July 2023

Freshly renovated county offices now open 

PLATTE COUNTY – After nearly two years, renovations on the Platte County Courthouse are near completion. Courthouse offices are open today in their original location. The courthouse renovations were funded by the 6th penny tax, numerous grants, and reserve funds. Although, the cost of renovation came in nearly 6.5 million dollars the project came in under budget. 

Platte County Clerk, Malcolm Ervin, says “Platte County has mastered the art of utilizing our dollars as efficiently as possible and this project is no exception.” 

The renovations included: installation of a central heating and air conditioning system, exterior wall insulation, all new electrical, plumbing and data cable, relocation of the elevator, as well as fresh paint and flooring on all three levels. 

Third annual skilled trades camps in Sunrise with HDTV guest Kayleen McCabe

GUERNSEY - The old YMCA in Sunrise is the oldest YMCA in Wyoming and when the town of Sunrise became a ghost town in 1984, all the buildings, including the YMCA built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1917 became dilapidated and in need of major upgrades and repair.

In the past few years, Guernsey-Sunrise industrial arts teacher had a vision to bring students together to teach them basics of life, character of community and pride of ownership through laboring to remodel and build with their own two hands.

Chosen this last year as SkillsUSA regional adviser of the year, Reichert seems to be tireless in his quest to take on projects that his students can feel proud of. He has also instituted Skills Trades camp where kids from all over the United States can come and be a part history in the building that they restore.

The second annual Skilled Trades Camps was concluded in Sunrise last summer with 4 camps taking place from July 10-Aug. 12.  The mission of the camps is to provide students from across the nation the ability to improve their work skills in a variety of skilled trades while renovating the oldest YMCA in the state of Wyoming.  

Bradley showcases talents at Army band concert

WHEATLAND - Wyoming Army National Guard member Evan Bradley of the 67th Army Band recently undertook an exceptional opportunity to further his skills and leadership abilities. 

Bradley successfully completed the Advanced Leader Course at the prestigious Army School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This course marked a significant milestone in his career, as he aspires to become a Staff Sergeant and take on the responsibilities of a Squad Leader. 

During his time at the Army School of Music, Bradley underwent rigorous training that encompassed both musical proficiency and leadership development. The program honed his skills in conducting, performance techniques, band operations, and effective communication as a leader. 

“Man, I love the Troopers,” Bradley said. “But their shows are so mentally and visually demanding!”

Blue Mountain Car Show hits the Wheatland streets

WHEATLAND - It was all about the cars the weekend of July 7-8 in downtown Wheatland as the Fourth Annual Blue Mountain Car Show, the show brought out fans of automobiles from all over. The event was sponsored by PH Consulting, Bob Ruwart Motors, Lee Towing, Roaming Buffalo Design Company and the Kiwanis Club of Wheatland as volunteers raised approximately $2500 to help local community children.  This year’s proceeds will go to the Kiwanis Club Foundation to finance projects such scholarships, Socks and Shoes, Snacks for Kids, Read Around the World Day literacy program and more. 

The show opened Friday evening with 40 contestants that took to the streets in a 5K Glow Run beginning at Ruwart Motors. On Saturday, 174 cars registered for the show, competing for honors in a variety of categories that covered years from the ’20s to the current day models. Harold Albright picked up the People’s Choice Awards with his 1969 Z28 Chevy Camaro.

August 2023

Hospital expands patient parking

WHEATLAND - In conjunction with its expansion plans, Platte County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) is currently constructing a new parking lot off 14th Street, in Wheatland. 

The current, off-street parking was deemed insufficient after the Banner Health Clinic opened at a new location, adjacent to the Hospital. 

The new parking lot will provide close access to the Banner Health Clinic, will have more handicap accessible parking spots, and will provide more lighting for hospital visitors. 

Derrick Lockman, Practice Manager at PCMH, said that he was “grateful to the hospital board” and wants to continue to help patients access PCMH’S services.

Senator Barrasso attends Courthouse rededication

PLATTE COUNTY – “It’s a beautiful day and a great thing,” United States Senator John Barrasso said, who was an attendee at Saturday’s rededication ceremony of Platte County’s Courthouse. 

The Senator said he was “so impressed and happy for Platte County” and hopes “this beautiful facility will provide justice for citizens for many generations.”

