GILLETTE, Wyo. — The businessman behind Hank’s Reno Junction Lodge could have the support of the Campbell County Board of Commissioners for his nomination as Wyoming Entrepreneur of the Year.
The commissioners meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Commissioner’s Chambers, 500 S. Gillette Ave., where they will consider signing a letter of support for Hank Pridgeon’s nomination.
The Campbell County Board of Commissioners’ meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on Gillette Public Access’ Government Channel 192.
Campbell County Commissioners Livestream
“Hank’s participation in our County’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) initiative was invaluable. We especially appreciated his thoughtful inclusion of young, diverse voices in the Business Leader Stakeholder Dialogue meetings,” Commissioner Del Shelstad wrote in the letter of support. “His approach showed a genuine desire to mentor and brought fresh perspectives to our community discussions. By employing creative recruitment strategies through social media platforms, he has fostered an inclusive and dynamic environment which benefits our entire community.”
The letter says Pridgeon’s businesses are vital to southern Campbell County, providing jobs, housing and essential services to the community. His efforts have boosted the local economy and made Wright a more attractive place to live and visit. Beyond his business success, Pridgeon is a dedicated community member who generously contributes his time and resources to local projects, Shelstad wrote.
Also as part of Tuesday’s agenda, the Campbell County Landfill is requesting to transfer an unused $35,000 from the capital purchase of loaders to buy a base station and radios to aid in communications. In its request to change capital purchase, the department said the new landfill cell location has interference with a hill directly in the line of sight to the city base station at Bell Nob. The loss of connection makes it impossible to effectively monitor life heights, cover depths and compact.
“The cost of the base station & radios will have a quick payback as it will allow us to continue to maximize our air space,” the department wrote.
Commissioners will also consider a $5 million grant application for the Runway 16/34 pavement maintenance project at the Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport. The application, if approved, will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The application totals $5,055,278, which will help address aging joint material, fix spalling areas, select panel replacements, seal panel cracks and address shoulder grading along the entire runway to improve drainage.
“The benefits anticipated are that while the runway is approximately 40 years old and still in good shape, it has shown minimal signs of movement or heaving. The pavement surface is wearing and the joints need protected for the runway to last,” the application states.
In addition to the $5 million in federal funding, both the State of Wyoming and the county would chip in 2.5%, or $133,034, each, for a total project cost of $5,321,346.
In other business, the commissioners could extend the Roads and District Support, or RoaDS, Incentive Program, originally approved on Oct. 17, 2023, to encourage the creation and expansion of improvement and service districts for maintaining subdivision roads and infrastructure. The program offers financial incentives ranging from $10,000 to $19,000 to eligible districts.
The RoaDS Program aimed to address this and reduce homeowner complaints about road conditions. During the one-year trial period, no new subdivisions or existing Districts/HOAs utilized the program. Staff recommend extending the program for another year due to the lack of new developments and budget impact, a memo states.
Also up for consideration are two bids for the purchase of two additional SUVs for Children’s Developmental Services. Fremont Motor in Casper entered a low bid of $42,063 per 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD while Thunder Basin Ford in Gillette entered a bid of $42,227 per 2025 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD.
Commissioners may approve the creation of a part-time seasonal city pool lifeguard supervisor as well. The suggested wage for commissioners to consider is $25–$35 per hour.
Two support grants, one for Ward Creek ISD and one for Rafter D ISD, also are up for consideration. Ward Creek is seeking $851 for curb stop replacement while Rafter D seeks $3,938.25 for well pipe replacement.
The commissioners’ complete agenda is available by clicking here.
