Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Washakie County clerk Mary Grace Strauch poses with her framed Norman Rockwell painting that was gifted to her by the Washakie County Republican Party as a part of her being named the Washakie County republican of the year.
WORLAND – Washakie County Clerk Mary Grace Strauch was recognized as the Washakie County Republican of the Year at the Lincoln Day dinner on Saturday, July 25, at the Green Hills Restaurant.
Strauch served as the Washakie County Republican Central Committee secretary from 1992 until last year when she decided to retire from the position.
Her position included taking minutes for committee meetings, helping organize the Lincoln Day dinner and other events, organize conventions, send out committee notices before meetings and send information to the state offices after conventions.
Strauch unfortunately was unable to attend the dinner, but was shocked when she found out she had received the award the following Monday.
"I was shocked I didn't know they were doing it," Strauch said. "I have been recognized at a dinner before but that is as far as it has gone for the help of that particular dinner."
Strauch took over the position as secretary initially from Kathy Koch who had asked her to take the position and has served "under and with" countless chairmen since she took over the position 28 years ago.
According to Washakie County Republicans chairman Rick Martin, Strauch was recognized with this award due to her in depth knowledge of both the Wyoming Constitution and the Wyoming Election Code. He said that many former and current county chairmen have noted that "they would not know what they would have done without the knowledge and wisdom that was offered when requested to make sure the county central committee stays on track."
Strauch was honored with an award during the dinner, and a painting by Normal Rockwell depicting a marriage license being filed at a county courthouse. The piece was a donation from several people.
"I do not know who it was that donated for the print but thank you very much," Strauch said.
Strauch said she would keep the painting on display in her office for the time being, and is likely to take the painting home whenever she decides to retire as clerk.
