Sheridan/Johnson County Dems “Round-Up”
Sat., June 26th, 4-8 pm at Kearney Hall, Banner, WY
(Just 15 min. from Buffalo)

Suggested Donation of $10.00 for folks 13 years and up to help cover band and hall rental.

The June 26th Democrat Round Up is less than 2 weeks away. Let’s show the WY State Democratic Party and Sheridan County Dems that Johnson County Democrats are active and know how to have a good time.

The event offers games for kids and adults, raffles, a silent auction, good food, live music, and even the opportunity to dance, if you are so inclined. And the venue is beautiful! Kearney Hall, located just 15 minutes from Buffalo, has been newly remodeled and the scenery from the large new veranda is stunning.

Several JC Dems have volunteered to help with set up and some are helping by bringing side dishes to share. We can always use more help with clean-up so if you can stay a bit after 8 pm to help with that, please let us know.

To help the most, please call all your JC left leaning friends and ask them in person to join you at Kearney Hall on June 26th. A lot of work has gone into planning and preparing this event, so please come and join us!

Johnson County Democratic Party
Guest Speaker/Business Meeting
June 1, 2021
DRAFT minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Greg Haas, Chair.

Attendance in person: Mitch Black, Suzi Black, Vikki Chenette, Jim Shell, Bill McIntyre, Lois Petersen, Rachel Wear, Shannon Anderson, David Romtvedt, Mary Fowlkes, Tom Spencer, Sharon Case, Dudley Case, Greg Haas

Attendance online: None

Introduction of Guest Speaker:

Greg Haas introduced the guest speaker, Shannon Anderson, who is the staff attorney for the Powder River Basin Resource Council (PRBRC).

Guest Presentation:

Shannon said that her organization is a grassroots organization that mainly does organizing work and litigation in five main areas: oil and gas, coal, uranium & the nuclear fuel cycle, agriculture & local foods, and renewable energy.

Shannon then gave a twenty-minute slide show presentation covering these five main areas. At the end of the presentation Shannon answered questions from the audience.

Shannon then announced another upcoming PRBRC webinar which is part of the Reclaiming & Growing Wyoming’s Future webinar series that continues on Tuesday, June 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. with “Resources & Opportunities of the New Economy.”

This webinar will explore tools available to support sustainable community development.

Speakers Jay Stender of The WY Ranch (and formerly of Forward Sheridan), Kelli Roemer with the Resources and Communities Research Group at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, and Josh Dorrell and Ron Gullberg from the Wyoming Business Council will address various aspects of attracting and retaining economic development to communities.

This webinar will be helpful for community planners, local government officials and anyone interested in starting a business. The webinar will be moderated by Wyoming State Representative Chad Banks from Sweetwater County.

Secretary Report:

Greg Haas asked if there were any changes to be made to the minutes of the May 4^th meeting. Hearing none, the minutes were approved.

Treasurer Report:

Suzi Black stated that the party had received another check from Act Blue for about $24.

Old Business:

May 19^th JC Dems Luncheon – Bill McIntyre

The luncheon was held at the Par and Grill restaurant at the Buffalo Golf Course. Six people attend the luncheon and several topics were discussed.

The next luncheon will take place in September.

Sheridan County/JC County Dems June 26 picnic update – Lois Petersen

The picnic will be held at the Kearney Hall in Banner from 4 to 8 pm. Joe Barbuto, the WDP Chair, will be attending and perhaps playing some music. Tacos, drinks, chips and dips will be available. If you attend, please bring a dish to pass around. Please let Lois Petersen know what you are bringing.

There will be a live band and dancing. A $10 donation is being asked for anyone over 13 years of age.

Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up and kitchen work. Greg Haas, Vikki Chenette and Bill McIntyre volunteered for set up. Set up will be from 1 to 4 pm and clean-up will be from about 7:30 to 9:00 pm. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Lois Petersen.

If you can, please bring a table and chairs, so we don’t have to rent these items. Silent auction and raffle items are also needed, and Lois Petersen is collecting these items.

Greg Haas will ask precinct chairs to call precinct members and let them know of this event and also ask them for their email addresses.

New Business:

July 6 meeting. After some discussion, Vikki Chenette made a motion that we should skip having a July meeting. Lois Petersen seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Dudley Case said he has finished calling the Precinct 3-8 members, telling them of this meeting and the June 26 picnic. Greg Haas complemented Dudley on all his calling to precinct members.

