is still going strong, what an amazing accomplishment! We have endured many bumps and bruises with the oil and gas industries boom and bust tenure, a nationwide downturn in the economy, and yet we continue to lead our wonderful state of Wyoming in total assessed value! In fact, Campbell County was blessed with the second highest valuation in its 100 year

history this past year at $5.4 billion.

And although our community has suffered some hard times in the past couple of years, we are far better off than so many counties in our state because of the resources available to us.

Our office continues a steady pace as we strive to meet ever changing laws, reviews, and conditions.

The Wyoming Assessor’s Association meets at least three times a year to make sure we are all treating our data

uniformly throughout the state, and staying up to speed on important legislative issues and changes. We try to lend a hand whenever needed or possible in Cheyenne, or with local representatives to assure that our local tax payers and property owners are being treated fairly.

My staff is second to none in their profession, and quite honestly the backbone of the office. They work many long hours gathering, entering, and maintaining accurate and up to date data and information, and once again I commend them for a job well done. My hats off to my Chief Appraiser as she is retiring and turning the reins over to Angela Williams this June! Lynn Allar has been a major asset to the Assessor’s Office since Jan. 1, 1987, when she began her career of assessing property and setting values under former Assessor Jerry Shatzer. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lynn for 12 years now, and often look up to her for good sound advice and guid-

ance on occasion. She will be missed, but I admire her decision for moving on, and enjoying the finer things in life like camping and traveling with husband and lifetime companion Tom, as well as spoiling her grand babies Elisa, Brianna, and Parker.

I would like to thank Rocky Marquiss in the County IT Department for putting together a state of the art website (www.ccgov.net/assessor) for the Assessor’s Office. It offers a lot of helpful information to mortgage companies, lending institutions, and realty companies, and has cut our phone traffic down considerably, so we may then devote more time to data entry.

We look forward to another successful year of serving our wonderful community, and wish you all a blessed and prosperous new year.

Sincerely, Troy D. Clements & Staff Campbell County Assessor’s Office 500 S. Gillette Ave Ste 1300 682-7266

Campbell County Adult Drug Court Wyoming is the number one state in the union for DWUI arrests. Wyoming is the tenth leading state in alcohol-related driving fatalities. Campbell County has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. In 2011 there were over 670 persons charged with Alcohol-related driving charges and over 460 charged with drug charges.

In addition to those numbers, there were 331 persons charged with Drug and Alcohol charges. These numbers do not include MIP’s and Intoxicated Pedestrians.

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 pass a screening by the Drug Court Operational Team and acceptance by the Drug Court Judge to be accepted into the program. Adult Drug Court only accepts felony offenders with either drug or alcohol convictions. The participant cannot have any felony violence convictions.

Once accepted into the program, the participant begins a strict regiment as the operational team

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begins the process of changing the participant’s life.

Treatment; where the participant goes and associates with; random UA’s (twice weekly to start), weekly schedules; work, school or both; and weekly court appearances, are controlled and mandatory.

Our program started in 2002 and we had our first graduation in February 2003. There were three graduates. Since that time, we have had 113 graduates for a total of 116. Over 91 percent of our graduates have not re-offended within the 3 years we track our graduates. Some graduates have opened their own businesses; become supervisors and managers; and are good employees.

Adult Drug Court is funded under a Wyoming Department of Health grant applied for yearly. We apply yearly for 1 percent funding from the County and the City and have received an award for the past two years. The participants also pay a monthly fee, which gives them ownership in the program. The grants pay the majority of the treat-

ment. Drug Court personnel are paid through the State Grant.

What are the benefits to the Taxpayer? Without Drug Court involvement, the participant could spend up to a year in jail. At the present cost to house an inmate, the cost would be $48,424.55. With Drug Court, treatment costs are less, there is less crime to support a habit; as a working citizen, participants pay taxes instead of using tax dollars, are able to get fines paid, pay restitution and get children back from DFS. Costs associated with caring for babies that were prematurely exposed to drugs or alcohol range from $750,000 to $1.4 million. We had one child born to a participant this last year.

In 2011, there were twelve graduates. Currently, we have 25 participants in different phases of our program. We also have three people waiting for admittance. Please come and see what we are accomplishing. We have court each Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Campbell County Adult Drug Court 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 2500 687-6470

CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities Your CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities continued to serve Campbell County and Northeast Wyoming by hosting 594 event days attended by over 350,000 people, not including all the folks who rented the barn or pavilion for general riding. Additionally, the events at CAM-PLEX brought in nearly $21,000,000 in economic impact to our local businesses.

CAM-PLEX continues to offer facilities to accommodate diverse events each year. Energy Hall is the setting for many banquets, school events, meetings, conferences, receptions and training seminars. Central Pavilion houses various trade shows, craft fairs, gun shows, auctions, and car shows while East Pavilion and Barn #3 are steadily booked with local horseback riders as well as team roping, rodeos, and dog shows. Morningside Park and Wrangler Arena continue to host demolition derbies, fair activities, outdoor horse shows, 4-H events, and general riders.

The Wyoming Center, open now for over three years, has hosted a wide variety of events including local and national trade shows, RV rallies, banquets, weddings, seminars, state conferences, community fundraisers, hockey tournaments, public ice skating, ultimate fighting, concerts, and so much more.

The CAM-PLEX Heritage Center continues to provide Campbell County, Gillette and surrounding communities with quality entertainment. Our “Theater Series” brought in a variety of performances in 2011 including The Music Man, Cirque Mechanics Boomtown, and A Christmas Carol. The Arts In Education performances specifically targeted entertainment suitable for youth and the entire family. Audiences enjoyed shows including Black Violin, Step Afrika, Swimmy Frederick and Inch

by Inch, Soul Street Dance Company, Craicmore, Jazz Reach, Alpin Hong, and Charlotte’s Web “Special Events” in 2011 were Bearfoot with special guests The Jalan Crossland Band, Gillette’s Got Talent, Missoula Children’s Theatre production of The Princess and the Pea, The Water Coolers, Poor Again… Dagnabbit, and the 2011 Performing Arts Workshop performance of The Wizard of

Oz. Additionally, the Heritage Center partnered with the Campbell County School District to provide residency activities with Black Violin, Bearfoot, Step Afrika, Soul Street Dance Company, Craicmore, Jazz Reach, and Alpin Hong.

The 21st Annual CAM-PLEX Winter Western was held in February and continued the tradition as a popular and well attended event. The event kicked off with Bluegrass Favorite Bearfoot and special guests: the Jalan Crossland Band. Additional week-

end entertainment for the community included The Coors Pro Rodeo, Melgaard Construction Bulls & Broncs, the Town and Country Trade Show, free stage shows by local entertainers, team roping, barrel racing, stock dog trials, and the ever popular petting zoo.

RV Rally

Bull Riding

horse stalls for the 5 days.

Added to a busy summer was the Escapee RV Rally with 800 RV’s on site, conventions, wedding receptions, equestrian events, dog shows, training seminars and reunions.

The Campbell County Fair, produced by the Fair Board, utilized all the buildings at CAM-PLEX in early August. The fair was well attended and featured events such as the Energy Town Pro Rodeo, Demolition

Boom Town Bearfoot

Miss C & Anthony B

Charlotte’s Web

CAM-PLEX facilities were bustling in July with The National High School Finals Rodeo. High school cowboys and cowgirls along with their families (approximately 6,000 people) came to town as part of the event.

They filled over 1,200 RV sites and kept the town businesses busy during the week-long event. The NHSFR will return to Gillette and CAM-PLEX in 2016 and 2017.

CAM-PLEX hosted the Cowboy States Reining Horse Show in June with 400 attendees using over 350

Derby and country greats Joe Nichols and Danny Gokey in concert. Williams & Ree also made an appearance in concert. Watch for upcoming announcements for the 2012 fair concert!

The two largest indoor garage sales in Wyoming were hosted by CAMPLEX in April and October. Local bargain hunters flocked to the Wyoming Center to find their treasures among the booths.

Major events in 2012 will include five RV Rallies, the Cowboy States Reining Horse Show, the Energy Exposition Trade Show and many special events throughout the year.

Please visit our web site at: www. cam-plex.com to view the schedule of upcoming events and to learn more about your CAM-PLEX facilities.

Cam-plex Multi-Event Facilities 1635 Reata Drive 682-0552 Ticket Office 682-8802

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Information Technology Services The Information Technology Services (ITS) department provides technical support services for 23 County departments. These services range from basic computer assistance and troubleshooting to complete network designs.

Over the past year, the staff worked on a number of projects designed to improve efficiencies and reduce administrative workload. Although the year was not without “bumps”, it was a very productive one.

Administrative staff formulated the budget, facilitated capital purchases, and began the process of developing a formal Disaster Recovery plan. Coleen Winterholler, the Senior Administrative Assistant, laid the ground work for a new asset management/software licensing solution by evaluating several packages. She also obtained her Certified Hardware Asset Management Professional (CHAMP) certification.

The Network Support division is responsible for maintaining network security, ensuring reliable access to resources, and planning technical projects for other departments. Over the past two years, Steve Danaher, Dustin Cooper, and David Kelsay have been working to completely redesign the County’s network infrastructure and 2011 brought forth the first realizations of much of that work.

Virtualization was the key project for this year and considerable progress was made. All servers that could be made to run in a virtual environment were converted. This allows for a more efficient use of available processing power, memory, and storage space.

In addition to servers, the staff worked to develop and introduce virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). The virtualization of end user desktops will allow the County to leverage shared computing power for improved desktop performance. VDI will also help the County realize a cost savings; thin clients cost approximately 50% less than computers and the replacement cycle for them averages about seven years compared to the four years of traditional hardware. The first VDI rollout began with the public computers at the Library and later in the year, a small group was deployed at various locations within the Courthouse. The hope

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three programmers dedicated to developing and maintaining custom programs for the County’s financial system while the fourth member is charged with developing web applications.

Bob Overman continued to maintain the Motor Vehicle System and implement changes consistent with State mandates. Past year Standing: Natalie Linneman, Steve Danaher, Bob Overman, Cathy Raney, Rocky Marquiss, Phil changes include the abilHarvey, Beth Kirsch, Dustin Cooper. Seated: David Kelsay, Nicki Lindahl, Rhonda Larmer, Coleen ity for a disabled veteran to Winterholler, Justin Penning. receive any one of the military-related distinctive is to further develop the technology page on the County’s new Intranet site, license plates for which they qualify and deploy VDI as the primary solu- which should be unveiled soon. This and the Gold Star Family plate: issued tion in the coming year. page will enable employees to quickly to parents, grandparents, or spouses of In order to expand VDI to other find answers to many commonly asked a member of the United States armed County departments, additional band- support questions. The Fully Autowidth is needed, so major progress was mated Courts Transaction System forces who died while in service or made upgrading routing and switching (FACTS) remains a key application who died as a result of the service.

Rocky Marquiss completed a migraequipment. The County signed lease for several County departments and tion to a new electronic forms packagreements with the City of Gillette Rhonda continued to provide lead supage this year. This change allows the to lease high speed fiber, which will be port on this program.

County to print many different types Beth Kirsch finished the implemenused at a number of County locations. of forms from plain paper, rather than Utilization of those lines is expected to tation of the County’s time and attenon pre-printed forms, which lowers dance program and then immediately begin in 2012. the costs associated with those forms The department also partnered with dove into a project designed to seamconsiderably.

He also introduced new Facilities Maintenance to develop lessly integrate the management of auditing and security software to the a comprehensive plan to install, or grants with the County’s financial financial system. upgrade, video surveillance systems in package. She also worked to configure Nicki Lindahl stayed very busy many locations. The project has pro- Executive Dash; a program designed gressed extremely well and is right on to query the thousands of tables in this year with several projects of note. track with estimations. the financial database and produce She completed work on a Point of Sale The User Support division provides reports based on those queries. This program for Weed and Pest, autoa number of services for County com- will help department heads review his- mated the process for reporting Sales puter users. These include conducting torical costs and more accurately fore- Tax to the State, and made signifisoftware training classes, providing cast future requirements. Another of cant progress in a total re-write of the front line technical support, and spear- her completed projects involved setting mobile machinery program used by heading other technical projects as up the accounts receivable module for the Treasurer’s Office. Additionally, needed. All members of User Support the newly written Weed & Pest Point she worked closely with the Elections Office to develop and document proworked closely with Network Support of Sale program.

Natalie Linneman continued to cesses and procedures for Election’s this year to help test both VDI and work closely with several County staff.

Windows 7.

Justin Penning spent the first part Rhonda Larmer conducted numer- departments to facilitate the implemenof the year developing the County’s ous training classes this year to help tation of a document management soluCentennial website, creating the layCounty personnel become more famil- tion. The Commissioner’s Office regout for the Parks and Recreation new iar with the software they use. In order ularly uses this program to develop website and developing a web page to ensure she was teaching accurately, the meeting packets for the Board of for the Clerk of District Court.

Later she obtained her Microsoft Office Spe- Commissioners. In conjunction with in the year, he began work on the procialist certification by scoring a per- this program, she oversaw the concess to migrate the County Intranet to fect 100% on the exam. She also con- tinued implementation of Granicus, tinued to work on developing a support a software package that allows Com- a newer application and he is involved missioner and Planning Commission in the process to standardize, procure, meetings to be viewed via the County and implement a digital signage soluCampbell County Info Tech. Services tion. website.

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

The programming staff consists of

continued on page 7

Information Technology Services continued from page 6

Cathy Raney, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coordinator, conducted a Needs Assessment for the period 2011 to 2014. Surveys were posted online for county residents to respond with input on future projects. It was completed in six weeks and recommended projects were ranked by the GIS Steering Committee.

The top ranked project was a 3-1-1 GIS portal

designed to allow citizens to notify county staff of issues needing attention, such as road maintenance.

The project is still under construction, but is quickly nearing completion. Cathy also spearheaded a plan to form a cooperative of GIS agencies such as the County, the City of Gillette, and the town of Wright to contract for a regional government enterprise license agreement. This will provide a cost savings

of $25,000 a year on licensing of GIS software to all agencies. The cooperative voted to form a workgroup that will create a master database of GIS data to be made available to all participating agencies.

This will make the data accessible in a standardized form to aid in emergency response as well as daily activities.

Campbell County Rockpile Museum

The Campbell County Rockpile Museum serves as the local history center for Campbell County.

The Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the objects and documents important to the county’s history. The mission is accomplished through permanent and temporary exhibits, educational programs and events, and assisting individuals and organizations with research projects concerning Campbell County.

Perhaps reflecting the national economy, the overall number of visitors to the museum was less than last year. However, the number of visitors from the area did increase, indicating more use of the museum’s services by local people. Even with the decrease in tourists, the museum still had over 10,000 visitors representing all 50 states and 30 foreign countries.

The year-long celebration of Campbell Coun-

Oriva School Dedication and old-fashioned school carnival event in September of 2011.

ty’s 100th Anniversary provided new opportunities to assist with local projects. Museum staff helped the City of Gillette celebrate its annual Veterans picnic and worked with the Toastmasters on their Cemetery Tours. Staff also organized the Centennial Committee’s Campbell County Looking Back exhibit at CAM-PLEX and answered many research requests from individuals, groups and organizations, including the popular News-Record’s Centennial Ranch series.

The Museum began the year with the Winter Family Day events. January was Mystery at the Museum day with junior detectives analyz-

ing clues and solving the Cookie Dough Caper, while February featured Dinosaur Day. Mike Dawson, Director of Paleontology at the T-Rex Natural History Museum in Ranchester, talked about the latest research on the Tyrannosaurus Rex and brought his life-sized cast of its skull. The final Family Day event was in December and featured oldfashioned Christmas crafts. With assistance from parents, volunteers, and staff, children made yarn dolls, clothespin airplanes, and a variety of decorations.

