Scrutiny, budgets, elections, safety and services — A month-by-month look at the people, policies and pressures that shaped Weston County

Weston County’s biggest stories in 2025 shared a common theme: institutions under pressure and communities trying to adapt. From continued scrutiny of the 2024 general election and a cascade of subpoenas, investigations and court proceedings to budget strain in local government and schools, residents repeatedly confronted questions of accountability, capacity and cost. Public safety and infrastructure also stayed in the spotlight, including staffing gaps, water system challenges and explosive-related incidents that tested emergency response. Health care leaders worked to stabilize operations and finances, while the county’s rare earth ambitions brought both opportunity and complications, including hiring hurdles and repeated delays. Through it all, civic debates, volunteerism and local philanthropy showed how small-town problem-solving still drives big outcomes.

January 2025

Dr. Lanny Reimer is the News Letter Journal’s 2024 Person of the Year. Reimer retired in December from Weston County Health Services, leaving a legacy of dedication to the community.

Gov. Mark Gordon has received a citizen complaint regarding Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock and issues with the 2024 general election. The Governor’s Office will examine the verified complaint and conduct an investigation. At the end of the investigation, the governor will make a determination on the request, which will be forwarded to the complainants and the Weston County clerk.

Weston County communications officers Genell Rothleutner, Tonia Mills and Alison Stephens were named Communications Team of the Year, and Rothleutner was named Communications Officer of the Year by the Wyoming Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials at its annual awards ceremony. They were nominated by dispatch center director Dave Larson, in part because of consecutive shifts covered by the team when the center was understaffed. Mills said what motivates the communications officers is a love for the community.

Failure to train Weston County Hospital District materials management employees on how to use accounting software implemented under former CEO Randy Lindauer at the beginning of 2024 has resulted in a financial loss to the district, current hospital officials said. They are trying to salvage the situation, which could cost the district as much as $3 million.

The News Letter Journal compared the time spent in executive session in 2024 by each of the four boards in Weston County with the largest budgets and asked board chairs to comment on whether the time was justified. The News Letter Journal intends to track the use of executive sessions by these boards throughout 2025 and will provide a monthly report so the community can monitor the amount of time elected officials spend in closed sessions.

Seeking to avoid a reduction in force, Weston County School District No. 1 Superintendent Brad LaCroix began crafting what he called an “attrition plan” as the district confronted financial challenges, including declining class sizes, an aging pool facility and rising employee benefit costs, along with the potential impact of legislation.

February 2025

The Town of Upton was in need of a police force. Upton was down to one reserve police officer and relied on assistance from the Weston County Sheriff’s Office after former Upton chief of police Susan Bridge resigned Oct. 16 after being injured on a call. The town has searched for new officers, but applicants have been few.

In a continuation of issues associated with total coliform-positive samples in Newcastle’s water system, the city was required to work with an engineer to install disinfection equipment. “We have addressed each set of problems as they arise. For example, we frequently have issues with Tank No. 2 (orange tank by the shooting range) in the summer months due to poor design and water age in the tank,” Greg Stumpff, Newcastle’s public works supervisor, said.

News Letter Journal publisher and editor-in-chief Bob Bonnar was honored with the Milton Chilcott Freedom of Information Award by the Wyoming Press Association on Jan. 18 at its annual convention in Cheyenne. Bonnar is one of seven recipients since the award was created in the 1980s. The award honors those who make extraordinary efforts to ensure citizens have access to public information, according to the association.

Officials confirmed no injuries occurred in an explosion at the Wyoming Refining Co. refinery that shook homes across Newcastle and left the refinery idle while the facility was assessed. Damage was evident after a heater explosion toppled an exhaust stack and ripped thick metal apart late Feb. 12.

Newcastle Mayor Tyrel Owens, sworn in Jan. 6, outlined a three-pronged plan for revitalizing the city’s economy. The plan involved livening up Main Street and attracting businesses, recruiting a larger enterprise such as a manufacturer, and hosting tourist-friendly events. Owens reached out to Brandi Harlow, northeast regional director for the Wyoming Business Council, about the Wyoming Main Street program.