Greg Haas said that other party members can email to the listserv, so that not all the communications are coming just from himself.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting
June 1, 2021 at 7:00 PM
via Zoom.us, register by Clicking Here to receive invitation.

Agenda

7:00pm Call to order

7:05pm Introduce Guest Speaker

7:06pm Guest Presentation

“Learn more from long-time staff Shannon Anderson about the work Powder River Basin Resource Council does to conserve Wyoming’s air, land, water, and wildlife, and protect our quality of life. Shannon will focus on current issues in Northeast Wyoming and briefly touch on the organization’s state-wide priorities, including at the Wyoming legislature.”

7:30pm Apologies from The Chair

7:32pm Minutes & Money

7:35pm Old Business

Sheridan/JC Kearney Hall event June 26 update

7:47 New Business

July 6 Meeting

Other?

7:55 Adjourn

Johnson County Democratic Party

Business Meeting

May 4, 2021

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Greg Haas, Chair.

Attendance in person: Lorajane Kessler, Mitch Black, Suzi Black, Jim Shell, Bill McIntyre, Mary Van Auken, Lois Petersen, Sharon Case, Dudley Case, Greg Haas

Attendance online: Vikki Chenette

Greg lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer Report – Suzi Black

As of May 4th, there was $1,764.59 in the bank account. There is also a check from Act Blue for $96.05 and an anonymous donation of $100.00.

Secretary Report – Dudley Case

Lois Petersen made a motion to approve the minutes for the April 6th business meeting. Mary Van Auken seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Chair Announcements – Greg Haas

All the JC Dems officers have signed the signature cards at the bank.

If you are interested in attending the WDP Labor Caucus meeting by Zoom contact Greg Haas for details.

The Bighorn National Forest Steering Committee will be holding a virtual meeting on May 5^th from 10:30 am to 3:15 pm via Microsoft Teams. If you are interested in attending the meeting contact Greg Haas for details or visit the Bighorn National Forest website. [Correction: Was the BLM, not Nat’l Forest. My mistake. -Greg]

On Saturday, May 16^th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time) the National Democratic Training Committee is holding the Western Regional Boot Camp training if you are running for office or working on a campaign in 2021 or 2022. If you are interested in attending contact Greg Haas for details.

Old Business:

1. June 1^st JC Dems Business Meeting – Greg Haas

In lieu of the 7:00 pm June 1^st JC Dems Business Meeting Greg has arranged for Shannon Anderson from the Powder River Basin Resource Council (PRBRC) to make a presentation about the PRBRC.

Mary Van Auken made a motion to approve Shannon Anderson as a speaker in lieu of the normal business meeting. Vikki Chenette seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Vikki Chenette made a motion to hold this meeting at the Johnson County Public Library in the large conference room and have it open to the general public. Lois Petersen seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Suzi Black made a motion to allow the JC Dems Central Committee to find an alternate venue should the public library room not be available. Lorajane Kessler seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Vikki Chenette, Greg Haas and Lois Petersen volunteered to work on the publicity (community calendar, flyer, press release, etc.) for this event.

2. May 19^th JC Dems Luncheon Forum – Bill McIntyre

The luncheon forum will be held at noon at the Par & Grill restaurant at the Buffalo Golf Course.

Thirteen democrats attended the April 21^st luncheon forum at the Par & Grill.

3. Sheridan County and Johnson County Democrats Concert Update – Lois Petersen

This event will be held on Saturday, June 26 at Kearney Hall from 4:00 to about 8:00 pm. There will be a live band, dancing, a raffle, food and outdoor activities. The hall is located on old Highway 87 and may be accessed from the Piney Creek exit off of I-90.

Lois Petersen asked that items for the raffle be given to her before June 1st.

The hall and band will each cost $200, and tables may need to be rented. There will also be publicity costs for such things as postcards, and food costs for such items as sloppy joes and hot dogs. Therefore, a $10 donation will be requested from each attendee.

Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass around.

On June 1^st there will be a planning meeting at 3:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, please contact Lois Petersen.

Volunteers will be needed for cooking, desserts, recycling, set up and clean up.

There will be an effort to get young people to attend this event.

Lois Petersen made a motion for the JC Dems to financially help with this event up to $200. Jim Shell seconded the motion. Motion passed.

4. Precinct Highlights – Dudley Case

Democratic members in precincts 2-14, 5-9 8-11 and 9-12 were contacted.