During the spring months the Conestoga Elementary students attending the Oriva-Morrish Pioneer Museum continued to enhance School program. the School District’s educational mission by offering the Civil War Day event for ming; Those Holes in the Earth; Campbell County all sixth grade students, the Pioneer School pro- Citizens; Horses and Heroes, Behind the Scenes at gram for third and fourth grade classes and the the Rodeo; Campbell County Centennial; and The Museum Scavenger Hunt. The Pioneer School pro- Unquiet Utes.

The educational programs and exhibits are the gram was a new experience this year; it was held in the recently relocated and restored Oriva one-room most visible aspects of the Museum’s mission, but at schoolhouse. The lack of thermostat, light switch, least equally important is the Museum’s collection and indoor restroom made quite an impression on mission. This year we received sixty donations totaling over 575 items that help highlight and document the young scholars.

During the summer the Museum hosted the the county’s history. One of these donated artifacts Campbell County Historical Society’s book signing was an increasingly rare, trade point donated by

by John Davis. Mr. Davis gave an interesting talk Frank Hoffman. These metal projectile points were on his extensive research on the Johnson County European and American made from the late 1700’s War. The Museum also received the Rohan main- through 1850, and traded to Native Americans. You tenance building for much needed collection storage can help your Museum continue developing a strong and moved items to the new building to relieve the collection which highlights the history of Campbell County and Northeast Wyoming, by donating artiovercrowded conditions at the main site.

The fall was also busy with an Oriva-Morrish facts and documents.

It was a good year for the Campbell County School Dedication & Old-Fashioned School Carnival, the annual Native American Artifact Show, and Rockpile Museum with many accomplishments. The year would not have been as successful without a the biennial Appraisal Fair.

In addition to an active program and event sched- great deal of help from our Experience Works staff, ule, the Museum offered a number of new exhibits Rockpile Museum Association members, museum and hands-on displays this year. New permanent volunteers, and summer intern, Alex Hullinger. or temporary exhibits included: Rock Art in Wyo- Museum volunteers helped on a weekly basis or for a single event, and their support is greatly appreciCampbell County Rockpile Museum ated. If you would like to join the fun and help with 900 W. Second Street an event, please contact the Museum (682-5723).

682-5723

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Campbell County Public Works

Engineering/Surveying • Planning/ Zoning • Building • Facilities • Landfill • Recycle • Fleet Public Works Department Director: Kevin C. King, P.E.

Welcome to the 2011 Annual Report for the Campbell County Public Works Department. It has been a very busy and productive year for our 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 representative sample of projects is compiled under the Engineering Division section of this report.

Planning is underway for several major projects, including a re-write of the county comprehensive plan. Titled Leave Your Mark, County Comprehensive Plan 2013, the project promises to provide a unique opportunity for the citi-

zens of Campbell County to be actively involved in shaping the future of our County. Be watching for ads, press releases, news articles, GPA TV and others for more information on how to become involved in the project. Visit the County website at www.ccgov.net and go to the Public Works Department and then the Planning and Zoning page for a link to the Comprehension Plan page for the project. Here you can keep current with the status of the project, pending meetings and other information on the study. Facebook® users can link from here as well. Leave your mark!

This past year, we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of our District Support Grant program. The Com-

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 non-discharging 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 and Surveying review of subdivision cases.

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missioners increased their fiscal year budget amount and the Districts have responded with more projects. We are also seeing a significant number of new Districts being formed. The proactive stance shown by a number of Districts in preparation for regional water is great to see, and I applaud them for their efforts in securing the future of their District water needs.

Speaking of water, the 1% excise tax for regional water passed by a large margin in May of 2011. With the passing of this tax, our citizens assured themselves of a quality and ample water supply for decades to come. I estimate that when fully built, the regional water system will serve about 82% of the total current County population. When the Wright W&S District numbers are included, 88% of the County residents will directly benefit from the 1% excise tax. Thank you to the voters of Camp-

2010-2011 Construction Projects • Campbell County Senior Center Expansion • Campbell County Senior Center Garage Addition • Northern Campbell County Community Building • Enzi Drive pathway • Chad Street in Wright • Fire Station #7 – Cam-plex • Robertson Circle water and sewer • Hoadley Road Bridge rehabilitation • Bell Nob Reservoir Repair • Landfill Transfer Station tipping floor repair • Landfill landscaping and erosion control • County parking lot maintenance • County paved subdivision street sweeping and maintenance • County bike path weed spraying • County Road Maintenance • Road and Bridge water loadout facility • Garner Lake Road overlay • Warlow Drive Road overlay • West 4J Road and bike path overlay • Recluse Road overlay • Sheriff A Pod Remodel and Fire Control Panels • Public Defender’s office space • Hilight Road alteration • T7 Road alteration • Weston area bathroom replacement

bell County for keeping an eye to the future and supporting the water needs of the County, City of Gillette, Town of Wright and surrounding areas.

Our department strives for continuous improvement and welcomes feedback from the citizens we serve. We are always on the lookout for new technologies and tools to increase our efficiency and decrease our costs-following my mantra that if it doesn’t add value, it adds cost. In the coming year, we will continue to develop, improve and maintain our infrastructure investments for the citizens of this great County.

Our door is always open and we are here to serve the citizens of Campbell County to the best of our abilities.

Campbell County Public Works 500 S Gillette Ave, Ste 1400 685-8061

Surveying

• Historic County Road petition research and database building • County Road drainage study surveys • Bell Nob property encroachment survey • West 4J and Garner Lake Road traffic lane survey stakeout • Shared Roads Agreement survey and legal descriptions for transfer • North Landfill aerial photography project • Drainage and concrete repair surveys at Bicentennial Park • Landfill 2 and 3 volume monitoring • Landfill 3 Expansion project survey staking

2010-2011 Project Designs, ROW, Studies

• Robertson Circle water and sewer • Campbell County Coal Belt Transportation Study • Gillette Regional Water project • Northern Campbell County road culverts –multiple locations • Union Chapel - Fairview Roads design • Donkey Creek wetlands at Adon, Svalina and Sunny Slope Roads • Wright Recreation Center architectural study • Northern Drive ROW and Phase I design • Northern Campbell County Community Center • Belle Fourche River Watershed TDML study • Court House unallocated space assessment • Road and Bridge water load out facility • Public Defender’s office space • Bell Nob reservoir repair

With continued population growth, the Department of Public Works strives to ensure that 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.

Campbell County Public Works Building Division Manager: Keith Bowar, Building Code Official

The Building Division is designed: • to provide information and help in determining the applicable building codes for new construction, additions, and remodel projects.

• 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 construc-

tion 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 in order to obtain a permit and inspections or to simply explain how best they can complete their project.

The year 2011 presented opportunities for the Building Division. A new Chapter 4 (Rules Regulating Con-

struction) was adopted by the County on September 7, 2011, wherein the 2006 IBC, IRC, IMC and IPC as well as the new 2011 NEC codes were brought into effect for building in Campbell County.

The Division maintained a low overhead and reduced staff throughout the year; however, an additional inspector position is being contemplated based upon the needs of the community. A website is maintained under the Public Works Department and we encourage all citizens to visit that site. There are a number of help-

ful how–to guides available on the site and we also encourage foot traffic to our business office for a “hands on” with your questions and projects.

Handouts are available for the public at our front desk. As a reminder, Certificates of Occupancy, permits, and inspections remain a free service from the County.

We look forward to serving the citizens of Campbell County in 2012.

Planning & Zoning Division

Solid Waste - Landfill Division

County Planner & Zoning Administrator: Megan Lehman

Manager: Phillip Giffin, Engineering Services Manager

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 ensure accurate and legal descriptions and monumentation of subdivisions.

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

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

• to protect and preserve the 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.

2011 was an exciting and demanding year for the Planning and Zoning Division. The number of subdivision requests and re-zoning requests remained steady, and Planning and Zoning has seen a slight increase in

development activity since a low in 2009. The division also wrapped up, and began, major revisions to regulations and plans for Campbell County in the past year.

The Board of County Commissioners adopted new Zoning Regulations in May. The new regulations streamline many zoning request processes to allow applicants to move forward with their project in a timely fashion. The rules promote cohesive development in the County, while also encouraging growth and progress.

The kickoff of the Campbell County Comprehensive Plan Update 2013 began at the end of 2011. The eighteen-month process will focus on developing a comprehensive plan for the future of Campbell County. The plan will focus on land use and development, but will also examine transportation, human and social services and environment and natural resource issues. This guiding document will develop goals and objectives for Campbell County’s future. Over the course of the upcoming year, be looking for our public input meetings, surveys and open houses. We will be coming to all areas of the County including Wright, Rozet, Recluse and others.

Please come and give us your thoughts and plans for Campbell County’s future. Leave your mark!

2011 Development Summary 40

30 Zoning Subdivision Minor Subdivision Aliquot

20

10

0 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

The purpose of the Solid Waste Division is to: • provide a modern, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible system for transferring and disposing of municipal, construction and demolition solid waste.

• store, transfer and dispose of household hazardous waste and used oil in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

• provide a modern, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible system, to divert products from the solid waste stream, to be recycled.

Solid Waste Division points of interest for 2011: Phase II of Landfill #2 is nearing its capacity and is estimated to be filled in the next year. The expansion project completed in 2010 of the new lined landfill cell Phase III east, gives us an immediate capacity to hold 6 years of municipal solid waste (MSW) after filling the Phase II cell. The design and excavation for the west portion of Phase III and the completion of the leachate ponds, gives us a head start to hold an additional 9 years of capacity, as only the liner and drainage system will need to be installed prior to use. These new cells will serve the County for a total of 16 years.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) tonnage was a record 23,179 tons in 2010. The total C&D tonnage for 2011 was closer to the historic average at 13,436 tons. This decline was due to the reduction of roof repairs as a result of damage from hail storms in 2010, and the diversion

of shingles to Intermountain Construction & Materials, who started a shingle recycling program in 2011.

This recycling program will reduce the tonnage spikes experienced with large damaging hailstorms.

A vertical and horizontal expansion design and permit was completed in September 2011 for the Landfill #3 C&D pit. This expansion will allow for 9 years in increased capacity at average rates.

Municipal Solid Waste (MWS) normally very closely follows the population of a municipality. At 41,231 tons, our MSW was nearly identical to the 41,602 tons we handled in 2011. The record tonnage was 43,218 tons in 2007.

The 2011 total landfill tonnage of 54,667 was well short of the record tonnage of 64,782 tons experienced in 2010. This reduction was mainly due to the reduced shingle tonnage as roof repairs from the 2010 hailstorms were completed and shingles were diverted for recycling.

A new state-of-the art bagging system was installed on our new baler.

This bagging system eliminates litter from the bales while bagging, in transport on the highways, and in the pit. The elimination of litter while bagging increases safety by reducing back injuries experienced with floor cleanup in past operations. It eliminates litter in-route on the highways, as the bags totally enclose the MSW and the bales are transported in enclosed walking floor trailers. The bags reduce the litter by over 90% in the pit as the MSW is, again, totally continued on page 11

9

Campbell County 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 183 vehicles.

• In 2008, Campbell County employees drove light fleet vehicles 1.96 million miles. In 2009, the light fleet was driven 1.73 million miles which is slightly less than estimated last year and is an 11% decrease.

In 2010, light fleet vehicles drove 1.85 million miles and, while still waiting for mileage figures from

Recycle Program Manager: Phillip Giffin, Engineering Services Manager

The recycle program points of interest are: • The recycle rate at the Campbell County Landfill was 6% in 2011. It should be noted that this rate only includes recycling from County recycling efforts. It does not include materials diverted from the Landfill and Transfer Station operations, such as the City yard waste & compost program and shingles diverted to ICM for recycling. The recycle rate has dropped from past years due to large decreases in tire and poly-pipe recycling. Efforts have been successful to divert as many tires as possible from the landfill operations to local tire recycle truckers. Reduction in coalbed methane operations due to the economic downturn and environmental pressures have greatly reduced the amount of poly-pipe we receive to recycle.

• The national recycle rate is 26%.

10

the sheriff’s department, it appears 2011 will be slightly less than 2010.

• Of the 2010 miles driven, Sheriff’s Department, Road & Bridge, and Public Works account for 88% of the miles driven. The chart included shows the breakdown.

• 17 County departments utilize the Fleet Pool through assigned vehicles to the departments which 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 out on an “as needed” basis.

• 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).

• The average cost per mile for the fleet pool vehicles for 2011 was $0.47 per mile. This is up 2 cents per mile in comparing it to both 2009 and 2010. These costs include insurance and replacement costs.

The increase in cost is attributed to increase in gasoline prices.

• In 2011, assigned county vehicle expenses were gathered in which the average four wheel drive costs per mile for selected departments was found to be $0.60.

• Other 2011 statistical charts are also included below.

This rate includes all recycling efforts in a community. This high rate indicates our community does have an opportunity to substantially increase our recycling. This opportunity is addressed in the new Strategic Plan.

• Efforts have started to increase our recycle rate. The Campbell County School System continues to increase its recycle program at all of its schools. Also several businesses have started programs or increased their recycling efforts.

Curbside recycling is getting larger through efforts of the City to improve service. They are also working to increase recycle efforts at large events at the Cam-Plex. We have also noticed increased usage of the recycle trailers. We are investigating methods to improve this service without increasing the time required to collect and maintain the

Fleet Management accomplishments for 2011 include: • Continued specialized and required safety training on the 60 foot bucket truck for county employees who may need to use the truck.

• Continued working relationship with Information Technology in teaching department personnel how to enter vehicle expenditures into the County’s computer system for the fleet maintenance system. The majority of departments are all trained allowing costs per miles traveled to be documented and checked in these departments for the first time.

• 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 which ensures monies are available for replacing vehicles as they become ready for replacement.

• Continued collaboration with Human Resources/Risk Management to provide monthly national safety council defensive driving training, 7 classes with 104 stu-

dents were taught during 2011.

Also assisted with the supervision of the hail damage assessment and repairs on county vehicles.

• The Fleet Manager serves as an Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator to ensure the functionality of the office during the absence of the Emergency Management Coordinator.

• The Fleet Manager is a representative on the Employee Recognition Committee and the Countywide Communications Committee.

2006 - 2011 Pool Vehicle Useage Program Started July 1, 2006 2006

200 150

2007

100

2008 2009

50 0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

2010 2011

2006 - 2011 Pool Vehicle Miles Driven Program Started July 1, 2006

15000

2006

10000

2007 2008

5000

2009 2010

0

Jan

drop-off sites.

• We are presently testing baling and trucking our commingled recyclables received at the Recycle Center to a Denver Material Recovery Facility (MRF). If this proves to be feasible, it will allow us to add pasteboard in our recycle stream and will allow our operations to grow with little immediate effect on capital and manpower.

• Building Facility Maintenance has successfully increased their recycling efforts by placing can and bottle recycle containers around the courthouse. They are investigating the feasibility of using recycling pickup service at all

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

2011

2011 County Light Vehicle Mileage Breakdown

County facilities.

• Recycle processing operations presently 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 waste, yard waste, and household hazardous waste such as paints, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals.

• Campbell County has one of the largest recycling programs in Wyoming, thanks to the community commitment to recycling.

Campbell County Public Works Facilities Maintenance Division Manager: Vern Fundenberger, Facilities Manager

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 and improvement projects in County facilities.

• the installation, repair and monitoring of fire and security systems.

• project management and oversight of capital construction improvements.

The Facilities Maintenance Division provides maintenance and/ or custodial services for the following Campbell County facilities.

Airport

Public Health

Bell Nob Golf Course (assist)

Public Health (old facility)

Children’s Developmental Services

Recreation Center

Courthouse

S.O. Radio Towers

YES House Campus

Road & Bridge

Extension Office

Rockpile Museum

GARF House

Sheriff’s Office (assist)

George Amos Memorial Library

Weed & Pest (assist)

Gillette Library

Wright Library

Ice Barn Arena

Wright Recreation Center

Landfill

Wright Safety Building

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 Total maintenance cost well being of employees and the comparison by facility public.

Our Custodial staff is second to none and takes great pride in their jobs. Their dedication is evidenced in the appearance of the facilities to which they are assigned. This year we are embarking on a centralized custodial system which will allow us to standardize our custodial cleaning products, paper and supplies in order to save taxpayer dollars. The centralized staff will be cross-trained, enabling them to work in a variety of County facilities as demand arises due to absences.

The Facilities Maintenance Division staff members are dedicated public servants that strive to maintain the facilities at the highest level. Their advanced certifications have allowed us to get Contractor’s Licenses from the City of Gillette for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and General Contracting. With these certifications comes a responsibility for ongoing education. This year we qualified to start an apprenticeship Electric Program within our department.

SOLID WASTE - LANDFILL DIVISION continued from Page 9

enclosed in the bags.

• Efforts continue to improve compaction and efficiency at Landfill #2. Bale densities have increased substantially from a 2007 weight of 1700 lbs./bale to the 2011 weight of 2900 lbs/bale. This increase in density, and an increase in packing density at Landfill #2, has nearly doubled the remaining life of the landfill.

• Burns & McDonnell Engineering, an internationally renowned solid waste consulting firm, completed and presented a Rate Study and Strategic Plan in early 2011, for our Landfill, Recycle Center and Transfer Station operations. Working in conjunction with our Strategic Plan, it gives us an idea of what rate strategy is required for the landfill to operate in a self-sustaining manner.

• The Strategic Plan looks at our Solid Waste handling strategy and shows that its costs and environmental effectiveness compare favorably with other systems. The plan also shows we are at, or exceeding, capacity at all of our Transfer Station and Recycling Facilities. It recommends designing and constructing new facilities at a more strategic location. By doing this, we would build easily expandable facilities that would be safer and much more efficient.

• Because our MSW and C&D Transfer Stations are working at capacity, inefficiencies may occur in our operations. High solid waste volumes necessitate operations to be open 10 hours/day for 5 ½ days/week to keep up with demand. Several changes in operations, such as a more efficient baler, walking floor trailers to handle comingled recyclables, and C&D waste transfer, along with changes in waste handling strategies, have improved safety and increased productivity. The new Strategic Plan indicates that besides building new facilities, the best strategy to handle these increased volumes is by diverting more recyclables from the waste stream.

• The Transfer Station and Landfill operations are striving to improve accessibility and convenience for the community while improving safety. This is a challenge considering the age and size of our facilities, coupled with the above capacity traffic due to high solid waste volumes.

• A Methane Extraction System is operating in the Landfill #1 MSW landfill area to evacuate methane gas. Extracting methane gas minimizes the possibility of the build up and movement of gas to adjacent properties and migration to aquifers resulting in contaminated groundwater. Landfill #1 accepted MSW from the early years of Gillette’s history until 2001. In 2010 and 2011 additional groundwater wells were drilled around the perimeter of Landfill #1 at the request of DEQ to quantify any effects this Landfill may be having on shallow groundwater aquifers.

11

Gillette •

• Wright

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.

LIBRARIES ARE ABOUT POSSIBILITIES. Did you know 26,313 of the 46,133 people who live in Campbell County (2010 U.S. Census) have library cards? Did you know 10,350 more items were checked out of your libraries in Gillette and Wright in 2011 than in 2010? Those statistics alone show what a pillar of the learning system your libraries are in our county and that they are a vital resource to citizens who enter our doors every day.

Making new friends... One evening, a teen somehow got a cut that required bandaging. The teen had recently moved to the area and was quite a way from home. After an excellent job of bandaging by our manager, Janet, another teen approached (also new to the area) and offered the injured teen a ride home.

People helping people...at all ages.

CCPLS offered the possibility of feeling connected... Patrons gathered at our libraries for book discussions and family game nights. They gathered to share stories of family history and ethnic backgrounds and learn about the similarities that thread through all our backgrounds to connect us. They gathered to support a first-time-published local author launch a new career. And for patrons who couldn’t get to the library, CCPLS connected through outreach programs and home visits.

Ticket, please... A patron called the library asking for a railroad ticket. They read on our calendar that tickets were available for a train to Colorado for an Agriculture meeting and wanted to make arrangements to go. They forgot to read that it was a “Centennial” article from the 1911 newspaper.

CCPLS offered the possibility of a fresh start... Job seekers accessed our numerous employment databases, created resumes, and researched the possibility of their own business.

New bookworms were created from the children who attended our numerous story time programs, and teens learned about making a difference in our communities through our Teen Advisory Board and volunteer opportunities.

12

• Patrons Registered: 26,313 • Hours CCPL and WBL Open: 5,724 • Patrons per Hour: 36 • Questions Answered: 264,767 (+10%) • Questions Answered per Hour: 49 • Collection Size: 189,747 • Items Circulated: 491,023 (+2%) • Average Circulation per Patron: 3 • Database Queries: 204,146 (+7%) • Meeting Room Use: 1,516

Wave of the future... A patron called the library the first open day after Christmas to see if the computer system was broken. She could not download an ebook. It was not broken. 46 ebooks were checked out Christmas day. 110 were checked out in three days, demolishing the collection of best sellers on downloadable books.

Duck (errr, owl)... A patron came running in the library flustered and out of breath.

He loudly exclaimed, “Man! I just got attacked by an owl! I hate when that happens.” And then walked away. Who would guess... an owl attack at the library.

Library bonding... This library is so well thought of that our patrons call from Jail asking us to post bond. We really bond with our patrons! (No, we didn’t post the bond.)

Which magic word...

One evening a young patron approached the Children’s desk and requested an internet pass from the librarian. The librarian smiled and asked, “What’s the magic word?” -- looking for “please.” The child gave a funny look and said “abracadabra”!

• Outreach Patrons Visited: 1,010 • CCPL Children: 15,745 children attended 313 events • CCPL Young Adults: 7,116 teens (+17%) attended 297 events (+23%) • CCPL Adults: 735 adults (+51%) attended 131 events (+35%) • WBL Children: 2,223 children attended 52 events • WBL Young Adults: 150 teens attended 20 events • WBL Adults: 203 adults (+33%) attended 19 events (+90%)

CCPLS offered the possibility to experience and appreciate...

More than 800 programs, activities and events, offered patrons chances to answer “I wonder...” Whether it was making a craft, sharpening computer skills, or taking a test, patrons of all ages had lots of opportunities to learn new things. But discovery didn’t only come from attending one of our programs. Many patrons simply enjoyed a good book by the fire while others “ohhhed and ahhhed” over our fine art collection.

Campbell County Public Library • 2101 S. 4J Road • Gillette, WY • 307.687.0009

Wright Branch Library • 305 Wright Boulevard • Wright, WY • 307.464.0500

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office In 2011, the Sheriff’s Office implemented the initial transition to the statewide communications system WyoLink. The Operations Division began using the digital trunked system for day to day operations, and will complete the transition in 2012 with the purchase of additional radio units. The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with State of Wyoming personnel on completion of an additional radio tower site to enhance the performance of hand-held radio communications in the Gillette area. The portable radio enhancement tower site is expected to be

complete in 2012.

In 2011, the Sheriff’s Office began using a new Emergency Medical Dispatch system called ProQA. The updated system implements a new series of questions and protocols for communications officers to utilize when a citizen calls with a medical emergency. The system required a significant investment in time and training to integrate the new software

and protocols.

In 2011, the Sheriff’s Office continued its commitment to increase roadway safety. The Sheriff’s Office dedicated several thousand personnel hours to traffic safety patrols through utilization of a dedicated Traffic Officer, and through overtime funding provided through the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The grant funding allowed officers to be assigned to work additional hours specifically for impaired driving enforcement and high visibility traffic enforcement.

In addition to the above listed areas, in 2011 the Sheriff’s Office remained committed to providing quality timely response to calls for service. We continued our efforts at drug violation enforcement and trafficking interdiction by continuing our partnership with the Northeast

Enforcement Team and maintaining a fully staffed K-9 unit. We continued our commitment to community education through our D.A.R.E. program and our crime prevention programs.

We continued to provide the most current and effective training and equipment for our officers to enhance overall public safety.

Ccdc Inmate Population

For an emergencey call 911

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Adult Males

2,042

2,195

2,561

2,458

2,693

2,843

2,802

2,388

2,344

Adult Females

516

562

649

604

606

691

788

726

739

Juvenile Males

162

138

151

156

161

128

106

141

106

Juvenile Females

46

56

64

64

76

59

29

42

50

2,766

2,951

3,425

3,282

3,536

3,721

3,725

3,297

3,239

2011 Facts At A Glance INDIVIDUAL CRIME INCIDENTS/SERVICES PROVIDED Animal Control Services Provided Burglary/Break and Enter Driving with Suspended License Drug-related Investigations DWUI Family Fight Responses Larceny (including vehicle theft) Minor in Possession of Alcohol TOTAL CRIMES/SERVICES PROVIDED Total Crime Responses/Services Provided Total Crime Responses/Services Provided Inside Town of Wright Busiest Day of the Week CITATIONS ISSUED Speeding Citations Issued Total Citations Issued

Average Daily Population (2011) – 119

TOTAL NUMBER 1,304 64 276 171 199 215 190 92 TOTAL NUMBER 12,787 806 Friday TOTAL NUMBER 634 2,615

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office 600 W Boxelder 682-7271

13

Clerk of Campbell County District Court Coroner’s Office

The year 2011 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. Cases filed in our district are more complex and require significantly more legal filings compared to the other District Courts in Wyoming.

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 criminal cases, civil matters above $50,000.00, probate cases, adoptions and domestic relations. In addition, the district courts are also the state’s juvenile courts.

One of our biggest challenges is pro se litigants. These cases are our citizens wanting to complete their own legal work. Pro se cases require much more of our time than cases filed by attorneys. My office is their initial contact with the court.

We can help them with processes and procedures, but cannot give out legal advice.

Again this year we have tracked down criminal defendants who owe the county money. Many of these defendants have served their time, paid their restitution, but still owe the county money. After paroled from prison, they no longer have a probation officer to track the progress of payments to the court. With a letter from our office, many begin payments.

The Clerk of Court summons jurors for District Court jury trials.

Jurors are paid at the rate of $30.00 per day plus mileage, and most trials are completed within three days, but

14

can last much longer. The Supreme Court Office generates a random computer list of possible jurors for our county. This list is compiled of names from drivers’ license records and voter registration lists. Jurors are required to either appear four times, serve on a jury trial or complete their four-month term. We had a total of 12 jury trials in 2011.

The Clerk of Courts office has trained staff to receipt and distribute child support payments. Our core staff function in concert with the Sixth Judicial District Child Support Authority and the State Disbursement Unit staff 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.

Campbell County Clerk of District Court 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 2400 682-3424

The 2011 annual report for the Campbell County Coroner’s Office started out much quicker than the previous year, ending with 110 calls, 4 declined cases and 4 agency assists.

The transition to the newly built morgue for the Campbell County Coroner’s Office has taken place and is located next to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. The 2011 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 so indicated. 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.

Other statistics include: Average age of deaths males 50 years, females 65.26 years Record number of infant deaths - 7, SIDS – 1, Stillborns - 5 Traffic deaths 3 in 2010

Manner of Death

Natural

67

Accidental

24

Traffic deaths

11

Suicides

9

Homicides

0

SIDS/ Stillborn

6

Accidental - 11 traffic, 6 Undetermined 0 drug, 3 falls, 1 industrial, 4 other which Suicides include Positional Year Male Female asphyxia, hypothermia, 1 athletic event and auto- 2011 8 erotic 2010 10 2 Drug related deaths - 6 2009 7 1

Age - 0 to 100 years old

0-20

(13)

21-40

(16)

41-60

(29)

61-80

(30)

81-100

(22)

Gender of Death 43 Females 67 Males (39%) (61%)

Seat Belt use in traffic deaths 3 belted

1 no helmet

Frequency by the time of the day called: 0001-0800

21.82%

0801-1600

42.7%

1601-2400

35.4%

Calls by days of the week Monday

20%,

Tuesday

15%,

Wednesday

13%

Thursday

11%

Friday

11%

Saturday

15%

Sunday

11%

At the time of the submittal of this report, January of 2012 has started out with 11 calls ranging from 1 suicide, 1 SIDS, 1 accidental fall and one accidental positional death.

In all of the years as coroner, I continue to thank all of the very valuable people who assist the Coroner’s Office in the performance of our duties. Many people and organizations work together to help make this office successful in our commitment to the citizens of Campbell County. I greatly appreciate their assistance and time.

I would like to thank my deputies Rita Mashak, Kaye Penno and Niesha Hanzlik for their help. My thanks to all the personnel with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, Gillette Police Department, Campbell County Fire Department, Campbell County Memorial Hospital staff and EMS personnel, Dr. Woodward, Campbell County doctors and assistants, Wyoming Hwy Patrol, Wyoming Crime Lab Personnel, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations and Dr. Habbe from Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. With the Campbell County Coroner’s Office assistance from all involved, we are able to 600 W. Boxelder provide professional service to our citizens.

687-6179 Thanks again. Tom Eekhoff - Coroner.

Campbell County Human Resources Risk Management Department

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.

Tami Mueller, Tina Honeycutt, Jamie Mallon & Like much of Wyoming, Charlotte Terry Campbell County has not been as adversely affected as the rest of the country by the recent economic downturn. In fact, the latter part of 2010 saw Wyoming’s economy continue to pull out of the recession it experienced over the past couple of years. Wyoming’s economic recovery was fueled by an increase in employment and commodity prices in the mining sector, which is centered in Campbell County. The labor market in Campbell County continues to be competitive as reflected by a slight increase in turnover rate – from 7.75% in fiscal 2009/2010 to 10.3% in 2010/2011. Campbell County was able to implement a compensation allowance including an average merit increase of 4%, with no cost of living adjustment or salary range adjustment. The package placed great emphasis on continuing to offer competitive benefits while providing a fiscally conservative package reflective of improving economic conditions.

Employees continue to help control the cost of benefits as exemplified by the health plan ending fiscal 2010/2011 with a very respectable 7.28% under budget! Although the fund continues to be under budget and adequately backed by a healthy cash reserve, the total amount of money needed to offer the benefit package is increasing. Greater emphasis will be placed on wellness not only to help

contain the cost of benefits but also to help employee’s live healthier lives. The wellness committee will continue to offer educational and activity based programs while exploring options to move the program forward.

Employee safety continues to be a high priority for Human Resources/Risk Management.

This has been an extremely productive year spear-headed by the Safety Committee and Wellness Committee handing out blood screenits commitment to combin- ing results ing the County safety program in a unified approach.

Increased training opportunities, new program revisions, and updated facility assessments are a few of the activities that are leading the way to improved employee safety.

These efforts are successfully evident as every County division qualified in 2011 for all 12 months of the Safety Incentive Program. Something Joan Robbins accepting her 20 year service award in which every county employee should be very proud.

Rockpile Museum

Assessor Office accepting their safety Award

Campbell County Public Library

Campbell County Human Resource/ Risk Management Depart.

500 S. Gillette Ave Ste 1200 687-6355

Campbell County Road & Bridge Road & Bridge had another great year. We are very proud of the fact that we worked 90,494 hours with no lost time accidents. 2011 came in cold and blustery with the snow plow drivers putting in lots of miles and hours, but it sure left in a completely different way. We are grateful for the reprieve in the weather as the bitter cold and ice takes its toll on employees and equipment.

The crusher moved from the Hakert Pit crushing gravel to the Elmore Pit, crushing scoria and scoria chips, back to the Hakert Pit. We crushed a total of 43,863 tons of scoria and chips and 92,823 tons of gravel. The 8 hour MSHA annual refresher was done the first part of February. The crusher logged 1,259 hours. Our screening plant in the yard was also kept

busy mixing the gravel that was hauled in and the “black gold” (recycled asphalt) that we have been using for our ongoing dust control projects.

