Horse backpacking offers unique advantages for exploring the most secluded and serene areas of Wyoming.  On horseback, you can travel further, stay out longer without sacrificing necessities, and keep the wilderness pristine.   Many riders have come to deeply treasure the experience, perspective, and companionship of extended horseback adventures.  

But horse packing is not as simple as just loading up your gear and heading out on the trail.  Taking time to understand proper techniques not only builds your confidence but also ensures a more enjoyable and less stressful adventure for both horse and rider. 

Whether you are a complete newcomer to horseback packing or have experience there is much to be gained from developing your skills and expertise.   

Cloud Peak Back Country Horsemen, a local group, is putting on a free clinic on Sat May 4th that provides hands-on guidance from experienced instructors whatever your level of expertise.

Listen and find out more about the clinic and the local chapter of Back Country Horsemen.

For more information about the clinic:
Horse Packing Flyer-3

For more information about Back Country Horsemen: 
Floyd Roadifer: e froadi1@gmail.com
Cloud Peak Back Country Horsemen 
https://www.facebook.com/cpbch.org

Back Country Horsemen of America 

Approve previous Board meeting minutes 0:00
Approve Consent Agenda 0:45
Chief of Staff Report 1:45
Leadership Reports 7:00
Leadership Development Presentation 20:00
Evaluation Update Discussion 58:30
CEO Report 1:24:00
JCHC Financial Performance 1:38:30
Credentialing 2:04:15
Executive Session 2:08:30

Adjourn

Handout Richardson Park 4:25:24

Note:  If you received a copy of the handout at the meeting it was missing Page 2.

Richardson Park is comprised of approximately 100 homes.  None are hooked to City sewer or water services.  County Planner Jim Waller is concerned that septic systems are aging out and the small lot sizes severely limit options for replacement.   

One solution could be extending City sewer up to the Richardson Park Subdivision boundary. 

Listen to the Open House hosted jointly by the City and County. The purpose was to explain the key issues and provide a Q&A session for property owners.

For more information:
Jim Waller
Johnson County GIS Manager/County Planner
307-684-1907
e-mail:  jwaller@johnsoncowy.gov

http://www.johnsoncountywyoming.org

Jeff Shelley, County Commissioner 
shelley@johnsoncowy.us
307 684 7272

Scott Madsen, City Council
smadsenbuffalo@gmail.com
307 684 5566

Have you heard about Camporee 2024? If not, you definitely should. From August 5-11th, for the first time, Gillette will host this immense youth camping event at the Camplex, expecting a staggering 60,000 attendees from around the globe.

Camporee will turn the Camplex into a pop-up city populated by young Seventh-Day Adventist Pathfinders aged 10 to 15. Held every five years, Camporee serves as a pivotal experience in the church’s Pathfinder program, which parallels scouting with a religious dimension. These Pathfinders will be setting up camp and purchasing all their necessities locally. 

What about the wider impact? It's not only Gillette that will feel the effects. Surrounding areas, including Buffalo, are also set to experience an influx of Camporee visitors, and Gillette locals seeking a retreat from the influx. 

There are both potential benefits and undeniable challenges that come with the event.  Organizers have been preparing for three years from previous Camporees, especially those held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Consider the logistics needed to support a population more than twice the size of Gillette's usual 38,000 residents. 

Regional Emergency Management Coordinators are bracing for significant local impact. For local businesses, this could mean a surge in customers; however, this could also put a strain on services and infrastructure. 

The timing compounds the impact.  Camporee lands right after Johnson County Fair & Rodeo, coincides with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and all amidst WYDOT's construction projects on roads north and south into Buffalo. 

Emergency Management Coordinators at the forefront of preparing our region discuss how this could impact work and play in Johnson County and point to issues that local businesses and service providers should be preparing.

For more information:
Camporee 2024 https://www.camporee.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maasaimaracamporee2022

Jimmy Cataline
JC Emergency Management Coordinator
26 N DeSmet Ave
Buffalo, WY 82834
Office: (307) 684-2761
Cell: (307) 620-0837

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonCoWYEMC

We take for granted that we turn on the tap and have a reliable and plentiful source of potable water on demand.  But have you ever paused to consider what it takes to get it from the source to your glass?

