Natrona County receives $29.2M bond request for purchase of Summit Medical Center building
BY KLARK BYRD MANAGING EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County commissioners on Tuesday heard a proposal for a $29.2 million hospital revenue bond that would allow Memorial Hospital of Converse County and Summit Medical Center to purchase the latter’s Casper building, a move proponents say will expand local healthcare services and save millions over the next two decades.
The bonds, which would be issued by the county, sparked concerns about competition with the existing Wyoming Medical Center and the potential for financial liability.
Bob Kayser, chairman of the MHCC plus Summit board, and Matt Danmeyer, CEO of Summit Medical Center and MHCC, presented the proposal. Kayser said MHCC had previously acquired Western Medical Associates and other businesses in Natrona County, establishing a presence. He described Summit as a "good surgical hospital" and a "great facility."
The primary motivation for the bond issue is to allow MHCC and Summit to purchase the building they currently lease at 6350 E. 2nd St. Kayser said owning the building would enable them to expand services and save about $10 million over 20 years compared to continuing their current lease. He said the current lease structure discourages investment in the building, which they would undertake if they owned it.
Danmeyer said the project is fundamentally about improving access to and quality of healthcare. He said that, unlike corporate hospitals driven primarily by economic models, MHCC's ownership by the people provides flexibility to offer services that may not be highly profitable but are essential, such as primary care and services for the Medicare population. He also spoke about the hospital's aggressive recruitment of physicians to elevate healthcare standards, saying they are preparing to
Natrona Collective Health Trust’s headquarters takes shape in historic Casper building
BY DAN CEPEDA FEATURES
CASPER, Wyo. — A century-old central Casper building is getting a complete refresh from the inside out in preparation for the next chapter of its life as the Natrona Collective Health Trust’s headquarters.
The brick structure at 421 S. Center St. was constructed in the early 1920s by the Mountain States Power Co.’s Casper headquarters. The Oregon-based com-
BACK TO SCHOOL
pany merged with Pacific Power & Light in 1954. It has since been used for numerous other purposes, most recently for Lisa Burridge & Associates Real Estate’s office.
The Natrona Collective Health Trust purchased the building in January after a two-year evaluation and search for a permanent home, according to the trust’s CEO, Beth Worthen.
Originally formed in 1977 as the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation, the nonprofit has been renting space in the Ohio Build-
ing since it was converted into a private foundation in late 2020, following the sale of the Wyoming Medical Center to Banner Health. It also operates Masterson Place, which offers families of patients from around the state affordable lodging while receiving medical care in Casper.
“We plan to have this building paid off by January of 2030,” said Worthen during a tour on Tuesday afternoon. “So at that point, we’re able to turn this into an asset for us and then push even more mon-
ey out into the community.”
The building’s design was overseen by Stateline No. 7 Architect’s Lyle Murtha, who decided to strip the interior down to its superstructure and start fresh. It stands in an area that was originally part of early Casper’s rail yard.
“In this one-block swath, it’s one of the only survivor buildings,” he said. That includes Stateline’s office just across the street, and ART 321’s building on Midwest St.
Casper College dorms bustle during move-in day
BY DAN CEPEDA FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — Cheyenne
Brock likely spoke for a lot of freshmen students moving into Casper College’s Residence Hall dorm rooms on Thursday morning.
“Yeah, I’m pretty stressed,” she said. Cheyenne brought a carload of essential belongings from her home in Kaycee, which she carefully loaded into a large wheeled bin for their journey to the third floor.
She has a bottom bunk in a three-person room she will be sharing with twin sisters. Luckily, they all graduated high school together, giving Cheyenne a bit of home-grown camaraderie while starting her Occupational Thera-
py studies.
Cheyenne was among some 362 students who will move into the dorms on Thursday and Friday, with some stragglers expected over the weekend.
Move-in days offer help from dozens of more experienced Casper College students, who help new students schlepp their things and navigate the school’s halls and campus. For staff, it’s a well-oiled machine that efficiently moves cars of parents, students and their things through the small lot for unloading and delivery.
Families – often emotional –mingle inside, exchanging hugs and taking photos as the next chapters of their lives play out.
CC’s fall semester classes start on Monday, Aug. 18, and wrap up on May 14.
Natrona Collective Health Trust CEO Beth Worthen and Stateline No. 7 Architects’s Lyle Murtha stand on the open staircase now under construction inside the new Natrona Collective Health Trust building. The building was originally constructed in the early 1920s. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
SCAN FOR MORE PHOTOS
CITY GOVERNMENT
City Council roundup: City authorizes $5M line of credit for police station project
BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper City Council has approved a $5 million line of credit with First Interstate Bank as part of its ongoing project to convert the former Casper Business Center into the next Casper Police Department headquarters.
