TORRINGTON – It was pretty much business as usual for the Goshen County Commissioners during their Aug. 15 meeting. Department reports were presented, with County Road and Bridge Superintendent Jerry Hort reviewing his crew’s part in preparing for the Great American Eclipse.
“We’re about as ready as we can get,” he said of preparations for the expected onslaught of visitors for the Monday event. He said his main concern has been mowing barrow pits to reduce fire danger.
The county coffers will be a bit lighter due to a reduction in taxes approved for a handful of property owners.
“Most of the reductions are corrections in assessments, or people coming in and saying they are out of business,” said Debbie Surratt, Goshen County Assessor, who submitted the reduction orders.
Total reductions were $2,145.24. Property tax accounts for $2,298,751 of the county’s total budget of $11,361,707.
County Planner Gary Childs reported on a recent public meeting he attended regarding the Lewis feedlot southwest of Lingle on the Veteran highway. He said progress is being made in clarifying issues that have risen during recent years, and that should result in an improved neighbor to neighbor situation. Another meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13.
Commissioner Wally Wolski reported on his efforts to obtain traffic control signs warning of heavy traffic in and near the town of Fort Laramie during the eclipse weekend. The main concern there is the railroad crossing that backs up traffic on U.S. Highway 26 when trains block the highway to the Fort Laramie National Historic Site, which is preparing for 5,000 visitors.
Wolski has also arranged to monitor traffic from the air by flying with local pilot and businessman Dean McClain. Airport officials expect 150-200 planes over the eclipse weekend. Camping accommodations and limited parking will also be available near the airport for air passengers.
Concluding the afternoon session were Goshen County Fire Warden Bill Law, and Emergency Management director Shelly Kirchhefer. Law asked the commissioners to reduce the total fire ban to a partial ban, effective Aug. 23.
Law said the change is warranted because of recent rain.
According to Kirchhefer, property owners have been very cooperative about having caution and warning signs placed on their land. She also noted that contrary to rumors, none of the local highways will be shut down, but the Wyoming Department of Transportation will shut down highway construction for five days, as a means of reducing potential for traffic delays.
County Clerk Cindy Kenyon offered a reminder that temporary transient merchant licenses, and malt-liquor, beer, and catering permits will be available at her office through Monday.
She also announced that the Banner Health Medical Clinic at 625 Albany Ave. in Torrington will have extended hours over the weekend.
Friday, Aug. 18 – 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 19 – 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 20 – 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Monday, Aug. 21 – 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Goshen County Courthouse will be closed 11 a.m.-1 p.m. so employees can watch the eclipse.
Reviewing the safety measures being taken to prepare for the occasion, Kirchhefer said, “We’ve absolutely had a lot of cooperation from businesses and property owners. I hope everyone has a good time, but please do it safely. Enjoy the eclipse and the events, but be safe.”
She encourages people to pre-plan their activities for the weekend, and especially for those coming from out of the area, to know their destination and to bring a good map, because in this area, electronic devices do not always work.
“The biggest thing is the unknown,” Kirchhefer said. “We don’t know how many visitors we’ll have, or when they’ll arrive, or when they’ll leave.”
