[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 21, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2181-S2182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       CELEBRATING THE RENOVATION OF THE PLATTE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of the 
distinct history of Wyoming's Platte County Courthouse. The courthouse 
reopens this summer following its first significant renovation in over 
a century. For 105 years, the residents of Platte County have 
recognized the courthouse as an important landmark and testament to the 
county's history. Located in the county seat of Wheatland, WY, the 
roots of this historic courthouse are tied to the wild frontier.
  After the county's incorporation in 1911, the Platte County Board of 
Commissioners agreed to lease office space in the Stock Growers Bank 
for $55 per month. Five years later, the commission recognized the need 
for a permanent structure to house both the court and jail. Eager to 
start, commissioners issued $50,000 in county bonds to finance 
construction, subject to voter approval. Residents were passionate 
about the campaign for a new courthouse and jail. There were well-
reasoned arguments on both sides. On November 7, 1916, the will of the 
people won: Platte County would build a new courthouse and jail.
  Construction progressed quickly. Commissioners contracted with 
architectural firm Baerreson Brothers, based in Denver and Cheyenne, 
for initial design plans. By April 6, 1917, the county approved Archie 
Allison's bid for general construction. State Grand Master of the 
Masonic Lodge, Herbert King of Laramie, dedicated the building's 
cornerstone on June 20, 1917. In January 1918, the county completed 
work on the courthouse and jail. The total cost, including furnishings, 
was $85,000. Since then, generations of dedicated civil servants have 
preserved and enhanced the building. The National Park Service 
recognized the rich historical value of the courthouse on October 15, 
2008, when the building was listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places.
  Today, the courthouse acts as an archive for the history of Platte 
County. It provides a sense of community for its citizens and is an 
important gathering place for public activities. Remarkably, in its 
105-year history, the Platte County Courthouse has undergone only small 
renovations to adapt to changing technology and workplace standards. 
That changed in 2018, when voters authorized the county to collect $4.7 
million in Specific Purpose Excise Tax--more commonly known as a sixth-
penny sales tax. This, plus other reserve funds and grants, allowed the 
county to complete $6.5 million in extensive renovations. For the past 
18 months, county officials have been temporarily displaced while the 
building underwent massive changes. In addition to a brandnew HVAC and 
electric system, the renovation includes added insulation, new 
plumbing, and a new elevator. The county implemented all of these 
designs with an intent to increase efficiency and accessibility.
  On July 1, 2023, residents of Platte County will gather to celebrate 
this impressive achievement. Officials will host a county-wide 
celebration. They plan to commemorate the history of the county and the 
generosity and commitment of its citizens.
  Platte County is led by these dedicated individuals:

       Steve Shockley, Commissioner
       Kayla Mantle, Commissioner
       Ian Jolovich, Commissioner
       Malcolm Ervin, Clerk
       Kristi Rietz, Treasurer
       David Russell, Sheriff
       Doug Weaver, Attorney

[[Page S2182]]

       Phil Martin, Coroner
       Danette Eppel, Assessor
       Hal Hutchinson, Engineer
       Terry Stevenson, Emergency Management
       Jim DeWitt, Maintenance Supervisor
       Doug Dumont, Planning Director
       Penny Simonton, Public Health
       Beal Angle, Road and Bridge
       Mona McAuley, Clerk of the Court
       Honorable Edward Buchanan, 8th Judicial District Court 
     Judge
       Honorable F. Scott Peasley, 8th Judicial District Court 
     Judge
       Honorable Nathaniel Hibben, 8th Judicial Circuit Court 
     Judge
       Honorable Clark Allan, 8th Judicial Circuit Court Judge
       Magistrate Scott Cole, 8th Judicial District

  It is an honor to rise in recognition of this significant milestone 
for Platte County. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to 
the citizens of Platte County on the lasting legacy of their newly 
renovated courthouse.

                          ____________________