Dudley called 21 members and got two new email addresses and discovered three wrong phone numbers.

There were two suggestions for guest speakers. One, was to have someone talk on the issue of lack of access to Wyoming public lands, and, two, to have someone talk about the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Several Democratic members also said that they would try to make one of the luncheon forums.

New Business:

Greg Haas mentioned that Erin O’Doherty has started a Wyoming Dems Book Club. There will be a meeting of the club on May 23^rd at 4:00 pm. The first book that will be discussed is Harvest the Vote by Jane Kleeb, which is about how Democrats can win back rural America.

If you are interested in more information about the book club, please contact Greg Haas. Mitch Black, Vikki Chenette and Bill McIntyre expressed an interest in getting more information about the club.

Announcements from the floor:

Lois Petersen stated that a Sheridan Committee Action Team has been formed. The committee will be lobbying local officials on Medicaid expansion in Wyoming. They will be formulating a script for calls made to officials.

Greg Haas announced that he had attended the WDP precinct committee training. As part of the training the instructor said that Dems should not be afraid to wear Democratic hats and t-shirts.

Jim Shell stated that he still has some copies of the book On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder if anyone would like a copy.

Announcements of upcoming meetings:

1. June 1^st JC Dems Guest Speaker meeting at 7:00 pm. Location: TBA

2. May 19^th Luncheon Forum at the Par & Grill restaurant at the Buffalo Golf Course at noon.

3. June 26^th Sheridan and JC Dems Concert event at Kearney Hall at 4:00 pm.

4. July 6 JC Dems Monthly Meeting.

Lois Petersen made a motion that this meeting should be a business meeting in part to talk about future guest speakers for our meetings. Bill McIntyre seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Next Monthly Meeting:

June 1^st at 7:00 pm. Location: TBA

Adjournment:

Greg Haas adjourned the meeting at 7:56 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting
May 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM
via Zoom.us, register by Clicking Here to receive invitation.

Agenda

7:00pm Call to order

7:05pm Pledge, Check in, introduce, announce as needed, approve/amend agenda

7:15pm Treasurer, Secretary and Chair Announcements

Minutes, money, Luncheon, Bank, WDP Labor Caucus Elections, Bighorn NF Steering Committee Virtual Meeting

7:20 Old Business

June 1st Speaker Event

Sheridan/JC Kearney Hall event June 26 update

Precinct Highlights

7:40 New Business

Book Club

7:45 Announcements from the floor

7:50 Announce upcoming meetings

Next Monthly Meeting: ???, 2021

Other?

7:55 Adjourn

Johnson County Democratic Party
Business Meeting
April 6, 2021

Meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Greg Haas, Chair.

Attendance in person: Greg Haas, Dudley Case, Sharon Case, Lois Petersen, Jim Shell
Attendance online: Trudy Wolf, Bill McIntryre, Vikki Chenette, Mitch Black, Rachel Wear, Mary Van Auken

Greg lead group in Pledge of Allegiance.

Greg asked if Agenda needed to be amended. It did not need to be amended.

Treasurer’s Report – Jim Shell for Suzi Black

As of the March 2 meeting there was $1,669.59 in the bank account. In March $73.00 in donations were received. As of April 6, there is $1,742.59 in the bank account.

Greg Haas mentioned that he has $100 from anonymous cash donors that hasn’t been deposited yet.

Secretary’s Report – Dudley Case

The minutes for the March 20, 2021 Election of Officers and Precinct Committeemen and Committeewomen were approved.

Minutes for the March 2, 2021 Business Meeting were approved.

Chair Announcements –

Greg Haas stated that he has become a Notary Public, which might come in handy if we pursue voter registration drives as a public service.

Old Business –

Elections – Greg Haas

At the March 20 meeting the JC Democratic Party elected the following officers:

Chair – Greg Haas
Vice Chair – Mary Van Auken
Secretary – Dudley Case
Treasurer – Suzi Black
State Committeeman – Bill McIntyre
State Committeewoman – Lois Petersen

Also, at this meeting the following people were elected for precinct committeeman and committeewoman for their respective precincts:

Precinct 3-1 – Lois Petersen
Precinct 3-2 – Mitch and Suzi Black
Precinct 3-6 – Greg Haas and Mary Van Auken
Precinct 4-7 – Dudley Case and Vikki Chenette
Precinct 6-10 – Bill McIntyre
Precinct 10-15 – Linda Wilson

Party Luncheons – Bill McIntyre

The March luncheon was held at the Bozeman Trail Steakhouse in Buffalo on March 24 at noon and ten members attended the luncheon. Jim Shell and Bill McIntyre both brought topics to discuss.

