BUILDING BETTER BOARDS WORKSHOP COMING TO NEWCASTLE

Appointed board members undertake important work on behalf of their county and its residents. They make decisions crucial to the county’s infrastructure and services. To lead effectively, they must understand how their agency functions, as well as board procedures, governance best practices, legal and ethical obligations, and Wyoming State laws, resolutions, regulations, bylaws, executive orders, written policies, and procedures that they must comply with.

Community members serving on elected and appointed boards will soon have an opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge at an upcoming training event in Newcastle. Led by the University of Wyoming Extension, this training fulfills the Wyoming Department of Audit’s public officer training requirement to comply with W.S. 9-1-510, also known as HB 00060. The statute requires all public officers to receive instruction in the proper handling of the accounts of their offices from the Wyoming Department of Audit or courses approved by them.  

For Weston County board members, UW Extension educator Julie Daniels will host a “Building Better Boards” workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Weston County Senior Center, Michael’s Room, located at 627 Pine Street in Newcastle. The upcoming workshop is the only training of its kind offered in Weston County this year.

The training is designed to provide guidance for anyone currently serving or considering service on local boards. Topics will cover both the practical and legal responsibilities that come with leadership roles.

Topics on the agenda include:

• Understanding the types and roles of boards

• Identifying what makes boards effective and impactful

• Clarifying fiduciary responsibility

• Reviewing ethics and open meeting law

• Offering parliamentary pointers for smoother meetings

• Explaining HB 00060, the Wyoming Department of Audit’s requirement review

“This workshop is a great chance for local leaders to gain confidence in their roles and ensure their boards are operating effectively and responsibly,” Daniels said. “Strong boards are the backbone of strong communities.”

The event is open to anyone serving on elected or appointed boards, whether in local government, nonprofits or community organizations. Along with training, participants will also enjoy a provided meal and beverages.

Registration Details

Participants must register in advance by calling the Weston County extension office at 307-746-3531. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Organizers encourage board members across Weston County and the surrounding areas to take advantage of this opportunity.

For more information, contact the Weston County extension office at 307-746-3531 or HYPERLINK "mailto:vhayman@uwyo.edu"vhayman@uwyo.edu.

Other Locations

Two additional “Building Better Boards” workshops will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at the Crook County Courthouse, Community Room, located at 309 E. Cleveland in Sundance and Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. at the Campbell County Library, Wyoming Room, located at 2101 4-J Road in Gillette. 

To register for either of these trainings, call the Crook County extension office at 307-283-1192 or the Campbell County extension office at 307-682-7281 by Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.

Vicki Hayman is the Community Vitality and Health educator at UW Extension Weston County. Contact her at HYPERLINK "mailto:vhayman@uwyo.edu"vhayman@uwyo.edu.  

The University of Wyoming and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperate. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution