County clerk to leave

County Clerk Linda Fritz has handed in her resignation, citing plans to move out of the area to be closer to family.

Fritz presented her letter of resignation to the county commissioners last week, but will continue to act as clerk until her official last day of May 31.

"My husband, Todd, and I have chosen to move back to Iowa to be with family. Most of our family resides there and quality time with my father has no rival," she said in the letter.

"We have lived in Wyoming for 37 years and will truly miss the wonderful people and the beauty here, but the love of family calls us home to Iowa."

Fritz thanked the citizens of Crook County for their support during her last two elections and said she appreciates the opportunity to serve the residents of this county for the last 30 years. The friendships she and Todd have made over the years, she said, have enriched their lives.

"I would like to thank my co-workers for all their hard work, the other elected officials for their countless hours of dedicated service to the county and to so many others who have given of themselves to serve as volunteers on boards or elections," she ended her letter.

"You are all appreciated, and I thank you for your service to Crook County."

Fritz's departure in the final year of her second term will create a vacancy in the office until after this year's elections. This will be filled according to Wyoming State Statute, which states that vacancies will be filled by appointment of a temporary successor to serve until the next general election.

Fritz has served as county clerk since she was elected in 2014, running for office upon the retirement of Connie D. Tschetter. She has worked for the county since 1992, when she spent six years working for the Sheriff's Office before taking on the role of Deputy County Clerk in 1998.

Husband Todd will also be stepping down from his role of 6.5 years at the Crook County Assessor's Office. He previously served the City of Sundance for 24 years, six as an officer and 18 as Chief of Police.