The commissioners completed the refurbishment of the County Courthouse under budget, Barrasso said people of Platte County were “watching them pinch pennies along the way… it’s the money of the people.”

After the rededication event, Barrasso discussed soaring energy costs and the difficulty he faces with the Biden administration’s regulatory restrictions on energy resources.

Beloved Bus Drivers Retire after Four Decades

WHEATLAND - In the long-ago time of 1983, Noaleen Beaver was asked to take over a bus route west of Chugwater due to the absence of another driver. “Back then, a CDL (commercial driver’s license) was not required,” said Beaver, “so I took the route. Not long after that, the district lost another driver, so the routes east and north of Chugwater were added to my duties; this included as far north as Slater Road and as far east as Pioneer Road.” Over time, good ol’ Bus #38 became Noaleen Beaver’s legacy. “Chugwater didn’t have a bus garage,” Beaver recalled, “we just parked #38 in our yard for 25 years.” 

Beaver’s husband, Elmer, also operated a bus for Chugwater schools as the activities driver. He was responsible for sports, debate, FFA, music, or any school activity that required transportation. Beaver recalled a slippery, dark, drizzly night taking students to Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, when two vehicles, unable to slow or stop, careened through the icy intersection toward the activities bus. “If I hadn’t kept my head and operated calmly by slowing, pulling over, and stopping, those cars would have crashed into us. As it was, both vehicles slid right through the intersection and into a city park!” It goes to show how important it is to have not only caring, but wise and experienced drivers protecting the lives of Platte County’s students. 

Chugwater opens new charter school

CHUGWATER — The 2023-24 school year is a big one in Chugwater, as the entire community rallies around the newly opened Prairie View Charter School. After teacher retirements and a diminishing student body in recent years, Chugwater Public Schools in Platte County School District #1 closed in 2021.

Chugwater Mayor Carol Ash was on hand for the celebration and said, “This school is the heart of the community. It unites people of all ages; those living in town as well as those living outside of town.” 

Parents were brimming with smiles as they walked their children through the front doors of the school; the hallways and commons area were buzzing with excitement and activity as students greeted their new teachers, connected with friends and located new classrooms.

Community members, volunteers, and some members of the Chugwater Christian Fellowship Church handed out goodie bags for each student. Barb Fletcher, Incorporator and Registered Agent of the Church said that they donated pencils to the goodie bags. “You can never have too many pencils in school; it seems they are always getting lost, so we thought this would be a useful addition to the goodie bags.” 

September 2023 

Les Gore inducted into Frontier Days Hall of Fame 

CHEYENNE — The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) Hall of Fame honored Lester “Les” Gore at a banquet and ceremony at the CFD Event Center September 8. Gore joined the ranks of individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed in creating and maintaining the deep tradition that is the “Daddy of ‘Em All”. Families, volunteers, entertainers, and even livestock that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame are all representatives of the profound competitive and cooperative spirit that has been the benchmark of CFD since 1897. 

Lester Gore was born and grew up on his family’s ranch in Marshall, Wyoming in 1925. Not long (only two days!) after receiving an honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1946, Gore began to forge his rodeo career. The first major rodeo that Gore competed in was at a Cheyenne Frontier Days™ bronc riding event. This turned out to be a ride that would immortalize both cowboy and horse, John T. III.

Gore was involved with the “Daddy of ‘Em All” every year beginning in 1947 to 1969, during which time he competed almost every year in a staggering five events. During years when he suffered injuries and couldn’t compete, Gore offered his services as a rodeo judge.

Linda Fabian’s 

dual retirement 

WHEATLAND — The first impression when speaking with Linda Fabian about her double-retirement was pure excitement and pride. “I have been associated with the Wyoming Historical Society since 1980,” said Fabian, “which, at that time, was known as the Archives, Museums & Historical Department.” Fabian served as board secretary, then president between the years of 1997 and 2004, and in 2007 was the dedicated full-time director of the society. “I was the first paid staff member in the Historical Society.” 

Fabian, during her tenure with the society, also served as Chief Public Information Officer and was a Co-State History Day Coordinator. 

Fabian recalled a favorite moment in her time with the Historical Society when Wyoming was celebrating its Centennial year in 1990. “The society created a project that reproduced the famous painting by Conrad Schiering, ‘Autumn Magic’,” she said. “We made a limited run of 1000 prints and all five of the then-living Wyoming governors came to the office in Wheatland and numbered and signed every single print. It was a fabulous blessing to be with all of those wonderful people on that day, and it was a major fundraiser for us over the years.” 

