Estenson takes over as mayor

At the Thermopolis Town Council meeting held January 3 at Town Hall, attorney Mike Messenger swore in Adam Estenson as the new mayor. Additionally, Messenger swore in council members John Dorman, Sr., and Rachel Hughes. 

Mayor Estenson thanked Messenger for administrating the oaths of office and for Mayor Mike Chimenti for years of service. Estenson also recognized councilmember Tony Larson and Codes Administrator Fred Crosby for their previous work with the council. 

Mayor Esteson’s first order of business was to appoint Interim Chief of Police Pat Cornwell to the position of Chief. Messenger swore in Cornwell.

The council also voted and passed the approval of the following appointments: Town Clerk & Treasure, Tracey Van Heule; Municipal Judge, Ron Jurovich; Town Attorney, Marshall Keller; Town Engineers, Engineering Associates; Town Depositories, Pinnacle Bank, Big Horn Federal, Bank of Thermopolis, Central Bank and Trust; and Town Publication, Thermopolis Independent Record.  

Mayor Estenson held a public hearing for a retail liquor license transfer and ownership transfer from Hot City, LLC to OEB LLC. There were no public comments given. The council then voted and passed the approval of the liquor license transfer.

During citizen participation, the council voted and passed the approval for the catering permit for OEB Saloon for the Ducks Banquet on January 14 at the fair building. 

Chief of Police Pat Cornwell reported that the town is down to four officers, which includes himself. Cornwell is splitting his time between taking calls and handling administrative duties. There are currently three openings for police officers. Mayor Estenson said, “As we begin to work together, I want to work on that as a priority.” 

During the Director of Public Works report, the council praised Earnie Slagle and his team for their effort in handling the snow removable from the recent storms. 

The council went into an executive session to discuss personnel. Upon the audience’s return, Mayor Estenson and the council announced the hiring of Jim Jeunehomme from the County Assessor’s office to replace retiring Fred Crosby as Assistant to the Mayor and Codes Administrator.