Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm, followed by the attendees’ pledge renewal of allegiance.

Agenda:

Agenda approved

Attendance:

8 voting members of the Central Committee.

Secretary Report:

Approval of September 3 meeting minutes.

Treasurer Report:

Treasurer presented treasurer’s report.

Chair Announcements:

• Yard Signs – Two HW “Saddle Up” signs left. Received generous donations through distribution of the signs. Have Morrow and Cameron yard signs if anyone wants one. Contact Greg.
• Early Voting for Stateside Voters in Wyoming starts October 8th.
• Clerk did more testing of voting machines. 4 JC Dems were present.
• Rural Strong is hosting trainings.
• Short discussion about Constitutional Amendment that will be on Nov 5 Ballot

Old Business:

• Follow-up comments about SCC weekend that happened in Buffalo on Sept 6 & 7.
• Listserv – Chair explained use to room.
• Updates for William D. McIntyre Scholarship

  • General – Committee met and discussed future fundraising ideas. Application form was updated. Will meet again on November 15th, 2024 at 11am in Study Room C of the Johnson County Library.
  • website & application – Chair still hasn’t update the number of awards given last year. But he has updated the application forms, both print version and web versions.

New Business:

• Adopt-a-Highway will happen this coming Monday at 10:00am. Meet at the Bomgaars parking lot. Bring gloves, a picker-upper-thing if you like, good shoes. Vests and trash bags will be provided.
• JC-FFF – Three Dems are still rotating, monthly, to fill the public free food dispensers. This is a good opportunity for others who would like to pitch in and volunteer. Get in touch with Linda (or Greg) if you’re interested. Packing food bags at JC-FFF will be March 5th, 2025. Time TBA.
• Voting Postcards – WDP is sending postcards for volunteers to complete and mail to Wyoming Voters. Greg has more info. Complete packages have everything you need except optional card decoration and postage. Postage paid by volunteers. All 80 cards on their way were spoken for at the meeting. Greg will request another few packets. Fun activity, especially for those who can’t make it to the Adopt-a-Highway or food dispensary projects. Fun to do as a group!
• Sheridan is hosting a Rally for Harris-Walz Oct 19 at 12:00 noon. J C Democrats are invited and encouraged to participate. For more info, contact Sheridan Dems or Lois at 684-9160 as she plans to attend and may be able to facilitate carpooling.
• Motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to cancel November’s CCC meeting. Next meeting will be in December. November’s regular day falls on Election Day and will be canceled. Three CCC members are election judges and would not be present.

Other Business:

• Motion was made and seconded and passed unanimously to fund postage (approx $120.00 for sending a letter to all registered Dems in Johnson County with information about voting and JC Dems contact information.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Next Monthly CCC Meeting – December 3, 2024 at 6:00pm. November meeting is Canceled.
• County Party Round Table is Postponed until December.
• Comms Call – Tuesdays at 7pm 1st and 3rd Weeks.
• Lunch forums are still on hold.
• JC Library Auction Nov 1 at 6pm
• Somebody is going to be discussing electronic ballot tabulation machines and demonstrating hand-counting of ballots at a “voting security” seminar in the JC Library’s Fraley Room on Saturday, Oct 5, 2024 at 10:00am.

Adjourn

• The meeting was adjourned at 6:52.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm, followed by the attendees’ pledge renewal of allegiance.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

8 voting members of the Central Committee. 2 Guests.

Secretary Report:

Approval of August 6 meeting minutes.

Treasurer Report:

Treasurer presented treasurer’s report.

Chair Announcements:

• WY HD 40 race: Candidate did not receive enough write-in votes to move to the general ballot. Candidate reported contributions and expenditures.
• County party round-table zoom on Sept 11 will invite WDP’s collaborative campaign program members and union leaders.

Old Business:

• Motion was made to reserve $300.00 for print ads in Johnson County for candidates.
• SCC Event on Sept 6. Plans were made for fundraising, desserts, setting up and evening’s schedule was outlined.
• No changes regarding McIntyre Scholarship. Chair Haas was reminded he’s been asked to place statistics about awards on the scholarship’s web pages.