Unlocking the secret to happiness: seniors flourish in workshop 

WHEATLAND — Happy hearts are the goal at the Services for Seniors activity center, according to newly appointed Activities Coordinator, Carrie Kafka. 

“This was the first activity I organized, and we had Megan Melcher of Melcher Heart Flowers in Wheatland come give us a class, explaining all about the flowers and their names. It was so neat, and she asked each person which flowers were their favorite,” said Kafka. 

Kafka joined the Services for Seniors in late August. “It was just God’s perfect timing that opened up that door. My goal is to make the activities center clean and to have a homey feeling in order to bring in more of Wheatland’s seniors.” 

October 2023 

The Wanderer on Gilchrist celebrates year one

WHEATLAND — “I knew I’d like it; I didn’t know how much I’d love it!” gushed Tara Westerman, owner of the Wanderer on Gilchrist as she celebrated one year of being in business on Wheatland’s beautiful downtown main street. “My husband, Jeremy and I, officially signed the papers on November 1, 2022,” said Westerman. “But I started shadowing the previous owner, Dan Brecht long before that.”

Originally, Wheatland native Dan Brecht and his son Zach opened what was then known as The Wandering Hermit Books & Gifts in 2014, a welcome addition to the downtown shopping district in Wheatland. The building features an ornate (original) tin ceiling, some original lighting, and original hardwood floors. 

Developing a friendship and working closely with Brecht, Westerman’s dreams were starting to spark. “I had previously visited The Wandering Hermit when I would come through Wheatland from South Dakota to visit my husband’s family in Chugwater. It was a place I immediately loved and it spoke to me,” said Westerman. The Westerman family moved from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Chugwater in 2017 where Jeremy began his apprenticeship on the five-generation family ranch with his father Dan Kirkbride after working as a medical equipment sales recruiter and Cross-Fit trainer. 

REA partners with Wheatland High School for largest Career Day to date

WHEATLAND — For the eighth year in a row, the REA partnered with Wheatland High School to host what proved to be the biggest career day yet with over 30 participating organizations, colleges, tech schools, military branches and health care professionals. Each year, Wheatland High School invites schools from Guernsey, Lingle, Torrington, Southeast, and Lusk to attend the event. Lingle schools sent over 20 students this year while the WHS student body came out in full force, numbering 288 students. According to WHS principal Josh Sandlian, not just students are invited to participate. “The community at large is always welcome to come to career day and learn about furthering education and career opportunities not only in this community but throughout the state,” said Sandlian. 

Becky Condie, REA Member Service Coordinator, organizes the event, contacting representatives to be on site for the event and to provide educational materials and conversation for attending students and other participants. 

“Partnering with the high school allows the district to apply for and receive grant money that helps support the CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs and professionals that are here in the district. It is a great event and provides insight into so many technical career opportunities”, said Condie. 

Games, education, and prizes generate great turnout at Kids Fair & Baby Shower

WHEATLAND — Jack-o-lanterns, balloons, and games welcomed expectant families and children 0-5 years old to the Kids Fair & Baby Shower held at the Agriplex on Saturday, and hosted by Platte County Public Health. Helping to register families at the door were high school volunteers Juanito Bell, a Wheatland High School student council member, and Rachel Clark. The WHS Cheer Squad was on hand for face-painting amid several professional educational, safety, and health-and-wellness booths. 

The library sponsored their Books and a Bite program by serving burritos and other breakfast items, while children were able to sort through literal pools of books to choose and take one home. 

This annual Platte County Public Health fair while not organized during COVID or in subsequent years until 2023, has been a vital factor in educating families who are expecting or who have children between the ages of 0-5 to become acquainted with all the resources Platte County has to offer; preparing them for school and educating them about general health and wellness. In addition, the event provides opportunities for car seat demonstrations and proper use, introduction to the Early Literacy Program, and other resources such as WIC (Women Infants Children) local health care professionals and law enforcement, fire and electric safety, and childhood activities programs such as Dance Wyoming and the Platte County Public Library’s “Book-and-a-Bite” Programs. PCPH Director Penny Simonton emphasizes the importance of developing strong children who are on track for a successful school experience as well as establishing an overall high value in routine health care.

