History

This history touches on some highlights of how the district was formed, when it was formed and what the district has done to improve and maintain the cemeteries in their control, with most emphasis on Lake View Cemetery.

Any history of the Shoshoni – Lysite Cemetery District cannot overlook several facts:
1. It was Shoshoni Town Councilman Pat Collins who was responsible for pushing the idea/effort to form a cemetery district.
2. Shoshoni’s Deputy Town Clerk Phyllis Brown took on the task of doing most of the research and leg work to get the initiative on the ballot.
3. The patrons of the suggested new district approved the formation of the district and then elected a Board of Directors. Since a large part of the district is in eastern Fremont County and the Lysite area, it (assumed) was determined that the name of the district should be known as the “Shoshoni – Lysite Cemetery District.”
4. Once the district was approved, Phyllis Brown continued to lead the effort for the tasks required and that were ahead for the Board of Directors.
5. Several folks have served on the Board of Directors over the years, and all individuals are responsible for the improvements made at Lake View Cemetery. Names of those who have served (in no order) Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bob Meredith, Bud Currah, Helen Weisz, Pat Powell, David Manchester, Karleen Damm, Kathy Kenyon, Diane Gilbert, Margaret Ramage, Bob Eads, Greg Olson, Bob Moore, Judy Hurt, Doris Reinert, Cheryl Hood, Cyndi Moravek, Mindy McKee, Becky Zent, and Lyle Delay.


1994
• In a special election, patrons voted to establish the Shoshoni – Lysite Cemetery District and elected the first slate of Directors. Directors were Bob Meredith, Helen Weisz, Shirley Johnson, Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer and Margaret Ramage.

1995
• The Board of Directors began actions for Lake View Cemetery.
• 1995 – A new Sign was erected at the entrance.
• Directors were Bob Meredith, Helen Weisz, Shirley Johnson, Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer and Margaret Ramage.


1996
• In July, the town conveyed ownership of Lake View to the Cemetery District
• The town of Shoshoni installed a water meter.
• A 10 X 16 storage shed was purchased and put in place.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Helen Weisz, Margaret Ramage and Bob Meredith

1997
• No major projects as the Board prepared for the future.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Helen Weisz, Bob Meredith, and Karleen Damm.

1998
• The process was begun to get electricity to the cemetery with Pacific Power & Light finishing the job before the end of the year.
• Some bushes & trees were poisoned and had to be removed.
• Directors were Bob Meredith, Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Helen Weisz, and Karleen Damm.

1999
• Gravel was added to the roads in October & November.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Bob Meredith, and Karleen Damm.

2000
• APEX began surveying the cemetery in September.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Bob Meredith, and Karleen Damm.


2001
• An underground line was dug to bring electricity to the buildings at the cemetery.
• A sprinkler system was installed in Blocks 5, 6, 13 and 14 during the spring, by Service Sprinkler & Repair (Philip Pfisterer).
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Verna Gunnerson, and Kathy Kenyon.

2002
• A marker replacement project was implemented to replace wooden markers and place markers on unmarked or unknown graves.
• Problems were identified with the sprinkler system in April and the board had great difficulty working with the installer.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Verna Gunnerson, Bud Currah, and Kathy Kenyon.

2003
• A metal building was erected to house equipment.
• A septic system was installed.
• A tree replacement project began.
• The chain link fence project began in November to go around approximately 7 acres.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Verna Gunnerson, and Kathy Kenyon.

2004
• The chain link fence installation that was begun in November of 2003 was completed in June of 2004.
• More gravel was added to the roads.
• A cattle guard was installed.
• A new water line was installed by the Town.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Verna Gunnerson, and Kathy Kenyon. Kathy resigned and was replaced by David Manchester in September.

2005
• An office and restroom were added to the metal building.
• A Case track hoe was purchased.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Verna Gunnerson and David Manchester. David resigned in March and was replaced by Pat Powell.

2006
• Four (4) Green Ash, two (2) Aspen and two (2) Canada Red Cherry, two (2) Winterberry, two (2) Linden and two (2) Highland Cottonwood trees were purchased for planting.
• The Track Hoe was used by an individual who did not have permission. The Board voted not to allow this person to work at the cemetery.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Verna Gunnerson, and Pat Powell.


2007
• A John Deere tractor and Kawasaki Mule were purchased.
• In spring and early summer additional gravel and road work were performed to prepare for paving.
• Road paving began in late summer and was completed in October.
• A Directory was purchased and installed by Windy Prairie Cemetery Directories from Indianola, Nebraska. Installation was complete in early fall in what would have been Block 12.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Verna Gunnerson, and Pat Powell.