The decision follows a recent work session that saw councilors agree to move on to the next stage of the project after the asbestos abatement and other preliminary steps had been taken.
According to reports from city staff, First Interstate Bank’s line of credit will cover the proposed contingencies for both phases, but will only be used if needed. It will have a maturity of two years, and Casper Financial Services Director Jill Johnson noted in a report that there are no origination fees. However, there are legal fees of about $5,000 which can be covered by the current fiscal year’s budget.
Casper Chief Operating Officer Tom Brauer previously said he hopes to see a bid for the project’s second phase awarded in the coming weeks, though work likely
won’t start until near the start of the new year.
When looking at the entire project, Brauer estimates that the station will likely be fully completed in 2027.
CASPER POLICE DEPT. RECEIVES PAIR OF WYDOT GRANTS
The Casper Police Department has received a pair of grants from the Wyoming Department of Transportation aimed at putting a dent in impaired driving and improving road safety.
A $60,000 grant will be used to reduce impaired driving by covering the costs associated with dedicating officers to stopping impaired officers. Activities will be reimbursed through the WYDOT Highway Safety Program.
According to the Wyoming Electronic Crash Records System, impaired driving contributed to more than 41% of fatal wrecks in Wyoming in the last two years. Impaired driving includes anyone who drives while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, prescription medications or a combination of these.
The department received another grant from the Highway
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Safety Program for enforcing seat belt regulations. According to a report from the Casper Police Department, Wyoming’s seat belt usage rate in 2023 was roughly 82%, which is below the national average. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is about 10% higher at nearly 92%. From 2021 to 2023, CPD officers reportedly saw that about 16% of all people involved in vehicle wrecks weren’t wearing a seat belt.
CASPER CITY COUNCIL APPROVES REZONING FOR LETZ’S BUSINESS EXPANSION
A Casper businessman will be able to construct a new service shop in the near future, after the Casper City Council approved the rezoning of an East Collins Drive lot on third reading at its Tuesday meeting.
The property, located at 711 E. Collins Drive, is currently zoned General Business, and features a
vacant building on the lot. Local business Letz’s Appliance, which is directly west of the lot in question, wants to demolish the vacant structure and build a new service shop or warehouse, for which Highway Business zoning is needed.
Surrounding land uses are almost all commercial, aside from the adjacent property to the east.
Natrona County District Court criminal case hearings
BY GREG HIRST CRIME & COURTS
CASPER, Wyo. — The following are arraignments, judgments and sentences rendered in criminal cases in Natrona County District Court.
This is not a comprehensive log and is based on hearings attended by Oil City News, filings provided by the clerk of district court and information provided by the district attorney’s office. Misdemeanor offenses that arise from the same circumstances as a felony charge attach to the case and are adjudicated in district court.
Most agreements come with a cold plea provision, meaning if the defendant violates any bond condition or gets new charges, the state is free to argue for any sentence allowable by statute. In some agreements, the state agrees to “cap” that amount of time it will ask the court to impose at sentencing, and the defense may argue for less.
Sentences are rendered on each count.
(8/4/25-8/8/25)
SENTENCES
Antonio Harrington – Probation Revocation (Aggravated Assault and Battery, Burglary)
Six to nine and a half years imposed; Credit for 412 days served.
Jon Michael Mockensturm – Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine): Third or Subsequent upon Conviction; Four to five years suspended, three years supervised probation.
Charvel Martinez – Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine; Four to six years suspended, three years supervised probation.
Tony Bear Boralho – Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine; Three to five years suspended, three years supervised probation.
Shalene Rae Smith – DUI: Fourth in 10 Years, Child Endangerment, No Interlock Device; 30–60 months imposed, credit for 20 days served; Sentenced 8/4/25.
Leena Reyes Briggs – Taking
a Controlled Substance into Jail, Possession of Methamphetamine: Misdemeanor; Plea agreement: No-pen cap.
Dominique Antonio Richard Harris – Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder; Plea agreement: 30- to 75-year cap.
Deborah Maxine Beyer – Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine): Third or Subsequent upon Conviction; Plea agreement: No-pen cap.
Kelly Jo Allen – Conspiracy to Deliver Fentanyl; Cold plea.
ARRAIGNMENT –NOT GUILTY PLEAS
Shane Mitchell Patrick – Aggravated Eluding.
Shawn Leo Schriner – Theft.
FAILURE TO APPEAR
Jason Allen Cane – Sentencing: Possession of Forged Writings; Bench Warrant issued if no contact by end of business day; Arrested on warrant 8/14.
