WHEATLAND – “It’s ‘North Tower Day’ today, and I’m excited,” Tony Krotz, Platte County Emergency Management coordinator, said at last week’s commissioner’s meeting. A long-awaited improvement to emergency communication capabilities in the county were completed last Tuesday.
“I’m looking forward to driving around the county and making some calls to try it out,” he said. “It’s a great fix. We’ll save money using some equipment [that was on hand]. I’m excited about this.”
As far as communication gaps go, Krotz said he will now focus on solutions for the Palmer Canyon area on the western side of the county.
The Agriplex is being considered by Krotz as the number-one mass shelter location in the county, but a backup generator is needed. He told the commissioners, the fact it is also a polling place opens up some grant opportunities.
Krotz said funding has been obtained to pay for overtime costs during the general election so there can be additional security at all the polling places around the county. “We will increase our presence [during the election]. I don’t expect a whole lot of issues, but we will be ready.”
“I have projects on top of projects,” Krotz added, opening discussion with commissioners on several topics he is working on in coordination with other agencies in the county, to be prepared for a multitude of emergency situations.
There are various live exercises planned and/or being conducted, and Krotz is planning to work with school administrators to include occasional active shooter drills in schools, such as is already done with fire and severe weather drills. As discussed with commissioners, it is important to be prepared and have every responding agency know specifically what they need to do their response to the variety emergency situations which could occur.

Krotz has also reached out to Goshen County Emergency Management to arrange an annual mass exercise, with each county taking turns hosting the training. He also wants to make sure the mental health aspect of potentially tragic events is also talked about during the trainings, providing a plan to help the public with potential emotional trauma therapy resources.
Resolutions
In other business during the commissioner’s meeting, commissioners approved two resolutions to recognize recently retired magistrate Scott W. Cole, and approve the appointment of Wendy Curtis Palen as part-time magistrate for the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial District in Platte County.
In Resolution 2024 – 15, commissioners officially recognized the faithful service of Scott Judge Cole, and his contributions to the citizens of Platte County. The resolution stated, Cole “experienced significant changes to his role during his [33-year] career including the transition from Justice of the Peace to a Magistrate.” It further said, “during his years of faithful and dedicated service he earned the admiration and respect of his friends and colleagues; and…his commitment to the equal application of justice…as a judicial officer was unwavering; and…he always spoke to people with patience, understanding and compassion; and;…is known as a man with the highest level of integrity, honesty and fairness and is truly above reproach.”
In Resolution 2024 – 16, commissioners officially accepted the appointment of Wendy Curtis Palen as a part-time magistrate for the Circuit Court in the Eighth Judicial District. Judges Nathaniel S. Hibben and Clark C. Allan, along with Wyoming Chief Justice Kate Fox, determined a part-time magistrate is in the best interest for the people of Platte County. Palen, who was a part-time magistrate for Platte County in the past to provide relief for Magistrate Cole, was nominated by Hibben and Allen for the position.
The resolution further stated, “Wendy Curtis Palen is well-known for her impartiality, moral conviction and solid understanding of Wyoming law; and…the Board of County Commissioners believe [she] would continue to serve the people of Platte County at the highest level of public service and that she will be a phenomenal jurist.”
Krotz commented on the resolution recognizing Cole at the meeting, “It is very rare for a judge to gain the respect of both the law and public.”
“Wendy Palen has stepped in when he was gone, she is phenomenal. She will do a good job,” he added.
Planning and Zoning
Two building applications: one for a pole barn, another for a house, were presented for approval by Platte County planner Doug Dumont, with no objections or comments by the commissioners.
Hospital Foundation Board
The commissioners also held a public interview of Platte County Hospital Foundation board applicant Lauren Nordeen. After sharing her teaching and administrative background, including 29 years with Wyoming Child and Family Development, Nordeen shared her reason for wanting to be on the board. She explained, she and her family have benefitted from the hospital foundation as recipients of care, as well as scholarship sponsorship. After spending a lot of time volunteering at the Legacy Home where Nordeen was introduced to the Hospital Foundation, she said she felt she wanted to become a Friend of the Foundation, so she was more involved with helping their cause. As far as seeking to be on the board: a Friend can be involved in the foundation’s meetings, but is not a voting member. Only the board members can vote.
In the past, the Hospital Foundation has hosted an annual ‘Cajun Night’ fundraiser to raise funds for the Legacy Home like soft serve ice cream machine, popcorn machine, haircuts for residents, developing a kitchen dedicated to help with life skills for occupational therapy, continuing education assistance for staff, an IV pump and securing funding for a Hamilton TI ventilator for the ambulance to make the ambulance’s ventilator compatible with the system on medivac helicopters.
After further questions by commissioners, they unanimously approved the appointment of Nordeen to fill the vacancy on the Hospital Foundation Board, whose term ends in June of 2025.