2008
• The district determined it was necessary to replace the sprinkler system installed by Service Sprinkler and Repair. Bids were requested and the contract was awarded to VanGelder Sprinkler System on March 26, 2008. The original bid was for $180,000.00. With two change orders the final cost was $195,300.00. The system was completed and accepted on 10/25/2008.
• The district contracted with David A Pope Associates (DAPCPA) for accounting services to include the budget preparation.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Shirley Johnson, Hazel Schaefer, Verna Gunnerson, Bud Currah, and Glenn Moore. Verna resigned in July and was replaced by Bud Currah.

2009
• The district decided in April to have a Gazebo installed in Block 12 to house the Directory. The total for the project was $16,342.23 including all cement work and moving the Directory to the Gazebo. This project was completed in May 2009.
• Sidewalks were installed to access the Gazebo.
• A Canon copier was purchased for the cemetery office.
• A new sign was installed at the gate to replace one that was damaged.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Pat Powell, Glenn Moore, and Bud Currah. Glenn Moore resigned in March and was replaced by Fran Thoren.

2010
• A Frontier spreader/seeder was purchased to use in sowing grass seed.
• A Flagpole was purchased and installed in Veteran’s Park.
• A Husqvarna chain saw was purchased for use in tree maintenance.
• Split rail cedar fencing was installed at the entrance and at corners of paved road – project completed in 2011.
• To comply with State Statutes DAPC was designated as the Public Records Repository for the District.
• The pavement was sealed, and cracks filled.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Pat Powell, and Fran Thoren. Fran resigned and was replaced by Bob Eads.


2011
• The split rail fence installation was finished, and the fence was stained.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Bob Eads, and Greg Olson.
2012
• Work on leveling grave sites was begun.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bud Currah, Greg Olson and Bob Eads. Greg resigned and was replaced by Judy Hurt.

2013
• A hydraulic dump trailer was purchased to haul dirt away from grave sites when they are dug (as requested by Davis Funeral Home).
• A hydraulic tamper attachment was purchased for the track hoe to use in tamping dirt as grave sites are filled in to prevent future sinking.
• A BOMAG hand tamper was purchased.
• An air conditioner unit was donated and installed in the outer office wall – when this was installed there were also dedicated electrical outlets installed for the a/c; copier; and computer.
• Directors were Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Judy Hurt, Bob Eads and Bud Currah. Bud resigned and was replaced by David Manchester.

2014
• A new refrigerator was purchased to provide cold water to the workers and others.
• A Bluebird sod cutter was purchased to remove and save sod from grave sites.
• A new garage/storage building was erected west and south of the original building. The building was put up by Cleary to provide room to house all equipment.
• Electricity was added to the new storage building/garage.
• The chain link fence that was removed for the new building was erected around the new building.
• Eight (8) new trees were planted at various locations around the cemetery.
• Directors were David Manchester, Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bob Eads and Judy Hurt.

2015
• The inside walls of the new building were sealed with chip board.
• Electric heaters were installed in the new garage.
• The chain link fence at the west end was moved twelve (12) feet to the west to allow a wind break of trees to be planted.
• A cultivator attachment was purchased for the John Deere tractor.
• Work began to get rid of all the bunch grass and then planting new grass.
• Thirteen (13) new trees were planted.
• A flower bed was created and planted at the cemetery entrance.
• Outdoor Bulletin Boards were purchased and installed “over the glass” in the Directory. To make changes to the Directory required removal of the large sheets of glass that
• required about 4 people. These bulletin boards have lockable doors that can be opened to replace directory sheets.
• Directors were David Manchester, Phyllis Brown, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Bob Eads, and Judy Hurt. After Judy died she was replaced by Doris Reinert.

2016
• The sprinkler line was extended under the paved road and along the west fence for the windbreak trees.
• Sixteen (16) Canada Red Cherry multi-stem trees were initially planted for the wind break at west end, with the addition of two (2) additional trees to fill in the area.
• Eleven (11) new trees were planted.
• A Toro Dingo with bucket, head, 2 augers, and forks was purchased.
• The decision was made to proceed with designating the block where the Gazebo is located for the burial of “cremains” only. It was named The Memorial Garden.
• A stamped concrete walk with an octagon in the center of the Memorial Garden was installed by Futuristic Flatwork.
• Cedar arbors were purchased and installed at the North and South entrances of the sidewalk in the Memorial Garden.
• Five cedar arbors were purchased and installed on concrete pads at various locations around the cemetery.
• Concrete benches were placed under the arbors and on the octagon at the Memorial Garden.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Phyllis Brown, Bob Eads, Shirley Johnson, and Doris Reinert.