307NetInfo took a ‘deep dive’ into business at the Water Treatment Plant.    Find out where our water comes from, and the journey it takes to get to your house.  What happens to it along the way?  How much is it treated?  Is that enough or too much?    Some people have commented on unpleasant ‘taste and odor’ from time to time.  If it tastes bad, is it bad to drink?   

Find out more in our conversation with City of Buffalo representatives responsible for providing this essential service. 

For More Information:
Environmental Protection Agency 

Wyoming Water Quality Standards

Kevin Silbernagel, City of Buffalo Public Works Director, oversees Buffalo’s water supply. 
You can reach him at:
Email: ksilbernagel@cityofbuffalowy.com
Phone: 307 684 5566

City Hall, 46 N Main St, Buffalo WY 82834

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes April 2, 2024

New Business
WYDOT Main St @024 - City concurrence 1:05
City Comprehensive Plan Survey

Reports
City Attorney, Dennis Kirven (none)
Building Inspector/Planning Director, Terry Asay (none)
Police Chief, Sean Bissett 4:55
Public Works Director 7:45

Oral/Written Comments (none)  8:50

Announcements
Planning & Zoning Board mtg Apr 24 @ 1 pm
Dept Head Meeting May 7 @ 7 am
City/County Meeting May 21 @ 5 pm
City Council Meetings May 7 & 21 @ 5 pm
City Budget Meetings Apr 22, May 6 & 13 @ 1 pm
City Comprehensive Plan survey throughout April

Approval of Bills  9:40

Adjourn 10:00

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of April 2, 2024 Minutes

General County Business
Budget Hearing Resolution #720 1:00
Approve Comprehensive Land Use Plan Contract 4:20
1% Allocations 7:20
Novo Benefits Update 8:20
Resume 1% Allocations 26:00
    i. Prior Year Reversions
    ii. 2024 Allocations

Preliminary Budget Discussion 41:15
    1. Final Bill Pay Date - June 25^th
    2.Budget Hearing Schedule
    3. Final Budget Hearing Date
TANF Application Approval 45:30
Cybersecurity Grant Renewal Approval 47:40
Approval 2024 Election Districts
(Precincts/Polling Places) 53:20Approval of Covid-19 Grant Amendment 57:55
North/South Bypass Project 1:01:55

Vouchers 1:16:45

Letters to US Game & Fish opposing Grizzly Bears, opposing grizzly bears Big Horn Nat Forest 1:18:00

Public Comment 1:
Jim Waller - Richardson Park Open Hous 1:19:00

Adjourn 1:20:40
Executive Session - personnel

Update for Main St Project 0:00
Interim Legislative Meetings in Buffalo 5:20
4-H Shooting Sports (Building Lease) 6:35 
Round Table 25:50
Richardson Park Public Meeting, Julie Silbernagel
City Comprehensive Plan, Myra Camino
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings, Shane Schrader
Richardson Park Public Comments, Jeff Shelley 28:30
Affordable Housing, Jerry Spiering  
Extension Office Remarks 30:20
Tourism Board (Jody Sauers) 30:45

Close 33:20

Next Meeting May 21 @ 7:00 am

The last Johnson County Comprehensive Land Use Plan was adopted in 2005.  Much has changed in Johnson County since then, leading County Commissioners to contract a new comprehensive plan.   

Some people are wondering if it’s worth the $100,000+ price tag, others suspect this is a backdoor way of introducing county zoning.

JC County Commission Chairman Bill Novotny discusses the scope and purpose of this new plan and how it will be a valuable resource for local government.   

Public Comment (none) 0:00
Approve Agenda
Approve Vouchers
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes

Finance Report 2:00
Sexton Report 16:00

Old Business (none) 43:50
New Business (none) 

Adjourn 45:00

Regular Session 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call

Kaycee Community Orchard Update 0:40
New Parent Liaison Introduction 3:00
Public Comment (none) 6:25
Additions/Accept Agenda 6:30

General Reports 6:55
Principal Report, Kaycee 7:10
Superintendent Reports 25:15
Director Reports 29:45
District Level Reports 33:10
Rec Board Reports 33:50
BOCES Report 35:00
BOHES Report

Consent Agenda 35:15
Minutes
Warrants
Employment
Certified/Licensed Staff Contract Renewal