March 2025

At its Feb. 22 meeting, the Weston County Hospital District board of trustees asked CEO Cathy Harshbarger and her management team to explore how the hospital could conduct a forensic audit to determine whether past leadership improperly dispersed funds. Trustee Ben Roberts said the board should ensure, on the public’s behalf, that there was no past malfeasance.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray officially recommended removal of Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office after he said it was clear there was “misconduct or malfeasance” during the 2024 election cycle. After a news conference, Gray hand-delivered a nine-page letter with more than 80 pages of attachments to Gov. Mark Gordon’s office. The documents were provided to the News Letter Journal by Gray’s office upon request.

Weston County Health Services’ nursing home reached its break-even point financially, according to hospital district trustee Nathan Ballard, who served on the board’s finance committee. Previously, the hospital lost money through Weston County Manor, Ballard said, in part because not enough of the facility’s 58 beds were filled.

Newcastle’s newest officer hit the ground running on all fours. K-9 Buster and Sgt. Nicholas Kaminski completed required training in January, and since then, Chief Derek Thompson said, the duo have been busy. Thompson said he hoped the team would help increase apprehension and prosecution related to illicit drugs through Buster’s detection work.

Weston County School District No. 1 needed to raise enough money to renovate the Kozisek Aquatic Center or abandon it, LaCroix told the News Letter Journal. The estimated renovation cost was about $500,000, according to information provided to the school board March 12. Maintenance director Adam Ertman said up-front costs would be higher if the district converted the pool into a recreation center because that option would require building a concrete or floating floor where the pool is and installing air conditioning.

Over several meetings, the Board of Weston County Commissioners held difficult budget conversations as line items became overdrawn or neared that mark. Between struggles to stay within the current budget and questions about the next one, commissioners raised concerns about what the county could afford in coming years.

April 2025

Local fire departments honored and escorted Newcastle resident Carl Jungck to his final resting place at Greenwood Cemetery on March 28. Jungck died March 23. His family said his early volunteer work as a firefighter was a cornerstone of his life. He served as a past fire chief and as a rural fire trainer for Wyoming State Forestry. Jungck was 84.

A softball league was brought back to Newcastle after years of dormancy through the efforts of Ashley Tupper, who said she saw a need in the community and decided to start the project. Tupper said talks had been underway for years, but the effort stalled over small hang-ups. With a daughter interested in the sport, she said she was motivated to move forward.

Driven by funding and staffing concerns, the Board of Weston County Commissioners began the process of potentially creating an emergency medical services district to help fund the volunteer service in Upton and the Newcastle Ambulance Service operated by Campbell County EMS.

Employees at Newcastle’s Wyoming Refining Co. helped Par Pacific Holdings resume operations relatively quickly after the Feb. 12 incident that damaged a crude heater furnace, according to a company spokesman.

Rare Element Resources’ demonstration plant in Upton experienced another delay, the company announced April 17. A news release said the equipment shakedown process showed the company needed to make design and equipment modifications to run the plant effectively.

May 2025

After a report of a suspicious circumstance, the Newcastle Police Department destroyed three devices determined to be what is commonly referred to as a bottle bomb, Draino bomb or Works bomb, Chief Derek Thompson said. Thompson later confirmed another suspected bottle bomb was located a day after the first three devices were discovered.

Weston County will not be forced to assume the cost of a trial for a man arrested for allegedly building and planting an explosive device at an oil field servicing business near Upton because the accused was charged in federal court. The U.S. attorney’s office charged David Charles Riggle of Upton, according to Weston County Attorney Michael Stulken, who said state charges were dismissed April 30.

After Newcastle Police Chief Derek Thompson raised concerns about ordinances, the City Council directed City Attorney Dublin Hughes to draft language to repeal two long-standing ordinances. Thompson also presented an ordinance regarding storage of junk and junk vehicles and asked the council to consider amending it.