The April luncheon will be held at the Par & Grill at the Buffalo Golf Course on Wednesday, April 21 at noon. Bill asked that members bring a topic to discuss.

Jim Shell offered to host a get together during the summer.

Precinct Highlights – Dudley Case

Thirty-six members were called in Precinct 4-8. Six of the phone numbers were incorrect on the list. Dudley talked to eight members and left voice messages for eighteen members. Four members had no answering machines.

One member told Dudley that Cloud Peak Drive needs repair work because the sides of the road are collapsing. Another member said Hemlock Street needs to be paved because of the amount of dust being kicked up by truck traffic.

One member would like to have an environmental activist for a speaker at one of the party meetings.

Several members said they don’t live in Wyoming in the winter so they would be unable to attend winter meetings. Several members volunteered their email addresses.

Greg Haas asked that members volunteer to call precinct members in their precinct.

New Business –

Greg suggested that we go to quarterly business meetings and that the other two meetings each quarter be more informal. Such meetings might be devoted to reviewing books and movies or having a guest speaker at each meeting.

Lois Petersen made a motion to schedule quarterly business meetings and get guest speakers for the other two meetings each quarter, and that the May meeting be a business meeting and that we get guest speakers for the June and July meetings. Dudley Case seconded the motion. After some discussion about when to start having guest speakers because of the COVID pandemic, the motion was passed.

Greg Haas said that the WDP has training for writing letters-to-the-editor. If you are interested contact Greg.

Announcements from the Floor:

Lois Petersen said she had spoken with a member of the Sheridan Democratic Party (Kris) about possibly having a joint rock and roll band concert and/or dance with them on Saturday June 26 at a local hall. The general consensus was that Lois should follow up with the Sheridan party and get some more information about the location, food, costs, etc.

Dudley stated that the signature paperwork for the party’s bank account is ready to be signed by Greg Haas and Suzi Black. Dudley has already signed the paperwork.

Next Business Meeting –

Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 pm.

Johnson County Democratic Party Meeting
April 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM
via Zoom.us, register by Clicking Here to receive invitation.

Agenda

7:00pm Call to order

7:05pm Pledge, Check in, introduce, announce as needed, approve/amend agenda

7:15pm Treasurer, Secretary and Chair Announcements

Minutes, money, etc.

Notary Public

7:20 Old Business

Elections

Luncheon

Precinct Highlights

7:35 New Business

Groups/Clubs

Book, Movie, Activism

WDP April Trainings

7:45 Announcements from the floor

7:55 Announce upcoming meetings

Next Monthly Meeting: ???, 2021

Other?

8:00 Adjourn

Johnson County Democratic Party
March 20, 2021
County Officer Elections

Called to order at 10:24am.

In attendance: Greg Haas, Lois Petersen, Jim Shell, Bill McIntyre, Mary VanAuken, Mitch Black, Suzie Black, Dudley Case, Tara McClatchey, Mike McClatchey, Linda Wilson, Trudy Wolfe, and Vikki Chenette.

Announcements:
Lois shared facts related to the 2020 election for WY Dems to be proud of.

• 1st time we have a blue county in WY: Teton County
• Teton County now has more D’s than R’s as registered voters.
• 16 Dem women ran for state house or senate
• 6000+ new registered dems in WY
• More Dems ran than ever before
• 31% increase in voters in 2 years
• 73,445 WY voters voted for Biden
• 13 Dems were elected to town/county positions
• 21 dems were elected to school boards
• Albany County tipped very light blue for the Presidential election.

Guest, Johnson County Clerk Vicki Edelman, addressed the group regarding the voting process here in Johnson County and thanked all of the county workers and poll judges who made election integrity their number one priority. She noted that the Johnson County Republicans adopted a resolution regarding election integrity that apparently suggested a hint of fraud within this state and country. Several attendees spoke up, having been poll workers and judges, to compliment Vicki and the process in place here in Johnson County that assures a fair election in this community.

