WHEATLAND — The Wheatland Fire Department has a new ladder truck purchased from the city of Newcastle for $20,000.
During the Wheatland Town Council’s regular meeting May 14, Wheatland Fire Department Foundation Treasurer Chase Christensen told councilors the foundation went ahead and purchased the ladder truck.
The council twice tabled the ladder truck purchase, during its regular meetings in March and April, since the city wasn’t sure whether it had funds to purchase the truck.
Christensen said Basin Electric Power Cooperative donated $15,000, plus an additional $5,000 that the foundation had to match, to purchase the truck and for its maintenance. He said the fire department hopes to take delivery of the truck by May 23.
Christensen told the council during its March regular meeting that the truck was a good deal at $20,000 since such an apparatus would cost $700,000-$800,000 if the town had to buy it new.
Christensen said the foundation hadn’t wanted to purchase the truck and wants the city to own the truck.

The council took no action, with the intent to discuss the ladder truck during the city’s budget meetings.
In other matters, the council held a public hearing for a Community Development Block Grant application to be submitted to the Wyoming Business Council for the purpose of building a sidewalk along Oak Street, as well as a new sidewalk, curb and gutter along 22nd Street near the newly constructed Rock Creek Apartments. The projects are estimated to cost between $40,000 and $50,000. The council approved a resolution supporting the CDBG application.
Council members also agreed to donate $1,000, or $200 per student, to Wheatland Middle School to help fund a trip to Washington, D.C., for local students to compete at the National History Day competition. Seventh-graders Jacey McDaniel, Jayden McDaniel and Hadley Paisley made a brief presentation to the council about photographer Lewis Hine, whose work exposed child labor in the U.S. and helped put an end to it. The students asked the city to give them work so they could raise money for the trip.
“Ironically, you’re offering us child labor,” Councilor Bill Britz observed.
The council unanimously agreed to donate the money in exchange for the students’ help in handing out brochures.
In other business, the Wheatland Town Council:
Approved its third reading of Ordinance 816 regarding building codes.
Approved second reading of Ordinance 817, rezoning of Lot B Willis Subdivision so that Impact Ministries can construct a church building/community center and eventually a recreation center at the subdivision.
Approved its first reading of Ordinance 818 regarding construction debris fees.
Approved the Cascade Subdivision out lot final plan.
The Wheatland Town Council’s next regular meeting is June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Chambers at the corner of Ninth and Water streets.