2018 Primary Election

Five vie to be next Hot Springs County Sheriff

Five Republican candidates – Tom Christensen, Pat Cornwell, Jerimie Kraushaar, Michael A. Nelson and Daniel Pebbles – are running for Hot Springs County Sheriff. There are no Democrats running for the office so the new sheriff will most likely be decided in the primary. However, someone could still petition to be on the General Election Ballot or run a write in campaign.

Tom Christensen

A native of Wyoming, Tom Christensen graduated from high school in Newcastle. He moved to Thermopolis in the 1980s and has been a brand inspector for 12 years for District 3 including Hot Springs, Park, Fremont, Washakie and Big Horn counties.

He has been a professionally certified peace officer, detention officer and a certified firearms instructor for the law enforcement academy. He’s attended the DEA drug school, interview and interrogation schools and the internet crime school.

Christensen said he sees a lot of problems still happening that he noticed when he ran last time, with no resolution. “I still see lots of drugs, and it doesn’t seem like anybody’s doing anything about it.” Other issues he sees are a lack of leadership in the sheriff’s office and mismanagement of the personnel we have.

He also thinks there needs to be physical fitness standards implemented and wants deputies to be accountable and make sure there is someone to respond any time of the day.

Christensen said. “The sheriff is responsible to protect and serve not only from criminals, but to be there to organize in case of a disaster.”

Pat Cornwell

Pat Cornwell was born in Powell and raised in Cody, graduating high school there. After getting married and starting his family, he wanted a job that had good pay and benefits. He worked in the Park County Sheriff’s Department in the detention center and was later promoted to patrol deputy.

Following a short move to Gillette, Cornwell began with the Thermopolis Police Department on Feb. 16, 2003.

Among his training, Cornwell is a traffic accident reconstructionist and is up to date regarding training for DUIs. He’s also had a lot of training in administration and domestic violence.

“My biggest thing,” he said, “is I go to the schools every day. When school’s going, I’m there. If I’m in between calls I go walk the hallways of the schools. I want [students] to know we’re friends and not be scared of us.”

Cornwell said he will be a working sheriff, doing investigations as well as administrative work. “I want people out in the county to know we’re there for them.”

Jerimie Kraushaar

Jeremie Kraushaar graduated high school in Thermopolis and worked for the Town of Thermopolis prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, where he’s been for a little over 14 years.

Kraushaar has over 2,000 hours of Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified credit. Among that training, he said, is a lot of drug interdiction and classification, and he is one of only 60 drug recognition experts in the state. He’s also had extensive training regarding domestic assault and sexual assault, and is a certified child forensic interviewer.

“What we truly need,” he said, “and what I intend to be, is a working sheriff,” adding another pair of boots out there working and getting the “most bang for our buck” on a limited budget.

While it is the responsibility of a deputy or officer to cite or arrest people for law violations, he believes in treating people across the board with respect and dignity.

With regard to the separation between the sheriff’s office and the police department, Kraushaar noted the relationship amongst the frontline deputies and officers is actually very strong and he’s always trained deputies to share their intelligence with others.

Michael A. Nelson

A resident of Hot Springs County for the past 10 years, Nelson has 13 years of diverse law enforcement experience based out of south western Wyoming.

His experience includes being a patrol officer, field training officer, detective, firearms instructor, custody and control instructor, SWAT sniper, SWAT entry operator, SWAT team leader and first line supervisor. He has also trained the Department of Criminal Investigation (South Western Enforcement Team) Wyoming Highway Patrol Division E in high risk warrant service, firearms and advanced patrol tactics, and travelled to Guernsey to assist with training.

Nelson wants to focus on contemporary training and resources for current deputies, clear communication and cooperation with other county assets and groups, a collaborative approach involving multiple disciplines and agencies to the growing drug problem in the county, and a focus on community policing.

“I’m a big Rule of Law guy,” he said, “meaning the same laws that apply to you, apply to me, apply to the neighbor, apply to everybody.”

Daniel Pebbles

Pebbles was born and raised in Hot Springs County and has lived most of his life here. In 1986, he hired on as a detention officer and held the position through 1990 before getting into electrical line work. He came back to law enforcement full time at the Hot Springs Sheriff’s Office in 1992.

