Connally to take town reins

Cheryl Schneider will have worked as clerk/treasurer for Moorcroft for eight and a half years when she officially leaves on June 14. She started January 15, 2015 and has enjoyed the experience "very much".

Accepting the role of Clerk/Treasurer was a bit outside of her know-how at first, though.

"When I came here, I was really lost because it was nothing like I had experienced," the soon-to-be retired clerk says. "It's a lot of work, so many responsibilities as a clerk/treasurer, I had no idea."

Schneider attributes her ability to conquer and enjoy the position with the town to coworker Jesse Connally, who has been with the clerk's office for many years, and former Sundance clerk/treasurer Kathy Lenz, "who was a friend and a great mentor".

She also attributes the success of the office to the Wyoming Association of Municipal Clerks Treasurers (WAMCAT) as well as software training, State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB and more.

"All of those office just help you to succeed," Schneider says, commending the council for their continued support of this education.

Schneider leaves a diverse work history in Moorcroft and Sundance as well.

"I started back in the early '80s at the [Moorcroft] Clinic pharmacy and worked there ten years. I took a few years off for my children and, [during that time], worked one day a week at the [Pinnacle] Bank; subbed at the Moorcroft High School and Elementary and the Moorcroft Clinic and Sundance Clinic and the First Presbyterian Church secretary, too," she says.

When Schneider decided to return to full time work, she took a position in administration for Sharon's Home Health for "a few years" before she was accepted at the Sundance Post Office, where she worked for three and a half years. In 1998, she applied for and was given the position of secretary at the Moorcroft High School after the retirement of Cheryl Williams.

"I started working with John Cook and worked with him until he retired... John Cook was not only an outstanding principal, he was a great friend," she says. "I worked there for 17.5 years...I've had really great bosses and coworkers...I've been so blessed that way."

This isn't the end of the story for the enterprising Schneider, who already has another position waiting.

"I'm going to work remotely for Midwest Assistance Program, they assist rural communities with water and sewer projects," she says. She looks forward to having more time with the more flexible schedule to have more time with family.

Moorcroft residents will not see any interruption of services, though they are asked to be patient as duties are transferred to the new clerk/treasurer. The position has been offered to and accepted by Connally, a familiar, knowledgeable clerk who has been a teacher and support within the office for 20 years.

Schneider says, "I know we're leaving the town in excellent hands, for sure."

As Connally prepares to step up as department head, she admits to a bit of trepidation, but is excited about this move and knows Schneider will only be a phone call away.

"It's a lot to take in. There's so much responsibility and so many different parts to the job... I have a lot to learn; do I think I can do a good job? Yes...I can keep everything running smoothly and Cheryl is going to be a great asset," she says.

When Schneider rescinded her original resignation a few months ago, people were relieved, but this time, "It's hard to say 'Goodbye', but it's time to say 'Goodbye'."

The positions of full time and part time municipal deputy clerk is anticipated to be filled soon.