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Catch up on breaking news and quick updates from around the state.

Lander Mayor Monte Richardson passes away unexpectedly

A man with short hair, crinkled eyes and a handlebar mustache, wearing a vest and a bolo tie.
City of Lander

This story is part of our Quick Hits series. This series will bring you breaking news and short updates from throughout the state.

Lander Mayor Monte Richardson unexpectedly died on Feb. 12. The City of Lander announced the news on its website Wednesday morning.

Richardson was born in Rock Springs and moved to Lander in 1976. He was in his second term as mayor after first being elected in 2018 and served on the city council for eight years before that. Richardson worked for Lander School District #1 for almost forty years and coached local sports teams. He is survived by three children and five grandchildren.

People can leave condolences and memories of Richardson in a tribute book in the foyer of the Lander City Hall. The City of Lander will provide more updates about memorial services for the mayor on its website.

“This is a heartbreaking day for Mayor Richardson’s family, the City of Lander, City Council, and our community,” said City Council President Julia Stuble in the release announcing Richardson’s death. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The city council will hold a special meeting on February 18th at 6 p.m. to appoint a temporary mayor and discuss the process for appointing a new mayor. It will take place at the City Council Chambers at 240 Lincoln Street.

Leave a tip: hhaberm2@uwyo.edu
Hannah Habermann is the rural and tribal reporter for Wyoming Public Radio. She has a degree in Environmental Studies and Non-Fiction Writing from Middlebury College and was the co-creator of the podcast Yonder Lies: Unpacking the Myths of Jackson Hole. Hannah also received the Pattie Layser Greater Yellowstone Creative Writing & Journalism Fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council in 2021 and has taught backpacking and climbing courses throughout the West.

Have a question or a tip? Reach out to hhaberm2@uwyo.edu. Thank you!

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