While with the sheriff’s office, he spent 5.5 years as detention officer, 14 as jail administrator, 10 years as lieutenant/undersheriff and more than 15 years doing criminal investigation, along with about 2,000 hours of specialized law enforcement training with a primary focus on interview and interrogation.

Pebbles said the biggest issue with the office is lack of leadership. The department is small and the administrative aspects and duties of the sheriff are minute and don’t require him to be at the desk all the time. “I plan on being a working sheriff,” he said, going out and conducting criminal investigations, assisting deputies when needed and doing any job that needs doing.

Pebbles would also like to put the office in a more positive light when it comes to complaints and help assure people they can bring issues to the office without fear of repercussions. “If we make a mistake I will be the first to admit it.”

Three challenge incumbent for Thermopolis Mayor

Four candidates – Mike Chimenti, incumbent Mike Mortimore, Forrest Coleman-Weisz and Bradyn Harvey – are running for Mayor of Thermopolis.

Mike Chimenti

A Wyoming native, Mike Chimenti was born in Fremont County and raised and educated in Dubois. In 1974, he moved to Thermopolis when he accepted a job with the Thermopolis Police Department. He retired from the Thermopolis PD in 2016, and stated he has no other obligations other than serving the people of Thermopolis.

“Our community has a lot to offer. We have one of the most visited state parks in Wyoming that includes the hot springs as well as the Legend Rock site. The dinosaur center is another great asset to Thermopolis. Another institution that is a big part of our community and needs to remain in Thermopolis and available to the people of Thermopolis and Wyoming is the Wyoming Pioneer Home.”

Among the important issues Chimenti sees, “The budget is at the top of the list. Without a strong budget everything else slows or stops. I served two terms as chief of police for two different mayors and was responsible for preparing and maintaining the budget for the police department, communications center and animal control. I do have some understanding of how the town budget works.”

Other important issues, include repair of our streets, maintaining and supplying the town with a clean regular water supply, the landfill, the job market — small clean industry, the town’s appearance regarding weeds, old cars and other items that are along our right of ways and streets and cooperation with other agencies.

Chimenti stated he’s available to meet in person or contact by phone or email to answer questions on any or all of these items.

Forrest Coleman-Weisz

Among the candidates for mayor this year is Forrest Coleman-Weisz. An independent contractor since he was 19 years old, Coleman-Weisz said he’s been in a service-based industry and knows how to talk to people.

Coleman-Weisz said we live in a world with a circular economy, with the ebb and flow of the tax base dependent on what kind of industries we have here, what jobs they create and whether we can pick up the slack when an industry moves out. There needs to be basic structure to that industry, he said, bringing in something that creates health and wealth for the community. He’s been working on that, he noted, as well as expanding the scope of what kind of businesses to bring here.

Coleman-Weisz is also intrigued by the idea of another water source, but is concerned about the costs. He said there are ideas thrown out about raising the base rate and lower costs for water, but his question is why there can’t be a tier system offered. He noted the water issue is something that will be coming to a head, and planning needs to be done for expansion and rehabilitation of water services.

Coleman-Weisz said it’s very important to look past current terms and determine what needs the next administration needs to be set up for. Rather than looking at what’s going to happen in the next four years, he said he’d rather look at setting up a game plan for 20 years out.

Bradyn Harvey

A Thermopolis native, Bradyn Harvey said he’s wanted to run for mayor since he was a senior, and wants to make as big a difference as he can.

The biggest issue he sees is the drug problem, and he wants to assist the police department and sheriff’s office as much as he can to get what they need. He also would work to bring in and keep businesses in the downtown and has been looking into geofencing, in which a perimeter is set up around town and any tourists coming through can get information about businesses sent right to their mobile devices.

Harvey also wants to get better and more affordable water, possibly through a Worland pipeline. “East Thermop, South Thermop and Owl Creek all have Worland water, but Thermop doesn’t,” he said, and he is meeting with others to get further information.

Harvey said he also wants to get more activities for kids to do, the benefits of which would be to keep youth out of trouble, but also provide opportunities to learn valuable skills through activities rather than being lethargic.

Though born and raised in Thermopolis, Harvey moved away for college but was excited to come back to town. Having experienced towns outside of Thermop, he noted “the heart here is outstanding. The general community here is better than most places.”

Harvey said he is dedicated to Thermopolis and here to stay. He hopes his children and grandchildren will be also.