New Business:

• Motion was made, and passed unanimously, to let jcdemswyo.org domain name expire and to utilize the free domain name johnson.wyodems.net. A site redesign was approved. Greg will update website notify the central committee as that and email changes progress.
• Volunteering date set with JC-FFF: March 5. More discussion about that at upcoming meetings.
• Resolution on the Discontinuance of the Use of Slack for communication between County Parties and WDP was passed unanimously.
• Discussion about the Wyoming Edition of the Harris-Walz yard sign was held. People can purchase a sign at the WDP website. Chair Haas will have a supply for Northeast Wyoming as the current inventory is coming to Buffalo for the Sept 7 SCC meeting. Order your sign through WDP or contact Greg.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Next Monthly CCC Meeting – October 1, 2024 at 6:00pm.
• County Party Round Table at 6pm September 11, 2024.
• Comms Call – Tuesdays at 7pm 1st and 3rd Weeks.
• Lunch forums are still on hold.

Adjourn

• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:20 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm, followed by the attendees’ pledge renewal of allegiance.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

7 members of the Central Committee. 4 Guests.

Secretary Report:

Approval of July 2 meeting minutes.

Treasurer Report:

Treasurer presented treasurer’s report.

Chair Announcements:

• Write-in Candidate for WY House District 40, Greg Haas, explained his reasoning for running.

Old Business:

• Ad in Bulletin will be changed to read Biden/Harris Admin instead of Biden Admin.
• Report regarding SCC welcome dinner event. Motion was passed, unanimously, to spend up to $500.00 on the entire event. Chair still has contacts to make regarding venue and catering.
• Report from McIntyre Scholarship committee reported three checks have been sent to the awardees. It was agreed to place statistics about awards on the scholarship’s web pages.

New Business:

• Motion was made, and passed unanimously, to donate $100.00 each to the Cameron for Congress and Morrow for Senate campaigns.
• Motion made and passed, unanimously, to donate $100.00 to the Haas for HD40 campaign if enough write-in primary election ballots are cast in the primary so that candidate appears on the General Election ballot in November.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Next Monthly CCC Meeting – September 3, 2024 at 6:00pm.
• County Party Round Table at 6pm August 14, 2024.
• Comms Call – Tuesdays at 7pm 1st and 3rd Weeks.
• Lunch forums are still on hold.

Adjourn

• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:57 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
July 2, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

5 members of the Central Committee.

Secretary Report:

Approval of May 7 meeting minutes tabled.

Treasurer Report:

Chair presented treasurer’s report which had been provided by Treasurer.

Chair Announcements:

• Chair shared web address for the Cameron for Congress campaign, requested donations of time and funds.

Old Business:

• Kearney Hall – Kim has many gift bags remaining. Possible uses were discussed.
• Bulletin ad should appear next week.

New Business:

• Chair will initiate committee, incl. invitation to join, for planning Sept 6 “welcome dinner” prior to SCC meeting on Sept 7.
• See WyoDems site for statement on SCOTUS decision.
• Cameron guest speaker.
• Cameron Meet & Greet July 11 in Sheridan.

Upcoming Meetings:

• WDP County Party Round-table zoom Wed the 10th
• Next CCC meeting August 6th at 6pm.

Adjourn

• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:05 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
May 7, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

7 members of the Central Committee. 3 JC Dems.

Secretary Report:

The Minutes of April 2 were approved and will be entered into the record.

Treasurer Report:

Dudley reported income and expenses for general and scholarship accounts as of 5/1/24, providing a Balance Sheet for filing. A check covering the rental fee has been sent to Kearney Community Hall for the June 9^th event.

Chair Announcements:

• None

Old Business:

