EVANSTON — The Wyoming State Hospital has a new superintendent. Bill Rein comes to Wyoming from Kansas. 

Rein grew up near Great Bend, Kansas, where his father worked in oil production. He graduated from high school in Stafford, Kansas, and went on to attend Washburn University in Topeka, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He then attended Washburn Law School, and upon completion in 1977, practiced law in Larned, Kansas.

One of the state’s four state psychiatric hospitals, and its only criminal forensic hospital was located there. As the newest attorney in town, Rein was appointed to represent many of the hospital’s patients. Rein has an extensive background working with both mental health patients and providers.  

“My career started with a mental health docket so, in 1978, I was asked to be the first in-house counsel at Larned State Hospital and served in that capacity until 1984. Then I was hired to represent the commissioner of Mental Health Services located in Topeka, where I also represented all eight mental health hospitals. I remained in that position until 1990,” Rein said. 

As senior counsel to the commissioner of mental health, Rein worked on changing the rules of commitment, as the law at that time placed almost exclusive emphasis on acts of violence and very little emphasis on the severity of mental illness and its effects on the ability to form rational thought. This made it especially difficult for the parents and loved ones of those who were experiencing a serious mental illness to help before acts of violence or self-injury occurred.

Rein said he worked with others to rebalance commitment laws so the seriousness of the illness could be taken into account for commitment. He said it is important to get all related agencies and the state hospital to work together to provide the best care.

“My goal here in Evanston is to understand the similarities and differences between Kansas and Wyoming’s Care and Treatment Act and criminal forensic statutes,” Rein said. “I’m not here to change anything, but to learn and apply my background. There is a great staff working here and I hope we can learn from each other.” 

He said he and his wife Linnea are excited to be in Evanston and look forward to becoming a part of the community. Bill Rein is a bird hunter and loves to fish. 

Linnea Rein has a background in counseling, and in Kansas was the seamstress for most of the local law enforcement agencies. She was also very active in 4-H while growing up in eastern Kansas. The couple have one daughter, Lindsay, who lives in Enid, Oklahoma, where her husband is serving in the Air Force.