Mike Mortimore

Current mayor Mike Mortimore has submitted his name for re-election, though his current four-year term hasn’t been his first. Mortimore was elected to a four-year term the town council in 1986, with the term beginning in 1987. He later served a total of five terms as mayor, back when terms were two years each, with a few breaks in between. 2000-2002 was his final two-year stint before getting out for at least 10 years. He then joined the town council and in 2014 was again elected mayor, this time to a four-year term.

Mortimore said it’s not popular to be the guy who has to tell people they have great dreams but then showing them the reality of the situation, “but I also never believe in shutting that down. There’s always going to be someone who’s creative who may come up with an idea that can work, but the people who know what they’re up against can make a big difference.”

One of the biggest issues he wants to address is the landfill, but he also wants to look at the issues arising from people wanting to go to ground water rather than surface water.

“I’ve learned more about water this go around than in previous terms,” Mortimore said.

Cornella unopposed as District Court Clerk

Born and raised in Thermopolis, Terri Cornella graduated Casper College in the late 70’s and began working for the City of Casper police department in the records division before moving on to the City of Casper’s Municipal Court.

Returning to Thermopolis, she began working in the County Attorney’s Office in 1990 where she was instrumental in developing the first Crime Victim’s Advocate Program, later becoming the manager of the office.

In August of 2004 she was appointed Deputy District Court Clerk. She was sworn in as the District Court Clerk in 2010 and has been in the field on and off for more than 30 years.

Cornella believes her past experience and years in office have proven invaluable in dealing with the challenges of the ever changing technical aspects and rules of the office.

Cornella said she will continue to fairly and impartially administer Wyoming laws regarding her office, while conducting the daily business of the District Court Office in a professional, courteous and efficient manner.

Mortimore unopposed as County Treasurer

Julie Mortimore is running unopposed for re-election for Hot Springs County treasurer.

A lifelong resident of Hot Springs County, Mortimore said she cares about the people and believes she has the ability to work hard for the residents.

“During these three years, I learned about and tackled important issues,” she said. “I have made great strides in improving and providing service to the taxpayers of Hot Springs County.”

She believes the experience and relationships that she has built during her first term have put her in a strong position for continued progress and improvement in dealing with the ever changing laws and rules governing the office.

“I have tried my best to represent the citizens of Hot Springs County. I promise to fairly and impartially administer the Statutes of Wyoming, while conducting the daily business of the Treasurer’s Office in a professional, courteous and efficient manner.

Three candidates want to be Hot Spring County Clerk

There are a plethora of responsibilities when you are County Clerk including working with the County Commissioners to set the budget, overseeing elections, land records, security agreements and more. Three residents want the position.

Rose DeSeyn

Rosemary ‘Rose’ DeSeyn is one of the candidates running for County Clerk. A resident for 22 years, DeSeyn moved here from upstate New York. She was born in Ohio and received schooling at Kent State University.

Of her 22 years here, she’s worked for Hot Springs County for 14 of them, having worked in the county clerk’s office, the treasurer’s office and currently in the district court clerk’s office.

DeSeyn stated, “I feel I have extensive experience having worked in the three offices. I know the behind the scenes workings that so many people don’t get to see. I plan on being a hands on clerk, working the counter and doing anything necessary to help service the community and to keep the office running smoothly and moving forward.”

She wants the opportunity to step up and take a more active role in the community. She said the people here have been kind to her and her family, and it’s a good time to try and give back.

Joe Martinez

Joe Martinez and his family moved to Thermopolis from Kaycee in 2004 with his job as an inspector for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. He is still an inspector, but he now takes care of inspections in Riverton.

Martinez has a BS degree in Agricultural Education from Texas Tech University and in October of 2014 completed the Wyoming Certified Public Manager Program through LCCC.

He served as a trustee on the Hot Springs County School Board from 2009-2013 and then was re-elected to the board in 2016 where he currently holds the title of clerk.

Martinez has also served his church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, as a vestry member for four years. Professionally, he has served as treasurer, vice chair and chairman for seven years with the Wyoming Environmental Health Association.

He is a volunteer leader with Hot Springs County 4-H and the Bobcat Cross Country team, and has participated for many years with Relay for Life.

“I volunteer when and where I can,” he said. “I am a believer in community involvement.”

