Individuals honored at WWPC conference
During the 80th Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) Conference individuals were recognized for making a significant impact in managing invasive species in Wyoming.
On Oct. 30, members of Wyoming’s 23 weed and pest districts gathered at their annual awards banquet to honor several individuals who have played pivotal roles in conserving Wyoming’s natural beauty and for their extensive years of service.
The awards program began in 1984 and has grown to include the Harold P. Alley Award, Everett Johnson Award, Archie Lauer Award and Guy Haggard Award.
To kick off the evening, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) addressed the large crowd of WWPC employees and honorary guests.
“I’m here tonight as I think it’s pretty exciting WWPC is celebrating 80 years of service, and this organization is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “You all are the experts in this industry, and I welcome your ideas, recommendations or suggestions, as I know with the recent fires Wyoming has sustained, we are facing some challenges ahead of us. But, I am here to help.”
Years of Service awards
WWPC President Donley Darnell from the Weston County office started off the awards ceremony by recognizing employees and board members for their years of service, with the help of University of Wyoming (UW) Department of Plant Sciences Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist Dr. Kelsey Brock and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Weed and Pest Coordinator Lindsey Woodward.
First, they recognized those who have served WWPC for five years including Holly Kennedy of Albany County; Ken Blackburn, Kie Miller and Dale Nuttall of Big Horn County; Ryan Farthing of Laramie County; Bridger Berry and Jason Gutierrez of Natrona County; Eric Heatherly of Platte County; Jim Gibbs, Rachel Mealor and Andrew Cassidy of Sheridan County; Hadley Manning, Lars Anderson and Peter Guernsey of Sublette County; Lucus Truner of Teton County; Jerri Crompton of Uinta County and Angela Parker of Washakie County.
Doug Balwin of Albany County, William Bonham of Laramie County, Matt Jolivet and John Leman of Natrona County and Gleny Laffitte received honorary pins for serving 10 years.
Those who received awards for serving WWPC for 15 years were James Tarver of Campbell County; Jess Butler of Converse County; Dennis Wambolt of Goshen County; Chip Axtell of Hot Springs County; Cecelia Smock of Laramie County; Allen Sellers of Lincoln County; Jake Jarrett of Park County; Mark Daluge, Coleton Rives, Kasey Mateosky and Lorin Wilson of Teton County and Adrian Hunolt of Uinta County.
Charles Tweedy of Campbell County and Terry Scholz of Hot Springs County have dedicated two decades to the organization.
Celebrating 25 years of service was Bob Shellard and Sollie Cadman of Fremont County, Sam May of Park County and John Watson of Platte County.
Darnell was honored for serving 30 years, while Niobrara County Director Gail Mahnke was recognized for serving WWPC for 35 years.
Mahnke accepted the award for Jim Wasserburger, also from the Niobrara County office, who celebrated 50 years with WWPC but unfortunately was unable to attend.
“I know he would have loved to be here today, but he is not getting around well. He appreciates each and every one of you,” Mahnke said. “This is such an accomplishment, and we are all honored to have been able to work with him.”
WWPC also honored three individuals – Sarah Taylor from Platte County, Alycia Davis from Crook County and Steven Trowbridge from the City of Cheyenne – for earning their supervisor certifications.
Sheridan County Supervisor Walker Billings was also honored for earning the Rita Beard Award at the North American Invasive Species Management Association Conference.
Harold P. Alley Award
The Dr. Harold P. Alley Award commemorates the contributions of Dr. Harold P. Alley, a renowned weed scientist at UW from 1955-84.
This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have exhibited outstanding support, leadership, motivation and education in advancing weed and pest control programs in Wyoming.
Alley’s exemplary dedication sets a high standard for recipients of this award, and this year’s recipient was Envu Government Relations Liaison Derek Sebastian.
Everett Johnson Award
The Everett Johnson Award, established in 1995, commemorates the dedication of Albany County Rancher and longstanding Weed and Pest District Board Member Everett Johnson.
It honors his remarkable contributions to addressing Wyoming’s weed and pest challenges.
This year’s award, given in honor of Johnson, went to Campbell County Supervisor Quade Schmelzle in recognition of his exemplary service as a district employee, showcasing his outstanding practices in weed and pest management within WWPC.
Archie Lauer Award
The Archie Lauer Award, established in 2003, commemorates the legacy of Archie Lauer, who served as the Weed and Pest Supervisor in Niobrara County from 1977 to 2002.
Lauer dedicated himself to weed and pest programs and the individuals striving to achieve their objectives.
This annual award pays tribute to Lauer by acknowledging an exceptional weed and pest board member who has made significant contributions to the board’s accomplishments and overall success.
This year long-time board member Darrel Repshire, Hillsdale rancher and former Laramie County School District Two bus driver, was honored with the Archie Lauer Award.
Guy Haggard Award
The Guy Haggard Award, established in 2007, commemorates Guy Haggard, a devoted ally of the WWPC.
Despite retiring, Haggard remains actively engaged, attending council meetings out of personal dedication.
This year, Gov. Mark Gordon was recognized for his exemplary qualities such as motivation, friendship, loyalty, camaraderie and unwavering support for both the people and the organization.
“This year’s winner has shown commitment to WWPC over the years and has collaborated across state agencies, enabling discussions about issues effecting the state,” stated Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto who presented Gordon with the award. “This would not have happened without the leadership of Gordon.”
Gordon accepted the award, thanked the organization for honoring him and applauded the outstanding work WWPC continues to do.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