Action Items 36:10
Policy Revision - second reading 37:50
Policy Revision - first reading 39:30
CPES Valve Replacement 48:50
DADA Compliance Study & Recommendation 49:45
CCMS Sealant Repair Project 57:05
Kaycee Audio Enhancement Project 1:05:00
Mil Levy Intents 1:11:00
4-Day School Week Recommendation 1:13:00
Item Sale/Disposal less than $500 1:24:45
Items Sale/Disposal more than $500

Other Business 1:35:55
From the Board
May Work Session
May Board Meeting
Communication Plans Update

Executive Session 1:37:45
1: 3 7 : 4 5 A. Personnel & Legal W.S. 16-4-405-(a)(ii)(iii)

Adjourn

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes, March 19, 2024

New Business
Special Use Permit Request, 222 Bozeman Ave 1:30
JC Public Health, National Public Health Week 3:15
Animal Care Provider Contract 5:15
Johnson County Arts & Humanities Council Art & Music Festival July 27 Requests 6:05
Johnson County Recreation District 9:45
Buffalo Wells Project 10:50
BHS Bonfire Request Spring Fling Week April 21 14:20

Reports
City Attorney, Dennis Kirven (none)15:45
Building Inspector/Planning Director, Terry Asay 15:55
Police Chief, Sean Bissett 16:40
Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel (none) 19:15

Oral/Written Comments (none) 2:15

Announcements 20:25
City/County mtg April 16 @ 7 am
City Council mtg April 16 @ 5 pm
City Budget mtgs April 8, 15, 22 and May 6 & 13 @ 1 pm
Planning & Zoning Board mtg April 24 @ 1 pm
City-wide Water Meter Replacement Project begins April
Sunset Ave Reconstruction Project mtg April,
JC Library@ 5 pm

Approval of Bills

Adjourn 21:40

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval March 19, 2024 Minutes

General County Business
Bighorn National Forest Update, Thad Berrett 0:50
Approve Dept. of Corrections Contract 25:30
Remarks on active shooter training, Sheriff Odenbach
Catering Permits 32:50
Update: Buffalo Beginner Gardener Course 37:15
Approval of 1% Committee Recommendations 42:40
Approval of Comprehensive Land Use Contract & Update to Planning Status 57:10
National Public Health Week 1:10:10
Request to Adjust PT Position to FT Position, JC Library withdrawn
Museum Memorandum of Understanding 1:12:50
Appointment of Special Prosecutor 1:17:05

Vouchers 1:20:40

Public Comment (none) 1:22:10

Adjourn 1:22:40

Discussion Items
Enterprise Funds - Rate Structure and Fee Schedule 0:00
Future Specific Purpose Tax 13:20
Capital Improvements Plan Updates 20:40
Buffalo Bulletin Water Notice/Wells Project  24:10
JC Recreation District Grant Application 33:50
Major Capital Construction Projects Updates 37:20

Department Head Items 
Clerk 54:35
Police Chief 55:40
Building Inspector & Planning Director 58:15

Board Liaison 
Myra Camino 1:03:20 
Mayor Schrader 1:06:15

Next Dept. Head Meeting
- Tues May 7, 2024 @ 7:00 am

Close

Fulfilling her campaign pledge to host a town hall event every year in every county across the state, Wyoming House Representative Harriet Hageman visited Buffalo on Tuesday 26 March.   

After 40 minutes making remarks on a broad range of issues from the border crisis, government spending and her own personal record and actions in Washington DC, Ms Hageman took questions from the audience. 

To find out more or to contact  Harriet Hageman click here

Too many people in our community have been touched by direct experience of a loss from suicide. 
Any form of grief can be challenging, but the emotions experienced after a suicide can be more intense and conflicting compared to other types of loss. Survivors might feel anger, guilt, confusion, and despair all at once. There’s often a strong sense of guilt, with survivors wondering if they could have done something to prevent the death causing a sense of responsibility or guilt.

This search for answers can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

You may not feel you are a 'group' person but compassionate support and understanding can make a huge difference in providing support for family and friends left behind trying to make sense of a loss by suicide.

Lorraine Steppe and Bill Hawley host ‘Survivors of Suicide Loss’, a support group that meets monthly in Buffalo.  Listen and find out more about this safe and confidential space for those who have had any kind of experience of suicide. 

