[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6487512,"mediaKeyId","5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3","parentId",5595992,"title","Resident urges compromise on placement of public artworks in downtown Sheridan","audioSeconds",1654,"startMs",2138000,"endMs",3792000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3&start=2138&end=3792","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3/thumbnail_2138000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487512/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Resident-urges-compromise-on-placement-of-public-artworks-in-downtown-Sheridan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487512-c05bccaccd1cf659a1c7966b4c8d2b92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605813&Signature=Iemsqt1zFrHflnxSQu--UheUn3JraPXYaQMPCXb5jSO54x2m2mlGFhXt8F98yjwtrWjiissd8p1mI5nW7h2jDt0K32RIUAdylhrihMVGgF-3ElWZz2RLCh8pPt-AjTjQwPhM2CIzsvTbQmCJXv0v1Loes0U1ntRSZHJUgz65wIbJAxFeeS-DIkc2zYnm181YpiynJurEtU-2SCxPekupguJhhtxkFj84njJPR02SqnRWUq-F9O8MnX2Zb3i0Bupoa1g5CUm5BMCXMRgqekDZc~E2w~DCORzIBzfXw5QZ7pAQWdodVBa-n6S6jLtCt0f4c2SQ9aYcpICxfNGwjuACEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sheridan","date","2025-08-18T00:00:00Z","article","During the public-comment period of the Aug. 18 Sheridan City Council meeting, a resident identified as Ms. Taylor spoke on behalf of the Sheridan Public Arts Council and proposed relocating two pieces of public art to better match their themes and siting.

Ms. Taylor said the bronzed \"stacking frogs\" had been removed and placed in city storage after the county requested removal; she suggested the frogs be located at Main and Dow (near the creek) and the car-parts sculpture be relocated to the Birkett and Brooks sidewalk in front of the $3.2 million green space.

\"The stacking frogs are now in the city storage and the pedestal will be recoded before this art finds a new location,\" Ms. Taylor said, and she described the car-parts work (titled Black and White) as a stack of bolted fenders whose message is recycling and a reminder to drive safely. She told the council the artist is expected to be in Sheridan Oct. 8 to speak about the work.

Ms. Taylor noted the frogs had been placed on the sidewalk and extended through the sidewalk in a manner that risked contacting heating elements under the pavement; that risk was the county's stated concern when it requested removal. The city administrator later clarified in council remarks that the sidewalk in question is city property, that the county asked that items be removed because of under-pavement heating equipment concerns, and that the council traditionally allows the Sheridan Public Arts Committee to recommend art placement.

No council action was taken at the meeting; the city administrator said he would relay the residents comments to the Arts Committee for consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sheridan - City Council - Regular","oneSentenceSummary","A resident urged the council to consider exchanging locations for two public artworks\t\tthe bronzed \"stacking frogs\" and a car-parts sculpture\t\tso the frogs sit closer to the creek and the car-parts piece faces the green space, and she said the artist will visit in October.","taxTitle","Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming","taxId",68760,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487517,"Sheridan County coroner reports rising suicides, outlines office upgrades and partnerships",737,1068000,1805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3&start=1068&end=1805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3/thumbnail_1068000.jpg","/articles/6487517/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Sheridan-County-coroner-reports-rising-suicides-outlines-office-upgrades-and-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487517-2978687a06eeb1039184c9fb2fc115cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605813&Signature=WEF3Bs~fcxnHg0L5p8fiP8o3OP-wnPyjIsVUWDnW5gZxs1z8DFAcd2gHspQHVOh-7uuaP-540zEiprTj3Yk0npiJvytKhm3tH4ftNhRt4wRpVst23ba5UtUyBHOMNZWmhuFfO-6nA7o4Lqat69Da~7~QuUR2r4MXNeD8gQLEit9zvcxR7saZ1e9iQPe7ou-bf6w04NIqVr279jHPR4Iey9jQ7Rt5aIfOro9nL3sVSgjNqtxuOH1r-bcJtiBbIs7yuVhK7~~3jNB2tCTFCsXCuvojdWtKStx7wP35QP92lsdUTX12y~mzEpPt4JhARL02xttAE36t6f8VA2maRvBAOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Robert Byrd, Sheridan County coroner, briefed the Sheridan City Council on Aug. 18 about changes to his offices location and operations, partnerships with neighboring medical-examiner offices and growing local suicide numbers.

