Police department releases body cam footage of officer involved shooting

At the February 18 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, during town department reports, Sergeant Mike Mascorro said that the Thermopolis Police Department is releasing the body cam footage of the officer involved shooting that happened in September, 2024. The video can be viewed on the Thermopolis Police Department’s official Facebook page.

In the codes administration, Assistant to the Mayor Jim Jeunehomme updated the council about the downtown flagpole issue. He said that Billings Sign Service and Western Flag & Banners will use the same flagpole design to replace the recently damaged and installed flagpole. Also, when the installation is completed, the VFW members will hold a flag raising ceremony to make the colors and flagpole official.

The council also voted and passed the approval for Mayor Adam Estenson to sign a Letter of Support for the River of Life Fellowship. Jeunehomme explained that the church has been serving boxes of food to those in need, increasing from 20 to 30 meals per month to over 200 meals per month. River of Life is in need of refrigerated storage due to their growth.

Mayor Estenson held a public hearing for the Notice of Application for 2025-2026 Liquor License Renewals. No public comments were given. The council voted and passed the approval of the renewals.

Director of Public Works Basil Sorensen discussed the water main break on February 9 on the west side of town. Five to six men worked together to stop the leak for about 43 hours of non-stop work.

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett added to Sorensen’s report that the repair to the water’s main break is a temporary fix and they will need outside help.

Barnett also discussed the coming closure of the Broadway Bridge to do repairs. There will be a detoured route with signage so that tourists can reach the state park and that access to the hospital will also be available. The specific dates of the bridge work will be announced later.

Town Attorney Marshall Keller presented for its third and final reading the Ordinance Amending the 24 hour Alcoholic Beverage Application. The council voted and passed the approval of the amended ordinance.

Also, the council voted and passed the approval of the Rocky Mountain Franchise agreement update.