GUERNSEY – Though a professional application packet was put together, according to councilman Joe Michaels, the opportunity for Guernsey to be chosen as the site for a state-funded, world class multi-million-dollar shooting sports facility has passed up the little town nestled between the hills of Guernsey State Park, the Oregon Trail, and the North Platte River.
“I’m opinionated, and if you don’t apply, you can’t complain,” he told the council at their June 18 meeting. “We just couldn’t compete with the ‘touristy’ aspects of Cody and Buffalo (two of the towns still in the running for the complex).”
He added, the town submitted a great application and made it through the first cut in the process to seek a location for the state shooting sports complex.
The council and mayor voiced their appreciation to Michaels for his time working on the application.

During public comments during the meeting, Troy Reichert brought up an issue with the lack of details and short timeframe for allowed response without penalty for ordinance violation notices issued by the town. He said he was issued a notice of violation that did not specify what he was doing wrong, even though there were ordinance numbers on it. The letter stated further legal action would be taken five-days from issue of the letter, which he suggested is unreasonable, as he only gets his mail weekly, and there are times he is gone for over a week. Reichert further questioned the council to whom he is to ask these questions, since the code enforcement officer position is currently vacant.
Mayor Ed Delgado said the letter is a form letter used by the recent code enforcement officer, and was sent by the town, and anyone with questions can contact town hall.
The council voted to pass the golf cart ordinance on its third and final reading, with councilwoman Penny Wells and Mayor Delgado voting “nae” and councilman Dale Harris, Kelly Augustyn, and Joe Michaels voting “aye.” The new ordinance requires golf carts to be operated only by individuals with a legal driver’s license and during daylight hours. The ordinance was created to reduce incidents of reckless driving, or with more than four individuals on the cart. Mayor Delgado said at previous council meetings, he is in favor of more strict rules, including licensing of the carts, and restricting their use to and from the golf course.
The town’s operating budget for 2025 was also approved, unanimously.
In addition to public works director Mike Fronapfel’s report on water restrictions beginning June 25th, police chief Jay Harrison said his department is still waiting for word of final approval of grants he applied for earlier this year to replace computers and radios. He also reported there have been no experienced candidates apply for the open police officer position, which he said is not only a local issue, but a nationwide one. The chief also responded to an inquiry by Wells about minors using unlicensed minibikes and four-wheelers. He said he’s been in contact with the individuals in question and will issue citations as needed.
Fire chief Jeff Thomas said recent joint training with Hartville and Camp Guernsey fire departments have focused on high angle training, and there have been several calls and assist requests for the department.