Byrd summarized the offices move from the courthouse into the law enforcement center at 1604 North Main and said the office has expanded investigative and specialty capabilities. He reviewed state statutes that govern coroner duties (citing statutes on cause and manner of death, archaeological discovery procedures and records custody) and said the office is custodian of records, which ultimately belong to the state.

Byrd described attempts to coordinate tissue-donation recoveries with a donor alliance (based in Colorado) and said the county is working to allow recovery teams to use local facilities rather than traveling long distances. He also reported a partnership with the Montana medical examiners office in Billings for pathology services, noting recruitment of a local pathologist remains a challenge because current market compensation for pathologists is high.

Byrd presented year-by-year call statistics he provided to the council: for 2023 the coroners office recorded 97 coroner calls, including 2 homicides, 6 suicides, 12 accidents and 4 drug- or alcohol-related overdoses. For 2024 the office recorded 107 calls with 4 homicides, 12 suicides and 22 accidents. For 2025 so far he said there were no homicides, 12 suicides (10 by firearm), 8 accidents and 2 drug- or alcohol-related deaths; he noted the year is not finished and said those figures are a concern.

\"Our mission was is we were trying to build and grow and fix things,\" Byrd said as he summarized improvements in office capacity and procedures. He said the coroners mass-fatality and pandemic plan has been revised, that airport hangars and state assets could expand temporary capacity if needed, and that the office has deputies with specialties including anthropology and odontology. Byrd said the office is still seeking a pathologist and currently relies on the Billings medical examiner for autopsy services.

Council members acknowledged the concerning suicide numbers and noted local prevention training and behavioral-health resources. The coroner said his staff participates in a suicide-intervention committee and that the hospital is building a behavioral-health center; he urged continued attention to prevention and treatment resources.

No formal council action was required on the coroners update.","Dr. Robert Byrd, Sheridan County coroner, reported office relocation and operational changes, described partnerships with donor organizations and the Montana medical examiner, and highlighted concerning suicide statistics during an Aug. 18 update to the Sheridan City Council.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487522,"Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns outlines homeownership, land trust and repair work in Sheridan area",248,200000,448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3&start=200&end=448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3/thumbnail_200000.jpg","/articles/6487522/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Habitat-for-Humanity-of-the-Eastern-Bighorns-outlines-homeownership-land-trust-and-repair-work-in-Sheridan-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487522-e9413516e4b6cb0879e46e8941bf7c86/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605813&Signature=GQsOeCGX9VJkr49yN-S4akVsdsfKX3maaRhpRqwYm19tDngHSwNaUj3RBj8Fez7TG5MdoeU0Gg0oh~eIKvh7Ib5R633jiLLmd2ky~UbDCBx9~WQUGqZY41eM7SodjE5B3IfAEhEep-0Q8X9-8IDWNY8wxdfF0Fy8HWMIxWMAYGvcA2iGKq1xCtiMXShRxuUgb8Ww8Qg770mwiWdh4fgTgJsnnaMY-2ibx-jbd5QNo~wCSh890u39tlmgkZ1-fcW~IM61dA0RJNYPL5Cj0DkTKFywKvC3zuPpzvuoef5MwhdVFL3b-Qn8GpsboVdjtVMF3sCglMd-r3M2SfAkcF-emw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marilyn Meredith Sopko, development director for Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns, told the Sheridan City Council on Aug. 18 that the nonprofit is advancing several local housing programs: a traditional homeownership track, a housing land trust, a home-repair program and a community ReStore.

