News in brief

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Ordinance removes court fee
A new court system for the city of Newcastle is expected to save those convicted of offenses $25 in city court fees.  On Nov. 15, the City Council approved the ordinance on second reading, with the third reading scheduled for Dec. 6. 
“It (Ordinance No. 2, Series 2021) is repealing the court costs we used to send to the state supreme court for automation fees. With the new court system, we are independent of the supreme court
and no longer need to send in the funds,” Clerk-Treasurer Greg James told the News Letter Journal. 
City Attorney Mark Hughes explained on Nov. 1, before the first reading of the ordinance, that the new law will repeal the one passed in 2017 that required the $25 payment to the state’s judicial systems automation account. Wyoming Statute Section 5-2-120 created this account and the ordinance required payment as part of the judgment for any conviction.  
According to James, this change will have no real impact on the city because the money is sent to the automation account. He noted that ticketed individuals will pay less money. 
 
Still time to put your hat in the ring
Anyone interested in filling the Newcastle City Council seat left vacant by the resignation of Michael Alexander
has until Dec. 3 to submit
their letter of interest at the
city office. 
Deputy Clerk Becky Vodopich said that she is unaware of anyone who has submitted interest in filling the position, although she noted that Clerk-Treasurer Greg James was out of the office and may have received information she was unaware of. 
Individuals interested in filling the seat must live within city limits. 
James previously said that it is “very likely” that the council will follow a procedure similar to that used for past vacancies. The council will invite applicants to attend a council meeting and answer questions posed by council members. After hearing from applicants, the council will choose Alexander’s replacement.
Letters of interest can be turned in to the city office at 10 W. Warwick.