The blades were on the go everyday putting on 15,883 hours. They bladed the roads, laid gravel, helped with dust control projects, helped with fires and helping with the project at the North Landfill. The belly dump trucks hauled gravel to the blades and the yard, scoria chips to Wright for the sanding trucks, sand for Bell Nob and Cam-Plex for the NHSFR. They racked up a total of 455,304 miles.

End dump trucks put on a total of 213,068 miles.

They hauled sand, scoria, chips, gravel and snow. When they weren’t hauling or plowing snow, the crew was

kept busy with crack sealing, patching, weed spraying, replacing signs, repairing and replacing autogates and working on 3 big culvert projects.

The shop crew kept everything running. The fuel truck and service truck put on 18,490 miles. They delivered 58,773 gallons of diesel and 11,736 gallons of gasoline to other county entities and 45,453 gallons of diesel to our equipment on various projects. The mechanics truck put on 7,774 miles and countless hours were spent in the shop keeping the equipment running and in tip top shape.

Our CMAQ project was on the SA Road in northern Campbell County. We hired Oxford Inc to do the project.

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Campbell County Fire Department

The following is an account of the Campbell County Fire Department’s highlights for 2011:

Fire Board The fire department is governed by the “Joint Powers Fire Board” including member representation from Campbell County, the City of Gillette, and the Town of Wright. The Fire Board is comprised of seven members who are listed below: Sherwin (Buddy) Cater (Chairman): Representing Campbell County Chuck Dobkins: Representing Campbell County Ron Holmes: Representing the Town of Wright Chris Knapp: Representing Campbell County Frank Latta: Representing the City of Gillette Scott Rankin: Representing Campbell County Kevin VanDyke: Representing the City of Gillette Special thanks are extended to outgoing members Marilyn Mackey, Sam Saunders, and Tom Johnson who each served on the Fire Board for several years. Past and current Board Members are vital to CCFD as they provide continual guidance for the organization. Regular Fire Board Meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday of each month.

Fires and Responses In 2011, the Campbell County Fire Department (CCFD) responded to 2,036 calls. These included structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and many other types of calls.

The fire department continues to provide 24-hour protection in Gillette thanks to Duty Crews that are continually staffed at Fire Station One. Twenty-four hour staffing has significantly lowered CCFD’s average response times since this concept was adopted in 2008.

After several mild wildland fire seasons, Campbell County experienced increased wildland activity in 2011.

Volunteer firefighters are to be commended as they collectively contributed several thousand hours this year.

CCFD officials would like to also take this opportunity to thank area employers many of whom approved their employees to fight grass and timber fires during their scheduled work hours. We would have had a very difficult time without their assistance.

The fire department was notified that the ISO rating was improved last year. ISO is an independent organization that collects fire protection information, analyzes it, and assigns a Public Protection Classification. Many Campbell County Fire Department 106 Rohan Ave 682-5319

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insurance companies base their rates on ISO Classifications; and thus, these evaluations are extremely important to all Campbell County residents.

Training (By Ron Smith)

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 in the Campbell County Fire Department is overseen by a Training Cadre. The Training Cadre is a group of career and volunteer firefighters & fire officers. The Training Cadre meets on a regular basis to discuss training needs and objectives for the department. Training Cadre members also serve as instructors for a variety of basic, advanced and specialized topics.

The CCFD Training Division also provides training to private industry through partnerships with the various mine rescue teams and safety personnel from the oil and gas industry.

CCFD Training Division provided fire extinguisher training to over 400 private industry employees. This is a decline from previous years that reached as high as 800 – 1000 students.

CCFD Training Division conducted a Spring Recruit Academy with seven new members completing the training.

The Training Division is currently preparing for the spring 2012 Recruit Academy which will begin in late January. It is anticipated the 2012 Photograph By Tina Dickey (CCFD’s official photographer).

Recruit Academy will Fire Marshal. The purpose of these start with 22 students.

Captain J.R. Fox was accepted and surveys is to identify potential fire is participating in the National Fire hazards and make corrections before Academy Executive Fire Officer pro- a fire results. Duty Crews work as a gram. This program spans a four year team to perform the surveys and at the period of time and prepares fire offi- same time familiarize themselves with cers for leadership positions. Captain the building and its unique characterFox attended the first of four courses istics, features, and hazards. Thus, the duty crews are better prepared to hanin 2011. dle an incident. Crews will continue Firefighter Bryan Borgialli and Captain Mike Thomas became certi- to perform surveys through 2012, so if you see apparatus traveling from fied as Ice Rescue Instructors. business to business or crews walking They conducted a total of five throughout buildings, they are likely classes and trained 47 members in ice there to better serve property owners rescue techniques. and the public.

Training Chief Ron Smith continWhen requested, prevention perues to serve as a member of the Wyosonnel conduct residential fireplace ming Firefighter Certification Cominspections for satisfying insurance mittee. This committee, appointed by requirements, for new fireplace instalthe State Fire Marshal, is responsible for the establishment of training and lations, or for the homeowners’ peace certification standards for firefighters of mind. Chimney fire occurrences have decreased in Campbell County in the State of Wyoming.

In 2011 Campbell County Fire in past years, most likely because of Department members participated education about fireplace safety and in 670 training sessions for a total of proper installation and maintenance 10,644 man hours of training. Many practices.

Another program that was started of these training sessions for our volmany years ago continues to prounteers take place on evenings and vide a benefit to property owners weekends. and CCFD – Key boxes. Key boxes are required for new construction or remodeled businesses, and are volCCFD’s Fire Prevention Division is untary for existing buildings. For a responsible for conducting a review of small expense, property owners can proposed construction plans to deter- purchase and install a key box on mine compliance with adopted codes, the exterior of their building. Keys to conducting inspections of commer- access the property are secured inside cial buildings and providing addi- the box so that in the event CCFD tional training and services to prevent needs to enter the building in an emerfires or minimize damage from fires. gency, it can be done immediately In 2011 the Duty Crews conducted without expensive property damage.

122 courtesy fire surveys. Courtesy CCFD is the only keyholder to access surveys are conducted in commer- boxes installed in Campbell County, cial buildings, multi-family residential and we follow stringent security prooccupancies, hotels and motels, and tocols to prevent unauthorized access. other businesses as identified by the

Fire Prevention

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Campbell County Fire Department continued from page 16

Photograph By Tina Dickey (CCFD’s official photographer).

Please contact CCFD’s Fire Marshal for information about installing a key box on your business.

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 Gillette and Campbell County service areas. As part of that plan, a new Fire Station Seven was built near Camplex on Martingale Drive. The Fox Park Homeowner’s Association had previously provided a facility for Station Seven.

The new Fire Station Seven is ideally-located to support a variety of activities at Cam-plex, and to provide emergency response services to a number of businesses and residences in the area. Operations at the new

facility officially began with a December 2011 Grand Opening Ceremony.

The fire department’s Maintenance Staff moved their operations into the former Gillette College Diesel Tech building which is located at the intersection of 4-J Road and Second Street. Unlike the previous shop building, this larger facility is able to accommodate CCFD’s largest apparatus.

Last year CCFD added three “Rural Fire Buildings” which were built in extreme outlying areas of Campbell County. These facilities accommodate rural firefighting trucks which are capable of being dispatched to fires on a moment’s notice.

Apparatus Every year CCFD staff coordinates with the City of Gillette’s Fleet Management Division to arrange for the replacement of aging apparatus and staff vehicles. Patrick Martin (Gillette’s Fleet Manager) contributes significantly to CCFD’s annual vehicle acquisition process.

In 2011, CCFD was commissioned to add three new apparatus as follows: Command Unit: This SUV-type vehicle had accumulated considerable

mileage and was due for replacement.

Tender-pumper: The “Tenderpumper” concept is fairly new at CCFD. It incorporates the water storage and transport capabilities of a water tender along with the functionality of a fire engine (thus reducing the number of vehicles assigned to a station).

Rescue unit: The previous rescue unit had accumulated many miles and was overdue for replacement.

Staff And Volunteers The Campbell County Fire Department operates as a “Combination Department” which means that its membership is comprised of career and volunteer firefighters. CCFD’s ranks are comprised of 23 career firefighters and 158 volunteer firefighters. Additional support is provided by the Fire Cadets, Auxiliary, Rural Firefighters, two Emergency Vehicle Technicians, and four administrative staff.

Don Huber serves as CCFD’s Chief, and Donna Lhotak-Crippen has begun her second year as the organization’s Comptroller. In April 2011 longtime volunteer firefighter/ officer Mike Ratcliff was hired as the fire department’s Division Chief of Operations. Other officer appointments include the following:

Joe Case: Promoted from Station Two Captain to Battalion Two Chief William Holmes: Promoted from Lieutenant to Captain at Station Nine in Wright Gene Plessner: Former Battalion Two Chief reassigned to Battalion One Chief Jeremy Schillinger: Appointed Lieutenant at Station Seven In the fall of 2011. the fire department conducted its most successful volunteer firefighter recruiting campaign. Twenty new firefighters are enrolled in CCFD’s Recruit Fire Academy, and they have been assigned to various stations throughout the County.

Your Campbell County Fire Department continually strives for excellence by responding to the community’s needs, providing leadership in times of change, and committing to continual improvement through the use of strategic planning. The fire department remains firmly committed to the safety of the citizens and visitors of Gillette, Wright, and Campbell County.

University of Wyoming

Campbell County Extension

Jessica Gladson, 4-H/Youth Educator

As the University of Wyoming 4-H / Youth Educators for Campbell County, Jessica Gladson worked with more than 270 4-H volunteers and nearly 500 youth to develop a wide array of educational seminars, events, local and state contests, and state and national trips.

The culmination 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, visual arts, family and consumer sciences, rabbits, shooting sports and geology. The largest 4-H

project area locally is the horse project.

The Campbell County 4-H Horse program had great success with the continued 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 140 youth participated in the horse program.

The 4-H Clover Corrals town facility for urban youth to raise sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and poultry was full and youth reported an increase in the areas of responsibility and teamwork in their lives and project related interactions. 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.

Campbell County 4-H also remains a presence at the Youth Ag Expo. In 2011, we focused on “Field to Table” and wool felting. 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 4-H Clover Bud program continued to be strong with over 60 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 how to be a good friend, healthy living, science, and cooking.

The largest 4-H sponsored activity of 2011 was the annual Campbell County 4-H Camp. The camp is held at the Mallo Camp facilities in the Black Hills and lasts 4 days and 3 nights for 4-H members. 4-H Young Leaders arrive at camp the day before the campers to undergo intensive 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

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University of Wyoming Campbell County Extension continued from page 17

setting away from home. The Young Leaders, which are 4-Hers who are 13 and older, are involved with the planning and implementation 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, digital video, rifle, archery, rifle, cultural awareness, wilderness survival, archery, canoeing, and physical activity.

The Campbell County 4-H Young Leader program has seen growth and expansion in membership. There is now nearly 200 teens involved in the program. The 4-H program has been working in partnership with the teens to create opportunities to utilize their leadership training within our community.

In an effort to increase community awareness, Campbell County 4-H has been working with the school district’s CAT (after school) programs.

Starting the 2011 school year, 4-H visits the after school programs at Prairie Wind, Paintbrush, Pronghorn, and Sunflower Elementary once a week.

Students participate in different activities each week that involve nationwide 4-H mandates such as science, fitness, and health as well as wellknown 4-H project areas. This year the students were able to learn about wind energy through the National 4-H Science Day experiment.

Horticulture, Lori Bates: During 2011, Lori Bates worked on 3 major project areas including Master Gardeners, Community Garden and the Farmers’ Market. The remainder of the time in this position was spent with walk-in 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

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forces with The City of Gillette, to provide the third 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 2011 with a total of 16 local community members completing the Master Gardener course.

The Farmers’ Market is a service provided by the Master Gardeners to give local residents a chance to buy and sell local produce. An average of 15 vendors selling fresh produce, local meats and arts & crafts attended weekly from mid July through September. A booth was held by the Campbell County Master Gardeners

Campbell County 4-H camp

Eight of the 16 trainees have already completed their 40 hours of volunteer service to become official Master Gardeners. The new trainees have been put to work with existing projects as well as the planning of the 2012 State Master Gardener Conference to be held in Gillette in April. Visit www. wyomingmastergardeners.org for more information!

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. As a result, the Master Gardeners have joined forces with Gillette College to begin another Community Garden. Work is underway, but the garden will likely not be open to the public to rent plots until 2013.

University of Wyoming Campbell County Extension 412 S Gillette Avenue • 682-7281 http://www.ccgov.net/departments/ extension_office/index.html

to help answer questions and educate the 200-700 residents making their way through the market on a weekly basis.

The Garden Walk was a new addition to the Master Gardener’s list of projects in 2011. Six gardens were open to the public for viewing as well as an Herb Festival held at the Community Garden. Over 200 people visited the gardens despite the extreme summer heat!

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 164 families enrolled in the Cent$ible Nutrition program in 2011. Over half of the families have

four or five members. The positive results are that 49% of those families now plan meals ahead of time more often. The families also think about healthy food choices when deciding what to feed their family members.

Research shows that when a family practices meal planning, everyone is more likely to get their daily nutrients.

Of those families, 46% 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 39% now pay more attention to thawing food safely and storing food in a safe manner. Families that use unsafe thawing and storing habits sometimes have mild symptoms of food-borne illness. With food safety it is always best to be 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 77% of the families that improved at least one food resource management category.

There were 82% 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 56% 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 has shown the least improvement. One of the reasons is that more families are coming into the program with good food safety practices.

Some of the agencies Cent$ible Nutrition partners with are Early Head Start, Head Start, Even Start, Department of Family Services, Workforce Development, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Wright Community Assistance, Westwood High School, Campbell County High School, and the YES House. If you are interested, please call Lori at 6827281 to enroll in Cent$ible Nutrition.

Please visit our department website for more information.

Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County (CDS-CC)

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.”

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.

The Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County fulfills the function of being able to provide an array of services through one provider, utilizing a team of professionals and specialists. This is collaboration in the 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 allocations to all funding sources. Annual financial audits are completed with 100% compliance.

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

• Early Education/Child Care for children 2 ½ to school age.

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

Early Intervention Program CDS-CC provides early intervention services for children with disabilities birth to kindergarten age who reside in Campbell County. We provide screening and assessment in all areas of development including communication, motor, social, selfhelp, cognitive, vision and hearing. All of these services are provided free of charge to families and are funded by State and Federal Educational Grants and Campbell County Government.

CDS-CC Statistics: • Currently serving over 275 children with disabilities which is a 176% increase since 2000 • Services are provided in-center, in homes, community preschools and child care facilities • Services are available in the community of Wright • Over 1,250 children were screened in 2011 • Of those 1,250 children, 175 were identified as

The Early Education Childcare

The Early Education Childcare Program serves children age 2 ½ to kindergarten. The program offers five full day sessions and six half day preschool sessions. Classrooms are multi-age and provide an inclusive environment for disabled and non-disabled children to participate in regular classrooms with adaptations and modifications as needed. The IDEA requires that children participate in activities with an age appropriate peer group. A sliding fee scale is established for child care services with priority given to single, low income working parents. A flat fee for half day preschool is required. All a child with a disability and an educational plan services are offered twelve months out of the year was developed and account for 4.4% of available childcare in the If a child is determined to be eligible for educa- community. 8-10% of children and families are tion services, a partnership with the family begins placed by the Department of Family Services or in order to develop an educational plan individu- are court ordered for abuse, neglect, prevention or alized to their child’s specific needs. Services are drug endangerment. 17-20% of children and famdetermined based on Federal Individuals with Dis- ilies receive income assistance from the Departabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Wyoming ment of Family Services. Parenting classes (Love Chapter 7 Rules and Regulations. Collaboration and Logic and Common Sense Parenting) are prowith outside agencies may also be included in order vided 24 weeks of the year. Children’s Developmento meet the specific needs of the child and family. tal Services is accredWe received 100% compliance on the Division of ited through the Developmental Services review, which is held every National Association for the Education of three years.

Early Intervention Services provided may Young Children and is a Wyoming licensed include: child care facility.