Martinez said his becoming a Certified Public Manager has given him the tools and skills necessary to be successful as County Clerk. “I am devoted to our community, the employees of the county and the commissioners in order for our community to thrive.”

Nina Webber

Nina Webber is seeking re-election as Hot Springs County Clerk for her second full term.  

Webber was originally appointed by the County Commissioners to the clerk’s position in March of 2014, replacing Hans Odde. She was then elected in November, 2014 for a full term.

Webber was born and raised in Wyoming, graduating with a Bachelors degree from the University of Wyoming and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Webber says one of the biggest responsibilities for her is conducting countywide elections and ensuring the integrity, accuracy and security of the election process, training of election judges, maintaining and preparing election equipment, ballots and polling places. 

Webber said she will strive in the future to provide Internet access to all historical and current recorded documents, implement the use of credit cards for county business transaction and have new voting machines in place by 2020. 

Five looking to fill two Thermopolis Town Council seats

Five non-partisan candidates are on the ballot for Thermopolis Town Council, with a variety of experience and ideas for the town. Among them are Joshua Brown, John Dorman Sr., John Fish, Tony Larson and Krista Raymond.

Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown moved to Thermopolis from Oklahoma about 12 years ago. His first job got him started in the trades and he is now a master plumber. Also, he is a volunteer fireman and a precinct committee person for the Hot Springs County Republican Party.

Brown said at the town level one of the two biggest issues is water. “We’re looking at drilling new wells and how we’re going to fix the problem,” he said. “One thing I’m interested in is how we got to this point to begin with . . . I’d like to see us be more proactive instead of reactive . . . Why do we even have a water issue?”

The same could be said about the second big issue he sees — the landfill. “We’re two years away,” he said of the landfill’s remaining lifespan, “and we haven’t made a decision yet.”

Another issue Brown is passionate about is town codes and code enforcement with regard to contractors.

Brown said he and every contractor he knows communicate with and provide documentation to their customers to ensure they know what the costs of a job are and if there are any changes as the job is being done. He said he doesn’t understand how work done for the town could come in at a more expensive cost than originally quoted and be accepted, with no assurance that it won’t happen again.

John Dorman Sr.

John Dorman Sr. is one of two incumbents on the ticket for Thermopolis Town Council.

Dorman and his wife have been in Thermopolis for about 40 years, coming in 1978 to purchase a business, though his wife is from Thermop. They have raised their children here and Dorman said they enjoy the town.

As for why he’s seeking another term, Dorman said he would like to see some of the recently discussed projects go forward and finished or at least headed in the right direction, particularly upgrading of the water system to the golf course and cemetery, as well as work and repair on the town streets.

Lack of funding is a real issue, Dorman said, because the town is not receiving what it had previously. What this means, he said, is the town has to spend wisely in order to get as much accomplished using what we have.

John Fish

Born in Cody, John Fish has lived in Thermopolis for nearly 40 years. He’s been employed at Hot Springs State Park for 26 years, 24 of which he’s served in an administrative position.

“Managing the park on a day-to-day basis,” Fish stated, “is like managing a city. You deal with people; 1.5 million visitors come through the park annually. We also contend with law enforcement issues, trash and litter sanitation issues, water distribution services, roads and traffic and signage issues. Our 19 lessees/concessionaires are our businesses, just like downtown.”

Fish believes we need unbiased recipients at the administrative levels of our city government. He also wants to be proactive on issues like the landfill, as what he hears is the EPA making the decision for us. When the landfill is full, he stated, we’ll have to haul our trash someplace else, which would require buying new garbage trucks and hiring operators. The cost of this, he stated, would be put on the residents of Thermopolis.

Fish also wants to address the issue of the rift between the police department and county attorney’s office, determine what practices are causing the conflicts and make sure they cease in order to get our law enforcement agencies working together.

He also would like to see the community being proactive, capitalizing on what we have in order to keep visitors here longer than a couple hours, recruiting new business into the town and county and growing as a whole.

Tony Larson

Tony Larson is another incumbents who has re-filed for his seat on the town council.

Larson said he’s been on the council for at least 12 years, pointing out that in years he planned to take off he won as a write-in candidate. “I’m a lifer here,” he said, further adding his wife was born and raised her and they raised their children here.

Larson said the two biggest issues facing the town are the sanitation and the water issues. “I don’t mind looking into the Lysite well,” he said, “but anything that’s going to affect the Big Spring I’m totally against.” At the same time, he noted, it’s important to make sure the water is affordable for everyone.