Elizabeth Zima – Theft; Bench warrant issued.
GUILTY PLEAS
CRIME AND COURTS
Casper Police Department officers line up outside the Hall of Justice in downtown Casper. (Casper Police Dept. photo)
Rep. Hageman, Casper audience clash over immigration, abortion, public media defunding
BY NICK PERKINS FEATURES
CASPER, Wyo. — A Casper town hall with Republican Congresswoman Harriet Hageman began as a calm, structured discussion on legislative wins and federal spending cuts, but the placid atmosphere quickly unraveled. The latter half of the meeting descended into a series of fiery exchanges during the audience Q&A, with Hageman facing pointed questions on everything from controversial spending bills and racial justice to abortion rights and voting integrity.
Wyoming’s lone congresswoman, known for her staunchly conservative platform, offered updates on several bills and budget cuts. She highlighted the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Laken Riley Act and the Genius Act. Hageman also touted a $9 billion rescissions package aimed at cutting spending, noting with a laugh that a significant portion was removed from foreign aid, including a “favorite story” about a $500,000 USAID grant to promote atheism in Tibet.
The topic of federal cuts hit closer to home when Hageman addressed the defunding of NPR and PBS. A chorus of boos from the audience punctuated her explanation, which was rooted in the idea that the entities should be self-sustaining. She argued the presence of advertising on NPR’s programming proved it could operate without federal assistance and suggested those who wish to support it should donate. Hageman also pointed to what she sees as a First Amendment violation, saying the government shouldn’t fund programming that many taxpayers may disagree with, mentioning public television staples like “Sesame Street” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
“I would assume everyone who just booed me, in fact, would be donating to NPR and PBS if that’s the programming that you want to have continued,” she said.
Saying the U.S. found “a new way of looking at immigration,” the representative said Congress created a fee structure for immigrants which offsets $73 billion in spending for border security.
“So what we have done is, we appropriated sufficient funds to build an additional 701 miles of border walls. We are increasing detention capacity, we’re increasing the number of ICE and border patrol agents, and we have provided sufficient funds for at least 1 million deportations per year,” she said.
Hageman mentioned that, as part of the Natural Resource Committee in Washington D.C., she and her peers were instructed to raise $1 billion revenue.
“The estimate is, with the changes that we made by unleashing our energy industry, right here in Wyoming — and I think Wyoming came out better than almost any state — we are going to be raising revenue of $100 billion dollars through the work that we did on the Natural Resource Committee,” she said, adding Congress has also cut spending by $1.6 trillion. “Is that enough? No, but it’s a start.”
As the floor opened for questions, the tenor of the meeting shifted. Initial inquiries were relatively mild, touching on topics like artificial intelligence, the grizzly bear population and veterans’ affairs. But as the Q&A progressed, the questions grew more confrontational, culminating in a series of heated exchanges that showcased the growing political divide even in a conservative stronghold like Wyoming.
One of the most intense moments came when a veteran challenged Hageman’s focus on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, specifically referencing the Laken Riley Act. The veteran, Joseph Hayek, drew a comparison to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of white police officers, suggesting Hageman was overlooking racial injustices. Hageman swiftly re-
jected the comparison, saying the cases lacked relevance and emphasizing the “significance is the word ‘illegal,’” adding that those who killed Laken Riley were in the country illegally.
While the representative acknowledged that Taylor’s death was tragic, she misstated that Taylor herself was compensated. An audience member shouted a correction that Taylor’s family was compensated because Taylor is dead.
The tense back-and-forth continued with Hayek’s next question on whether women “have the right to make decisions about their own bodies,” to which Hageman responded, “Yes. I also believe that children have a right to live.” The audience quickly erupted into a debate on the issue.
Evansville Mayor Candace Machado brought the discussion back to local concerns, asking Hageman about strategies for economic development and attracting resources to Wyoming towns. Machado expressed frustration that state legislative bills sometimes contradicted efforts to move forward, particularly regarding the retention of mental and physical healthcare professionals.
The congresswoman redirected, emphasizing that the state legislature’s actions were distinct from her work in Congress but suggested Wyoming stood to benefit significantly from the reconciliation bill due to an expected explosion in energy and timber industries. She acknowledged Wyoming’s designation as a health profes sional shortage area for mental health services and highlighted recent five-week changes, but ad mitted solutions wouldn’t be “in stantaneous.”
The discourse intensified when a question arose about the United States Postal Service and the po tential closure of the Casper pro cessing facility, which Hageman assured would not happen.