• Developmental Preschool • Home-Based Educational Services • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Creative Curriculum is used to guide teacher’s • Physical Therapy facilitation of children’s development and learn• Consultation for Feeding and Behavior Issues ing, which is based on five fundamental principles: positive adult interactions and relationships CDS-CC is currently participating in an Engage• social-emotional competence ment Classroom Model research project with • constructive, purposeful play supports Siskin Children’s Institute of Chattanooga, Tennes• the physical environment see. The research includes methods for arrang• teacher-family partnerships ing classroom environments, organizing the adults Children’s development and progress is tracked in a preschool classthrough Teaching Strategies GOLD, an online room, improving tranassessment tool. sitions between activities, behavior managecontinued on page 20 ment and data collection. It also provides Campbell County Children’s Development Services methods for improv1801 Four-J Road ing the development of 682-2392 educational plans.

Philosophies:

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Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County (CDS-CC) Continued from page 19

ment. New York: Families and Work Institute) for every dollar invested in the program they had yielded savings of $7.16 in costs that might have been incurred if the program had not existed. The program’s savings to taxpayers (in constant 1992 dollars discounted annually to 3%) is estimated to be $88,433 per child from the following sources: • Savings in schooling, due primarily to reduced need for special education services.

• Higher taxes are paid by preschool participants because they had higher earnings once they enter 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: • Monthly earnings of $2,000 or more.

• Owning their own homes.

• Owning second cars.

• The Pyramid model is a tiered approach in addressing children with social-emotional concerns or challenging behaviors. This model focuses on: • nurturing and responsive relationships • high quality supportive environments • targeted social emotional supports • intensive interventions

Early Head Start Early Head Start services are provided free to pregnant women, children birth to age three and their families in home based and interactional settings, using “Parents as Teachers” curriculum.

The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for lowincome infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs enhance children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; assist pregnant women to access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care; support parents’ efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and help parents move toward self-sufficiency.

In Campbell County, EHS maintains full enrollment for 36 families, approximately 15% of the total eligible population. The services for these families consist of weekly home visits and twice monthly family interaction activities. There is currently a waiting list of 28 families. During the past year, EHS offered 1,617 home visits and 48 family interactions to 59 children age birth to three, and five (5) pregnant women and their families. In addition to the child development activities provided, 96% of

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Board of Directors Carol Yonkee, Chairperson Scott Wiley, Vice-Chairperson Karen Reynolds, Treasurer Julie Fall, Secretary the enrolled population also received preventative Cliff Knesel, Member medical care, while 73% have received dental care.

The Father Involvement initiative activities included the participation of 23 fathers.

Early Head Start’s most recent Federal Review occurred from June 13 – 18, 2010. Based on the information gathered during the review, it was determined that Children’s Developmental Services Early Head Start was in compliance with all applicable Head Start Performance Standards, laws, regulations and policy requirements. No corrective actions were required.

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

Cost benefits of quality Early Education/Child Care/ Intervention Programs: Projections have been made that quality early childhood child care programs demonstrate substantial cost-savings. According to the High Scope Perry Pre-School Project (Shore, R. 1997 Rethinking the Brain: New Insights into Early Develop-

Campbell County Weed & Pest The 2011 spray season seemed to go by faster than usual, but I suppose that means we kept busy this year, even without the grasshoppers! The biggest change we experienced this year was the retirement of Allen Mooney. The knowledge and sense of humor he carried with him as he walked out the door will be greatly missed. The experience gathered over his twenty eight year long career is unmatched and the shoes he left behind will be tough to fill.

With Allen’s retirement Quade Schmelzle moved to Director, and left a vacant Assistant Supervisor position

to fill. We hired Jay Francis for the job.

Jay has over twenty years of experience in weed control from former jobs with Campbell County. He worked as a seasonal employee for Campbell County Weed and Pest the past two years and his strong work ethic and wide range of skills made him a very good choice for the job.

We had a good leafy spurge crew again this year. We had more employees return for the job than was expected which helped Steve Schmitz, our other Assistant Supervisor, get more familiar with the area. The crew treated a total

of 107 acres over the 40,000 acre area they walked this year. The two person road crew was new, but it didn’t take long for them to get things figured out and they treated noxious weeds on all of the county roads.

The wet spring led to a lot of standing water early, and the mosquito crew struggled to keep up with hatching larva. However, as the season progressed, the rain showers were few and far between and the area dried up.

There were plenty of weeds though and the mosquito crew transitioned into a weed crew, only treating mosqui-

toes when the conditions were right for larva development.

With the help from our crews this year our work was completed and the summer, although it went fast, was successful. Most of the crew members said they would be back next year, so we are looking forward to a productive 2012 season as well.

Campbell County Weed & Pest 213 Stocktrail Ave 682-4369

Campbell County Treasurer’s Office bell County approved a capital facilities tax in the amount of 1% to collect a total of $110 million. We began collecting the tax on October 1, 2011.

The Town of Wright and the Wright Water and Sewer District will receive $15 million of the monies collected for certain identified water improvements and the City of Gillette will receive $95 million for the Gillette Regional Water Supply Project.

The Campbell County Treasurer’s office held its annual tax sale on September 27, 2011 in the Commissioner’s Chambers. It is held late September or early October every year.

We had 73 real properties with delinquent taxes this year compared to 101 last year. The number of people that signed up to purchase the taxes was 58 compared to 35 last year.

We use a bingo machine for selling the taxes and everyone is assigned a number.

There were a few changes to motor vehicle beginning July 1, 2011. We can now issue multiple special handFY Ending June 30, 2007 $10,705,358 icapped license plates FY Ending June 30, 2008 $11,487,733 for each vehicle or FY Ending June 30, 2009 $12,850,848 motorcycle registered in the name of an eliFY Ending June 30, 2010 $ 9,671,206 gible applicant. In the FY Ending June 30, 2011 $11,221,890 past an applicant could only have one handicap On May 3, 2011, at a special plate. election, the voters of CampResponsibilities 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 2010 and will continue to employ thirteen full time employees who share the responsibilities of the office.

By the end of June 2011, our office collected and distributed $400,703,425 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 shows the collections at the end of each fiscal year for the past five years:

A disabled veteran that provides an affidavit from the Veteran’s Administration that he/she receives fifty percent (50%) or more service connected disability compensation from the veteran’s administration shall qualify for a disabled veteran’s plate. The disabled veteran is exempt from registration fees for one vehicle, other than a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, multipurpose vehicle, bus or motor home.

Starting July 1, 2011, the disabled veteran can now choose a military plate, a veteran plate or a disabled veteran plate as his/her exempt plate.

We now require motor vehicle owners to bring in proof of insurance when licensing a vehicle. If renewing by mail, we are requiring that motor vehicle owners send in a copy of their proof of insurance for verification. This proof needs to be brought into our office or sent through the mail every time the motor vehicle owner renews plates or licenses a new purchase. The Wyoming legislature has also approved an online system called Verisol for verification if necessary. Companies having fleet insurance cannot be verified through Verisol.

W.S. 39-13-109 which deals with property tax relief had some amendments to it in the

Back row, left to right: Rachael Knust, Jackie Blikre, Ronda Hunter, Yvonne Wagner, Shirley Study, Becky Brazelton, Cathy Dowdy. Front row, left to right: Janelle Harvey, Marlo Kruckenberg, Ginger Boisvert, Marlene Lujan, Sue Harrison, Patty Brown. Not Pictured: Marilyn Howard 2009 general session. The stat- 401K plans, medical savings, ute now reads that the taxes etc). You have to be a resineed to be paid before the first dent of Wyoming for the past Monday of June in order to five years. The State of Wyoqualify. They do not have to be ming handles the review of the paid on time. Your household applications and the issuance income needs to be equal to or of the refunds. Applications less than the greater of three can be turned into our office fourths of the median house- or mailed to the State of Wyohold income for the county ming. The applications must in which you reside in order be received by the first Monto qualify. Three fourths of day in June and refunds are Campbell County’s median issued beginning in August.

The employees of the Camphousehold income for 2010 was $59,745. Your total per- bell County Treasurer’s office sonal assets cannot exceed will continue to strive to serve $101,900.00 per adult house- their customers with efficient hold member. This includes and friendly service throughreal estate, bank accounts out the year to come. and investments. However, this does not include the value of your home, a car for each adult household Campbell County Treasurer’s Office 500 S. Gillette Ave Ste 1700 member, and any retire682-7268 ment accounts (IRA’s,

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Campbell County 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 elected Campbell County Attorney in 2002, and began her term in 2003. Jeani just completed her ninth year as Campbell County & Prosecuting Attorney. Bill Edelman continues to serve as the Chief Deputy Attorney. Charlene Edwards, Carol Seeger, Brooke Undeberg, Dan Reade, Jacquelyn Brown, Lori Gorseth, Timothy Barrett, Glen Asay, Valerie Thomas and Lisa Finkey served as Deputy County & Prosecuting Attorneys in 2011.

Support staff during 2011 included Myrna Clark, Lyla Fevold, Toni Ellis, Carolyn Waldrop, Debra Jennings, Jackie Adair, Gail Eliasson, Doug Marler, Jill Hampelman, Sarah Roberts, Teresa Kirkpatrick, Renee Proffitt, Jody McGee, Kelly Wallem, Cheri Beyersdorf, Maureen Costello and Samara Stroum. Bill Monahan, Monica Eskew and Andrea Paxton 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 in 2011 consisted of Erica Wood, Erin Wiley, Krista Randall, Janet Vacarri, Holly Filhart, and Randy Monk.

FELONY CASES During 2011, the County Attorney’s Office prosecuted 211 felony defendants compared to 223 felony defendants in 2010, 217 in 2009, 247 in 2008, and 191 in 2007. The Deputy County Attorneys assigned to District Court had 11 felony jury trials, compared to 20 in 2010, 15 in 2009, 19 in 2008 and 13 trials in 2007. In addition, the felony attorneys filed 51 probation revoca-

22

tions with an additional 37 revocations that contained remand to the penitentiary for a total of 88, compared to 126 in 2010, 117 in 2009, 85 in 2008 and 94 probation revocations in 2007.

In 2011, there was 1 sexual assault with an adult victim that was filed, 13 sexual assaults with minors and 1 sexual battery, for a total of 15. For comparison, in 2010, there were 7 adult victims of sexual assault, 17 sexual assaults with minors, and 3 sexual battery cases, for a total of 27. 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.

ily violence battery offenses, 56 family violence unlawful contacts, 17 stalking offenses, 7 protection order violations, and 7 felony strangulations. In 2011, there were no felony level family violence charges filed. There were 4 felony violence battery cases in 2010, 6 in 2009, 2 in 2008 and four in 2007. There were 89 charges of unlawful contact in 2011, compared to 45 in 2010, and 20 aggravated assaults in 2011, compared to 25 in 2010.

In July, 2011, the legislature enacted a law, making it a felony offense to strangle a household member. Since the law’s enactment, 7 strangulation cases have been filed with the Court.

MISDEMEANOR CASES

JUVENILE COURT CASES

The volume of misdemeanor cases in 2011, totaled 9,064, which is a decrease from the previous year. In 2010, 9,867 misdemeanor charges were filed, compared to 10,888 charges in 2009, 10,106 misdemeanor charges in 2008, 9,859 in 2007, 8,523 in 2006 and 7,254 in 2005.

Driving While Under the Influence charges in 2011 were lower than years previously. In 2011, 691 individuals were charged with Driving While Under the Influence, compared to 872 in 2010, 1,008 in 2009, 1,002 individuals in 2008, 900 individuals in 2007 and 680 in 2006. 34 of the 691 DUIs were bound over to the District Court for felony DUIs, as a result of the defendant having multiple prior DUI convictions in a short period of time. In July, 2011, the State enacted a new law that allows law enforcement to obtain a warrant to obtain a blood alcohol test.

The Deputy County Attorneys assigned to Circuit Court participated in 12 jury trials in 2011, compared to 17 in 2010, 18 in 2009, 11 jury trials in 2008, 16 in 2007, 18 in 2006 and 13 in 2005.

In 2011, 202 victims of domestic violence were provided services by the County Attorney’s Office, compared to 220 in 2010, 274 in 2009, 266 in 2008, 243 victims in 2007, 234 cases in 2006, and 249 in 2005. These offenses included family violence battery, felony strangulation of a household member, stalking and protection order violations. In 2011, there were 115 fam-

Juvenile court cases involve neglected and abused children, delinquent children and children in need of supervision. There were 311 new Juvenile Court cases in

2011, compared to 321 in 2010, 319 in 2009, 265 in 2008, 288 juvenile cases in 2007, 235 in 2006 and 231 in 2005. Of those, 92 were delinquent children, compared to 78 in 2010, 96 in 2009; 29 children in need of supervision, compared to 32 in 2010, and 38 in 2009; 59 neglect proceedings in 2011, compared to 71 neglect proceedings in 2010, and 51 in 2009; 65 revocation proceedings, compared to 69 revocation proceedings in 2010, and 61 in 2009; and 66 contempt of court Campbell County Attorney’s Office 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste B200 682-4310

proceedings, compared to 71 contempt of court proceedings in 2010 and 71 in 2009. Court-ordered treatment, counseling, probation, community service and the importance of education are emphasized in juvenile court.

CIVIL CASES & COUNTY LEGAL ISSUES The county civil department continued to be busy, advising the Campbell County Commission and all other elected officials, appointed county boards and county department heads.

In addition, a Deputy County Attorney is assigned to advise the Sheriff’s Department and jail of civil issues that may arise. The civil department stays busy with collecting delinquent taxes, road issues, planning and zoning, taxation and tax collection, contract review, and handling involuntary hospitalization proceedings for those individuals who were suffering from a mental illness and posing a danger to themselves or others and who required court ordered treatment. In 2011, 119 individuals were detained on Title 25 involuntary holds, compared to 109 individuals in 2010, 125 in 2009, 114 in 2008 and 97 in 2007. Of the 119 individuals detained, 15 resulted in Title 25 actions being filed.

CRIME VICTIM OFFICE The Crime Victim/Witness Coordinators are instrumental in working with victims in criminal court cases in Circuit and District Court. The Coordinators provide victims 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. continued on page 23

Campbell County Attorney’s Office continued from page 22

During 2011, 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, domestic violence awareness, and sex offender registration. The Crime Victim Office participates on the Sexual Assault Response Team and Substance Abuse Advisory Council as representatives for the County Attorney’s Office.

COLLABORATION OF EFFORTS During 2011, several agencies have assisted the Campbell County Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of criminal offenses. The Campbell County Attorney’s Office acknowledges the cooperation and excellent job done by the Gillette Police Department, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department,

the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Division of Criminal Investigation, Adult Probation and Parole, 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.

Juvenile Diversion Program

The Juvenile Diversion Program, the Teen Intervention Program, and the Early Age Intervention Program are all programs supervised by the Campbell County Attorney’s Office.

The Juvenile Diversion Program is in collaboration with the Gillette Police Department, Campbell County School District, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Campbell County Attorney’s Office, City of Gillette Municipal Court, Town of Wright Municipal Court, Campbell County Circuit Court, and the 6th Judicial District Court.

The 2011 Juvenile Diversion Team consisted of Erica Wood, Randall Monk, Krista Thumma, Erin Wiley, Janet Vaccari and Holly Filhart. Devonn Sosa was the Community Service Supervisor for the program, located in the Campbell County Juvenile Probation Department, who also works closely with this program.

The Juvenile Diversion Program’s mission statement is to turn mistakes made by first time juvenile offenders into an educational opportunity and decrease recidivism of criminal activity. The Juvenile Diversion Program focuses on modifying a juvenile offender’s thinking patterns, curtail their criminal activity, improve school performance, improve parent/child communication, boost self-esteem and encourage positive decision making. The Program offers juveniles a record of no conviction if they successfully complete the six to twelve month probation program under the supervision of the Diversion 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, maintains 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 those who participated in the Juvenile overload of the juvenile court system. It has been Diversion Program in not re-offending very successful for juvecompared to only niles who have committed their first time offense.