For more private & confidential information contact:
Lorraine Steppe and The Pines Counseling
307 684 5828 or lorraine@thepinescounseling.com

Survivors of Suicide Loss meeting 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.
It’s free, non-religious and confidential and open to all survivors of suicide loss.   
Call for location details.   

Other sources of support:
Alliance of Hope for suicide loss survivors
988 Suicide Support Lifeline

JCSD#1 Considers 4-Day School Week. June 2023
Download

JCSD#1 is evaluating the pros and cons of adopting a 4-day school week district-wide.   What would be the impact on student achievement?   It’s a very complicated analysis that affects budgeting, contractual arrangements, extra-curricular activities, and academic success.   

Mike Hanson, also Principal at New West High School, is leading the process.  Listen to what is under consideration, why, and how decision-making will proceed.

Regular Board Meeting

Approve Regular Meeting Minutes Feb 28th, '24 0:00
Chief of Staff Report 1:00
Leadership Reports 10:45
CEO Report 26:00
JCHC Financial Performance 38:00
Credentialing 57:30
Compliance Review Approval 58:30
Executive Session 1:05:30

Adjourn

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda 0:45
Approval  Minutes, March 5 2024 1:05

New Business
- Buffalo Charitable Foundation, Ray Holt Recognition 1:05

Reports
- City Attorney, Dennis Kirven 6:00
- Building Inspector/Planning Director 6:20
- Police Chief, Sean Bissett 12:20
- Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel 12:30

Oral/Written Comments 14:00

Announcements 14:07
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting March 26 @ 1pm
Dept Head Meeting April 2 @ 7am
City/County Meeting April 16 @ 7am
City Council Meeting April 2 @ 5pm
City Budget mtgs April 1, 8, 15, 22 and May 6 & 13 @ 1pm
City Offices closed afternoon Fri March 29 (Good Friday)
City-wide Water Meter Replacement Project begins in April

Approval of Bills 17:10

Adjourn 17:25

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of March 5, 2024 Minutes

General County Business
Resolution #718 budget amendment 1:00
Homeland security acceptance 4:40
Contract Approval: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 7:10
Petitioner’s Application Special Use Form Approval 14:00
County Commissioner’s Scholarship 21:10
City County Cleanup May 15-18 Announcement

Vouchers 24:00

Public Comment (none) 25:30

Adjourn 

Open 
Legislative Session Update 0:00
- Veteran’s Home Improvement funding
- Direct Distribution
- Housing SF11
- Property Tax
- Gun Bills

Richardson Park 11:45
Bomber Mountain Civic Center 36:00
City/County Spring Cleanup May 15-18 37:20
Roundtable Discussion 38:55

Next City/County April 16 2024 @ 7:00am

Adjourn 

Regular Session 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Silent Remembrance, Tiffany Songer 1:55
Early Childhood Literacy Position 2:05
Students With Disabilities, Melissa Brewer 11:45
ELL Program Update 35:15
Public Comment 49:10
Additions/Accept Agenda 49:15

General Reports
JCSD#1 Student Video 50:00
CCMS - Box Sled Challenge 53:20
Superintendent Reports 1:11:20
Director Reports 1:12:00
District Level Reports 1:18:30
Rec Board Report 1:31:50
BOCES Report 1:33:40
BOCHES Report 1:34:00

Consent Agenda 1:35:30
- Minutes 
- Warrants

Action Items
Policy Revision, 2nd Reading 1:36:00
Policy Revision, 1st Reading 1:36:40
District Annual Audit 1:43:00
New West 24-25 Proposed Calendar 1:43:55
Chromebook RFP 1:45:45
E-Rate Switch Project 1:49:30

Other Business
From the Board 1:51:30
April Work Session 1:51:40
April Board Meeting 1:52:20

Executive Session 1:52:40

Open 0:00
Approve Agenda 1:20
Approve Minutes 1:40

Treasurer’s Report 3:00
Buffalo Director’s Report 8:00
Kaycee Director’s Report 14:00

Old Business
New Building 15:00
Billing Company Process 31:15
Transfers 32:30

New Business
Budget 24-25 Discussion 1:05:10
1st Health Network 1:16:00
CD’s Maturing 1:19:00
Transfer - JCHC 1:25:00
Kaycee Budget 1:29:45
Buffalo EMS Contract Proposal 1:33:40

Public Comment (none) 1:37:00

Vouchers 1:38:00

Adjourn

Next meeting April 8, 2024 @ 4:00 pm.  JC Planning Office, Buffalo WY

As the 67th Wyoming Legislative Session draws to a close, HD40 Representative Barry Crago reviews the previous week.   It’s been a struggle for the Joint Conference Committee of Senate and House to reconcile a staggering $1.1bn discrepancy between the two chambers proposed budgets.   