A discussion between Mayor Tyrel Owens and members of the Newcastle Rec Board became heated May 5 after the board expressed concerns about public statements by council members that were quoted in a recent News Letter Journal article. “Recently, our reputation was tarnished by a very negative article that came out in the News Letter Journal,” recreation board secretary Burl King said. He said allegations had been made against the board and that it lacked guidance on requirements to secure its annual budget from the city.

Weston County had more than $12 million in various investment accounts, according to information Treasurer Susie Overman provided to the News Letter Journal after a May 6 discussion with commissioners. Overman said the county had $12,418,724.63 in multiple investment accounts and banks.

Gov. Mark Gordon will not direct the Wyoming attorney general to commence action against Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock for mishandling the 2024 general election, according to a May 23 press release. Secretary of State Chuck Gray objected to the decision.

As officials discussed the future of EMS in Weston County and a potential EMS district, Upton reported progress in developing its volunteer service. Prompted by staffing and funding concerns, commissioners initiated creation of an EMS district, though some of the largest struggles were associated with the service in Newcastle.

June 2025

Starting July 1, people with concealed carry permits may carry firearms into school facilities under a law passed by the Wyoming Legislature in February. The law also allows school boards to create rules for employees and volunteers. At the district’s May 28 meeting, LaCroix recommended trustees hold off on creating a policy and instead treat the law like other state laws.

Election integrity remained a hot topic in Weston County and statewide, and Secretary of State Chuck Gray pushed to eliminate voting machines in favor of pen-and-ballot elections. On May 8, Gray discussed election integrity efforts with the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee, including interest in hand counting ballots in certain situations.

Government entities across Wyoming and the nation take varied approaches to investing funds, and local governments in Weston County differ considerably in how they handle extra cash. Weston County had nearly $12.5 million in investment accounts. According to information provided by city clerks, Newcastle had more than $3.7 million in investments and Upton had $300,000 in three CDs. Meanwhile, Weston County School District No. 1 had no investment accounts or reserves, business manager Angela Holliday said.

From a public defender crisis to budget concerns, the 6th Judicial District Court in Weston County faced struggles. Commissioners discussed issues with judges Mathew Castano and Stuart Healy on May 20. Commissioners expressed concern the county may not be able to continue covering increased costs associated with court-appointed attorneys.

Owens said he has heard people call Newcastle “a dying town.” He said the description is not one he likes, but he acknowledged the community has been stable in population for a long time and appears to be treading water. Vacant Main Street storefronts have not helped, he said.

Some Weston County Health Services trustees were at an impasse with administrators over the upcoming fiscal year budget, and John Gantner, who served as interim chief financial officer in 2024, was assisting leaders in reaching a resolution.

Wyoming is one of five states that does not provide state funding for preschool, according to a national report. Francie Gregory, executive director of Weston County Children’s Center/Region III Developmental Services, said the lack of state funding presents challenges.

July 2025

Newcastle High School 2000 graduate Kyle Jorrey said he tries to return to Newcastle as often as he can, and the All-School Reunion provided a reason to come home. “The All School Reunion is the one time every five years where you can catch up with all of the old friends from your class, and the other classes as well,” Jorrey said.

While most reunion activities were in Newcastle, many former students planned to travel north into the Black Hills on July 4 for an All-School Reunion party hosted by Flying V Lodge. NHS graduates Larry and Twylla Napolitano, who have owned and operated the lodge since 1988, anticipated a night of food, live music and a fireworks display.

After a plea from County Attorney Michael Stulken, other public officials and some residents expressed support for his office amid proposed budget cuts that Stulken said would greatly affect staffing and services.

After two trustees resigned, the Weston County Hospital board approved a $27.9 million budget for fiscal year 2026 in a 3-2 vote July 10. The budget projected net income of $1.1 million, and budgeted expenses were $4.4 million less than fiscal 2025.

An Upton volunteer firefighter and three emergency medical technicians rescued two people and a dog trapped in flood waters on U.S. Highway 116 North on July 6.