48% success rate for those who opted to This program strives to not participate in the provide the necessary program. interventions early.

The Diversion Statistics reveal that Program utilizes since the program’s incepcorrective thinking, tion in September of 1999 a theory based on through December of Dr. Stanton Same2011, 5,574 juveniles have now, which focuses been screened for the program. Of those, the proon decision making skills within gram has admitted 1,337 youth and retrainjuveniles into the program ing the thinking prosince it began. In 2011, 104 L to R (back row): Community Serivce Supervisor cess of youth to hold new juveniles participated Devonn Sosa, Senior Juvenile Diversion Officer Erica “themselves” more in the program, for a total Wood. L to R (middle row): Juvenile Diversion Officer of 171 juveniles served Krista Thumma, Juvenile Diversion Officer Randy Monk, accountable for their actions. throughout the year. Dur- Early Age Intervention Specialist Erin Wiley, Front: Administrative Assistant Holly Filhart The Juvenile ing 2011, 74 juveniles comDiversion Program pleted diversion, 30 failed, and 67 juveniles are still in the program, overlap- is currently in its thirteenth year of operation and ping from the year previous the is seeing remarkable gains in changing criminal thinking and reducing recidivism. The Diversion number of juveniles.

During the past 12 years, the Officers’ backgrounds are unique to many other Juvenile Diversion Program programs in the United States as ours has both has been tracking recidivism, members of law enforcement and those trained in or additional criminal offenses social work. A key component of the program is to committed by Campbell County improve communication within the family. In addiyouth. For the time frame of tion, education and maintaining grades are emphaJanuary 1, 2005 through July sized and improved following the corrective think31, 2011, statistics indicate that ing class and the diversion program. only 13.75% of juveniles who The Juvenile Diversion Officers continue to pargraduated from the Juvenile ticipate in Camp Postcard, a week long camp which Diversion Program re-offended, compared to 52% works with at-risk youth. During 2011, 12 at-risk who re-offended and opted to not participate in the fifth and sixth graders attended Camp Postcard program. This indicates a 86.25% success rate for with the Diversion Officers. Since the Juvenile Diversion Program implemented Camp Postcard, 91 at-risk youth have benefitted from Camp PostCampbell County Attorney’s Office card.

Juvenile Diversion Program 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste B300 687-6311

Campbell County Attorney’s Office continued on page 24

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Campbell County Attorney’s Office continued from page 23

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.

During 2011, four juveniles joined the Teen Intervention Program. To date, there have been 47 youth and their Campbell County. Attorney’s Office families who have participated in the Teen Intervention Program Teen Intervention Program.

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 215 youth and their families since the inception of the Early Age Program. Ten juveniles were admitted to the program in 2011. Twelve C.C. Attorney’s Office juveniles completed the program, two Early Age Intervention juveniles failed the program and six 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste B300 carried over for services into 2012.

687-6311

500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste B300 687-6311

Campbell County Clerk The County Clerk’s Office provides a variety of services to the citizens of Campbell County. The employees in this office take pride in their work and continuance of friendly and efficient public service and excellent public record keeping.

The County Clerk is the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and attends all of their meetings.

The titling department consists of eight full time employees. This part of the Clerk’s office handles titling of motor vehicles and filing of personal, federal and state tax liens. Motor vehicle titles issued in 2011 totaled 24,587, averaging over 94 titles per day The Campbell

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County Clerk’s office is responsible records department has been busy for issuing marriage licenses which with various business and residential totaled 380 in 2011. Congratulations subdivisions. to all the newlyweds.

Two employees work in the payroll/ The County Clerk’s office also accounts payable section of the Clerk’s issues malt beverage and catering per- office. They handle all areas of paymits for county wide functions. roll from enrollment of new employThe recording section (vault) con- ees to issuing payroll checks and paysists of seven full time employees. This ment of all taxes and benefits associsection deals with oil and gas leases, ated with payroll. An average of 788 royalty deeds, warranty and quit employees received paychecks from claim deeds. Mortgages, this office. On an average there are oil and gas liens are also approximately 718 accounts payable filed in this part of the checks issued per month. In addiclerk’s office along with tion, we have one full time employee overriding royalties, affi- responsible for the budget process and davits of heir ship, survi- financials. vorship and notary pubThe Election Office conducts the lic, military primary and gendischarges eral elections, in and powers Campbell County Clerk’s Office addition, all for500 S. Gillette Ave of attorney. mation elections 682-7285 The land and enlargement

elections for special districts are done thru the Election’s office. The Election Department has been busy with the re-districting of the county, which is done every ten years after the census is completed. Also, the Election Office is preparing for the 2012 Presidential Election.

The Clerk’s office collected over $681,985 in revenue for 2011 for the recording of various instruments, titles, marriage licenses, and miscellaneous receipts.

Campbell County Juvenile Probation New Challenges and New Solutions: Substance abuse, of both drugs and alcohol, continues to be a major issue facing the Juvenile Probation Office.

New waves of designer drugs, such as spice and bath salts, create unique challenges, as many are undetected by drug tests. National, State and Local efforts are beginning to impact the battle against the many, newly available, synthetic drugs in our community.

Another ongoing challenge is the historical overuse of juvenile detention for youth who could be successful in the community if they were closely supervised.

Surveillance of a youth’s physical location can now be accomplished through use of GPS monitoring equipment.

Caseloads: During calendar year 2011, the Juvenile Probation Office handled a total of 580 open cases, 335 of which were newly filed during the year. The breakdown between the Juvenile, Circuit and Municipal Courts is as follows:

All Open Cases New Cases Filed Court District Court

Total Males Females Total Males Females Juveniles Juveniles 213 155 58 85 71 14

Circuit Court Courtesy Supervision Out of County Municipal Court – Juveniles Municipal Court – 18 to 21

11 7 3 93 49

7 4 2 55 23

4 3 1 38 26

7 4 1 53 32

4 2 1 37 14

3 2 0 16 18

Community Service Total Open Cases

204 580

161 406

43 174

153 335

123 252

30 83

(Including Juvenile Drug Court)

(Including Youth Intervention)

Juvenile Probation Supervision: Youth are assigned to one of our Juvenile Probation Officers: Deb Lind-Adsit, Brenda Parks, Felice Acosta or Connie Scigliano. Intensive supervision probation is provided by Andreah Leu and Brandy Edlund. Terms and conditions of probation vary by case and include some combination of the following: • Regular meetings with juveniles and parents • Visits to home, school, community service or work • Academic Monitoring – school grades, attendance, discipline • Random drug/alcohol testing • Searches of home, vehicles and/or electronic devices • Mental Health evaluation and/or counseling • Substance Abuse evaluation and/or treatment • STARS Program • Community Service • Employment and Payment of Restitution / fines • Assigned Curfew • House Arrest / Electronic Monitoring / GPS • Restriction on associates In Juvenile Court cases, parents/guardians are also assigned a variety of terms and conditions which may include providing supervision for their child, cooperation with the Juvenile Probation Office and participation in a variety of treatment modalities.

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, intensive supervision may include daily contact, weekly home visits, closed school campus, and multiple drug tests per week. Since ISP was introduced into the Juvenile Probation office in 2002, 185 youth have received some level of ISP with out-of-home placement being avoided in 62% of the cases. During 2011, 21 juveniles received intensive supervision services.

Campbell County Drug & Alcohol Offenses: Regardless of the Juvenile Probation Court of referral, or the level of supervision, a high 500 S. Gillette Ave percentage of youth entering the system are involved Suite B600 with alcohol or drug use. Cases involving alcohol 682-0746

Back row left to right: Tom Sly, David Anderson, Connie Scigliano, Brenda Parks, Deb Lind-Adsit, Andreah Leu. Front row left to right: Felice Acosta, Brandy Edlund, Susan Cahill

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

From 2006 through 2011 alcohol and other drug-related offenses made up 17.7%, 22.7%, 27.7, 33.2%, 30.7% and 29.8%, respectively, of the cases handled throughout the year. Of the 580 open cases handled by the Juvenile Probation Office during 2011, 179, or 30.8%, involved drugs and/or alcohol.

Drug and Alcohol Offenses

Drug Testing: Over the past year, more synthetic substances, including Bath Salts and Night Lights, have become available in Campbell County. In addition, synthetic marijuana, often known as Spice or K2, remains widely used.

Spice, and similar products, are smokable herbal blends or incense, being marketed as legal and providing a marijuana-like high. These products consist of plant continued on page 26

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Campbell County Juvenile Probation continued from page 25

Juvenile Probation

Nikki Burris, Devonn Sosa, Shelly Eliason, Judy Ratcliff

material that has been coated with chemicals which mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and are sold at some retail outlets, head shops and over the Internet. Currently, there are several independent laboratories which are able to test for the presence of Spice. The Juvenile Probation Office contracts with one of these chemical testing labs and during 2011, has received positive confirmations for Spice on 61 submitted samples. (569 total tests submitted with 10.7% positive results)

Juvenile & Family Drug Court

Bath salts has emerged as a new synthetic stimulant with serious health effects. Many of the substances marketed as bath salts contain MDPV and/or mephedrone, addictive chemicals with effects similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. And, like Ecstasy, these drugs may cause hallucinations. Reported side effects include: • Panic / anxiety / agitation • Seizures • Paranoia, mood swings / hallucinations • Suicidal thoughts • Chest pain / elevated blood pressure / increased heart rate • Increased craving to re-dose Also known by a variety of names such as Cloud 9, Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Stardust, Vanilla Sky and White Lightening, bath salts are sold in gas stations, convenience stores, tobacco shops and on the internet. The chemicals are not approved for human consumption and there have been an alarming number of reports from poison centers, hospitals and law enforcement across the country regarding the use of these products.

The Juvenile Probation Office will continue with aggressive efforts to detect the use of synthetic and other drugs by the youth referred for supervision.

Whenever permitted by court order, or with parental permission, youth will be tested randomly for drug and/or alcohol use. Probationers and their parents are made fully aware that possession and/or use of all drugs and alcohol, including these synthetic products, are considered to be a probation violation with potentially significant consequences.

Juvenile & Family Drug Court: This Court Supervised Treatment 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, providing 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 • 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 the Judge, County Attorney, Public Defender, Juvenile Probation, Department of Family Services, Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, Family Therapist and School District jointly address the needs of the substance abusing juvenile and his/her family.

JFDC has completed nearly ten years of operation. To date, 54 juveniles and 117 family members, for a total of 171 participants, have entered into the Juvenile & Family Drug Court Program. During the course of program participation, there have been many successes: continued on page 27

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Campbell County Juvenile Probation continued from page 26

• 80 participants have successfully graduated from JFDC (23 Juveniles and 57 family members) • 100% juveniles were in high school, became high school graduates or obtained their GED • 81.25% juveniles showed academic improvement • 63.27% juveniles had decreased school discipline referrals • 70% juvenile graduates have had no new alcohol/drug related offenses since graduation • 100% juveniles have been involved in an extra-curricular activity, obtained employment or completed community service • 93.93% of the drug/alcohol testing produced clean UA test results

Juvenile & Family Drug Court Youth Intervention Track (17-21 year old): Campbell County Juvenile & Family Drug Court implemented the Youth Intervention Track in an effort to address the needs of the underserved 17-21 year old alcohol/other drug -abusing population. Seeming to “fall between the cracks”, this population is too old to participate in Juvenile & Family Drug Court but does not qualify for admission into the Adult Drug Court program.

This track focuses on youth 17 – 21 years old, who are referred from Municipal, Circuit Court and/or District Court with substance abuse-related disorders.

The offenses primarily include MIP’s, DUI and DUI-related offenses, as well as youth whose probation is revoked for substance use.

The Youth Intervention Track is an individualized, Court-managed treatment program ranging from 6-8 months in length. Key components include: • Weekly Court attendance (which decreases with program compliance) • Intensive Supervision Probation • Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment • Mental Health Needs Assessment • Frequent random urinalysis / breathalyzer testing • Immediate sanctions / incentives for program successes and infractions Some participants may also need mental health treatment, corrective thinking, anger management, or referrals to community services such as Vocational

Rehabilitation, GARF, Council of Community Services, etc.

JFDC YIT has completed nearly a year and a half of operation. To date, 13 youth have entered into the program, with 11 having actively participated. During the course of program participation, there have been many successes: • 4 youth have successfully graduated from JFDC YIT • 5 youth are currently participating in JFDC YIT • 90.91% of youth were in high school, became high school graduates or obtained their GED • 75% of active youth have had no new alcohol/drug related offenses since graduation • 90.91% of youth have been involved in an extra-curricular activity, obtained employment, completed community service, or attended post-secondary education classes • 90.58% of the drug/alcohol testing produced clean UA test results Municipal Court Probation Supervision: In July, 2009, 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 generally for a term of six months and may require substance abuse or mental health evaluations and/or treatment.

During calendar year 2011:

• 53 new juvenile cases were referred for supervised probation • 32 new youth 18-21 year old cases were referred for supervised probation • 40% of the juveniles supervised had alcohol-related offenses • 84% of the 18-21 group supervised had alcohol-related offenses • 8% of juveniles were referred for participation in the Youth Intervention Track, Court Supervised Treatment Program • 44% of the 18-21 group were referred for participation in the Youth Intervention Track, Court-Supervised Treatment Program.

Probationers are also placed on terms and conditions similar to District and Circuit Courts and supervised by Probation Officers David Anderson and Tom Sly, who are employed by the City of Gillette.

Community Service: Crucial to the probation process is requiring that 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/or reimbursement for Court-appointed counsel, as well as to perform hours of community service.

Community Service Supervisor, Devonn Sosa, provides supervision services to both the Juvenile Probation Department and Juvenile Diversion Program, assigning and supervising community service hour requirements imposed upon the juveniles through the Municipal, Circuit, Juvenile and Juvenile & Family Drug Courts, as well as those which are a condition of the Juvenile Diversion Program. She additionally teaches both TEG and Corrective Thinking Classes.

Benefits include more timely completion of Court orders, serving as an on-going reminder to our youth that these orders should be taken seriously, and saving the costs which accrue with delayed compliance. This year, juveniles supervised by the Community Service Supervisor paid monies or performed community service hours as follows: Community Service Hours Performed All Courts 3760.30

Restitution Paid to Victims Juvenile Court

Attorney Fees Paid Juvenile Court

$10,090.26

$3,327.00

Fines Paid Juvenile Court $0.00

Total Monies Paid Through Juvenile Court $13,417.26

Tobacco Education Group (TEG): Those juveniles who have committed a tobacco-related offense may be required to attend the TEG Class in addition to their community service requirement. The TEG Class, which includes elements of lecture, video, demonstration and discussion, aims to move the participant through the stages of preparation and action to quit tobacco use. During 2011, 63 juveniles completed the program.

Corrective Thinking Curriculum: The use of Corrective Thinking classes, which are aimed at teaching youth to become more accountable for their actions and develop their decision-making processes, continues into year seven. The 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.

Mission of the Juvenile Probation Office: 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.

In the year to come, the Juvenile Probation Staff will continue to work cooperatively with its juvenile service partners – Municipal, Circuit and District Court Judiciary, Department of Family Services, YES House, and local counseling and treatment agencies, Campbell County 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

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Parks & Recreation

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

New Recreation Center

The Recreation Center, a 190,000 square foot facility, has an amazing array of activity space for everyone in Campbell County. The facility houses a year-around leisure and lap pool with a diving tower, a 42 foot climbing tower, a Kid’s Zone babysitting service, three court gymnasium, weight area, cardio area, 4 racquetball courts, three fitness rooms, upper level walking /running track, locker room facilities, concession area and a Field House. The main focus of the Field House is the impressive 200 meter track, 6 lanes across and was designed to meet NCAA standards. The track is surrounded by 5 tennis courts with divider nets that allow simultaneous practice of tennis, indoor soccer and track and field events. There is also room for 1000 spectators.

