StoryWalk coming to town — Resource district gets grant funding

People looking to get out and be active with their young children will soon have a story to help them keep the pace, thanks to a grant received by the Weston County Natural Resource District.

Erin Darlington-Whitcher, the district’s office manager, told the Newcastle City Council on Jan. 21 that the district had received a grant that will be used to fund a set of permanent displays for  a StoryWalk. She noted that the district plans to place the display in Centennial Park and that a new application for placement in the park had been submitted.

Simply put, she said, the Storywalk program involves placing pages from a children’s book along a walking path or trail. Visitors can then walk from page to page, reading the book together. The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont. Storywalk is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

According to the January issue of Conservation Clamour, the district’s newsletter, the district had applied for a $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation in September. Notice came in December that the organization had been granted the requested funding.

As previously reported, Darlington-Whitcher had said she was doing research on potential projects when she came across the StoryWalk program. The program, she said, seemed to fit the goals of the district for community education and outreach, as well as partners.

“WCNRD hopes to prepare several books for use in a StoryWalk and would like to have them displayed in parks in Newcastle, Upton and out on some of the hiking trails,” she said.

The great thing about the program, Darlington-Whitcher said, is how adaptable
it is.

To begin, the group planned low-cost methods, including temporary and moveable displays, but this grant, she said, will help them achieve a more permanent structure for the StoryWalk.

The district, according to Darlington-Whitcher, will be responsible for creation of the story pages and maintenance of the structures. She told the council that members are planning continued fund-raising efforts to fund the upkeep and maintenance, noting that they anticipate some vandalism.

“Once installed, this permanent StoryWalk will provide WCNRD with new outreach and education opportunities for local families with a new activity that encourages outdoor exercise and literacy,” Darlington-Whitcher said in the newsletter. “The great thing about the StoryWalk program is that it offers countless opportunities for community participation.”

She noted that this includes suggesting books, creating activities and sponsoring events focusing on the StoryWalk.

According to Darlington-Whitcher, the district plans to have the structures in place by late spring or early summer.

City Beats

Notes from the Jan. 21, 2025, meeting of the Newcastle City Council

Saleen Rumore, with Twirlwind Dance Studio, received a certificate of recognition for the studio’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Merritt Pederson, with the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department, reported that the results of the department’s recent election are: Chief James Curen, Assistant Chief Merritt Pederson, Secretary Benjamin Foote and Treasurer Paul Eitel. A motion to certify the results carried.

Tony Shucraft attended the meeting to express frustration over the increase in his water bill. He also mentioned the “funky taste” in the water and how his gas price is averaged month to month. Mayor Tyrel Owens explained that the city is working to address the water issues, that it is working on a budget billing program and that the increase in rates was necessary.

Councilman Chris Kenney reported that he had attended a Newcastle Recreation board meeting and that the board would be moving its meetings to the second Monday of each month, instead of the first.

Mayor Tyrel Owens requested a parks committee meeting to discuss a potential water park. He also discussed economic development.

Owens provided an update on the Back Yard Park and potential work with the American Ramp Co. for the project.

The council approved Owens’ request to purchase business cards for himself as mayor.

Newcastle Police Chief Derek Thompson informed the council that the police committee had discussed hiring a marketing firm to help hire officers.

Attorney Dublin Hughes reported that there has been no further progress on the judgment against UBC Precast. He noted other lawyers had contacted him regarding their judgments against UBC Precast.

City Clerk-Treasurer Stacy Haggerty reported that the budget billing program would not work with ACH billing. She also received the go ahead to proceed with the program for the five individuals who signed up in January.

Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff requested the ability to apply for a variance with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for a section of sewer line. His request was approved.

The council approved a request that both Stumpff and Carrie Peterson attend the Wyoming Funding Summit for grant writing.

After an executive session referencing personnel, the council moved to “dismiss” officer Kelly Moran.