Newcastle will pay $81,000 for a grant specialist as the city seeks to bring in more funding for infrastructure projects. On July 7, the Newcastle City Council voted to offer conditional employment to Beth Blackwell at $81,000 a year, or $39 an hour, to write and manage grants beginning July 14. The offer included a one-year probationary period.

Rare Element Resources said it expected to begin operating its demonstration plant in Upton in early 2026. The company said in a July 17 news release that it had identified needed design and equipment changes during the shakedown process.

Weston County Health Services hired a new clinic director who was scheduled to start Aug. 4, Harshbarger said at the hospital board’s July 17 meeting. Trisa “Trish” Linford has worked in revenue management, credentialing and office management and has compliance certification, Harshbarger said.

The Weston County School District No. 1 board approved a $16.95 million proposed general fund budget for 2025-26, slightly more than the $16.7 million budget for 2024-25. Holliday said the district may need to amend the budget, and it anticipated about $3.5 million in local revenue, $600,000 in county revenue and $12.85 million from state reimbursements.

Weston County has its foot in the door as the United States attempts to overcome a long-standing deficit in rare earth element production, but the chance to become a permanent player could be lost due to difficulty attracting scientists to the area. Rare Element Resources CEO Ken Mushinski said at a congressional hearing the company was struggling to recruit STEM employees locally.

August 2025

Dr. Michael Jording was recognized as the 2025 Physician of the Year after the Wyoming Medical Society announced the honor July 30.

Harshbarger said the hospital has struggled at times to obtain EMS transfers. She said around July 15 a patient with sepsis and gangrene in their intestines could not be transported because EMS was at shift change. “We don’t find that an acceptable reason at all,” she said.

Newcastle considered two separate concerns tied to use of Main Street, and the council discussed whether and how to manage both commercial truck traffic and bicyclists.

Trustees elected Dottie Sylte and William Curley on Aug. 5 to fill vacancies created by the resignations of Nathan Ballard and Karine Wright West. The terms will expire in May 2026. Board Chair Ann Slagle said Sylte and Curley were the only two applicants.

A $2.4 million grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust will bring virtual crisis care to Wyoming, and the Weston County Sheriff’s Office and Newcastle Police Department sought to join the program. The trust and Gordon announced the grant Aug. 5. The funding is intended to expand 24/7 telehealth access to behavioral health professionals for people in crisis, according to the trust.

Enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits introduced in 2021 are scheduled to expire in 2026, which could increase costs for some Weston County residents. Diane Gore, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, wrote in an opinion piece that the expiration could particularly affect middle-income earners and self-employed people who rely on marketplace coverage.

After 22 years with Pinnacle Bank, Justin Tystad was named a regional president. He will remain president for the Newcastle branch and take on added responsibilities in other parts of the state.

Newcastle High School alumni raised money for local students through reunion activities. Booster Club President Lacey Von Eye said the club’s annual golf tournament had its best turnout in years and raised about $10,000, about twice the usual amount. Proceeds support camps, activity costs, equipment, a scholarship and the school’s 3Plus Award program, she said.

Wyoming was ranked first as America’s top hiking destination in a study cited in a press release from EDGE Fall Protection, LLC.

September 2025

Newcastle scheduled two public meetings with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to review two water projects, Stumpff said. The projects were the West Railroad Water Improvement Project in the Getchell Addition and the city’s Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan, which is intended to guide future improvements.

Weston County moved closer to establishing an EMS district amid continued concerns about staffing and response times.

Blackwell, a longtime state grant and loan administrator, was set to become Newcastle’s first grant manager after more than a decade with the Office of State Lands and Investments. She was to be responsible for writing and managing grants.

Kim Scharf, director of quality at Weston County Health Services, took new steps to support students in the hospital’s certified nursing assistant program, which she has led since 2023. Scharf said the program’s success is supported by leadership and staff and helps meet workforce needs while offering career pathways.

Weston County judges circulated a draft court security order that would formalize screening at the courthouse and spell out how the Sheriff’s Office enforces bans on weapons and recording in judicial areas. Judges said the changes were aimed at safety and clarity, not new staffing mandates.

