Chamber Board elects new officers

The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce elected three new executive members during their Thursday meeting.

Phillip Scheel, who has been serving the last two years as president, had reached the end of his term and oversaw the board vote that elected Damien Oliver as president, Greg Willson as vice president, and Cherrie Wychgram as secretary treasurer.

Elected members of the executive board will be assuming their positions at the next board meeting, which will take place on Nov. 12 at the Hot Springs County Museum.

Shortly before the elections took place, Scheel also announced the four new members elected to the board; Robin Roling, Damien Oliver, Toby Homi and Vivian Butchart. During Thursday’s meeting, members Christine McLean and Tom Butler concluded their tenure on the board at the end of the meeting.

The board’s Christmas committee decided to get rid of the Christmas parade this year after suggestions from community members that fewer parades will increase participation. Instead of the Christmas parade, the committee is planning a community Christmas stroll and tree lighting along with additional activities.

The board also decided to cancel this year’s 4th of July parade and instead formed a committee to organize a 4th of July event in Hot Springs State Park, which will coincide with the 100th anniversary of both the park’s swinging bridge and buffalo herd.

In a meeting full of elections, Dood Jaussaud and Stevie Ann Jellis were voted Student Directors of the board who will coordinate between the board and the Hot Springs County schools. Jaussaud was formerly the student director from Thermopolis Middle School, but since his graduation and move to Hot Springs County High School has become the second director from the high school alongside Jellis.

The board scheduled a work session for 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at One Eyed Buffalo.