• Johnson County Dems HERE for GOOD ads appeared in the Buffalo Bulletin in late February and again in March to help promote the good things Democrats are doing at the national level. A motion was made and seconded to allocate $400.00 to purchase ads for 3 months, amended to read for once a month for May, June, and July. Motion carried. Topic to be revisited in July.
• Johnson County Dems Adopt a Highway volunteers worked two shifts on 5/4, with about a dozen members. Our official sign on 16 West near our designated stretch looks great. They also picked up trash on the bypass road and enjoyed lunch nearby.
• Johnson County Dems Convention was held on 4/13/24 at the Library. We will send 5 delegates to the state convention on June 1^st in Casper. Platforms adopted at county conventions inform the state committee what to include in the state platform. We have a great platform. Our convention results have been shared with the WDP.
• Plans for the 4^th Annual Sheridan County/Johnson County Potluck Gathering are well underway, with a joint committee representing both groups again lining up volunteers, donations, and publicity. Greg described effective coordinated phone banking and will provide training soon. Lois suggests about 5 people do phone banking together over 2 days to further promote the event.
• Due to helpful fund-raising this year the William D. McIntyre Memorial Scholarship Committee awarded three $500.00 scholarships this year to Cora Turner from Buffalo High School, and Denise Ortega-Chavez and Casey LeDoux from Kaycee High School. An alternate graduating senior was also selected should one of the recipients choose not to continue their education. Students and school counselors have been notified and a press release was published in the Buffalo Bulletin 5/2/24 edition.
• Lunch forums will take a break for the summer months.
• We will revisit our Strategic Plan, available in our online collaboration folder, at the June meeting.
• The position of Secretary remains unfilled. Vikki agreed to prepare tonight’s minutes.

New Business:

• Johnson County Primary Elections will be held on August 20^th. Election judges are needed for both primary and general elections. Training will be provided by the county clerk. Stipends and lunch when working elections are provided. Contact County clerk asap for training dates.
• New ideas are needed to help raise funds in support of state-wide party activities, such as messaging, candidate support, and improved communication between county and state parties.

Upcoming Meetings:

• CCC Monthly Meeting June 4, 2024 at 6pm

Adjourn

• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:40 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Vice Chair Mary Van Auken
Pledge of Allegiance recited.

Agenda:

Approved as presented

Attendance:

4 members of the Central Committee. David Olscamp (running for President on the Democratic Primaries in Idaho and Wyoming) attended as a guest.

Secretary Report:

Minutes of the March meeting were approved with the following amendment –

• Under Agenda – The JUNE 9^th Event at Kearney Hall (not July as reflected in the minutes)

Treasurer Report:

The current balance sheet was handed out and approved as presented.

Chair Announcements:

• Greg will be back on April 4^th

Old Business:

• Convention Details:

  • Mary went over the procedures related to the Convention and intended outcomes
  • Dudley, Mary and Suzi met in March to review convention procedures and forms in the 2024 County Convention Guide.
  • Lunch at the convention will consist of the following: soup – Lois, veggie tray – Mary, muffins – Kim, cookies – Suzi, brownies – Sharon, beverages and plates/plasticware – Lois
  • Lois will pick up the key to the library on April 12^th
  • Set up will start at 8am, doors will open at 9 and close at 10, meeting will begin at 10:15.
  • Lois provided a draft script that precinct chairs can opt to use in reminding their precinct members about the convention and other upcoming JC Dems events
  • It was suggested that the dates for upcoming events be shared on the JC Dems listserv
  • Discussed the need for an article in the Buffalo Bulletin reminding all voters of the voter deadlines and potential problems caused by purging. Kim will follow up with the Buffalo Bulletin staff about this.

• Scholarship:

  • Dudley reported there are 15 applications to consider at this time.
  • The next meeting of the Scholarship Committee is scheduled for April 8^th, 11 am at the library.

• Bulletin Ads

  • Suggestions for any new Here for Good ads was tabled until next meeting.

New Business:

• None

Announcements from the floor:

• Mandy at state headquarters sent out an email announcement of an online zoom meeting with our WY Dem legislators set for April 9^th from 7- 9 pm. ALL WY democrats are invited to ask them questions, and we can show our support for all they do by attending this zoom meeting.
• Lunch with Dems scheduled for April 25 at noon. Bozeman Trail Steakhouse.

Adjourn

• Meeting was adjourned at 7:23.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:03pm
Pledge of Allegiance recited.

Agenda:

The June 9 Event at Kearney Hall was added to the agenda.

Attendance:

Four Central Committee Members.

Secretary Report:

Minutes of the February meeting were presented and approved as amended, striking the words ‘next year’ from the date noted for the Sept. 24 SCC meeting.

Treasurer Report:

Treasurer’s report was presented and approved.

Chair Announcements:

• A ‘State of the Union Watch Party’ is set for Mar. 7 in Bighorn. An invitation was extended to JC Dems. There is also a virtual SOTU Watch Party see https://events.democrats.org/event/607088/ for more information.
• County strategic plans are moving forward across the state.
• The format we used this year for our Legislative Watch may need to be improved upon in the future, although it was still useful this year.

