The Tipi Retreat needs your help!

Today it is our property rights at stake, but tomorrow it could be yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! We are Michael and Michele Stevens, (I call her my Dream-Come-True). We have 10 children of which 5 live in or around Thermopolis, WY. Our children are 4th generation Wyomingites. Dad moved into Hot Springs County over 25 years ago and his father was from Casper.

We feel that a few local government members have violated our Private Land Rights and Constitutional Rights. We retained legal representation with a $50,000 retainer in the hopes to have the opportunity to be heard by the judicial branch of our government since the executive branch (commissioners) refused to hear us. Those monies are now spent, and we are tapping into additional savings.

Today it is our property rights at stake, but tomorrow it is yours!

Our story begins with a simple dream of attracting our adult children and grandchildren to visit our small community more often.

In 2020, we had the idea to build a deck on our 60-acre ranch with a tipi placed on it overlooking the Big Horn Mountain Range and The Wedding of the Waters. We broke ground in October 2020, then started glamping in March of 2021. It was a great SUCCESS! Our adult kids were already planning for year-round visits and extended stays.

When constructing the decks, it was verified that no permits were needed. After all, Hot Springs County is known to be a no-zoning county, unlike the town of Thermopolis, a zoning township. We own 60 acres at the end of the county road. 

The idea was a big hit with family members and friends. We decided to up the tipi count to 4+ and encouraged our adult children and grandchildren to visit more often from states away. Again, SUCCESS!

We then decided to use Airbnb to list them when the family was not using them, like so many others in our community do. Our first guests came on April 9, 2021, to celebrate their birthday as a small group after experiencing cabin fever from COVID-19 lockdowns and fears of flu transmission all of 2020. Again SUCCESS!

Just like so many want to keep the history of the American cowboy and cattle ranch alive by operating Dude Ranches throughout the West, we have chosen to honor our Native Heritage by operating the Tipi Ranch, the Tipi Retreat where the tipis are placed. It is our desire to encourage respect and to honor the contributions of our Native Ancestors and the cultures they have created and passed on from one generation to another. (Google: "definition of dude ranch")

Joining the vacation rental trend, interlaced with our family’s heritage, our children became part of the American Dream having part time income through entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, our neighbor, Jim, called the Hot Springs County Planner, Bo Bowmen, to complain. Bo called and said we needed a permit to Airbnb our tipis, and that it would be a simple process as only one permit was ever denied over the septic being too close to the river.

Three of our adult children and a grandchild moved to Thermopolis envisioning an opportunity here away from the big city life. The process of “permitting” led us to the planning committee, chaired by Adam Ryan Estensen, in July 2021. This was a public meeting, and the room was packed, 15-20 spoke in favor, and the neighbors spoke against.

The Hot Springs County Planning Committee APPROVED and recommended Tipi Retreat. When it came time to meet with the county commissioners for their final stamp of approval two weeks later, we were “TABLED” until further notice (they would not put us on the agenda to discuss in public). No reason was given. 

Soon after, our son Joshua who was hired as a graphic designer at our local print shop, was questioned by the owner as to who he was. Josh explained his college education and, that Michele and I were his parents, the owners of the Tipi Retreat. His boss, also the administrative assistant to the county commissioners, made the statement, “They’re never going to let that pass!” The following day he was fired.  

In November, we found out that a disgruntled neighbor was working with the commissioners in and out of public meetings which led to the commissioners' decision to cease and desist, denying us the right to use your property as others in the county do; all this behind closed doors without giving us our “Due Process.” In fact, the commissioners chose to retain and hire our neighbor’s attorney to represent the County of Hot Springs against us! 

We could see the writing on the wall, that the good ole boy system seemed to be in play with the commissioners working with our neighbor to figure out how to accomplish exactly what the County Commissioner Administrative Assistant had told our son when he was fired.

Soon after, two of our adult children decided Thermopolis was not the friendly town we described. They experienced unwelcoming comments from friends of the commissioners when Tipi Retreat was brought up, hateful neighbors who on many occasions made verbal assaults (once to our 9-year-old granddaughter cursing her on our private road), continued criminal trespassing, harassment, death threats, and so much more. 