Another audience member then directly challenged Hageman on
President Donald Trump’s stated intent to abolish mail-in ballots and voting machines via executive order. The questioner framed it as an “unprecedented federal overreach” and a “push for authoritarian control,” urging Hageman to clarify her personal stance on “stripping Americans from those foundational tools.” Hageman said elections are state-run and that mail-in ballots are “not foundational tools,” dismissing the constituent’s concerns as “buzzwords” that don’t apply to protecting the integrity of a republic.
Before the meeting concluded, Hageman fielded additional rapid-fire questions on Veterans Affairs, prescription costs, uranium industry tariffs, inflation, the situation in Gaza, gay marriage and the Jeffrey Epstein files. However, the evening’s underlying tension was captured by a final bluntly asked question from an audience member: “How can I tell if anything you say is true? … How can I have any trust in you, my representative?” Hageman’s reply: “You disagree with me. That isn’t a trust issue.”
Rep. Harriet Hageman speaks at Casper College during a town hall on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Nick Perkins, Oil City News)
An audience listens as Rep. Harriet Hageman speaks at Casper College on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Nick Perkins, Oil City News)
Banner Health to station new Med
Evac helicopter service in Casper area
BY OIL CITY STAFF REPORT
CASPER, Wyo. — Banner Health announced that it will expand its Med Evac medical transport service into Casper with a new helicopter stationed in the area.
The air ambulance will provide critical care transportation for patients throughout the region, and will be operational later this year, a release said. The hospital added the service will integrate seamlessly with Banner’s established ground ambulance teams and will be able to transport patients to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center, as well as other medical facilities when needed.
The new service is expected to create 13 new jobs in Casper, including eight clinical positions and five pilot and mechanic positions.
The clinical services will be operated by Banner Health, while contractor MedTrans will provide aircraft and support. The arrangement is similar to those used by Banner in Arizona and Colorado, they said.
“We’re excited to expand Med Evac services in Wyoming, a state where we’ve been providing health care for decades,” said Lance Porter, CEO of Banner Wyoming Medical Center. “This new helicopter stationed in Casper will enhance our ability to provide rapid emergency response and critical care transport to patients across Wyoming, particularly in rural areas where timely access to specialized care can be challenging.”
Wyoming currently has three air ambulance services around the state. The Casper area has been served by Wyoming Life Flight for more than 40 years, originally under the direction of the Wyoming Medical Center and currently under Air Methods.
Skate park, pump track open at Marion Kreiner Pool Pool upgrades planned for coming months
BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — Cyclists and skaters in the Oil City recently gained new options for outdoor reaction, as the City of Casper completed its new pump track and above-ground skate park near Marion Kreiner Pool in late July.
The skate park features halfpipes, quarter-pipes, rails and more. The pump track includes tight corners and uneven elevation for riders. Both are located just to the north of Marion Kreiner Pool, at the intersection of East L Street and North Kimball Street.
“[Pump tracks] are really cool because of how many different purposes they can have,” Casper Recreation Manager Nick Whipps said. “It was originally designed for mountain bikes and BMXing. But now, pump tracks can
be used by skateboards, scooters, they’re accessible to wheelchairs — they’re something that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. … Anything with wheels can go on there.”
Both the skate park and pump track are now free and open to the public, after work was finished in the last week of July. Whipps added the pump track could host races and other events moving forward, though he said he isn’t aware of any existing plans for such events.
While the work outside Marion Kreiner Pool recently wrapped up, Whipps added that work on the pool itself will begin in the near future. Upgrades will include improvements to the pool building and locker rooms, updating a new pool slide and updating mechanical aspects like the boiler and pumps.
The city also plans on adding a new concessions area facing out toward the new skate park and pump track.
“We’re really trying to look at everything that makes a pool a pool,” Whipps said.
The pump track and pool projects were both funded through an ARPA Outdoor Recreation Grant through the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Whipps said the work to the pool facility is likely to be put out to bid in September and awarded in the following month. The improvements are expected to be completed by April or May 2026, to be ready for the start of the summer season.
“We’re really excited for the developments going on in North Casper,” Whipps said. “We think it’s something that will be appreciated by all ages.”
From left, Casper Park Manager Randy Norvelle, interim City Manager Zulima Lopez and Recreation Manager Nick Whipps stand in front of the recently-opened pump track and skate park at Marion Kreiner Pool. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
A local skater makes use of the new skate park and pump track at Marion Kreiner Pool on Aug. 15. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
From Evansville to Everest: Machado prepares to climb world’s tallest mountain
BY TOMMY CULKIN REPORTER
EVANSVILLE, Wyo. — For many people in public office, the most trying challenges include angry residents and balancing a governmental budget. For Evansville Mayor Candace Machado, it will soon be a trek nearly 18,000 feet above sea level, as she readies for a climb to the base camp of Mount Everest.
