Medicine Bow Council Discusses Dumping of Prohibited Items

JULY 16, 2025 |

Photo – Sign for Medicine Bow – Bigfoot99 file photo

Individuals found guilty of illegal dumping in Medicine Bow will not be given a warning before receiving a fine.

During the May 12th Medicine Bow Town Council Meeting, Mayor Justin George introduced a measure to either lock the burn pit, located on the north side of town, or install cameras. Residents are only permitted to dispose of small brush items in the burn pit. However, Public Works Director Brian Lashley explained that people are throwing prohibited items, such as furniture, into the pit, forcing town employees to manually clear the debris. Lashley said he’s unsure how best to prevent the unauthorized dumping, but suggested cameras as one possible solution.

After the discussion, the governing body agreed that cameras were the most effective way to catch people dumping prohibited items into the town’s burn pit. Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer donated a trail camera to the town to help catch the illegal dumpers.

At Monday’s Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Lashley said he installed Councilwoman Wickizer’s trail camera at the burn pit. The footage helped identify several residents dumping prohibited items. Lashley suggested sending warning letters instead of issuing fines but said he hadn’t yet drafted the letter for Town Attorney Cameron Smith’s approval.

Mayor Justin George said despite the presence of a clearly marked sign detailing what can and cannot be disposed of in the burn pit, people are still throwing away prohibited items. Rather than immediately issuing the legally mandated $750 fine, Mayor George said he chose to send warning letters instead.

Councilwoman Crystal Mayfield asked when the town will begin imposing fines to those caught dumping illegal items into the burn pit.

Mayor George responded that because illegal dumping had gone on unchecked for so long, he felt a warning was appropriate. If the behavior continues, those responsible will face Municipal Judge Dan Massey.

Councilman Trevor Strauch agreed that issuing a warning was a reasonable first step, adding that many residents may be unaware of the dumping restrictions. However, other members of the governing body pointed out that the town has posted signs clearly listing what can and cannot be legally disposed of at the burn pit.

Town Attorney Cameron Smith recommended notifying Municipal Judge Dan Massey as soon as someone is positively identified for illegal dumping. Attorney Smith said the judge is unlikely to impose the full $750 fine and would instead require the individuals to remove the items themselves or make other restitution to the town.

Council members Kristi Wickizer and Crystal Mayfield agreed that going through the court would be a more effective deterrent than sending warning letters.

Councilman Trevor Strauch asked what the town can do about individuals who can’t be identified through the trail camera footage. Public Works Director Brian Lashley said he has their license plate numbers, but Sheriff Alex Bakken is not authorized to run out-of-state plates on the town’s behalf.

Attorney Cameron Smith suggested using social media to enlist the public’s help in identifying the culprits. The town attorney said the method has worked well in Cheyenne.

The governing body agreed to involve Municipal Judge Massey. Mayor Justin George directed Public Works Director Brian Lashley to share the trail camera footage with Town Attorney Smith, who will pass it along to the judge.