2017
• A bench was painted and placed on the octagon to dedicate the Memorial Garden to Phyllis Brown.
• A trencher attachment was purchased for the Dingo.
• Flower beds were created and planted at the Gazebo and next to the Main Building.
• Plots were laid out and marked for the Memorial Garden.
• A chainsaw carved wooden Angel Statue was purchased.
• Cedar arbors were purchased and placed around the cemetery, with concrete benches.
• Nineteen (19) new trees were planted.
• Nine (9) Canada Cherry trees were offered to the district by Sprout’s at a significant discount and they were planted to help fill in the west wind break. They were planted in the fall which required them to be watered all winter.
• Hazel Schaefer created a history of some pioneers of Shoshoni who are buried at Lake View and gave a presentation for the Riverton Museum Venture Trek in May. Phyllis Brown and several other board members had drinks and cookies for the participants.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Phyllis Brown, Shirley Johnson, Mindy McKee, and Doris Reinert.

2018
• It was discovered that due to the early fall freeze last year that there were about twenty (20) trees that died and had to be removed in the Spring of 2018.
• There were thirteen (13) new trees planted.
• Flag poles were purchased and installed at entrance to display the US and State Flags.
• Solar lights were purchased and installed on flag and gate poles at entrance to Lake View.
• Eleven flag poles were purchased and installed along the North fence for US and military flags for each branch of the military to fly on important days, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
• A cedar arbor was made and placed on a concrete pad for the wooden Angel that was placed inside.
• Existing fences around several old grave sites were repaired and painted.
• Directional signs were installed on 7th Street and on Herbst Lane/Highway to show directions to Lake View Cemetery.
• The Riverton Museum scheduled another Venture Trek and David Manchester created a history document for use in the presentation and then made copies available to all who attended.


• A project was begun to add to the books containing information about those buried at Lake View. This project was quite extensive and now there is “something” for every person listed on the directory.
• A snowplow attachment was purchased for installation on the Mule to use for plowing snow.
• Long time board member and founder of the district, Phyllis Brown died.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Phyllis Brown (part of year) and was replaced by Diane Gilbert, Mindy McKee, Shirley Johnson, and Doris Reinert.


2019
• A Jackhammer, generator, hammer drill and scissor lift (for lifting headstones) were purchased.
• A project to drill holes in concrete bases of headstones for the flag holders for veterans and auxiliary members.
• Concrete critters/birds were purchased from Kasper’s Concrete for the flower beds at the gazebo and by the office.
• Additional gravel was placed on the gravel roads and the culverts were filled in to make better turn lanes.
• More trees had to be removed due to their condition.
• Seventeen (17) new trees were planted.
• A chain link fence was installed around the 2 acres at the west end of cemetery. This required extensive dirt work beforehand – moving dirt from the west for the fence and building up along the south for the fence. Due to removing the blow sand on the west, the BLM fence also had to be replaced. A 24-foot alley was created across the west end to allow cows or other animals to reach the acreage to the north. A metal gate was installed to allow this alley to be closed if necessary.
• The Riverton Museum (again) scheduled a Venture Trek – this one was not well attended, and they were asked not to schedule this event each year. The handouts were updated, and copies were printed and distributed. The history documents continue to be updated and copies made and handed out to anyone interested.
• Cabinets were purchased and installed in the office and rest room for storage.
• Blue trash barrels replaced the old trash barrels around the cemetery – these barrels will never need painting. These were provided free of charge.
• A new sign was made to reflect current information and installed at entrance.
• A large, upgraded Dell Computer was purchased.
• Range (RT) dug a trench (at no cost to the district) and installed phone and internet in the cemetery office.
• A large concrete Eagle and base were purchased from Kasper’s Concrete.

• Concrete plaques for each of the five (5) branches of the military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy) were purchased from Kasper’s Concrete and painted with the color associated with that branch. These plaques were painted by members of the Board of Directors.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Doris Reinert, Diane Gilbert, and Mindy McKee.