Machado will be traveling to Nepal with a team of other women in the coming months, with the goal of hiking to Mount Everest’s base camp. The expedition is being hosted by Machado’s company, Theraexpressions Meditation.
In 2023, Theraexpressions Meditation previously hosted a getaway to Bali, Indonesia, and Machado said the experience inspired her to explore more of the world.
“A group of gals and I were chatting during a hike,” Mach-
ado said. “We all had the idea to do something absolutely wild that will be a memory for a lifetime.”
To prepare for the strenuous climb, Machado said she’s been regularly training, which has included a lot of hiking and exercise. Preparation has included strength and endurance training, as well as work to better handle the extreme altitude on the mountain.
Hiking to Mount Everest’s base camp typically takes about 12–14 days, covering roughly 80 miles of extreme elevation and incline.
Machado added that she’s also spoken to people who previously made the climb, receiving pointers on what to expect
“We’ve talked a lot about acclimation and high-altitude sickness,” Machado said. “She’s told me about oxygen levels and pacing ourselves.”
The Evansville mayor said she’s even learned some breathing techniques to help her adapt to the elevation, which have come fairly easily given her work as an
HEALTH TRUST
Worthen said the building will have offices for the trust, as well as a “collective space” for other nonprofits and community organizations to use for meetings, trainings and other purposes.
“We are really excited to start programming a speakers series, and training with Casper College to really fit our mission to benefit the health and well being of the residents of Natrona County,” she said.
The community meeting room will have an operable wall that can create one large space or two smaller spaces. The open, airy lobby area is accessible from both the back and front of the building, but the back will be its primary entrance, they said, because of the
instructor at Theraexpressions Meditation.
While the ascent up the world’s tallest mountain will be the centerpiece of her trip to Nepal, it’s not all that Machado has planned. In addition to the group that she’ll be climbing Everest with, she will also be part of a retreat group that will visit temples, monasteries and more. Other activities will include Nepalese cooking classes, shopping at local spice markets and visiting important landmarks like the stupas.
“I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I love getting to meet people from all around the world and learning about other cultures,” Machado said. “We want to immerse ourselves in the Nepalese culture.”
Machado said that people who want to keep up with her training and the trip can do so by following Theraexpressions Meditation on social media.
(continued from front page)
large parking lot they’ve been able to incorporate into the layout of the lot.
Murtha said the collective space is strategically designed to be used during and after business hours, with the ability to lock down the rest of the building but still offer access to the room and bathroom facilities.
The upstairs will primarily consist of offices for the trust, as well as a meeting space and an open gathering space in the center. A large, open staircase with a window view of downtown Casper ties the two floors together. There are eight staffers at the Trust currently, and the design leaves a few more offices open for possible future needs.
Historic brick and steel beams will be left exposed throughout the building, but the remainder of the design will remain relatively simple and versatile, Murtha said.
“We didn’t want to be pretentious at all because of the people that they’re serving; they want everyone to walk in and feel comfortable,” he said.
Demolition started in February, and the Trust hopes to be moved in by November, Worthen said.
“It’s really important to be in the heart of our community, and to really be working with people who are also working [down here],” Worthen said. “It was definitely a fortuitous opportunity.”
Advance Casper is preparing for another year of hosting the Casper StartUp Challenge - a community-driven competition providing mentorship and high-touch support to Natrona County’s boldest new business ideas and the people behind them.
The Start-Up Challenge has proudly called Casper home since 2017. Over the years, the competition has fueled household names such as: Backwards Distillery, Infinite Outdoors, Disa Technologies and more. Providing each company with seed money, lasting connections, and a personalized growth plan to actualize their entrepreneurial dreams. In 2024 Advance Casper took ownership over the Challenge to continue to turn start-ups into success stories, and they have found immense joy building alongside the community.
The goal is to empower the entrepreneurial spirit in local trailblazers while expanding the economy. The competition is tailored to new, independent businesses in the seed, start-up, or early growth stages and generally excludes real estate syndications, franchises, brick and mortar retail, and/or spin outs from existing corporations.
Finalists gain exclusive access to experienced advisors, custom business development support, and a platform to showcase their concept. All in preparation for the final pitch night at Frontier Brewing on October 30, 2025.
Applications for the Casper Start-Up Challenge 2025 are now open. If you’ve been dreaming up a unique business concept or stirring in a creative idea, the time is now to bet on yourself. Visit advancecasper.com/casperstart-up-challenge to learn more and apply.