Old Business:

• A motion was made by Dudley and seconded by Mary to go forward in planning the June 9th Event at Kearney Hall and approving up to $300 to assist in this effort. Motion carried.
• Greg will set up a committee lunch meeting to finish assigning responsibilities to our Johnson County Strategic Plan. The completed plan will be shared at the April 13 convention. Additional committee members are needed and those interested should contact Greg.
• County platform will be worked on by Kim McCoy and Greg Haas and will be shared at the April 13 Convention.
• The Twing Room at the JC Library has been reserved for our April 13 Convention. Plans for food, displays, and the meeting schedule will be finalized at our April 2nd meeting.
• The Scholarship Committee met on Feb. 20th. Plans are being made for another film night, probably in early November of 2024 as a fundraiser. An ad about the scholarship will soon be placed in the Buffalo Bulletin and Vikki will be asked to follow up again with school counselors about the scholarship application. Dixie McIntyre will be notified of applicants and information about the scholarships will be shared on a table at the April Convention.

New Business:

• Lunch Forums were discussed, and Greg will contact Kim to confirm a future date for the next one.
• Here for Good Ads: Lois made a motion to pay for another ad to appear in the March 27th Buffalo Bulletin, hopefully in tandem with an ad about the upcoming April Convention.

Upcoming Meetings:

• County Officer Round-table Zoom March 13, 2024 at 6:00pm
• Next monthly CCC Meeting on April 2, 2024 at 6 pm.
• County Convention, Twing Room of the JC Library. Doors open at 9am and all attendees must be fully checked in by 10 am on April 13, 2024
• The WDP State Convention will be held in Casper on June 1^st, 2024.
• An SCC meeting will be held in Buffalo in Sept. of 2024.
• Comms Call on first and third Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2024
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance recited.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

Six Central Committee Members.

Secretary Report:

Minutes from the Dec. 5th meeting were read and approved with the correction that our Jan. 2nd business meeting was cancelled and replaced with a zoom meeting on precinct committee people.

Treasurer Report:

Treasurer’s report was presented and approved.

Chair Announcements:

• Members have been invited into the Legislative Watch Group.
• College and High School Democrats groups are now starting to form here in WY (at UW, high schools, Casper College)

Old Business:

Johnson County convention 

• Will be held April 13, 2024
• Credentials committee (Mary, Dudley, Suzi) will arrive 8:30 am, doors open for check-ins at 9 am, doors close at 10 am and Convention starts at 10:15. 
• Platform Committee (Kim and Greg) will bring platform suggestions to the April 13, 2024 convention for discussion and approval.
• Motion made / seconded (Suzi / Mary) to spend up to $300 to secure the Senior Center as the Convention venue. Failed.
• Motion made / seconded (Suzi / Mary) to spend up to $300 on securing a venue for the Convention. Approved.

Lunch Forums

• Kim suggested all interested Dems meet at 11:30 at Bozeman Steakhouse on Monday, February 19^th (President’s Day) for social time and discussion of common issues.

Ads for Buffalo Bulletin

• Draft ads were passed around.
• Motion made/seconded (Dudley / Suzi) to approve one trial ad be sent to the Buffalo Bulletin in the format Greg proposed. Approved.
• Motion made/seconded (Suzi / Kim) that the Here for Good ad in 3” x 4” size dealing with taxes be first. Approved.

Scholarship Committee 

• Dudley reported that the Lover’s Raffle Basket raised $130 in Buffalo and $180 in Kaycee
• Next meeting of the Scholarship Committee will be Feb. 20. 

New Business:

School Board Recruitment

• Lois reported on the Take Back Our School Boards meeting she attended and asked that any interested in helping identify and recruit potential candidates for the 6 out of 9 open seats in JC contact her.

June 9^th event

• Local band, The Fireants, has offered to perform at a Dems event on June 9^th, 2024. 
• Vikki Chenette has contacted Scott Gall to reserve Kearney Hall for that day.

Banned Book Club

• Lois suggested we start a Banned Book Club to raise awareness and explore targeted books.

  • Those interested should contact Lois.

