Ten Sleep Council discussion centers on increased traffic to library

WORLAND – The Ten Sleep Town Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to discuss the influx of traffic to the Ten Sleep Library, and how that has impacted the area around the library.

Ten Sleep Mayor Ernie Beckley said that around 15 people attended the meeting that were in support of the climbers.

Washakie County Commissioner Aaron Anderson and Beckley have said at multiple meetings throughout the summer that there has been a large influx of traffic in Ten Sleep despite COVID-19 guidelines being put in place.

Washakie County Library Systems Director Karen Funk was at the Washakie County Commissioners last week prior to the Ten Sleep meeting, and appeared in support of the climbers' presence at the library. Funk has stated in the past that the climbers have had a positive impact on the library including helping wash windows and ensuring they keep to themselves when present.

Climbers in attendance Tuesday night told the council what they have been doing to help the community and offered to help with a community service project should one be presented to them.

Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness was present at the meeting and explained to those in attendance what could and could not be done in terms of parking. He also discussed with the council the pros and cons of changing ordinances in that regard.

In other council news, Ruth Carter also appeared before the council regarding people not cleaning up after their dogs on her property. Carter, being located across from the Pony Express convenience store, said that there are a lot of out of town people who walk their dog on her property and do not bother to clean up after them.

Three building permits were approved, one for a new deck and two for new roofs.