2024 FINALIST
Josh Kalinowski
The Chilly Dip
READ JOSH’S STORY:
Candance Machado. A sign points toward Mt. Everest Base Camp. (Shutterstock)
Casper’s Mrs. Wyoming AmeriCAN readies for national competition
BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — Before 2025, Casper woman Allison Vandal didn’t have any experience in pageants. Now, she finds herself preparing for the national Mrs. AmeriCAN pageant in Las Vegas after recently being crowned Mrs. Wyoming AmeriCAN.
A Casper native, Vandal is a kindergarten teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School. She worked in a variety of grades over the years before briefly stepping away from the classroom after the births of children Maddox, Beckett and Teagan, and this marks her first year back in the classroom after the hiatus.
“It’s been 10 years since I’ve taught kindergarten, so it’s going to be exciting,” Vandal said with a laugh. “It’ll be a big change, but it’s good.”
“I’ve thought about signing up for many years, but I always chickened out,” she said. “I would get too nervous and convince myself I wouldn’t do good, so I just never signed up, but this year I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone.”
And this year, Vandal has been no stranger to excitement and big changes. Though she had never previously taken part in any sort of pageant competition, Vandal said she’s friends with a former Mrs. Wyoming winner who has long encouraged her to take part.
Vandal added that competing has been a way for her to boost her self-confidence while also inspiring daughter Teagan.
“I need to go be a role model for her and hopefully empower her,”
SUMMIT
Vandal said.
As a novice to the world of pageantry, Vandal received advice from friends and colleagues with experience in pageants. Pointers included insights on the interview portion of the competition and other things Vandal could expect.
Pageants are divided into three components: the evening gown, fitness and the interview.
In the fashion component of the Mrs. Wyoming competition, which was hosted in Cody in late June, Vandal wore an intricate black dress. During the interview, she fielded questions about her work, why she should be crowned and her platform.
Each competitor was tasked with championing a platform, and Vandal chose the Orr’s Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization that’s near and dear to her heart.
When twin sons Beckett and Maddox were born prematurely, the Orr’s Hope Foundation was instrumental in helping them receive medical care. To families that are frequently traveling for medical appointments, the Orr’s Hope Foundation offers services like paid hotel stays, gas cards or rental assistance if long-term stays are required. It also works with the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Denver and helps connect families to medical professionals.
“I don’t know what we would’ve done without them,” Vandal said.
“I want to do whatever I can to spread awareness about them.”
At the end of the statewide competition, judges had come to an unprecedented result — a tie.
Vandal said she and one other woman had tallied the exact same
score across the three categories, marking the first time it had ever happened in a Mrs. Wyoming pageant.
Vandal was brought back out to answer one more question, and judges simply asked why she should be crowned the next Mrs. Wyoming.
“I said that I would bring kindness, compassion and love, and want to represent our state because I’ve grown up here and love the beauty that our state has,” she said.
When all was said and done, Vandal had earned the title of Mrs. Wyoming AmeriCAN, and a chance to compete at the national level.
(continued from front page) introduce a specialty in Wyoming that currently doesn't exist.
Commissioners raised several questions and concerns during the discussion. Commissioner Casey Coates asked why Natrona County would support bonding for a hospital system that competes with the existing Wyoming Medical Center. Kayser responded that WMC performs an essential tertiary referral role, while MHCC aims to fill gaps in primary care and ordinary surgery. He said MHCC and Summit refer considerable business to WMC, describing their relationship as "mildly competitive but also a customer."
Kayser cited Converse County's experience, where previous revenue bond issues, which were not an obligation of the county,
led to substantial economic returns.
“Some years ago, we were really kind of a podunk hospital when I joined the board. We did $6 million a year. We’re now doing $330 million a year, an enormous increase,” he said. “We had four providers. We now have 65 providers.
“So the commissioners first shoot revenue bonds to expand the hospital so we would have an outpatient surgical center. We double our surgery capacity. The second thing they did was the medical office building. So we raised nearly $20 million,” Kayser added. “And what was the return to the county on that? Right now, Converse County is the 13th largest county in Wyoming from a population standpoint, but our
contribution to the county is the fourth: $190 million a year, and at a zero cost to the taxpayers or the residents of the county.”
Coates also questioned the board's support given Natrona County's minimal oversight authority over MHCC. Kayser rejected the idea of placing a local commissioner on the board, saying Wyoming statutes limit who can serve to the county where the memorial hospital is based. He also said county commissioner oversight of memorial hospitals is limited to appointing or removing board members and approving annual budgets, not micromanaging operations. He suggested that informal monthly meetings with Converse County commissioners keep them fully informed.
