Lincoln County has moved forward with a tax payment agreement for the Westmoreland Mining operations in Kemmerer. The national company declared bankruptcy in 2018. Lincoln County Commissioner Kent Connelly, said the LLC company now operating the mine under the bankruptcy agreement wanted to work with Lincoln County for past due taxes, despite a court ruling allowing the company to wait until bankrupt proceedings were complete. Under the agreement between the company and Lincoln County, the LLC agreed to pay $5 million on May 13, an additional $500,000 on May 17. An additional $2.2 million will be paid to the county in four different monthly intallments.
Governor Mark Gordon announced Monday that Randall Luthi will join his Administration to serve as Chief Energy Advisor. An attorney, rancher and former Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives from Lincoln County, Luthi brings an extensive background in government service and the private sector to the Governor’s office. Luthi joins the Gordon administration after serving nearly 10 years as President of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), a membership association representing all facets of the domestic offshore energy industry. Prior to joining NOIA, Luthi worked at the Department of the Interior, serving as Director of the Minerals Management Service and Deputy Director of the Department’s Fish and Wildlife Service.
University of Wyoming Vice President for Finance and Administration Neil Theobald has been chosen to serve as the university’s acting president. During a special teleconference meeting, Monday, the UW Board of Trustees unanimously selected Theobald from among three finalists who were interviewed in person by the full board last week. The terms of his appointment are still being finalized, but it will be a one-year contract with an annual salary of $340,000, along with provision of a UW vehicle for his use. He will take office July 1, following the completion of current President Laurie Nichols’ contract.
Governor Mark Gordon has appointed Jason M. Conder to be a District Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial District serving Fremont County, Wyoming. Conder fills the vacancy occurring with the retirement of Judge Norman Young. Conder is currently the Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming in the Lander Branch Office. He has held that role since 2005. Previously, Conder was a Deputy County Attorney in Uinta County and clerked for Judge Terrence O’Brien and Judge Clarence Brimmer. He received degrees from the University of Utah and graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation, working with contract crews from Lewis & Lewis, will be temporarily closing the sidewalk over the viaduct bridge on US 189 in Kemmerer. As construction on the bridge moves to the northbound lane, the sidewalk will be temporarily closed for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Pavement preservation work on U.S. Highway 89 and other areas in Grand Teton National Park is underway and travelers should expect up to 15-minute daytime delays as chip seal activities are underway. Work on U.S. Highway 89 will begin at the park’s southern boundary and continue northbound throughout the year, extending to the south gate of Yellowstone National Park. Road work is dependent upon weather and temperature conditions.