2020
• A Brother laser printer was purchased for the office.
• Pallet forks were purchased for use on the John Deer Tractor.
• Some twenty trees had to be removed due to disease and rot.
• There were twenty-eight (28) new trees planted along with six (6) more to fill in the remaining holes in wind break.
• Pentagon shaped concrete bases were poured in the Veterans Park, where the eagle and plaques were placed. The concrete and other work was donated by Jim & Kelley Kasper.
• Concrete Angels were purchased from Kasper’s Concrete and painted white, then installed on pillars at the entrance to Lake View.
• A red metal gate was placed at the entrance used to access the town well on the south.
• The marker replacement project was completed when a marker was placed on the last unmarked grave at Lake View.
• The district purchased one-half acre(½) acre of land around the Clarence Tracy grave. The land was surveyed, and a plat was filed with Fremont County designating the area as the Tracy Cemetery. The area was fenced with barbed wire with an entrance gate in the middle of the East side. A black metal fence was placed around the grave. Signage was placed over the gate along with an informational sign by the grave.
• The district purchased six (6) acres of land that adjoins Lake View to the East, for future expansion. Five (5) acres were identified for use as a cemetery and one (1) acre was set aside to establish a new road on the east end and south side. The property was surveyed, and Plat filed with Fremont County as the “Lake View Annex.”
• About twenty (20) trees were identified as diseased or in the beginning stages of rot and had to be removed.
• Black wood frames were purchased for all the maps in the office.
• The on-demand water heater in the bathroom had to be replaced.
• Wire wreath frames were purchased along with greenery and red bows – once the wreaths were made, they were placed on our Veterans graves from December through most of January. This will become an annual occurrence.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Shirley Johnson, Diane Gilbert died and only served part of the year and was replaced by Cheryl Hood, and Doris Reinert.

2021
• The district contracted with NU Locating in March to do a ground penetrating radar scan of the Tracy Cemetery to determine if additional graves might be in that area. This project resulted in the identification of “five” anomalies or potential grave sites.
• Fifteen (15) trees were removed due to disease and rot. The old elm trees have lived past their normal life span.
• There were twenty (20) new trees planted plus 1 that was a (free) replacement for one planted in 2019 that did not live.
• WYBREX, a firm owned by Mike Metcalf and Bruce McGirr visited the Tracy Cemetery and “doused” for graves. They identified seven (7) unknown grave sites – some of which were previously identified by NU Locating.
• The five (5) acres designated as the Lake View Annex were fenced.
• Problems with the sprinkler system resulted in not being able to water until the first week of May. The Town had to install a new water meter, then a new back-flow preventer was installed, which allowed the water to be turned on. The automatic controller was determined to need replacement, so the caretaker had to “manually” turn on sprinklers for each of the fifty-four (54) zones. This was very time-consuming but provided some much-needed water for the grass and trees. Finally, on June 8th the controller was replaced with a new unit and the automatic system was back up and running.
• The cracks in the pavement were sealed and then all the pavements had a sealer applied.
• WYBREX confirmed a grave location for “Ron Cunningham” in Block 11 and a marker was ordered.
• Wire wreaths were “updated” and placed on all Veterans graves in December.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Mindy McKee, Lyle Delay, Cheryl Hood, and Cyndi Moravek. Cheryl resigned and was replaced by Becky Zent.


2022
• The year began with a large tax payment received which allowed the Board to begin the process of having a well drilled to provide water to irrigate Lake View. Requests for bids were sent to several local drilling companies.
• In February the Board awarded a contract to Lou’s Drilling & Fremont Well Service to drill a well south of the new garage.
• The State approved the well permit, and the well was forecast to be done in time for spring watering.