In addition to the competition, Vandal said the trip looks to be a whirlwind of dinners, meetings and various other public events.
The competition itself also adds a new twist, as the participants need to craft an outfit that represents their state, known as a state costume. Vandal said hers celebrates Wyoming’s affiliation with the cowboy, and will include cowboy boots, fringe and more.
When it comes to the pageant, Vandal said she’s going in without expectations given the higher level of competition in a national contest over a state one.
As for what she’s most looking forward to, Vandal said she’s excited to meet the other competi-
Commissioner Dallas Laird expressed concern about protecting taxpayer money and the county's liability. Kayser, citing bond counsel Rick Thompson, said the bonds are non-recourse, secured solely by the net revenues of the hospital, with "absolutely zero obligation" on the part of Natrona County or Converse County. He read directly from the disclosure statement, saying the bonds "do not constitute a debt or indebtedness of the county or state." Laird requested a signed opinion from bond counsel to review the legal liability.
Commissioner Jim Milne also questioned why the bond request should be approved when a previous, smaller request from Banner, owner of WMC, was denied. Kayser said, "I think we're
tors from across the nation.
“I’ve connected with some of them over social media, which has been amazing. Mrs. Alabama AmeriCAN, her husband is from Rock Springs,” she said. “So I’m really excited to meet the ladies that I’ve gotten to know, and to get to know the rest too.”
Vandal will compete in the national Mrs. AmeriCAN pageant on Aug. 26. Regardless of how that goes, though, she said earning the state title has already been a humbling accomplishment.
“It’s been super empowering, and I feel very lucky to be able to have this title,” Vandal said with a smile.
a better deal," and reiterated their goal to purchase the building for expansion with a revenue bond, an opportunity they believe is economically superior to bank financing.
Regarding the next steps, it was clarified that the discussion would not lead to an immediate vote. The commissioners would need to review the bond counsel's opinion. The underwriting firm, Stifel, has proposed a Zoom meeting with the bond counsel, underwriters and interested commissioners to discuss the schedule and process for the nonbinding "inducement resolution," which is a preliminary step before the final bond sale.
CORRECTION:
"For The Record: Sonic Rainbow still rocking Casper music scene after 30 years" (printed last week), listed an incorrect town in Jude Carino's history. He came to Casper from Rock Springs.
Casper native Allison Vandal was recently crowned Mrs. Wyoming AmeriCAN and will compete in the national pageant later this month. (Submitted Photo)
MALLORY POLLOCK CASPER PRIDE WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE OIL CITY?
I’m most excited about the A’Salt Roller Derby Double Header this Saturday at the Wagon Wheel in Mills. I’m super excited to watch two Wyoming teams — welcome, Cheyenne — play against Alberta, Canada at 5 and 7 p.m.
Pro-tip: mention Casper PRIDE at the door and get in for both bouts for free. It’s our way of supporting another organization in town and providing people a night out, on us.
I always look forward to the monthly sound baths at Wyoming Yoga & Massage, hosted by Sacred Sounds. It’s an evening of deep relaxation, wear your comfy clothes and bring a pillow, and is crazy popular so reserve your space ahead of time. They usually happen every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
I’m also super stoked for the Teen Silent Disco this Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at David Street Station for anyone 15–20. So, not my demographic, but the last one was so much fun that I’m excited that they’re offering it again just for teens to have their own space. Major applause to David Street Station.
Events like these really help shape the community’s spirit. We have everything from deep relaxation where you can totally zone out, to a high intensity roller derby and disco event where you’re in on the action, all of them immersive in their own ways. Casper has so many identities and it’s exciting to see them all be possible and be supported.
Gruner Brothers Brewing hosting Ham and Jam Pig Races to benefit The Science Zone
BY NICK PERKINS
FEATURES
CASPER, Wyo. — This little piggy went to the market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy took himself to Gruner Brothers Brewing’s Annual Ham and Jam Pig Race, happening this Saturday at the brewery.
As the name of the event suggests, this event is a pig race in every sense of the term. Yes there will be real pigs. Yes they will really race. And yes, it’s for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit The Science Zone and the myriad of activities it puts on for Natrona County youth throughout the year.
“We’ve done this fundraiser for a couple years now,” said Macie Swanson, the education program coordinator for The Science Zone. “It’s something we do together. They just asked if we’d like them to sponsor us this event and we said that’d be great. So we contribute the pigs and the science activities, they provide everything else.”
This is a family-friendly event. In addition to the races themselves, the afternoon will feature various activities for the little ones as well, while mom and dad share a pint.