We believe it is time for a change in the leadership in Hot Springs County. Fortunately, Paul Galovich won the general election by a landslide receiving many more votes than Tom Ryan and ousting Jack Baird. We have spoken with Paul and he is a good man, believes in the Constitution, and will uphold law without prejudice.

The next election in two years will bring Phillip Scheel’s seat up for election. We pray for another honorable individual to come forward for positive change needed in Hot Springs County leadership. 

Friends have told us that Phillip is mad because we didn’t come to the commissioners BEFORE we started building tipis, holding a grudge against us. In fact, he has stated repeatedly in public meetings how thankful he is for others coming to them BEFORE they decided to do any work in the county. Fact is, we started building for family and friends first, and there is no permission needed.  

Once we knew they preferred us to get their permission first before having Airbnb tipis, we did follow the process as they laid it out, with a lawyer (the past County Attorney) present to help with the uniqueness of what we were creating. 

It appears that the county, being led by Tom Ryan, really wants to "make an example of us" with their countersuit adding up to well over $200,000 and a demand we remove all tipis from our private property!

{UPDATE: January 5, 2023: We offered to take ALL the tipis down in December 2022 if Tom and Phillip would stand down as well, to end family persecution during much of 2022, details of which are not in this timeline.

Their decision to make us an example (10k fine, 50k+- fee, give up rights for future permitting, remove all tipis, non-disparagement/non-disclosure) TO NEVER cross what the government says, instilling FEAR into the people of their community to NEVER question them, or the consequences are that you could be next…!
It was further mentioned they might go for a per tipi fine adding up to over $2,200,000 fine request from judge if we don’t settle now. 

Corrupt Government who sidesteps The Constitution using their position of power to breed and plant the seed of FEAR is a domestic enemy, a threat to your rights and ours. We fight for your rights as well as ours.} 

Today it is our property rights at stake, but tomorrow it is yours!

The order of events:

APRIL/MAY - We have our first Airbnb guests and Bo Bowmen calls Michael. Michael goes into the courthouse, and Bo explains that a simple Bed & Breakfast permit was needed to comply with their planning department’s needs. He insists he fills it out.

Bo Bowmen explains that Hot Springs County’s Policy was to go ahead and operate during the permitting process. Said it would be nothing more than a permit fee.

JUNE 24 - Bo said his superiors wanted him to change from Bed & Breakfast permit to RV PARK / CAMPGROUND permit (even though we DO NOT permit RV’s or camping on our property). The requested documents are submitted for that process.

JUNE 30 - Independent Record Newspaper receives our public notice, and we make a check out for payment to Independent Record to advertise.

JULY 20 - We catch people trespassing onto The Tipi Retreat. They say, “Bo Bowmen told us that If anyone stops us or says anything, tell them 'Bo Bowmen gave you permission to be on the private road and private property.'” We let Bo know this is PRIVATE PROPERTY and STOP telling people they can ignore no trespassing signs. Our tipi ranch/retreat is a private place, and only those that have talked with us, receiving our permission, could enter our private road from the county road.

JULY 21 - The Land Use Planning Meeting takes place next to the courthouse; the public is invited. After several hours of deliberation from all parties present, the HSC Land Use Planning Committee issues an APPROVAL and positive recommendation along with Bo Bowmen, for The Tipi Retreat.

JULY 27 - Wyoming State Fire Marshal appears unannounced on our property in front of the tipis. He explained that Bo Bowmen had requested he do a spot review, and we gladly opened the Tipi Retreat up to him for a full inspection. (Once again Bo gave permission to trespass our private property)

JULY 30 - Letter from WY State Fire Marshal is sent to all parties as FAVORABLE

AUGUST 3 - We arrive at the County Commissioners Meeting for their stamp of approval or to address any questions they may have. A sign on the entrance door stated that Michael Stevens and Tipis were TABLED until further notice.

AUGUST - Joshua, our son, was fired by his boss, also the administrative assistant to the county commissioners, who stated, “They’re never going to let that pass!” when he told her that his parents owned the Tipi Retreat. 