As for sanitation, Larson said the DEQ is “basically forcing our hand at that,” and the town needs to move what it’s doing. “We’ve got a few more years we can use to dump for construction waste but then we’re going to have to find some place for a transfer station and we’re going to have to start hauling our trash to some other community.”

One thing Larson would really like to see is the town and county working together rather than being so adversarial. “As long as I’ve been on there, and before that, it’s always been that way and I don’t know how you change that. I think the town and county would work a whole lot better together than what we do.” He’d also like to see some growth in the town.

Krista Raymond

Originally from Thermopolis and a Hot Springs County High School graduate, Krista Raymond attended college in Montana before returning to Thermopolis. She also flew pipeline for Chrysler Aviation, owned the Rainbow Motel, worked with the Youth Alternatives program and also was an EMT and dispatcher here.

After moving to Cheyenne, she worked in the brand recording and research division for the State of Wyoming. “I learned a lot about that level of government,” she noted. She later moved back to Thermopolis and got into the restaurant business.

“I’m a fiscal conservative, but I’m not left, not right. I’m pretty much middle of the road,” Raymond said. “I also believe there’s always two, maybe three sides to every story so if constituents have something they want to bring up to council . . . I definitely believe in listening to both sides. You’ve got to kind of walk in the shoes of both sides, see it from their perspective.”

One of the big issues she sees is there not being enough jobs in town and a change in workforce. “I think we need to strengthen our workforce, which means we’ve got to have the jobs here for that workforce to come in.”

Raymond said there are also issues with cleaning up around town, and knows law enforcement and the town works to keep weeds down. While there is a risk of fire for overgrown properties, she noted there is also rodent problems and garbage stacking to think about.

Thermopolis resident in the running for State Auditor

One Democrat — Jeff Dockter — and two Republicans — Kristi Racines and Thermopolis resident Nathan Winters — have put in their names for position of State Auditor.

Jeff Dockter

Jeff Dockter grew up in the rural farming and ranching town of Circle, Mont., working on the family farm until it was sold in 1990.

He earned his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming in 2008 and is a certified project manager.

“Right now, Wyoming’s checkbook is not transparent,” Dockter stated. “It’s not accessible. Wyoming earns an ‘F’ in transparency. Raising that grade to an ‘A’ requires an experienced technological innovator. That’s where my 15 years of state experience comes into play. I have worked with stakeholders to innovate outdated business processes. I know how to make it so citizens can see how Wyoming spends our hard-earned tax dollars. That is why I am the best choice for Wyoming voters.

“As a voting member on the State Lands and Investment Board, I will vote yes on projects that help communities improve antiquated infrastructure. Growing up in a small town, I understand the challenges faced by small rural communities. I know it is hard to complete new infrastructure projects that attract new businesses, bring in tourists, and promote a healthy economy. Rural communities need larger voices in Wyoming government.

“Finally, the state needs to recognize that continued technical innovation is one of the keys to responding to future budget challenges. Many decisions today are made without a clear understanding of what the hard data is telling us. Without innovation, leaders will continue to make decisions on gut feelings or intuition. Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers, miners, and other businesses do not operate in such a manner; state government should not either.”

Kristi Racines

A fourth generation Wyoming native who was born in Casper and raised largely in Bar None, Kristi Racines said she is a Fremont County woman. Following high school, she attended at the University of Wyoming and earned her degree in accounting and went on to earn her CPA. She is currently the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State Judicial Branch, as well as the director of HR for the branch, and resides in Cheyenne with her husband and two children.

Racines said she wants Wyoming to have financial efficiency and officials with a long-term perspective for the state and the skills to meet the demands of the job. She noted she has done auditing of government entities, small businesses and non-profits, and explained an auditor has to have experience is subject matters when dealing with organizations such as the SLIB board, land board and construction board.

Racines said she loves the state and wants to create a Wyoming where children want to stay and where they can stay and afford a job, family and education. An auditor is not a lawmaker, she said, but is one who gets to oversee several business processes and gain an understanding of them.

In regard to transparency, she said getting financial information to the public is non-negotiable, but the information needs to be presented in a way that the public can understand and use. Knowing how the accounting system works, she said she’s in the best position to make that happen.