• The well was completed in April. In early May the pipe was laid in the trench from the well to the sprinkler system – this required “boring” under the pavement which was done by Mass Grading out of Rawlins (sub-contractor to Viper Underground).
• Due to uncertainty with when & how much tax receipts would be, the board was hesitant to complete some of the routine spring actions, such as staining the cedar, sealing the concrete critters, etc. There was also uncertainty about purchasing any replacement trees.
• Fortunately, the district received an unexpected amount of funds from taxes and was able to get the spring work done. In addition, the board allocated funds to purchase and plant eleven (11) new trees.
• The board also purchased/ordered a Kubota RTV to replace the aging Mule. The Kubota will not be received until late in the year or possibly the beginning of next year.
• The board was also able to purchase some new chairs for the office – conference table chairs and a new desk chair. Included were some folding chairs and tables for use during burials.
• A new Dell computer was purchased for the office.
• Two members of the board (David Manchester & Hazel Schaefer) met with Nikki Horton of the Schuster Law Firm to determine what legal actions (if any) the district had regarding the Lost Cabin Cemetery. The district has been hesitant to clean-up or perform routine maintenance at the cemetery since the property is deeded to “Margaret Daniel Okie.” Ms. Horton said that since the cemetery was located within the district’s boundaries, that the district had “standing” to maintain the cemetery. She indicated that the “only” person who could object was the owner, and since Mrs. Okie is deceased that it should not be an issue.
• The district contacted Contango, who was represented by Ross Goff (Contango is the current owner of the Lost Cabin Gas Plant) to see if it was possible to obtain an “easement” for the district to cross Contango property to get to the cemetery.
• Contango had the area “surveyed” which resulted in a finding that the “actual” cemetery is not located in the area described in the Okie Deed but is west of the area on the deed and totally on property owned by Contango. At a meeting with Mr. Goff, it was unknown what the outcome of the cemetery ownership would be.
• On July 16, 2022, WYBREX came and “doused” for graves in the Lost Cabin cemetery. Mike and Bruce identified about forty (40) grave locations that are not marked. A white survey flag was placed at each location, and they were marked to show the sex of the individual in the grave. There are no records to show who is buried in each location. There are also no records to identify all individuals who were buried in the cemetery.
• On July 22, 2022, the district went to the cemetery (caretaker) Rex took a riding lawn mower and wheeled trimmer and George Schaefer took a riding lawn mower and wheeled trimmer) to mow the weeds and trim as needed. At this time the district put a “re-bar” stake in the ground at each grave location with a piece of white PVC over the stake to make the grave locations permanent.

• Wire wreaths were “updated” and placed on all Veterans graves at Lake View in December.
• The district purchased “fire resistant” cabinets for record storage. Upright cabinets were placed in the garage area and lateral cabinets placed in the office.
• The district had problems with the sprinkler system – the VFD Controller did not provide sufficient pressure to run the system. The caretaker fought the system and assistance was not forthcoming from the company that installed it. The caretaker had to “manually” control the zones around the cemetery and was able to keep the grass green.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Mindy McKee, Cyndi Moravek, Becky Zent, and Lyle Delay.


2023
• In January the district held a meeting with Fremont Well Service who installed the VFD controller that did not work most of the watering season last year. The contractor gave assurances that he would remove the controller and send it back to the distributor to determine if it was faulty and if so, have it repaired. He mentioned the name of a different brand of VFD Controller that he said he preferred and had never had any problems with – after some discussion (later) the board decided to go ahead and have the new VFD unit ordered and installed. It was installed but the system still did not work – subsequently the well was pulled, and the pump checked to determine if it had failed. Fortunately, the problem proved to be a loose wire. Once the system was fired up, things worked o.k. for a while. Unfortunately, there were problems with the VFD controller maintaining sufficient pressure to run the sprinkler system. The caretaker did his best – and it was difficult (again) to get the installer to come check the system.
• In September, the installer (finally) came to check the system. The caretaker indicated that he had found a significant amount of sand” in some of the sprinkler head nozzles.
• The district received a large distribution of funds from Fremont County, so the board started conversations about how to use the additional funds.
• The winter presented major problems with snow removal. The mule w/blade and tractor with bucket were not up to the task. The track-hoe was pressed into service to help. The district purchased a “back-blade” for the John Deere and has 600 pounds of fluid put in the back tires to provide better traction. These additions proved quite useful in the snow removal.
• The district decided that it was time for the district to venture back into purchasing their own equipment to maintain Lake View. So, research began on lawn mowers, trimmers, weed trimmers, etc.