Property Tax relief has been at the forefront of Representative Crago’s mind with his bill to cap possible annual increases still on the table. His is one of the remaining proposals in tact.   Does it stand a chance of being enacted? And what of the various other proposals to provide relief right away?    

Find out the details with Barry Crago as legislators prepare to wrap up this short but important session. 

As legislators worked to close up the 2024 Budget Session, Senator Dave Kinskey was at the center of Senate representation on the Joint Conference Committee, charged to reconcile the $1.1bn difference between the two chamber’s budgets.  Amidst reports of negotiations having stalled, President Ogden Driskill abruptly changed direction, collapsing the Senate’s representation and replacing the committee with new members. 

Kinskey shares insights into these developments and reaffirms his dedication to the core tenets of Conservatism. He stresses that true Conservatism is not about penny-pinching for frugality’s sake; it's fundamentally about lending support to those in genuine need.

In this critical session, where the primary objective for legislators is to deliver significant property tax relief, which of the remaining bills earn his support?

The session has been challenging, filled with tension and tumult,  as a seasoned legislator, Kinskey calls upon his fellow elected officials to rise above the fray and set aside drama, or temptation to make a headline, and focus solely on the task at hand.

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes, Feb 24,’24 0:40

New Business 1:25
- Request for a variance to City Code 10-1.10 Burning Prohibited
- Sunset Ave Reconstruction Bid Results 3:20
- Big 85 Properties Request SPU 4 S Main 8:25

Reports
- City Attorney, Dennis Kirven 10:50
- Building Inspector, Terry Asay 10:55
- Police Chief, Sean Bissett 11:00
- Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel 14:00

Oral/Written Comments (none) 14:40

Announcements 14:50
City/County mtg - Mar 19 @ 7 a.m.
City Council mtg - Mar 19@5 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Board mtg - Mar 26 @ 1p.m.
Daylight Savings Time Begins Mar 10

Approval of Bills 15:25

Adjourn 15:55

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance

Governor’s Appointment of Emergency Management Coordinator 1:00

Governor Gordon’s Remarks 4:30

Approval of Feb 20, ‘24 Minutes 26:10

General County Business
Liquor License Renewal ‘The Stampede’ 26:50
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Contract Selection 28:50
Website Contract Approval 43:20
Vouchers 47:20

Public Comment 48:00
- Jim Waller 

Adjourn 50:00

Open 0:00
- Upcoming Budget Session 0:15
- Animal Care Provider Contract 4:40
- Major Capital Construction Projects Update 18:10

Dept. Head Items 41:10
- Fire Chief 41:20
- Police Chief 42:15
Planning Director / Building Inspector 45:20

Board Liaison & Council Updates
- Mayor Schrader 47:20
- Councilwoman Camino 52:35

Announcements 54:40
- Next Dept Head Meeting April 2, 2024 @ 7:00 am

In Cheyenne, the clock is not just ticking—it's racing. Legislators are hunkered down, facing the monumental challenge of bridging a staggering $1 billion gap between the Senate and House budget proposals. In an unexpected twist, Senate President Driskill has made surprise appointments to its delegation on the Joint Conference Committee. How will this affect the negotiation dynamics? Are they the key to fostering collaboration, or will they add fuel to the fire of discord? Amidst this high-stakes bargaining, will the voices of the people be heard?

As for Property Tax relief, the journey has been anything but smooth. His bill, SF121, may have been sidelined, but its spirit lives on in SF54. Senator Kinskey explains the mechanics of this new proposal, who will benefit?  Will it alleviate the financial strain on homeowners who are most in need?  How are legislators balancing the implications of tax relief whilst retaining funding of essential services and programs across Wyoming?  Will the benefits outweigh the costs, or will it lead to significant trade-offs?

Contact Senator Kinskey
(e) dave.kinskey@wyoleg.gov
(t) 307 751-6428 

Follow the 67th Wyoming Legislative Session 
67th Wyoming Legislature