The Recreation Center set another record with 346,086 visits recorded in 2011. This is 128,863 more visits over 2010. The climbing tower alone had more than 4,898 different individuals climb to the top of the Devil’s Tower replica since opening. 539 individuals are belay certified. The leisure pool averaged over 500 visits a day during the summer and continues to be the most popular activity in the new facility.

Recreation The Feet Don’t Fail Me Now road race series draws runners and walkers of all levels and ability to participate in a great community activity encouraging a healthy lifestyle. 62 people participated in all 5 races and received “The Stick” a massage roller used to encourage good circulation, increase range of motion, relieve muscle pain and accelerate muscle recovery. Other races included the Razor City Splash & Dash Triathlon and the Turkey Trot 5K (with a turnout of 286 runners and walkers). The first annual Indoor Team Marathon took place on the 200 meter track in Febru-

CCPR Staff 2012

cise advice. Ten certified personal trainers were available at a variety of times.

The 2011 Corporate Games included nearly 200 participants from local community businesses. The events kick off with a Dart BBQ at the Ice Arena. The events then move onto the following competitions: Golf, Bowling, Dodgeary. A total of 15 teams and ball, Horseshoes, Billiards, 90 participated in the Indoor Wallyball and Waterslide Team Marathon, each runner completing 35 laps for a total Obstacle Course. A “Minute To Win It” contest was of 26.2 miles. added to each event allowFitness classes were booming teams to earn an extra ing with many new par20 points toward their team ticipants trying a variety of classes to keep a bal- total making the games just a ance in their exercise rou- bit more interesting! Camptines. Fitness classes included bell County Memorial HospiWater Aerobics, Power Flex, tal topped the A division and Cycling, Pilates, Yoga, Car- The Children’s Developmental dio Fitness, Step Aero- Center won the AA division. bics, Zumba, Kickboxing Businesses were encouraged and Jazzercise. The depart- to come out and participate ment encouraged participants at a recreational level outside to cross train with cardio of the stressful work environclasses and weight training. ment.

The Climbing Tower staff CCPR personal training program was offered by appoint- offered numerous classes ment only and was used for for the climbing community. one on one fitness and exer- Stone Basics, an introduction class for students 15 years of age and older, taught the basic skills needed to safely climb on their own at the climbing tower and was an introduction to belay techniques. Tower Techniques took their climbing to greater heights! This class focused on movement,

learning advanced climbing skills and training techniques & methods to improve their “mental game”. Tower Leaders was an introductory class for lead climbing. Advanced skills were covered in depth.

The Annual Fourth of July Celebration provided the community with free events throughout the day and into the evening with a fireworks display. Events included the fireman pancake feed, Firecracker 4 mile road race (321

Other Special Events offered throughout the year by the Recreation Center include the Second Annual Climbing Tower Competition (41 competitors), Easter Egg Hunt, Fly Fishing class, Hip Hop Dance class, Dog Obedience class, Dodgeball Tournament, Bench Press Challenge, Ranch Ornament Brand for the Centennial Christmas tree displayed downtown at the Court House, Jingle Bell Hike to Santa (100 play-

participants), Parade, Mud Volleyball, Free Hot Dog Feed (6,000 hot dogs and chips served), Strong Man/ Woman Challenge, Firemen Water Fights, Kids Games (2 bikes raffled off for a boy and a girl) and live music and entertainment by Boggie Machine (70’s disco music).

The fireworks display was accompanied by music broadcast on Kool 105.3.

ground balls given to children

by Santa and Mrs. Claus) and the Secret Santa Program (600 children qualified to receive gifts).

Campbell County Park & Recreation 205 W. Shoshone Ave • Admin - 682-7406 Gym - 682-8527 • Pool - 682-5470 • South Gym - 686-9160 Wright - 464-0198

Adult Programs 2011 was another great year for the adult programs.

All leagues and classes are staying steady with participation. There were a 122 softball teams (1,952 players) in the league including men’s, women’s & coed leagues. Basketball stayed steady at 48 teams (480 players). Adult volleyball is also seeing a good showcontinued on page 29

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CAMPBELL COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION continued from page 28

ing at the courts with a total of 143 teams (1,287 players) for the spring and fall seasons. Other tournaments and competitions offered this year was a Dodgeball Tournament that brought in 9 teams (72 players); bench press competition that brought in 17 participants; with the winner pressing 465 lbs and the 2nd Annual Dave Cross Memorial Volleyball Tournament which had 20 teams (160 players) participate. In addition to our Annual Bench Press Competition, we added the 1st Annual USA Power lifting Competition with 35 lifters competing in the Bench Press, Squat and Deadlift.

Lifters came from Idaho, Kansas, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The lifter from Idaho won the Men’s Overall with a combined weight of 1,813.28 Pounds (Bench Press: 512.57 lbs, Squat: 661.38 lbs, Deadlift: 639.33 lbs). Pretty impressive!! The karate program had another great year with a total of 421 participants. We also saw 155 Ballroom Dancers in just 4 months (September-December) and 13 Square Dancers participate this year.

As a whole the adult programs brought in 342 teams (4,592 Participants) which are 12 more teams than we had in 2010.

Youth Programs Intramural We had another great year Programs

for the Youth Programs at CCPR. Nearly every program realized an increase in participation from previous years. Soccer, Basketball and Kids Camp were the most popular programs in 2011. Soccer, which is divided into two sessions (Fall and Spring), had 1,444 participants. Youth Basketball, grades 4 – 6 grades, continued to be strong in Gillette with a total of 448 ball players. 1st – 3rd grade Bantam Basketball Program had 425 future basketball stars participating in the program. In 2011, both basketball programs combined experienced a 120 kid increase from 2010. The summer was a big hit with Kids Camp bringing in a total of 600 campers, up 73 from last year. Other programs that are going strong are Girls Softball (97 participants), Kid’s Night Out (276 kids), Hershey Track and Field Meet (43 participants), and Lil’ Slugger Baseball (77 sluggers). Our second year of Mini-Volleyball brought in a total of 99 participants in the spring of 2011. We experienced growth in 2011 and look forward to another great year in 2012.

The Intramural Programs at the Recreation Center continued to offer youth of many ages an opportunity to participate in recreational sports and fun activities in 2011. Many of the programs experienced an increase in participants: programs such as Junior High Volleyball, Junior High Boys and Girls Basketball, Junior High Golf and Junior High Tennis. During the season the boys and girls get to experience the excitement of traveling to surrounding communities for away games; but still get the opportunity to play the majority of their games at the New Recreation Center Gyms and Bicentennial Park.

The Blades and Avalanche Youth Hockey Program was

also a continued success with an increase in participants.

There were over 70 plus participants in each 8 week sessions of the program. CCPR is very fortunate to have the elite Junior Hockey team coach and mentor the participants - making the program fun and successful for each participant.

The High School Intramural Programs such as Flag Football, Basketball and Dodgeball are always a good way for the students to kick back and play the games they love! With over 250 participants in our High School Intramural Programs, CCPR continues to have fun and grow in numbers.

Summer trips to various places such as Tie Hack Reservoir, Rushmore Water Slide Park, Cook Lake, Flag and Wheels and Gulches of Fun offered summertime fun and excitement for all youth ages 12-16.

As with all programs CCPR continued to stress their main goals in 2011: Positive sportsmanship and attitudes, hard work and dedication, developing fundamentally sound skills and HAVING FUN! Overall, 2011 was another great year for the Intramural Programs at the Recreation Center!

Aquatics The most popular activities at the new leisure and lap pool

include lap swimming, water walking in the current channel, water aerobics and open swim with all the new play features. A total of 1200 children participated in swim les-

sons along with about 200 private lessons. Other activities offered were lifeguard, water safety instructor and scuba classes. Private rentals and birthday parties have continued to be two favorite activities. Special events included a Back to School BBQ, and Family Fun Night. Milk Splash Fridays (a new event) was a designated time for parents and their children 6 and younger to socialize with other families and to enjoy the water together. After the swim, each child then enjoyed a carton of milk and a special snack. This is event has taken off very well we have any average of about 40 patrons at this event.

Wright Recreation Center 2011 was a very promising year for the Wright Recreation Center. The excitement of a new facility is escalating throughout the community.

With diverseness, the Wright Recreation Center attracts all age groups and fitness levels. Keeping the community well informed of all activities and events, the Center is the perfect place to maintain a healthy lifestyle while meeting new friends.

The Recreation Center offers numerous youth programs that encourage good health and well being. The spring Soccer Program had continued on page 30

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Campbell County Parks & Recreation continued from page 29

2011. The pool attracts many of the 5,396 daily “drop-in” visits, as well as our 5,858 membership visits in 2011.

Combined, this was an increase of 122 visits in 2011.

There are many other special events that attract youth and adults to the Recreation Center. The Dive-In Movies are popular and brought in 84 youth. The annual Easter Egg Hunt brought 130, the Turkey Shoot free throw contest had 106 shooters with over 40 spectators and nearly 100 bundled up for the outdoor Hike to Santa.

Other special events in 2011 were the Water Carnival which brought 60 kids, the Pre-School Halloween Party, fam26 boys and girls from grades 1 – 6. first time, rented the Recreation Cen- ily Bingo/Roller Skate, three summer Our fall Flag Football and Indoor ter in May. Over 100 kids enjoyed trips to the Campbell County Pool and Nerf Flag Football had 35 partici- many different games and swimming City Pool along with one trip to Spirit Hall ice arena in Gillette. The Wright pants. Bantam Basketball, played by from midnight until 6 a.m.

1st through 3rd graders, had 36 parA great opportunity for all ages is Days Mud Volleyball increased in ticipants and 4th through 6th grade Swimming Lessons, which are offered popularity in 2011 with 10 teams and basketball teams had 46 boys and throughout the year. A total of 149 60 participants. Adding another mud girls. Mini Volleyball is popular with youth participated in 2011, up by 15 pit kept the excitement level high. All 42 girls in grades 1 through 6 partic- from last year. Private Swim Lessons together, 890 people attended our speipating. Play for Pre-K & K had 22 are also offered on an instructor avail- cial events in 2011, up by over 75 from toddlers busy during the winter with ability basis, and 8 sessions were pro- 2010.

The Wright Recreation Center Mom’s getting acquainted and enjoy- vided in 2011. 90 clients joined Water is fortunate to have talented fitness ing the break. Teenage Dodgeball Aerobics this year. The Center also instructors that teach a wide varinights are successful, which facili- has Mom and Tot swimming and Lifetates our goal to attract teenagers to guard training classes in the pool. ety of classes for adults and youth. the facility. Fall through spring activ- Hours are set aside for lap swimming Cycling, Yoga, Aerobics, Water Aerities at the Wright Recreation Center and open swim. The giant “Yellow obics, Weight Training, Dance, and keep youth of all ages active. Sum- Fellow” inflatable submarine is a pop- Akai Ryu Dojo Karate are offered. mer brought our Kids Camp programs ular event in the pool. We had over An average of 385 participants took which kept 25 kids busy with biking, 115 youth participate in 6 different advantage of our classes in 2011 which hiking, swimming, fishing and enjoy- “Yellow Fellow” events. The Wright is an increase of over 52 from last year. ing our parks.

Swim Team practiced in our pool, Striving to accommodate more cliThe “after prom” committee, for the three times a week, for four months in ents; we added an evening Yoga class

Parks Division

and a Jazz Dance class in 2011. To fit a wider variety of interests; we add Enrichment classes on an almost monthly basis. Enrichment topics range from Scrapbooking to Cooking classes and even witnessing goat milking and turning that milk to butter. These additions contribute to the increase in numbers.

The Wright Recreation Center is critical in coordinating school activities. WRC gymnasium houses 7th & 8th grade Volleyball and Basketball practices, games and tournaments.

Our gym is also used during Varsity Basketball and Wrestling tournaments. Elementary school swim lessons are held in our pool for six weeks of every school year. School usage numbers in 2011 totaled 6,209 students which does not include spectators. The weight room had increased usage in 2011. Adult ‘drop-in” visits increased by 288 in 2011. A total of 1,521 adults used the facility.

The new outdoor basketball court had a positive impact on the number of youth using the park area of the Recreation Center. The Parks Maintenance crew continued to make improvements at the baseball fields in 2011. Their constant upgrades and grooming of the fields make an ideal area for our Flag Football and Soccer leagues as well as Little League Baseball and many “Wright Days” events.

Fall weather had this hard working crew transplanting trees that would otherwise be destroyed during construction of the new facility.

The Parks Division’s goal is to provide and maintain a variety of safe play areas for the residents of Campbell County.

Bicentennial Park hosted adult men’s and coed softball games, youth and adult softball tournaments, state level softball tournaments, youth and adult baseball, recreational youth and adult soccer, competitive team soccer tournaments, intramural flag football and high school tennis tournaments. Bicentennial Park had an estimated 265,650 visitors using the park’s playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts or soccer fields. In order to provide safe play areas, park staff groomed and chalked the ball fields an estimated 2180 times, mowed the soccer fields and ball fields every second to third day through the summer season, placed over 70 tons of infield mix on the infields to improve the skinned surface and distributed over 9 tons of turf fertilizer to maintain healthy turf.

Playgrounds are physically inspected monthly and a visual inspection is made by field staff weekly. Any repairs that are noted at either inspection are completed right away. Major playground repairs included replacement of slide sections at Bicentennial Park and a merry-go-round was repaired and replaced, Continued on page 31

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Campbell County Parks & Recreation continued from page 30

vandalism destroyed two play components in one of the neighborhood parks which required replacement and a picnic shelter roof was damaged by vandalism and replaced.

CAM-PLEX Park was also very busy in 2011 with 245 picnic shelter and WPA Building reservations. Weddings in the garden area and at the WPA Building have become quite popular. Special events at the park included All About Women during the Relay for Life weekend, 4 cross country meets and the ever popular Festival of Lights.

Festival of Lights continues to grow each year. In 2011, the “Beach Bum Santa” and the “Parachuting Gingerbread Man” were added. Park staff changed several more displays to LED bulbs in order to provide brighter displays and use less electricity. This event relies on donations from businesses and the community and all of the displays are constructed by the talented staff in the Parks division.

Improvement projects completed in the parks included sidewalks at CAM-PLEX Park and Bicentennial Park, xeriscape landscaping at the County Courthouse and tree planting at the Wright Recre-

Ice Arenas Spirit Hall Ice Arena con-

ation Center.

Along with the continual maintenance of the parks is planning for maintenance activities and improvements. Parks staff completed a Park Tree Assessment which provides valuable data on the overall health condition, species composition, average trunk diameter, average condition of the trees and their appraised value.

Parks staff inventoried 5615 trees in the County parks and grounds. The major findings of the inventory include the following: • The total value of Campbell County’s park tree population is estimated to be $10,825,488.00 • Thirty eight species are represented in the population.

• Ponderosa Pine comprises 23% of the inventoried tree population with Green Ash and Colorado Blue Spruce comprising 11% each.

• Small trees, which are three inches or less in diameter represent 4% of the park tree population. 36% of the trees are medium sized (4 to 9 inches in diameter) and 60% of the trees are large

tinues to grow in yearly use and attendance. Spirit Hall hosts all ages and levels of skaters from a Moms and Tots program to the new AWHL Hockey Junior A program.

The Campbell County Ice Arena located at the Rockpile Center is used as overflow for all of the skating groups that reserve ice time at Spirit Hall.

Spirit Hall is home to three clubs, the Gillette Figure Skating Club, Gillette Hockey Association and the Gillette Wild Junior A Hockey program. These clubs all compete regionally and host many shows, games and tournaments throughout the season. The busiest portion of the skating season is January through March with the Gillette Hockey Association averaging 26 games per month during this time.

The total number of spectators and participants during the season was 39,025 or an average of 219 people per day.

Open skate sessions are also held at Spirit Hall throughout the week.

3103 people participated in open skate with an average of 43 people skating each session. December is the busiest month for open skate sessions with Christmas break happening during that time.