Nathan Winters

State Representative Nathan Winters said he is running for the office because he can bring vision and a plan for action to the office that will help Wyoming’s taxpayers while keeping government small and close to the people. He has been the representative for House District 28 for the past six years and feels that representation has given him a clear view of the challenges facing our state.

One of the big items Winters will be involved in if elected is the State Lands and Investment Board, or SLIB. Those funds are divided throughout the state to counties and municipalities for various projects.

“We need to focus on the people who really need the help,” Winters said. “Core infrastructure and sustainability need to come first.” He added that the need for transparency in the state is critical, and his leadership and policy experience are necessary to bring this about.

Winters’ reasons for running at this time are simple, “This is a critical year for our state and nation,” he said. “I am grateful for the tremendous support I have received already from Wyoming leaders.

“The big question is not ‘are we doing things right,’ but ‘are we doing the right things?’

“I believe I have the conservative values and determination to make a difference while carrying on the tradition of smart, common-sense leadership that this office has enjoyed over the years.”

East Thermopolis candidates

Those in the running for East Thermopolis races include David Peake for mayor, and Dolores Bush, Sybil Hannah and Debra Lackey vying for council seats.

Sybil Hannah

Among the incumbents on the ticket for East Thermopolis Town Council is Sybil Hannah, who has been on the council for six years. She moved to Thermopolis in 1996, but was born and raised in Basin and is an active member of the Hot Springs County Senior Center.

Prior to moving to Thermopolis, she lived in Kemmerer for 32 years. During her time there she was employed in banking for five years and worked 14 years in the tax and license department of the county treasurer’s office in Lincoln County.

She would like to see curb, gutter and sidewalks on the roads in East Thermopolis, as right now when people go walking they are walking in the streets, but she understands such projects are quite costly. She also likes the idea of the Hot Springs County Emergency Management Board and receiving notifications of severe weather.

“For a small community I think we’re very friendly,” she said, “whether we live in Thermopolis or East Thermopolis.”

Debra Lackey

A newcomer on the ticket, Debra Lackey said she’s lived in East Thermopolis since she moved here in 1999, and she wants to be able to voice her opinion. “It’s time for some changes,” she said. She’d like to see some revisions of the town’s ordinances and cleaning up the junked up cars out of people’s yards and driveways.

She plans to continue running her businesses, which many people know her through already, and thinks it will be an exciting experience being on the council.

Attempts were made to contact Bush and Peake, with no response.

Additional candidates for local and state races

In addition to the races featured in this section, there are several other positions that the voters of Thermopolis will be deciding, including the men and women to serve in various precincts and those who will be in state offices.

For Precinct Committeeman for 1-1, Joshua Brown and Jerry Williams are running as Republican and Rex Clothier is running as Democrat. For Precinct 1-1 Committeewoman, Cynthia Garbin and Nina Webber are running as Republican.

For Precinct Committeeman for 1-2, Joseph Casciato and Charles Curley are running as Republican. For Precinct 1-2 Committeewoman, P.E. Straley is running as Democrat.

For Precinct Committeeman for 3-3, John Baird and Jim Collins are running as Republican. For Precinct 3-3 Committeewoman, Colleen Anderson and Heather Hayes are running as Republican.

For Precinct 2-4 Committeeman, Kevin Dickey is running as Republican.

On the state level, John Barrasso, Roque De La Fuente, Dave Dodson, Charlie Hardy, John Holtz and Anthony Van Risseghem are on the Republican ticket for senator and Gary Trauner is on the Democratic.

For U.S. Representative, Liz Cheney, Rod Miller and Blake Stanley have filed on the Republican side, with Travis Helm and Greg Hunter on the Democratic.

For Governor, Bill Dahlin, Foster Friess, Sam Galeotos, Mark Gordon,Harriet Hageman and Taylor Haynes are on the Republican ticket, and Kenneth Casner, Michael Green, Mary Throne and Rex Wilde are on the Democratic.

Edward Buchanan is running as Republican for Secretary of State and James Byrd is running as Democratic.

Republicans are the only party filing for State Treasurer and Superintendent of Public Instruction, with Leland Christensen Curt Meier and Ron Redo on the Treasurer ticket and Jillian Balow putting in her name for Superintendent.

Three seeking District 28 Representative seat

Tim Morrison and John Winter are on the Republican ticket for District 28 Representative, with Howie Samelson on the Democratic ballot.