Upcoming Meetings:

• An SCC meeting will be held in Buffalo in Sept. of 2024.
• The WDP State Convention will be held in Casper on June 1^st, 2024.
• Next monthly CCC Meeting on March 5, 2024 at 6 pm.
• Comms Call on first and third Tuesdays at 7:00pm
• County Officer Round-table Zoom March 13, 2024 at 6:00pm

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting
November 7, 2023
Bomber Mountain Civic Center, Room 108

Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

Greg Haas, Mary VanAuken, Lois Petersen, Kim McCoy, Vikki Chenette

Secretary Report:

The Minutes of October 3rd were approved and will be entered into the record.

Treasurer Report:

Dudley reported income and expenses for general and scholarship accounts as of 10/1/23, providing a Balance Sheet for filing.

Chair Announcements:

Three public lands issues before the public for comment: Sheridan Democratic Party is asking for letters before 11/13 to Deputy Director Jason Crowder of the State Lands and Investment Board opposing the Columbus Peak Land Exchange in Sheridan County. See: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WYOSLI/bulletins/378dad4.

Teton County Democrats are opposed to the Kelly parcel auction. There are several public hearing scheduled around the state. See: https://wyodems.net/kelly-parcel-land-auction/.

Public comment ends January 17th for the BLM’s proposed bonding policy revisions related to land around Rock Springs. For more info see:

https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-extends-public-comment-period-draft-rock-springs-rmp-and-draft-eis.

Vanessa V. is giving away a grill with minor hail damage, and several upcoming Christmas Open House dates were around the community were shared.

Old Business:

Greg reported our Strategic Plan accessible on the Google Drive now includes results of last month’s discussion on JCDP’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Lois reported on plans underway for our November 30^th Meat the Future film night to benefit the William D. McIntyre Scholarship. Buffalo Theater reserved, $10.00 tickets available for purchase in advance or at the door, members, friends, and local media being contacted, and volunteers donating appetizers for the social hour. The gift basket raffle drawing will be held right before Valentine’s Day. Tickets will be $5.00 each or $20.00 for five tickets. The new Info cards will be available for outreach.

New Business:

Discussion of postcards mailed anonymously attacking Rep. Barry Crago. No action taken.

Kim won tonight’s Trivia Quiz $10.00 gift certificate from Margo’s.

Upcoming Meetings:

Our next meeting will be held December 5, 2023 at 6:00pm.

Comms Call on first and third Tuesdays at 7:00pm
County Officer Round-table Zoom Dec 13th at 6:00pm

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting
October 3, 2023
Call to Order:

Chair Greg Haas called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda:

There were no additions to the agenda.

Attendance:

Greg Haas, Mary VanAuken, Lorajane Kessler, Dudley Case, Sharon Case, Lois Petersen, Linda Wilson, Kim McCoy, Vikki Chenette.

Secretary Report:

The Minutes of August 1 were approved and will be entered into the record.

Treasurer Report:

Dudley reported income and expenses for general and scholarship accounts as of 10/1/23, providing a Balance Sheet for filing.

Chair Announcements:

Introduction to Deep Canvass Institute, a proven method to change hearts and minds Virtual Training to be held Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Johnson County Public Library Annual Benefit Auction ìAround the Worldî is Friday, Nov. 3.
Powder River Resource Council Annual Meeting and Dinner is Saturday, Nov. 4.
Public comment is open for the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed bonding policy revisions related to land around Rock Springs ends January 17th. More information can be found at:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/13853/570

Old Business:

Johnson County Friends Feeding Friends posted a Thank You to JCD on their website on 9/29.
Signage identifying our Adopt-a-Highway areas may be erected in October. Dates for 2024 clean ups are to be determined.
The William D. McIntyre Scholarship committee is planning a film night at Buffalo Theater plus a gift basket raffle to benefit the 2024 scholarship awards. The event would be open to the general public and held Thursday, Nov. 30, with the raffle drawing before Christmas. A motion to approve sponsoring the event and to allocate funds needed to promote and screen the film Meat the Future up to $350.00 from the Scholarship budget was seconded and approved by unanimous vote.
Greg shared a draft of the new, 2-sided colorful JCD information cards and solicited suggestions.

New Business:

Our next meeting will be held November 7 at 6:00pm.

Upcoming Meetings:

Comms Call on Tuesdays at 7:00pm on 1st and 3rd weeks.
County Officer Round-table Zoom November 7 at 6:00pm

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.