Other programs taking place at Spirit Hall are Drop in Freestyle Skating, Adult Drop in Hockey, Learn to Skate lessons and the Blades and Avalanche Hockey program.

Off season events at the Campbell County Ice Arena keep that building busy through the remainder of the year. The building is used for baseball and softball practices in the spring, and has recently become the home of the Gillette Roller Derby team.

sized (10 inches and greater).

• 4106 (73%) trees are rated in good condition, 1017 (18%) are rated in fair condition, 446 (8%) are rated as poor and 46 (1%) were rated as dead.

• The assessment is a planning tool intended to achieve the following goals: 1. Gain an overall understanding of the park and facility tree population in terms of species composition and condition.

2. Identify and take remedial action for trees with structural defects that could cause or may become potential safety risks to citizens, vehicles or property.

3. Analyze the individual and overall health condition of the tree population.

4. Establish a five year cyclical tree pruning program.

5. Establish a training prune program for newly planted trees.

Bell Nob Golf Course

2011 started off very slow and wet, and finished with one of the nicest and busiest falls ever.

One area that was addressed this past season was the mowing of native rough.

A wide area mower was purchased and areas that slow down play were targeted.

In all this past year the golf course staff started mowing 30 acres of native rough.

We have identified several other areas that will be mowed next season.

The new Fairway areas on 14 and 16 continued to mature and should be fully ready for the 2012 season.

The major project that has been in the planning stages since last fall is the construction of the new Club House. If all goes as planned construction will start this spring with an anticipated opening date of spring 2013.

One of the components of this project will be to close the putting green and save the sod for future projects. The chipping green will see an increase in maintenance practices as it will serve as the temporary putting green for the

season.

This summer will be busy and hectic as construction on the new Club House gets under way. The project will be front and center for everyone to see, and we are sure the excitement will grow as it takes shape.

The staff at Bell Nob is looking forward to next season and doing everything we can to make your golfing experience the best we can. As always our goal is to provide the best playing conditions possible.

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Campbell County

Health Department

The mission of the Campbell County Health Department is to promote health, prevent disease, protect our community, and empower people in Campbell County to optimize their quality of life.

The Public Health Office is staffed by 14 Public Health Nurses, 1 Home Health Aide, 4 Administrative staff, and 1 Public Health Response Coordinator. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has 1 Nutritionist, 2 part-time Nurses, and an Officer Manager. Della Amend RN-BC is the Executive Director of the Department. Dr. Kirtikumar Patel is the County Health Officer. The agency is governed by the Campbell County Board of Health appointed by the County Commissioners.

Public Health Nursing

Sharp Shooter Award

Public Health Nursing provides direct services to county citizens of all ages. We are the local provider for many Wyoming Department of Health programs. Public Health is a licensed home health agency through the Wyoming Department of Health. Most services are provided at no or minimal cost. Public Health programs are Adult Health, Home Health, Adult Health Maintenance Clinics, Long Term Care assessments, health screenings, and referrals to community and state health resources. Maternal/ Child Health programs provide Welcome Home visits for new mothers and babies, Nurse Family Partnership, Best Beginnings, and Children’s Special Health. Public Health provides services to the Children’s Developmental Center. Communicable disease programs include all immunization clinics for children, adults, influenza, and world travel. It also includes TB testing, throat cultures, HIV/Hepatitis/ STD counseling and testing, communicable disease follow up and referral, and classes to instruct others on prevention of disease.

Campbell County Public Health received the Sharp Shooter Award from the Immunization Section of the Wyoming Department of Health and the Bull’s-Eye Award, which is a national award from the Association of Immunization Managers, in December. The awards were given to the agency for utilizing new bar code scanning technology at our mass immunization flu clinic in October. Public Health gave 1,255 flu vaccinations in 12 hours on 10/7/11. Of that number 805 were adults and 450 were children. The adults were all scanned and

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entered into the Wyoming Immunization Registry during the clinic by scanning Wyo. driver’s licenses or Wyo. identification cards. The children had to be entered by hand. The scanner technology saved the administrative staff 2/3 of the time they would have spent entering vaccines into the registry. The agency saw a cost saving from the scanner technology by not having over time for the administrative staff. The public and staff were very accepting of the new technology.

Public Health Response and Preparedness Program Public Health Response and Preparedness Program is funded by a grant through the Wyoming Department of Health Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program. The Public Health Response Coordinator assists the Public Health Nurses to prepare the agency and the community to respond to a public health emergency. He is also a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee and coordinates training with the County Emergency Coordinator.

Campbell County Health Department Division of Public Health Nursing Service 2301 Four-J Road 682-7275

Womens, Infants, and Childrens (Wic) Womens, Infants, and Childrens (Wic) 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 average active enrollment per month is 1170 clients and each client is seen four times a year for assessment, nutritional education, and benefit pickup.

Della Amend RN-BC, Executive Director

Client Contact by PHNs Jan. 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011

Program Adult Health visits Home Health visits LT101 assessments Maternal/Child Health visits Communicable disease visits Immunizations Flu vaccinations Communicable disease screenings Adult/child screening Class participants

Total Contacts 2805 891 338 3180 274 4036 3515 2323 2540 595

Gillette-Campbell County

Airport

Fixed Base Operator

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 increased 35% from 2010. Flightline, Inc. set an all time record for total fuel sales at just under one million gallons. For more information concerning services at Flightline, Inc. call (307) 6867000.

Air Traffic Report The GCC Air Traffic Control Tower realized a 9% increase in operations of aircraft landings and takeoffs. The airport’s control tower typically operates from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week. There are a total of three fulltime air traffic control tower personnel, with one part-time controller filling in for vacations. The control tower personnel hold meetings with local pilot groups to discuss communications, and safety topics.

Airport Operations Staff

The four airport operations employees are responsible for ensuring the airport is safe and secure for all users, and they wear many “hats”. Their primary duties include: (1) aircraft rescue and fire fighting, (2) snow removal operations, (3) airport systems maintenance, (4) vehicle operations and maintenance, (5) airport security, and (6) wildlife hazardous management. They are the lifeline to all airport activities. Their presence at the airport is generally from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Airline Service The GCC airport had its best year in the history of the airport by serving a total of 62,256 passengers with commercial air service in 2011. This was a 14% increase from 2010. The GCC airport realized competitive air fares as well for the year 2011. GCC airport was able to maintain service from three airlines over the course of the year and offered 14 daily flights. Great Lakes Airlines has service to Denver, Colorado, and Williston, North Dakota; while SkyWest Airlines has service to Salt Lake City, Utah as a Delta Connection, and to Denver, Colorado as United Express.

Airport Marketing

Airport Grant and Aid

In 2011 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 held a drawing in the fall for free airline tickets if participants completed a short questionnaire on air service.

The winners were Romer Mosquera, and Quentin Reynolds. One winner received two round trip tickets to Denver, Colorado, and the other received two round trip tickets to Salt Lake City, Utah. The consultant has met with United and Delta airlines and was successful in getting both airlines to lower their fares to be more competitive with other regional airports. The airport continues to offer a “booking engine” on their Web site where one may actually book flights from our local airport, and also compare air fares with other area airports. The Web site is www.iflygillette.com The GCC airport’s Web site offers automatically updated flight schedules, and visual flight tracking of commercial air service aircraft. The GCC airport also is part of the social network by implementing Face book, and Twitter.

The majority of the funding necessary to maintain a successful marketing and advertising campaign comes from grants received from the Wyoming Aeronautics Division which is matched by the County Commissioners.

In 2011, the GCC airport received over one million dollars 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 Wyoming Aeronautics Division and 2% by local county match. The grants were used this year for construction, land acquisition, marketing, and preventative maintenance for GCC Airport

Airport Board Members The airport board is comprised of five members appointed by the county commissioners, and the airport board generally meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. in the airport meeting room.

The airport executive director and board members in 2011 were: Jerry Dilts – President Penny Schild – Vice President Jeff Robinson – Secretary/Treasurer Kelly Peters - Member Joel Ohman - Member Jay Lundell – Executive Director

Gillette–Campbell County Airport 2000 Airport Road 686-1042

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Campbell County Fair

FFA Swine Showmanship

Centennial Cake

The 2011 Campbell County Fair was a time to salute 100 Years of Campbell County. The Fair provided a place for everyone to look at old pictures from past Fairs and the articles on the 100 year ranches published by the News Record this past year were on display in Energy Hall. During the Fair several generations of ranch families were honored for owning and operating a ranch in Campbell County for 100 years or more. It was a great tribute to these long time ranchers.

Fair week started with a great concert in the Wyoming Center featuring Danny Gokey opening for Joe Nichols. Later in the week, the ever-popular Williams & Ree were featured in the Heritage Center Theater. Both concerts were great and enjoyed by all in attendance.

Free Stage Entertainment included Powerhouse, a dance group from California. They entertained young and old alike in the Wyoming Center. Country singer Charley Jenkins was in the Free Stage

Tent on Thursday and Friday followed by country singer, Glen Templeton, on Saturday and Sunday. “Magic Mike” Winters entertained roving the grounds and in the Wyoming Center along with Fun on the Go and many other activities in the Kids Korral. Creative Sports BMX Stunt Team was a great hit on the plaza. All Aboard, a train that traveled the entire Fair grounds giving fairgoers a ride from building to building. It is a great addition to the Fair. Bill Crowley, Caricatures America, created his magic in the Wyoming Center with a constant line of people as he creates his caricatures of kids. The Pet Stop provided an opportunity for kids to have a hands-on experience with a variety of domestic animals and to take a pony ride.

The Fair Trade Show continues to grow each year with over 90 booths this year. Other events included the Dachsund Races, Coal Country Fiddle Contest, Fair Talent Show, Pioneer Dinner, Jackpot Roping, Sheep Lead, Youth Rodeo, Team Penning and Ranch sorting and the Mini-Animal Show.

As always, we had a great audience and participation for all the 4-H, FFA and Open Class Livestock Shows and the Energy Hall exhibits were enjoyed by all.

The annual Energy Town Pro Rodeo was held on Friday and Saturday featuring the

Johnson b­r others preparing for the Beef Show

Burch Rodeo Stock. Our attendance was not great, but this was expected as the rodeo followed closely behind the National High School Rodeo. The rodeo again featured Mutton Bustin’ – a very popular event.

The Youth Livestock Sale was phenomenal this year. It was held on Monday night following the Fair events. The total for the sale was $455,200 – up $167,000 over the 2010 sale. We sincerely appreciate all the buyers who come to the sale year after year to support the youth of our county.

The 2012 Fair will be held July 30th through August 5th, with the Youth Livestock Sale to be held on August 6th. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend and participate in the 2012 Campbell County Fair.

2011 Style Show

4-H Dog Show

Horse Halter Classes

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Campbell County Fair Board 1635 Reata Drive 687-0200

Poultry Show

Campbell County

Emergency Management Agency 2011 was a busy year for the Campbell County Emergency Management Agency. Planning and public notification systems were a major focus for the office.

years of upgrades and new installations identified in our ongoing plan which depend upon funding from the optional onepercent sales tax.

In November, we were notified FEMA had approved our revised Joint Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Gillette, Wright and Campbell County.

We apparently did things right the first time as they approved it just as we submitted it. Typically, the plans are sent back a couple of times for revisions to meet FEMA’s standards.

For the past two years, CCEMA has been issuing alerts through the CityWatch® automated telephone notification system. This computerized system can send voice messages to telephones and cell phones as well as emails and text messages. Anyone can create an account in the system via the internet or by contacting CCEMA, and when weather threatens or incidents occur which we feel you should know about, we utilize the system to issue advisories. Most of them are via email and text messaging, but sometimes we will also use the system to issue voice messages.

This planning document was the result of work by a number of officials from various departments and agencies from Gillette, Wright and the County and some from the private sector and a number of work sessions and meetings. The mitigation plan considers the potential impact of our local hazards and then identifies projects which could help minimize or “mitigate” the impact of the hazards.

Important networking occurred during the planning meetings and by the time the plan was finalized, several of the projects were already underway!

The plans are living documents and must be revised every five years, so we’ll be at it again in 2016.

A $225,000 contract was issued by the county last summer for the next phase of our on-going updates to the public warning siren systems in Gillette and Wright. We replaced the siren west of Sage Valley Junior High School, a new siren was installed at the south end of Antelope Valley and the old one was removed, and new sirens were installed in Crestview, Foothills Park, Fishing Lake Park and at Fire Station 4. The final “rotating” siren in our system, located near the old Auto Electric building on South Highway 59 was also removed as part of this project. All sirens in our system are now omni-directional sirens, meaning none have to “rotate” to sound their messages and warning tones, and this now cuts the time it takes for our warning system to be activated by 75%. We have three more

You can sign up on-line by going to the county’s website (www.ccgov.net) and following the link to the Emergency Management Advisories Registration Page.

Additionally, CCEMA is working closely with the City of Gillette and their social media efforts on Facebook and Twitter, communicating with the public through both of these accounts. City PIO Officer Joe Lunne is a valued member of our EMA team and it doesn’t make sense to try and duplicate his efforts, so we provide him information that might be of use and he then sends it out to the over 1,700 people following the City.

If you haven’t signed up for those social media feeds, go to the City’s website and follow the directions. It’s a great information source in times of emergency!

And, if you’re on the web and wanting to see what advisories we have issued, you can find it at the CCEMA website (http://www.ccgov.net/ departments/emergency_management/Advisories. html) We post much of the same information we send out on CityWatch® to that webpage. Anything posted to that advisories page will remain for 8 hours before disappearing. Due to system limita-

tions, once a message is posted, we can’t revise or retract it…so look in each message as they scroll up on the screen for the date and time we have included. There may be a more recent update in the queue.

In 2012, we’re undertaking a major rewrite of the Joint Emergency Operating Plan for the City of Gillette, Town of Wright and Campbell County. It’s time for that document to be updated, and once again we’ll be enlisting help from other departments, agencies and the public as we work through the process. When doing planning, the process is often more important than the final product. Having that input from a variety of viewpoints and disciplines is priceless.

CCEMA is still one of the smallest agencies in the county, with only Coordinator David King officially on the payroll. However, he relies heavily on Public Health Response Coordinator Charlie Messenheimer and County Fleet Manager Rod Warne as Deputy County Coordinators. Noland Peacock is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Gillette, and Keith Lind is the EMC for the Town of Wright.

Your Campbell County Emergency Management Agency is located at the Courthouse and we try to keep timely information stocked in the brochure rack in the Courthouse lobby. Stop by and help yourselves to any of that material. You can find us on the web on the county’s website and, if you’re in the building and looking for the office, we’re located within the Commissioner’s Office, Suite 1100.

Coordinator - David King

Campbell County Emergency Management Agency 500 S. Gillette Ave, Ste. 1100 686-7477

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Campbell County

Centennial Photo Governor Mead and Elected Officials

Back row, left to right: Campbell County Clerk Susan Suanders; Campbell County Cornoer Tom Eekhoff; Campbell County Assessor Troy Clements; Campbell County Treasurer Shirley Study; Campbell County Commissioner Dan Coolidge; Campbell County Commissioner Matt Avery; Campbell County Commissioner Micky Shober; Campbell County Commissioner Christopher R. Knapp; City Council Member Ted Jerred; City Council Member Kevin McGrath; City Council Member John Opseth; City Council Member Louise Carter-King; City Council Member Everett Boss; City Council Member Robin Kuntz; Clerk of District Court Nancy Ratcliff; Representative to the Town of Wright Luann Borjialli. Front row, left to right: Wyoming State Representative Gregg Blikre; Wyoming State Representative Norine Kasperik; Wyoming State Senator John Hines; Campbell County Commissioner Stephen F. Hughes; Governer of Wyoming Matt Mead; Mayor Tom Murphy; Wyoming State Senator Michael Von Flatern; Wyoming State Representative Sue Wallis; Campbell County Attorney Jeani Stone; Campbell County Sheriff Bill Pownall.

1911

2011 Photograph courtesy of George Dunlap Photography