Tim Morrison

Candidate Tim Morrison stated he’s retired “but still busy with life.” A 27-year resident of Meeteetse, he’s lived in Park County and has been married to his wife for almost 40 years. He has two children and three grand children.

Morrison stated, “I got into ‘politics’ to help people in their dealings with government. Being elected gave me the opportunity and the capability to counter the bureaucracies that effect every persons life.

“I think the major issues are in the realms of employment, education and economics of our state. I plan to work with my fellow Big Horn Basin legislators and those representing the other parts of our state.

“As a junior legislator I will set the bar high for success in supporting needed changes for education- such as reinvigorating the trade and vocational training in our school systems and creating a leadership program to teach school districts how to create innovative educational programs for our students; and assist needed changes for employment and economic opportunities by supporting jobs for all Wyoming, and growing the entrepreneurial efforts in all Wyoming communities especially in the Big Horn Basin.

“I bring eight years as a Wyoming County Commissioner experience, along with over 30 years working with state/federal agencies rules and regulations to the position of Representative for HD 28. Above all I bring the skill and experience of listening without internal dialogue that is necessary to create good solutions to needed change.”

Howie Samelson

Among the long list of concerns Howie Samelson has heard voiced since announcing his candidacy are education, economic diversification, energy, the environment, elections and equality.

His concern for these issues and his belief that he can address all the issues that will come before the legislature prompted him to run for this position.

In the last several years he has worked tirelessly to address them through his work with many local organizations including Main Street Thermopolis, Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation, Discovery Center Joint Powers Board, Gift of the Waters Committee, Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Smoking Waters Art Guild.

He feels that it is time to take his skills and bring them to a different level. The need to diversify the opinions voiced in the legislature while crafting new legislation is important. He stated he has the ability to engage in meaningful and respectful dialog to build consensus and promote compromise. He said his recently opened business in downtown Thermopolis has given him further experience in sharing in a vision for our region and our state.

He feels that he can help move forward with new ideas along with respecting and promoting the tried and true, that there is a need to present and debate all the available methods and choices.

John Winter

John Winter stated one of the most important issues he sees is the federal overreach in the lives of Americans and the lack of respect for states’ rights and our Constitution. He added that he is an advocate for agriculture, small business, natural resources, education and transportation. He hopes to have a positive influence and be a part of heading off some of the overreach through legislation. “I am very concerned about our natural resources, energy and wildlife at the state level, and hope to use my knowledge to influence more common sense management.”

Winter further stated he has worked or owned his own business in Wyoming his entire life. “I have worked for and with governmental agencies throughout my career as an outfitter and have a good understanding of that relationship — be it good or negative. As president of the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association, I was directly involved in legislative matters and have a basic knowledge of the legislature. I have a sincere interest in the wellbeing of our way of life here in Wyoming.”

He also noted he hauls cattle with a local trucking business and has had an opportunity to meet people and travel to several of the ranches in the district so he is familiar with the areas.

“I am from Wyoming, for Wyoming,” Winter stated, “and I feel you have to live Wyoming to understand what is best for our communities and the state. I hope to make a difference by participating in helping to govern the state.”

Kirby Town Council race sees four candidates

In Kirby, the race is on for town council candidates Kim Graham, Alberta Hurley and Cory Walk, with Sam Mead putting in his name for mayor.

Kim Graham

Kim Graham has served on the Kirby Town Council for the past four years, and said she would like to see the town improved.

She’d like to see some new things as well, such as the completion of the town park, places for kids’ activities and some street improvements.

Graham noted she has military background, as a sergeant in the U.S. Army with more than 20 soldiers under her command, and her leadership duties also include being a charge nurse at a nursing home since 2006.

Alberta Hurley

Alberta Hurley has been on council since she was appointed in October last year, but her background in Kirby goes back much further, as she moved to the town when she was four and left only for college.

Hurley said she’d like to see Kirby grow a bit, with more families moving to the town and more businesses. “I just love the area,” she said, “and want to help any way I can.”

Cory Walk is also on the ballot for Kirby Town Council, and Sam Mead has filed for Mayor of the Town of Kirby.

Attempts were made to contact Walk and Mead, with no response.

