Derby proceeds exceed budgeted numbers

During last week’s meeting of the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Executive Director Meri Ann Rush provided a recap of the 2018 demolition derby, noting that the event went well. A total $35,000 was budgeted for income from the event, though the actual amount received was $34,424.25. However, the budgeted expenses were $20,000, but came in at only $19,391.10. That means the total proceeds were $15,033.15, just exceeding the budget estimate of $15,000.

Rush noted there were items on the lists of income and expenses that had not been received yet, so estimates of where those items will be were used. Rush also expressed her appreciation to everyone who helps in putting the derby together.

Also at the meeting, the board reviewed the slate of candidates for the upcoming board elections. Among the candidates are Vivian Butchart, Robin Griffin, Pastor Sam Needham, Bradyn Harvey, Liz Freeman and Shelly Burrows. Those whose seats are up are Butchart, Griffin and Needham, though there is also a vacancy due to the resignation of Toby Homi.

Ballots will be mailed out Sept. 25 and must be turned in by Oct. 5. Three people will be selected to count the ballots, and at the chamber’s October meeting the election results will be revealed. Rush further noted at the October meeting they will be electing the executive board for the next year, chosen by the current board and the newly elected members.

Rush spoke to the upcoming Live Local, Work Local tour coming Nov. 5. The tour provides students from the University of Wyoming the opportunity to see what jobs are available to them around the state. The students will be here on Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and during their visit will do some job shadowing as well as exploration of Thermopolis.

Looking ahead to the 2019 Chamber Banquet, Rush said the committee had its first meeting and discussed the menu. She is also following up on a couple speakers, and invited anyone interested in helping to join the committee. She pointed out 2019 marks 100 years of the chamber being incorporated “so we have to have one heck of a birthday party and we need to toot our horn all year long.” The next meeting for the banquet committee is Oct. 15.

Board President Greg Willson reported on the Economic Development Company, noting the application for the Historic Architectural Assistance Fund (HAAF) grant for the Klink building was successful and there is a plan to move forward with remodeling the upper level of the building and surrounding offices. Willson further noted the Masonic Temple in Thermopolis has been placed on the state historic registry.

Deb Tudor, reporting for Main Street Thermoplis, noted an average of six people have been helping to place the pavers around light poles at the intersection of Fifth and Broadway. Rush expressed appreciation for the donated dirt to fill in the new areas, and culverts will be put in around the power before they are filled in so if any maintenance has to be done to a pole the area will not need dug up and destroyed.

Tudor also reported that 24 people attending a recent place making workshop, including some from Cody and Cheyenne, and it got everybody excited and making plans for Bicentennial Park.