\"It really does make a huge impact for our homeowners,\" Sopko said, thanking the council and mayor for continued support through GPET funding. She outlined eligibility and program details for the homeownership program, noting Habitat serves households between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Sopko provided income examples from the county AMI schedule used by the program: about $22,700 annually for a single-person household at 30% AMI and $32,400 for a family of four at that threshold.

Sopko said the homeownership program requires partner families to complete sweat-equity hours (200 hours per individual, 400 hours for a couple), pay a minimal down payment ($3,000) and take a 0% mortgage. She reported five families are currently in the program and described four homes under work in Rochester: two about 60% complete, two framed, and one finished and expected to close within about a month. In calendar year 2025, Habitat closed on two homes in Rochester and expects two more closings within three months; the organization aims to have five families in new homes by year-end.

On the housing land trust, Sopko said the Westin Village project will total 30 homes when finished; she reported the first three homes are complete, one occupied, two under contract and five more scheduled to finish in September or October. She provided sale pricing for the first three land-trust homes at $237,000 each for three-bedroom, two-bath homes with garage and patio. Sopko said buyers own the home but not the land, which remains in the trust to preserve long-term affordability.

Sopko described expansion of the home-repair program into Johnson County and a goal to complete about 20 repairs in the year (10\t\tto 15 in Sheridan County). She said the program received a grant from the Daniels Fund to support repairs aimed at lower-income and aging households, including accessibility modifications and post-hospital supports. Habitat has partnered with the HUB, the VA and social workers at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for client referrals.

Sopko also updated the council on the ReStore: in the last fiscal year (ended June 30) the ReStore reported $285,000 in revenue and about 55,000 items handled. She said Habitat plans to start accepting clothing donations for resale after Labor Day and that store operations rely heavily on volunteers. Sopko invited council members to tour Westin Village and other builds, and she thanked the council for local support.

The presentation did not require council action; council members thanked the presenter and asked clarifying questions about volunteer events and upcoming ReStore changes.","Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns reported ongoing home builds in Rochester and Ranchester, a housing land trust project in Westin Village, and expansion of its home-repair program to Johnson County during the Aug. 18 Sheridan City Council meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487525,"Council adopts reserve ordinance, revokes old policy; approves recreation-district renewal and routine purchases",746,2605000,3351000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3&start=2605&end=3351","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595992-5acb8fdffcefb6394c1a12d2ec9851b3/thumbnail_2605000.jpg","/articles/6487525/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Council-adopts-reserve-ordinance-revokes-old-policy-approves-recreation-district-renewal-and-routine-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487525-4f28c226259f10e83f253cc88c72f597/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605813&Signature=UCrw0WoLK7TsqJhfhcwny-EGrA3sdbqEMRBOI0C-RHYiuXjloTMVvPEHGngRNPj6NdLwZ123ruuoM263XpTiTbKngj~Dnd8VoD8mxVdbo7gnulTqGJaC5QUaCu0yg4IeyG7RtCzZBVcSyamjQVYCszxdICbUD9Q7IZtQxjDF1reYceCafHMeGPMjkj4KbmPL~6CkO-5-~cDDqkBT1U2PHJsG-xo8-bUgKIDG-BO7WqOAvPBaI1kq8hYCSlWizCwA5qn6wzpRushxE1PPro7lXOt1uVGRYjv8MpG6gTIoD6j9cTg3n52Qs1CydtoKCDGj9ndQG0-qAA958GX3SW5Ydw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sheridan City Council approved an ordinance revising city code on capital equipment and the general fund reserve, revoked a prior reserve policy and voted to renew the Sheridan Recreation District agreement during its Aug. 18 meeting.

City Attorney Brad Timish presented the ordinance amending city code article 2-7, which sets limits and procedures for the capital equipment reserve and the general fund reserve. Timish told the council the ordinance limits the capital equipment reserves use to fleet and equipment and sets a statutory cap on the reserve at 10% of total city revenues. He said the proposed general fund reserve language would require the balance to be maintained at 25% of the general funds expenditures and set a process for using and replenishing that reserve after emergency transfers.