Five vie for two HSC county commission seats

Four Republicans, Jack Baird, Michael Leisch, Tom Ryan and Steve Shay, along with one Democrat, Sonya Becker, are seeking two available seats on the Hot Springs County Commissioners.

Jack Baird

Life-long Hot Springs County resident, Jack Baird, is a land owner and self-employed rancher. Baird knows the county inside and out, covering much of the 233 miles of county roads on a regular basis.

A straight talking, hard worker and dedicated to this county, his record speaks for itself, having served on boards both at the county and state level, including the HSC School District Strategic Planning Board, Powell Research and Extension Center, Hot Springs County NRPC, Wyoming Stockgrowers Board of Directors and Chairman of the Wildlife Committee. He chaired the HSC Predatory Board for 19 years.

Because he has operated a successful business for over 20 years, he knows how to budget and operate within the good years and the lean years and is willing to work with others.

Baird said he will listen to all the constituents of Hot Springs County and do the research on the issues that face our county. He will work to keep common sense on the commission, too, and assures tax dollars will be spent sensibly and resposibly, including saving for the lean years.

Sonja Becker

A fourth generation Hot Springs County native, Sonja Becker grew up farming with her father along the Owl Creek Mountains and is the third generation to run the Becker Family Stock Farm. A 1983 graduate of Hot Springs County High School, Becker spread her wings, traveled abroad, lived in several different states, learned bookkeeping, spent four years active duty as a supply sergeant in the U.S. Army and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree.

Becker put her degree in Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resource Management to work for the Shoshone National Forest for three years, co-owned the Ritz Entertainment Center and found herself pulled back into the farming lifestyle she had grown up with.

“My combination of diverse life experiences, love and care for this community, and ability to work well with others, as well as my tendency to think outside the box, gives me a uniqe perspective that I believe, with your support, would be good for the future of Hot Springs County,” Becker said.

Michael Leisch

Michael Leisch is a life-long resident of Hot Springs County having grown up in Hamilton Dome.

A local business owner for the past 20 years as a certified tax professional (not a CPA), he has also worked in farming and ranching, the oilfield, radio and television and as a postal clerk. He also worked for Lockheed Aircraft as a flight test analysis engineer.

A fiscal conservative, Leisch has served as past president of the Wyoming Association of Professional Accountants and as a member of the Hot Springs County School District’s Board of Directors.

“I have no axe to grind,” Leisch said. “I think groups should be able to talk things out. I hear a lot of rumors about this department not getting along with that department, but sometimes you need to compromise, not fight and argue.

“Sometimes you have to give things up to get things done.”

Tom Ryan

Tom Ryan is a Thermopolis native who graduated from Hot Springs County High School in 1979 and is a current Hot Springs County Commissioner.

After graduating high school he attended the University of Wyoming with a degree in finance before getting married and moving to Omaha, Neb. where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as an analyst.

His true calling was working for the family business, Ryan Bros. Trucking. He has worked alongside his father and uncle building the company to what it is today, a highly successful, 60-year operation.

Ryan served 14 years on the school board, earning him a spot in the State School Board Hall of Fame in 2014. He’s also served on various boards for his church, from finance council to building committee and began his first term as a County Commissioner in 2015.

Ryan said he has Hot Springs County’s best interest in mind an hopes to be elected to a second term as commissioner and has two main goals – first, that all citizens of the county have access to affordable, safe drinking water, and second, to find a way to utilize the former airport in a way that supports the growth of Hot Springs County.

Steve Shay

Steve Shay came to Wyoming in 1977, courtesy of the U.S. Airforce where he was a criminal investigator until his active duty ended in 1981.

Liking the law enforcement side of things, Shay was hired by the Thermopolis Police Department in 1981, serving as an investigator, Sergeant and Chief before leaving to work for R&S Well Service in 1997 as their safety director.

He returned as police chief in 2015. Planning to retire from law enforcement in January, Shay will have dedicated 42 years to law enforcement, 38 of which have been right here in Thermopolis.

He has been elected mayor of Thermopolis twice, serving two two-year terms.

“I am not ready to stop contributing to our community and had looked at different avenues where I thought I could be of assistance,” he said. “I had given some thought to running for this position in the past, but never felt I could dedicate the time and energy it would or should require. I understand that being a good commissioner means investing more time than just showing up for meetings.”

Although Carl Leyba’s name appears on the Primary Election Ballot, he has withdrawn from the race.