Election of Officers
Nominations, seconds and votes were taken to elect the Johnson County Democratic Party Officers. All were elected for two-year terms. The results are as follows:

Chair: Greg Haas
Vice Chair: Mary Van Auken
Secretary: Dudley Case
Treasurer: Suzi Black
State Committeeman: Bill McIntyre
State Committeewoman: Lois Petersen

Further Announcements:
Bill McIntyre announced and invited everyone to an informal Luncheon Forum at noon on Wed., March 24, at the Bozeman Trail Steakhouse – a social event for JC Dems to come together, meet each other, and talk about issues they may have in common. Each person will buy their own lunch off the full menu. Please come and, to help know how many to plan for, please contact Bill McIntyre at 307-267-0775 to reserve a seat.

The next regular meeting of the JC Dems will be on Tues., April 6th at 7 pm. All are encouraged to attend.

Meeting adjourned at 11:33

Johnson County Democrats
Precinct Committee People
March 20, 2021
10:00AM

Meeting called to order at 10:05.

In attendance: Greg Haas, Lois Petersen, Jim Shell, Bill McIntyre, Mary Van Auken, Mitch Black, Suzi Black, Dudley Case, Tara McClatchey, Mike McClatchey, Linda Wilson, Trudy Wolfe, and Vikki Chenette.

Greg discussed contacting two individuals who were write-in candidates for Precinct 03-07 committee persons positions at the last primary election. We will try to reach them at their mailing address to determine if they are indeed interested that role.

Motion by Vikki and seconded by Mitch was made to approve a slate of Precinct Commitee Men and Women who will then vote for County Party Officers. Motion passed with 90% yes, 10% abstention. Greg will report results to County Clerk.

Meeting adjourned at 10:24am.

JC Dems Minutes – March 2, 2021 – Bomber Mt.

In Attendance: Greg Haas (C), Lois Petersen (S), Jim Shell, (T), and Dudley Case, Sharon Case, Mitch Black, Bill McIntyre and Massimo Haas.

Meeting was called to order at 7pm.

Minutes of the Feb. 2nd meeting were approved as amended.

Treasurer’s Report:
Treasure reported our current account balances after paying the annual post office box fee and receiving donations.

Old Business:
* Greg has contacted the WDP and Greybull campaign asking for an account of our $500 donation to the Greybull campaign; no response on that issue yet.

* Greg reported that some county parties raise money and award scholarships to graduating HS seniors. He would like the JC Dems to adopt this practice in coming years, awarding on the basis of essays that reflect principles of the Democratic Party.

* Mitch reported on his efforts to contact Dems in precinct 03-02. Comments from those he was able to reach via phone included an interest in social events for Dems. Also, one person suggested a message to Liz Cheney thanking her for standing up for democracy as related to the 2020 election.

* Our County Reorganization Meeting is set for March 20 at 10am, and will be conducted via Zoom as per motion by Lois/Dudley – carries. Please be sure to register at https://jcdemswyo.org/zoom. Election by County Central Committee of officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, State Committeeman, State Committeewoman) will take place at this meeting. Notice of the meeting will be made to the County Clerk (Greg), Buffalo Bulletin (Mitch), and via email and post cards to each registered JC Democrat. Motion to purchase post cards made by Mitch/Jim – carries.

Announcements from the floor:
* Lois reported on the Sheridan County Dems Action Group meeting she attended via Zoom. Good discussion format.

* HJ0005 (Protecting Wyoming Citizens’ Voices) – a bill proposing an amendment to the US Constitution to allow states to regulate all monies raised and spent for political purposes – is now before our state legislators. Please contact State Rep. Barry Crago (307)267-9789 asking his support for this bill.

* Medicaid Expansion – there is now extra incentive for states to expand Medicaid protection for their citizens. Please read the following article and then contact your state legislators in support of this way to actually MAKE money for the state while providing necessary health insurance coverage to all WY citizens. https://trib.com/opinion/columns/martin-if-congress-offers-wyoming-funding-today-will-we-take-it/article_14d7abf0-a665-5450-8fb0-ab267b98d88d.html

* JC Dems Forum Luncheon – Please come! Bill McIntyre invites all JC Dems to lunch at noon on Wed., March 24 at the Bozeman Steak House. This event provides a forum for Dems to meet and chat with other Dems. (Meal purchases, paid by each attendee, help support our local restaurants.)

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Next meetings:
County Party Elections (Reorganization mtg) Sat., March 20, 2021 at 10am via Zoom
Tues., April 6, 2021, 7 pm – at Bomber Mountain and via ZOOM.