NOVEMBER 2 - Our neighbor Marty Oravec received a legal letter that was also given to HSC Land Use Planning and the County Commissioners without our knowledge. A friend at the time, in attendance at a public county commission meeting, overheard the commissioners seemingly appearing "VERY IMPRESSED" with the document and that it was further discussed that a letter of cease and desist would be going out the following Monday to stop The Tipi Retreat from doing any further business. Our friend shares this information with us. Days later I go to Bo Bomen's office to get a copy of said legal document. Claiming that it was in fact now public information, he made me a copy.

NOVEMBER 23 - A cease and desist order from Hot Springs County was issued. We stopped ALL Tipi Retreat reservations and put them on HOLD. Immediately started calling around for additional legal representation.

DECEMBER 13 - After retaining legal counsel, we open back up for business. Then Bo Bowmen sends a letter that we will be heard by the county commissioners after all.

DECEMBER 21 - We have legal representation at the county commission meeting. Jack Baird, a county commissioner, admits to Michele Stevens publicly, that they had already decided to deny us a land use change regarding our tipis before the meeting. We then retain legal counsel to file a legal suit against the County Commissioners for being arbitrary and capricious, neglecting our due process rights, etc. 

It came to light that the commissioners chose to take months behind doors to discuss with our neighbor how to stop The Tipi Retreat from continuing to allow short term rentals. They never provided the opportunity for our input, blatantly disregarding their own Planning Commission’s vote of APPROVAL and recommendations, taking counsel from our disgruntled neighbors and neighbor's attorney.

Now get this: the commissioners hired the attorney of our neighbor, Marty Oravec, against The Tipi Retreat! Yes, our tax dollars and yours are being spent by the local government in support of an opposing neighbor.

I understand well the cost of freedom and the protection of our Constitution. When I was 34, the Twin Towers fell, and America was attacked. Less than 30 days later, I held an Army Ranger Contract, leaving our family business in my sister's hands until I returned. I experienced firsthand what the oath to protect our Constitution is about. I swore to uphold my oath, never to surrender the Constitution, upon returning from the frontlines of war.

We joined dad in Thermopolis with the dream of living in a conservative community, supporting the local economy by starting new businesses that provided great value, and offering an opportunity for our family and others to not only grow up here, but raise their families here with a secure income. Right now, we feel like our county commissioners Tom Ryan, Phillip Scheele, and Jack Baird have taken advantage of their positions and chose to operate as a “King’s Court.”

Our elected leaders must be held accountable! We are talking about our ranch today, but it could just as easily be yours. We are grateful the community has taken the first step holding them accountable, by electing PAUL GALOVICH to office, replacing Jack Baird.

We are now told that we cannot appeal the recent partial summary judgment made by Judge Simpson out of Cody, thereby negating the opportunity to be heard once again. 

We have been warned to watch our backs, assaulted at our home by a neighbor, criminal trespassing repeatedly by several neighbors, along with nonstop harassment that frequently broke laws.

At best, our commissioners broke the rules of due process when taking counsel from our neighbor(s), hiring the neighbor's attorney against The Tipi Retreat, and denying us a setting where we could be heard privately or publicly while allowing the opposing parties to be heard and influence their decisions. 

We have received much support from our community to date. THANK YOU!!!

Now we must speak a little louder and become more involved letting the community know our story. Sometimes good people make bad decisions. It is how they resolve those decisions that separates them as true leaders of integrity. 

We need your help with letter writing, phone calls, voting in new leaders or other actions in support of The Tipi Retreat continuing its mission “To inspire optimism and happiness by lifting spirits of family, friends, and visitors through nature’s beauty and tranquility. To connect, heal, and harmonize.”

We would be grateful for an email message to Wy Governor Mark Gordon: >>>   https://governor.wyo.gov/contact/governor   <<<

By signing this petition, you are in support of the Hot Springs County Commissioners, Hot Springs County Attorney and any other Hot Springs County representatives to cease and desist all legal action against The Tipi Retreat; thereby showing YOUR support of Saving-The-Tipi for use as a tipi retreat/ranch for short term rentals to their guests. That the government over-reach, preservation of sunshine laws, and right of due process is a right to be protected to each and every citizen of Hot Springs County.