November 2023

Local PEO Chapters R and AW host brilliant Tour of Tables for the 22nd year

WHEATLAND — Candlelight twinkled on the rims of crystal stemware and organza adorned the backs of chairs transforming the Agriplex into a wonderland of vintage china, sparkling glasses, and decor of every kind during the 22nd Annual PEO Chapters R and AW Tour of Tables. Women of every age group filled this beautiful space as they “oohed” and “ahhed” over the extravagance, beauty, and history of 30 uniquely embellished tables set as if for royalty. 

Those attending enjoyed a luncheon buffet consisting of dozens of different salads, fresh shrimp cocktail, fruit and garden variety vegetables along with tier upon tier of home-baked pastries and cookies.

The theme of each table was different with a personal flair ranging from sunflowers and autumn, to hocus-pocus, to everlasting love, to seashells along the seashore, glamping (glamorous camping!) and Christmas. In addition to individual decorators, the local FFA chapter as well as 2024 graduates, and Laramie Peak Cattlewomen collaborated and participated as table designers. It would take volumes to accurately describe each and every detail of this truly impressive event. Women from all across Platte County, Torrington, Alliance, NE, Colorado, Laramie, and Sheridan attended the festivities on Sunday. 

Bowlers strike it big at Combat Vets Nine-Pin No Tap bowling fundraiser 

WHEATLAND — Big Dog’s Lanes was overtaken Saturday by the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association (CVMA) and a colorful crowd of bowlers for the first ever Combat Vets bowling tournament fundraiser. “This tournament came about due to a great idea and a couple of key conversations; thus, the tournament was born,” said Kelly Mixson, CVMA member. The tournament was 9-pin No Tap with a $30 entry fee.  If you’re not familiar with 9-pin, the simple explanation is that knocking down nine pins on the first throw counts as a strike, and further chances to knock down the solitary pin is not necessary; a variation of traditional bowling scoring that is commonly used during tournaments to attract players of all skill levels. 

All proceeds benefit local veterans and money was raised through tournament fees, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a raffled Savage Axis 223 rifle with scope from Teel Gun Works. 

Newly nationalized citizens celebrate by casting vote

WHEATLAND – Mario Ibarra, L, owner of Guadalajara Restaurant in Wheatland and Father Hiep Nguyen, R, of St. Patrick’s Church in Wheatland cast their vote as American Citizens during the special election on November 7. 

Earlier on that same day, the men were officially sworn in as and became nationalized in Cheyenne. Following the swearing in, Ibarra and Nguyen traveled back to Wheatland to cast their votes at the Agriplex. 

Wheatland Toy Drive and Food Collection resumes

The rumble of motorcycles paraded Saturday around Wheatland in an inaugural “toy run.” It has been several years since there was a ‘run in Wheatland, as Pete and Denise Delgado and their crew of helpers organized the event for 35 years previously.

“It is a lot of hard work that people don’t see,” the Delgado’s explained. When they began doing a toy run all those years ago, there wasn’t anyone else doing anything like it in the town. After a while there were other groups working to help gather toys and food to help during the holidays, and after over three decades they decided to hang up the Santa hat.

That was a while ago. This year’s organizers Tim Simpson and Louise Anderson desired to do a toy drive – thinking there was something they could do to help families in need in this community. They enjoyed previous events, but realized if there was going to be one, someone would have to step up to the plate. It may as well be them.

“We started two months ago planning this,” Anderson said, adding that almost every business in the town donated door prizes for the cause. “The donations [and support] from the businesses has been amazing.”

Study time pays off big time for Wheatland FFA

WHEATLAND - Twelve members of the Wheatland FFA Chapter travelled to Indianapolis, Ind. Nov. 1st to compete at the 96th National FFA Convention and came home with gold, silver, and bronze emblems all around.

The wins did not come easy, though. Practice began in January with two-hour weekly group practice, plus personal study time, balancing the responsibility with track, basketball and rodeo obligations for some students. After winning the state competition the team continued its weekly practices from June through November. Only the first-place winners at the state-level competition are eligible to go to nationals.

“They did very well [in the competition] and I’m very proud of their efforts. They represented the Chapter, Wheatland, and Wyoming well,” said Bill Dalles, Wheatland FFA Chapter advisor.