\"That is a mouthful,\" Timish said during his presentation, and he described the ordinance as his final presentation of the item to the council. The council approved the third and final reading of Ordinance 2,294 on a recorded vote: Council member Lumen, Council member Weitzel, Council member Lightnam and Mayor Bridger voted Aye; Council member Patzak voted No. The mayor announced the motion passed.

The council also approved Resolution 23-325 to revoke Resolution 17-14, the earlier policy on the general fund reserve, by voice vote. The mayor stated he heard four ayes and declared the motion passed.

On other formal actions, the council approved a five-year renewal agreement to establish and maintain the Sheridan Recreation District, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. Steve Gage, Sheridan Parks Director, summarized the districts history and governance; he said trustees serve staggered three-year terms and that the school district approved the agreement earlier the same day. The motion to renew passed by voice vote.

The consent agenda, approved by roll-call vote, included five items: award of a bid to Fremont Motor Company for three Dodge Durango Pursuit all-wheel-drive vehicles ($121,251), purchase of a wheel loader from Wyoming Machinery Company ($248,724.03), approval of the Aug. 4, 2025 meeting minutes, reappointment of Kevin Kessner to the Police Department Civil Service Commission for a three-year term (expiring 06/30/2028), and payment of claims. The clerk recorded unanimous ayes by those present on the consent items.

Council discussion included a failed attempt to amend the ordinances emergency-use language by defining \"necessary operations.\" Council member Patzak proposed adding the phrase \"indispensable functions required to preserve public safety, maintain essential infrastructure, and safeguard the life, liberty, and property of the citizens,\" but the proposed amendment lacked a second and was not considered. After the second and final reading motion, the ordinance passed as recorded.

What passed

- Ordinance 2,294 (third and final reading): Amends city code article 2-7 with new limits and procedures for the capital equipment reserve and the general fund reserve. Recorded vote: 4 Aye, 1 No (names as recorded in the roll call). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 23-325: Revokes Resolution 17-14 regarding the general fund reserve. Outcome: approved (voice vote reported as four ayes).

- Sheridan Recreation District renewal (5-year agreement): Effective 07/01/2025\t6/30/2030. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Consent agenda (five items): Vehicle bid ($121,251), wheel loader purchase ($248,724.03), minutes (08/04/2025), reappointment of Kevin Kessner (3-year term), and claims. Outcome: approved by roll call (all present voted Aye).

Council procedures and next steps

The ordinance sets specific procedures for transfers from the general fund reserve that would reduce the reserve below 25% of the general funds expenditures: the city administrator (or designee) must present the proposed emergency expenditure, explain why it is an emergency and why the city lacks other funds, and provide a plan to replenish the reserve. The ordinance also exempts nonrecurring revenues (for example, insurance settlements, grants, gifts or donations) from the calculation of required reserve balances; Timish cited recent insurance settlements for hail-damage roof repairs as an example of nonrecurring revenue that should not be used to compute the required reserve level.

No new fiscal transfers were approved at the meeting; council members asked for clarity on the ordinance language during the discussion and attempted, unsuccessfully, to add a narrower definition of \"necessary operations.\" The council also revoked the older policy to avoid conflicts between the new ordinance and the previous resolution.

Recorded authorities and references cited in the meeting include Wyoming Statute 16-4-105 (reserve funds), Wyoming Statute 16-4-117 (interfund loans), Ordinance 2,294 and Resolution 17-14 (revoked).","Sheridan City Council on Aug. 18 approved an ordinance tightening rules for the citys capital equipment and general fund reserves, revoked an older reserve resolution, renewed a five-year agreement for the Sheridan Recreation District and approved several consent-agenda purchases and appointments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges compromise on placement of public artworks in downtown Sheridan

Sheridan County coroner reports rising suicides, outlines office upgrades and partnerships

Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns outlines homeownership, land trust and repair work in Sheridan area

Council adopts reserve ordinance, revokes old policy; approves recreation-district renewal and routine purchases