Bernhisel wins write-in nod for hospital board seat

John Bernhisel of Cowley received the most write-in votes for hospital board in last week’s General Election.

Bernhisel, a retired schoolteacher from Rocky Mountain Middle/High School and a reporter for the Lovell Chronicle, garnered 149 votes for an open at-large seat on the North Big Horn Hospital Board of Trustees, and fellow announced write-in candidate Russell Kemp received 84 votes. Tom Newman received nine write-in votes, Don Richards three.

All three seats on the hospital board were unopposed in last week’s election, with room for one more. Bruce Morrison won re-election to his at-large seat on the board with 1,637 votes, joined by fellow incumbents Brett Crosby (Byron-Cowley seat) with 1,583 votes and Garret Frescoln (Deaver-Frannie seat) with 1,489. With board member Todd Simmons not running for re-election, having moved to Cody, there was one at-large seat open on the ballot.

There were 311 write-in votes cast for the second at-large seat on the hospital board.

Also on the board and up for election in 2028 are David Winterholler, Max Lewis and Pat Crumrine.

Bernhisel said he is pleased to be joining the hospital board.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve on the North Big Horn Hospital Board for the next four years,” Bernhisel said. “As a reporter, I attended every board meeting during the past year. I have watched Chairman David Winterholler and the other board members work hard in support of the hospital and its vital role in our community. I have been impressed by their commitment and by the work of Hospital CEO Eric Connell and the administrative team, who have helped assemble a medical staff that rivals that of any small town in America.

“I appreciate everyone who was willing to write in my name and place their confidence in me. I have much to learn, but I am ready to put in the time needed to get up to speed and provide thoughtful oversight and support for the hospital and the services it provides. I also look forward to listening to patients, employees, medical providers and community members as the board works to make sound decisions for the future.

“My priorities are simple: protecting access to quality rural health care and preserving the good jobs our hospital provides for local families. Our hospital is one of this community’s greatest assets, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help keep it strong.”