Practice did not end just because they were headed to Indianapolis, either. Dalles explained the Sales team started competing before they even left with a zoom call meeting, then during travel time all the members were discussing study material. All that hard work paid off during the eight-hour competition in which members would make logical judgements in their specialized categories, then defend their reasoning in a timed verbal defense of how they came up with their answers.

December 2023 

Toyland Christmas Parade; Santa visits Public Library 

WHEATLAND — On a chilly but clear night, a happy crowd of townspeople lined main street dressed in their coziest hats and mittens, awaiting the Toyland Christmas Parade and lighting of the courthouse lawn and library. DJ Majik Justin Herdt provided emcee services, played all the favorite Christmas music, with corresponding music videos projected on the exterior of the courthouse, including nostalgic footage of Nat King Cole. 

Hot chocolate was served in to-go cups at the Wild Whisk, and excitement and childlike wonder began to build as the blue-and-red lights of Wheatland police cruisers started slowly down the street. Several businesses and other organizations decorated floats, horses, trucks, vintage cars, and even massive snowplows upon which parade participants tossed candy and shouted out “Merry Christmas!” to one and all.

For just a little while the outside cares of the world melted away as children scampered to pick up candy, shake hands with Mr. Potatohead, and jeer at the Grinch. One elder spectator was overheard saying, “Sure does bring out the child in me, and that’s a good thing.”

Platte Valley Bank hosts annual Ambassador’s Club Christmas luncheon

WHEATLAND — Every December, Platte Valley Bank welcomes their Ambassador Club members to a Christmas lunch and party in appreciation and as a benefit for being a member. Throughout the year, Ambassador Club members can enjoy free BINGO once-a-month at the Platte Valley Community Room, as well as a monthly free movie at Cinema West, and a springtime event. 

Michelle Bland, the Platte Valley Bank Ambassador Club Coordinator, encourages those age 55+ and with a high banking relationship to meet her at the Platte Valley Bank and apply for Ambassador status. 

“Membership with the Ambassador Club does require an application,” said Bland. “I look forward to assisting anyone who wishes to apply. They are welcome to come to the bank and ask for me.”

VFW Auxiliary Post #3558 decorates veteran’s graves in honor of Wreaths Across America Day

WHEATLAND — Over 900 wreaths were delivered to the Wheatland cemetery on Monday, December 11 as volunteers from the Laramie Peak VFW Auxiliary Post #3558 began to decorate veterans’ graves in honor of Wreaths Across America, an American nonprofit organization established in 2007 by wreath producer Morrill Worcester, assisted by veterans and truckers. The primary goal of the organization is to distribute wreaths for placement on American veterans’ graves.  

In December 2008, the United States Senate agreed to a resolution that designated December 13, 2008, as Wreaths Across America Day. There have been subsequent National Wreaths Across America Days which have been designated on the second or third Saturday of December.

Volunteers unpacked the fresh-cut balsam wreaths and individually attached the wreaths to veteran’s headstones across the cemetery on a sunny but cold Monday. Additional wreaths were delivered and on December 16, volunteers again worked to arrange wreaths on designated headstones in addition to the veteran’s monument at the Wheatland Cemetery.

“Shop with a Cop” generates good will and fills a fundamental need

WHEATLAND — Local law enforcement agencies joined with the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to bring holiday abundance to kids with a documented need. This year, Bomgaar’s in Wheatland opened their doors to 100 area kids armed with $100 in spending money. Wheatland and Guernsey Police Department, the Platte County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department all participated in accompanying the children as they shopped for specially discounted treasures. 

“Resource officers, law enforcement, and others in the community help identify the need,” organizer Jamie Wingard said. She has been heading up and managing the program in Wheatland for the past few years. Contributions from local business owners, the private sector, and other resources make the “spending money” possible, according to Wingard. Bomgaar’s generously marked down items 40 percent for the event so the children could make the absolute most out of the night. Girls and boys shopped not only for themselves but for family members as well. 

A WVFD fire engine transported the children from Bomgaar’s to the Fire Training center where they enjoyed Christmas stockings provided by the sheriffs’ deputies’ wives. At the Fire Training Center, everyone enjoyed a hot-dog-and-chips meal, wrapped presents, and participated in a coloring contest. “Banner Health also baked cookies for the meal,” she said. Amazon gift cards were given as prizes for the coloring contest winners.