The Platte County Weed and Pest Control District held its reorganization meeting on February 13th, 2024. The following appointments were made at the meeting:
Chairman – John Watson
Vice-Chairman – Amy Miller
Secretary/Treasurer – Bill Criss
John Watson
Chairman
Area 2 Representative (Guernsey – Dwyer)
Term Expires: January 2027
I’m a wheat farmer who lives 12 miles south of Guernsey, I grew up in Guernsey the son of a miner and teacher. I started working for a farmer south of town after my junior year of High School, and in 1976 married his daughter and came back to start farming the summer of 1977. Kathy , my wife, and I have three children. Our oldest daughter, Angie, and her husband ,Nate, live in Wichita. Nate is a mechanical engineer who works in the airline industry. They have three of our grandchildren. Our second daughter, Debbie is married to Sean, they are both nurses and work for Gem City Bone and Joint in Laramie. They also have one of my grandsons. My Son, Tom is married to Jo and they live in with my wife and I and help us run our farm.
My hobbies other than farming are watching High School sports, hunting, and spending time with my grandkids. Kathy and I have led the Guernsey-Sunrise chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the past four years. I served 16 years on my local school board, and am still active in the local school accreditation committee. I served 9 years on the board of The Wheatland Coop. In 1997 I participated in American Cyanamid’s Statesman Program. I have served as President of WWGA from 2001-2004. I have served on various church boards over the last 30 years, and server as the director of the Wyoming Wheat Commission.
Amy Miller
Vice-Chairman
Area 7 Representative (Town of Wheatland)
Term Expires: January 2027
- Where did you grow up and what brought you to Platte County Weed and Pest?
I grew up in Platte County and have always been a customer of Platte County Weed and Pest; because of this I felt it was important to be on the board. - What’s the biggest challenge of the position?
The biggest challenge, I feel, is trying to help customers with their weed and pest issues; especially when costs can be prohibitive. It’s important to find a balance between affordability and efficacy. - If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest, what would it be and why?
Prairie Dogs! They are so destructive and multiply quickly even though we try so hard to control them. - What’s your favorite part of living in Wheatland?
I love Platte County because it is my home! I love our ranch, community, and the people who live here!
Bill Criss
Secretary/Treasurer
Area 3 Representative (North Wheatland)
Term Expires: January 2027
- Where did you grow up?
Right here in Wheatland. - How long have you been involved Platte County Weed and Pest?
Since 2011 - If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest?
Prairie Dogs AND Grasshoppers! - What is the biggest challenge of the position?
Putting up with the workers – or maybe the have to put up with me. That could be. - What’s your favorite part about living in Wheatland?
Beats me. The wind. Keeps the riff-raff out.
Cate Harris
Area 4 Representative (South Wheatland)
Term Expires: January 2029
Eric Heatherly
Area 6 Representative (Chugwater)
Term Expires: January 2027
- Where did you grow up and what brought you to Platte County?
I was born and raised in Chugwater. I graduated from Wheatland High School in 2008 and graduated from the University of Jamestown in 2012. - How long have you been on the board at Platte County Weed and Pest?
I have been on the board since 2019. - If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest, what would it be and why?
Mullein! It’s tall, ugly, and an eye sore. - What’s your favorite part of living in Wheatland?
I’m fifth generation on my family’s ranch. I love the outdoors and the peace and quiet while working with cows. - What are your favorite hobbies?
I like to hunt and watch and play sports and now enjoy watching and playing with my two kids. - Anything else you’d like to add?
My wife Shelby works in Cheyenne, and we have two boys, Grayson and Carter.
Josh Graves
Area 5 Representative (Slater)
Term Expires: January 2029
Ron Lockhart
Area 1 Representative (Glendo – Meadowdale)
Term Expires: January 2029
