After county commissioners fail to decide, district court judge selects James Michael Tooman to serve until voters elect a new clerk.
Author Archives: Alexis Barker
Alexis Barker parlayed the skills and knowledge she gained as a debater at Newcastle High School into a newspaper career when she became the News Letter Journal's government reporter in 2015. She quickly developed an ability to spot the "real" stories at the meetings she covered, and showed a willingness to pursue uncomfortable issues and cover controversial actions by local boards. That courage earned Alexis an award from the Wyoming Press Association as Wyoming's Journalist of the Year in 2023 after she was recognized for reporting and writing in almost every major news category over the course of her career. Alexis has transitioned to an editor's role in the past five years, but still serves as the primary beat reporter for city and county government — in addition to managing the NLJ's stable of reporters and managing the newspaper's award-winning website. Alexis recently moved to Durango, Colorado, and works in the NLJ's office there while raising her three children and enjoying their active lifestyles.