Christ Episcopal Church, believed to be Newcastle’s oldest congregation, planned to celebrate its 135th anniversary Sept. 21 with a special service and a picnic. The congregation started in the late 1880s, and the church building was constructed in 1890, according to the Rev. Steve Christy.

The Weston County Clerk 2024 General Election Subcommittee of the Wyoming Legislature issued a subpoena compelling Hadlock to testify at a meeting in Casper. The subpoena was issued after Hadlock and her deputy said they had no time to testify, according to Rep. Christopher Knapp, R-Gillette, chairman of the Legislature’s Management Audit Committee.

The 2024 Wyoming and County Profiles released by the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division compared demographic, social and economic conditions across the state. The profiles placed Weston County among the leaders in home ownership and household income but also reported the widest gender pay gap and among the lowest levels of higher educational attainment.

October 2025

Hadlock did not appear at a legislative subcommittee meeting in Casper investigating 2024 general election anomalies in Weston County. Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, chair of the subcommittee, said good-faith efforts were made to invite Hadlock to attend.

Trustees authorized Harshbarger to pay MedSource Imaging up to $35,000 for software upgrades to the hospital’s mammography machine. Other systems also needed updates to keep pace with cyber security needs.

Newcastle schools reported gains on the 2024 Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress, with many grades’ English language arts scores in the top quartile statewide, along with improved math results.

The Weston County Humane Society hired a new shelter director. Jenny Mosley served in the role starting Sept. 1. She previously served on the humane society board.

Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, one of Weston County’s two state representatives, said the state must confront whether it is upholding its constitution and warned that the voice of rural residents is fading in state politics.

Chip Neiman and Rep. J.D. Williams, R-Lusk, were recognized as the Wyoming County Commissioners Association’s 2025 Legislators of the Year.

A WYDOT facility in Newcastle was evacuated after an employee inadvertently brought what appeared to be an explosive device onto the property. Authorities said the employee found the item in a remote area of Weston County and transported it to the office, unaware of its nature. No injuries were reported, and a bomb squad disposed of the device.

A discussion during an Oct. 6 Newcastle City Council meeting about a new police hire sparked debate about whether city employees should be required to live within or near city limits.

The legislative subcommittee investigating the 2024 general election in Weston County reported significant errors in ballot handling and post-election reporting and proposed statutory changes to prevent similar issues.

Weston County’s efforts to change apportionment in Wyoming may not see immediate action, but the joint reapportionment subcommittee said the topic would continue to be discussed before the 2030 census.

State lawmakers voted Oct. 21 to give the 2024 general election investigation one more day to take testimony and possibly compel Hadlock to appear under court order.

Weston County Health Services reduced its billing and coding staff after an outside review of its revenue cycle management, Harshbarger said. Six workers were affected, including three business office employees and three remote workers.

November 2025

Commissioners planned to discuss oversight of the county homeland security position after Commissioner Marty Ertman proposed the board take back supervision. She cited goals of improving communication, budgeting oversight and transparency.

Newcastle Vietnam veteran Wayne Christensen was chosen by AARP to participate in its Voyage of Valor in May. Christensen served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and received a Purple Heart.

Enrollment at Weston County School District No. 1 schools declined again, LaCroix said at the board’s Oct. 29 meeting. He said declining enrollment is the district’s most substantial issue and could take a larger toll on the 2026-27 budget.

Rare Element Resources said its demonstration plant remained on track to open before January, with full operations expected to accelerate in the first quarter of 2026. The company said design reviews were complete.

Work began on a partnership with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation after Owens pushed the council to consider the program. RCAC regional field manager Amity Rembold said a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant paid for the team’s services.

Natrona County prosecutors charged Hadlock with failure to appear after investigators said she did not show up to testify before a legislative subcommittee after being subpoenaed.

A regional power outage cut electricity to more than 100,000 customers at its peak and disrupted services. The outage began about 12:45 p.m. Nov. 13, according to Weston County Homeland Security Coordinator Gilbert Nelson, and was later tied to problems on a 500-kilovolt transmission line near Medicine Bow, according to Powder River Energy Corp.