• The district authorized $25K to purchase a Kioti Zero Turn mower, a Grasshopper front deck mower, a Troy Built push mower, a Troy-built wheeled weed trimmer, an Alpha-Works wheeled blower, a Power Flow power washer and numerous DEWALT battery powered tools, such as string trimmers, leaf blower, chain saw, skill saws, etc. Hand tools and toolbox were also obtained. In addition, a Mo-Jack lifter was purchased to make working on the riding lawnmowers safer and easier.
• The board was looking to put a “front mounted” snow blower on the John Deere to help with snow removal; however, decided that it would be more cost effective to purchase a snow blower for the Kubota RTV.
• The district identified a significant deterioration of pavement and decided to use some of the excess funds to have the pavement fixed (as far as funds allowed). 71 Construction was contracted to replace the pavement from the gate south to the office building, all pavement around the office building and the road just to east of office. The road from the gate on the north was replaced about in the middle of Block 3. Much more work is needed, but with funding uncertain, it may take years before it can be done. (71’s Superintendent estimated the total cost to replace all pavement in the cemetery at about $1 million – some $300K was spent on about 1/3.) The pavement project was done and completed in August.
• Due to the excessive electrical bills during the winter, the board decided to add a 20-foot addition to the old garage and switch to propane heat. A contract was awarded to Sehnert, Inc. to construct the addition. The building addition began on August 29, 2023.
• With this space being heated by propane, the “new garage” will not be heated. All the equipment that needs to be stored in a heated space will be housed in the old garage/addition. The new garage will then house everything that is not needed in the winter months or does not require heated storage.
• The district obtained an account with Big Horn COOP who supplied the propane tank, installed the line, and filled the tank. The district purchased an overhead propane heater for the garage and Lyle Delay installed it with assistance from Chris Delay and Gail Moravek.
• The district purchased additional insulation for the addition which Lyle Delay installed. The plan is to eventually put more insulation in the remainder of the garage wall. All necessary light fixtures were purchased using the “Building Reserve” fund.
• FINALLY on September 14, 2023, the district traveled to Powell, Wyoming to pick-up the long-awaited Kubota, or she is affectionately called “The Unicorn”, with snow attachments.
• The building addition construction was completed on October 4, 2023. The district installed new electric lights in both the new and old garage areas, etc. As part of the addition process, the district installed LED overhead lights in the office.
• In mid-September the district did not receive a distribution of funds from Fremont County. Subsequent information in the commissioner’s minutes indicated a decrease in valuation of
• natural gas led to less money being received from Contango Resources at Lost Cabin. Communication with the County Assessor (Tara Berg) and County Treasurer (James


• Anderson) revealed that due to the estimated taxes being paid that had to be reconciled (mineral true-up), resulted in the district owing some $236,555.86 to the county. There was a partial offset, reducing that number to $225,888.47. This will take some months of
“no” distribution to pay this debt. The Treasurer used the words “a few months” of no money being received.
• The district had committed to spend the $300K for paving and about $70K for the building addition – which was designated as “reserves,” and available to complete these projects.
• Maintaining an emergency reserve of $100K, the district should be able to operate with the money in the checking account for 4-5 months.
• The district received notice that our long-term Caretaker was not going to return for the 2024 season. Rex Heckert has maintained Lake View for about 9 years, and the district hates to lose him, but accepted his resignation with regret.
• The board contracted with Gail Moravek to build a custom desk for the office. It was completed and fits the space allocated, and the desk makes working in the office more comfortable.
• The board purchased a 10 X 20 canopy that can be set for services/burials if the family requests it.
• Directors were David Manchester, Hazel Schaefer, Mindy McKee, Cyndi Moravek, Becky Zent and Lyle Delay.

2024
• Directors were David Manchester, Lyle Delay, Mindy McKee, Hazel Schaefer, Cyndi Moravek and Becky Zent.
• The board interviewed and hired Brenton McKee as Caretaker for the 2024 season. Brenton was also designated as grave digger, with Rex Heckert as back-up/helper.
• The district continued to operate with no distribution of funds from the county. The district had to tap into the “emergency reserve” fund to operate normally.
• In March several members of the board met with the County Assessor (Tara Berg), County Clerk (Julie Freese), and County Treasurer (Jim Anderson), to discuss budget issues. At the conclusion of the meeting, the board members felt like they had a better grasp of the situation and how to better plan for the future of the district.
• The FY 2024-2025 budget asked for $477,750.00 – based on the current tax valuation for the district. This number may fluctuate one way or the other depending on what the tax valuation is in July before the final budget must be adopted.
• In May, it was noticed that there were several areas of brown grass indicating that the sprinklers in those areas were not working properly. Board member Lyle Delay worked with Brenton McKee, the caretaker, to inspect ALL the sprinklers in all 54

zones. Unfortunately, this inspection revealed a significant number of sprinkler heads that needed to be replaced. Also, some needed adjustment. This resulted in having to place orders (about $3000.00) for sprinkler parts that “was not” anticipated. Lyle said he did not understand why so many heads needed replaced that were “apparently” working when the system was shut down last fall. He guesses it may have something to do with how the sprinkler lines were “blown out” that caused so much damage.