Where did you grow up and what brought you to Platte County Weed and Pest? I grew up right here in Wheatland.
What is your current role and how long have you been involved Platte County Weed and Pest? Supervisor. I was first hired a as seasonal in 2013 and was given the opportunity to be a supervisor in 2017.
What’s the best part of the position? Getting to see all the amazing country in and around Platte County.
What’s the biggest challenge of the position? Finding effective control for problem weeds.
What have you learned between your first season and now? Too much to list – why some plants are bad and how they impact the ecosystem and the best ways to control them with the least of amount of impact on the environment.
Best memory of Platte County Weed and Pest? All of it. Especially working with Jim Cotterman, Dale Woirhaye, and Larry Yost.
If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest, what would it be and why? Cheatgrass. It is extremely widespread and expensive for effective control.
Coolest Wildlife experience in the field? Got about 20 feet from a big ‘ol bull elk one time.
Do you want to stay in Platte County long term? I’m gonna be here forever!
Trisha McCarty Shop Foreman
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Platte County Weed and Pest? I moved to Wheatland with my parents when I was 11 years old from Cheyenne, and honestly, I will never leave. This is my home!
What is your current role and how long have you worked at Platte County Weed and Pest? I have been and employee since September of 2014. My current role is as Shop Foreman and Leafy Spurge Master.
What’s the best part of the position? Being outside! I absolutely love my outdoor office. I get to see landscape and wildlife that most people will go their whole life without seeing!
What’s the biggest challenge of the position? In the summer you will have days that you feel like you might sweat to death and in the fall with Prairie Dogs you feel like you might freeze to death! Oh, and did I mention the wind is horrible? But I wouldn’t change a thing. I love my job even with days like these.
What have you learned between your first season and now? Oh gosh… looking back at my first season I had no idea how big of a deal weed and pest is to our agricultural community. Now, eight years later, the knowledge I have gained is incredible, who knew I would have such an infatuation with noxious weeds and prairie dogs?!
Best memory of PCWP? My best memory of Platte County Weed and Pest would have to be my first season of Prairie Dogs. I was so scared because I had never done anything like this. Pat, Dale, and Larry were so amazing, they took me under their wings and showed me the way! We had such a fun Prairie Dog season with many laughs and beautiful country. After my first season I was hooked and knew this was my home with an amazing family atmosphere!
If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest, what would it be and why? Leafy spurge! Enough said! I HATE it so much. It’s so hard to eradicate with such an extensive root system, and it’s everywhere!
Coolest Wildlife experience in the field? Oh – it would have to be in 2016 we were headed to Black Mountain; Twin Pines Ranch had all their buffalo out. We stopped to take pictures and one came right up to the truck and stuck it’s tongue out at me, and I snapped a picture of it!
Do you want to stay in Wheatland long term, or do you have your sights set on something else? I plan on staying long term with Platte County Weed and Pest all the way to retirement. Maybe even after that.
Hobbies? I love being this close to the mountains and our great small-town community!
Gleny Laffitte Office Manager
How long have you been involved Platte County Weed and Pest? 8 Years
What’s the best part of the position? Assisting landowners with cost-share and other programs that help them improve their farms and ranches!
What have you learned between your first season and now? There is more to a weed and pest than meets the eye. There are a lot of biological and chemical control methods that can help eradicate noxious species that are detrimental to the native ecosystem.
If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest, what would it be and why? Cheatgrass! It is very prolific, difficult to treat and detrimental to farm and rangelands!
Sarah Taylor Office Assistant
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Platte County Weed and Pest? I was born and raised in Wheatland. When an opening became available in the Spring of 2022 I leapt at the opportunity to try something new and put my colorful job history to work in one place.
What is your current role and how long have you worked at Platte County Weed and Pest? Currently I am the Mapping Coordinator and I have been since April 2022.
What’s the best part of the position? I get to do a variety of different tasks each day, and there is always something new to learn! I am able to put to work many of my skills that would otherwise go unused!
What’s the biggest challenge of the position? There is so much to learn and every time you think you’ve got it figured out, something new comes up!
If you could rid Platte County of one Weed or Pest, what would it be and why? Scotch thistle! Ido find it beautiful, but, man is it wicked.
Do you want to stay in Wheatland long term, or do you have your sights set on something else? I moved away after high school and came back in 2015. My family is here and I have worked hard to build a life for myself in Platte County.
Hobbies? I love to bake, grow plants, read, and I always seem to find a new hobby to take up my time.