As changes affected the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, community members continued to support the BREAD food pantry. Volunteer Myra Gunnink said businesses and organizations routinely run food drives and the pantry relies on local donations to buy supplies.

Hadlock pleaded not guilty to failing to appear at the legislative hearing. She entered her plea in Natrona County Circuit Court, and her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said she wanted a trial.

Commissioners voted Nov. 18 to send formal notices to five local districts that remained out of compliance with state reporting requirements, beginning a statutory process that can lead to dissolution if entities do not meet year-end deadlines.

First Northern Bank began rehabilitating a downtown property by demolishing a failing structure to expand and modernize operations. The lot has served multiple uses since it was recorded in 1891.

Child care could become more challenging after a local preschool was downsized, but shrinking school district enrollment could offer a long-term solution. Managing Editor Kim Dean asked the school board whether it would consider opening a junior kindergarten or prekindergarten program.

December 2025

Warning rural health care is under attack, Weston County Health Services’ newly hired chief financial officer said he came to Newcastle to help brace for a potential spike in insurance premiums and strengthen the hospital’s financial footing. Paul Maiellano began work Nov. 17, Harshbarger said. Harshbarger said his salary is $190,000 plus benefits, and he will receive relocation expenses estimated at $5,000.

Newcastle educator Bessie Colgrove was featured at the University of Wyoming’s Trustees Education Initiative Showcase on Nov. 19, where she spoke about the importance of strengthening career and technical education.

More than $500,000 has moved through Newcastle and Weston County over two decades through Pinnacle Bank’s Festival of Trees fundraiser, which began in 2003 and has grown into one of the region’s most influential charitable traditions.

Newcastle formalized a collaborative request to the Wyoming Legislature with the Town of Upton, urging support for a funding package to prepare both communities for growth tied to Wyoming’s rare earth elements industry.

Kozisek Aquatic Center reopened Dec. 8 after months of fund-raising and repairs, including a new pool liner and a replaced boiler system. LaCroix said the work could keep the pool open for 10 to 20 years if the community continues to use it.

Gray again asked Gordon to remove Hadlock from office, submitting a second formal request Dec. 4 that accused the clerk of filing a false post-election audit and refusing to comply with a legislative subpoena.

Weston County Health Services is engaging an independent forensic accounting firm to review “irregularities” that Chief Financial Officer Paul Maiellano discovered in financial information the hospital had reported to state and federal oversight agencies. CEO Cathy Harshbarger told the News Letter Journal that Maiellano identified discrepancies in financial data that WCHS had submitted to state and federal oversight agencies before his arrival. The findings suggested inaccurate information had been reported, leading hospital leadership to determine that a forensic audit was necessary.

A second Dollar General store is under construction in Newcastle and is expected to open in early 2026, bringing another retail option — and additional jobs — to the community. Dollar General confirmed the new store is being built at 2601 W. Main St. and that the opening is currently slated for late January through early March 2026, depending on construction progress.

Weston County School District No. 1 is hesitating to purchase new buses amid financial uncertainty. Superintendent Brad LaCroix told board members at the Dec. 10 meeting that he recommends going out to bid but cautioned against committing to purchases before reviewing enrollment trends and long-term financial impacts.

Scattered power outages across northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota continued following severe winter storms that produced hurricane force winds across Wyoming. Conditions were gradually improving over the weekend in Weston County, according to utility providers and third-party outage tracking data. Recorded winds in the county ranged from 61 to 73 mph.

A new annual teacher award honoring kindness, resilience and excellence will bear the names of longtime Weston County School District No. 1 educators Gene and Pat Ward. The award will recognize a district teacher selected annually by a superintendent-appointed committee based on qualities the Wards exemplified, including kindness, joy, resilience and excellence in educating and mentoring students. 

Caitlyn Cox’s first commissioned pieces were coffee mugs for folks in Weston County that she made in middle school. She is now being featured at the Denver Art Museum as part of its “Indomitably Indigenous” showcase.