“We have a couple different booths that we’re setting up,”
Swanson said. “Including ‘Understanding the Pigs’ Smell,’ which will have kids identifying different smells and compare their ability to a pig. And then we want to display some of our naturalist stuff, like our furs and rocks and things like that. We’ll also have a couple engineering challenges, like creating a paraglider and we’re thinking about doing rockets.”
The Ham and Jam Pig Races will be fun for the whole family this Saturday, Aug. 23 from 2–8 p.m. at Gruner Brothers Brewing.
And this little piggy will say “win-win-win” all the way home.
THESE LITTLE PIGGIES
A group of pigs prepares to race in 2024 at Gruner Brothers Brewing. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
EVENTS GUIDE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ NIKKI ALLEN
9:00AM AMOCO PARK LABYRINTH
TEACHERS LUAU CELEBRATION!
12:00PM BLACK TOOTH BREWERY
CANADIAN DOUBLES BLIND DRAW
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT
1:00PM FRATERNAL ORDER OF THE EAGLES
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING - EXTENDED EDITION IN STUDIO LUXX
1:55PM STUDIO CITY MESA
LEATHER FORAGING BAG
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: “THE SWIFTS: A DICTIONARY FOR SCOUNDRELS” BY BETH LINCOLN
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
HAM & JAM PIG RACES
2:00PM GRUNER BROTHERS BREWING
BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY
3:00PM 2000 S. WASHINGTON
SATURDAY SING-ALONG
6:00PM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CASPER
ROCK THE GLEN CONCERT SERIES: TOWN APPRECIATION DAY WITH PEYTON PHILLIPS
7:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE
TEEN SILENT DISCO
7:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
WYOMING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: POPS IN THE PARK
7:30PM WASHINGTON PARK
ROCK THE GLEN CONCERT SERIES:
TOWN APPRECIATION NIGHT WITHJACKRABBIT
8:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE
WYDOT-MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CENTRAL WYOMING FAIR & RODEO
TURN UP THE HEAT DOUBLE HEADER
WAGON WHEEL ROLLER SKATING
THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES STAGE III COMMUNITY THEATRE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00AM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING - EXTENDED EDITION IN STUDIO LUXX
1:50PM STUDIO CITY MESA
ESCAPE FROM THE PROM STAGE III COMMUNITY THEATRE
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
YMCA PUPPY PLUNGE
3:00PM YMCA OF NATRONA COUNTY
TWEEN BOOK CLUB: “CITY OF SECRETS” BY VICTORIA YING
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
RADIANT ENERGY TOWN HALL
5:00PM CASPER COLLEGE STUDENT JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR 10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
TAKE & MAKE FOR KIDS & TWEENS: EGG CARTON TURTLE NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
GREINER
TINYTOTS
SUNSET YOGA
7:30PM DAVID STREET STATION
NATURE JOURNALING 10:00PM EDNESS KIMBALL WILKINS STATE PARK PLATTE RIVER SHELTER
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
READS & RHYMES STORYTIME 10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CLUB AND INFORMATION FAIR 10:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
JACKPOT BINGO
1:30PM CENTRAL WYOMING SENIOR SERVICES
AFTERSCHOOL
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
INTERMEDIATE SEWING:
JUNIPER BLUE 9:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
ALEX DRAGICEVICH - NIGHT 1 RIALTO CASPER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ SAMANTHA MARTINEZ 9:00AM AMOCO
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 KARAOKE
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT CENTRAL WYOMING FAIRGROUNDS
JUNK JOURNALING 101: HOLIDAY PLANNER
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
A NIGHT WELL SPENT
4:00PM HOGADON BASIN SKI AREA
SATURDAY SING-ALONG – SONG SHARE
6:00PM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CASPER
SOUTHALL
8:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
CASPER KID’S FEST FORD WYOMING CENTER
CAROLINE RHEA - COMEDY RIALTO CASPER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
CASPER PRIDE RAINBOW REALMS
3:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
WHY I BELIEVE DEVOTIONAL
6:28PM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
SHAYNE SMITH RIALTO CASPER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
WYOMING SOCIETY OF RESPIRATORY CARE 12:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
TWEEN MONDAY: REVERSE COLORING
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
27TH ANNUAL CASPER AWARDS & RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
5:45AM FORD WYOMING CENTER
LITERARY CONFERENCE
8:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
OUR FAILED ATTEMPTS TO MAKE ENGLISH EEZIER TO SPELL WITH AUTHOR GABE HENRY ONLINE
12:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
BELLS ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATION 1:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
BIRDS, BURGERS & BLUES
6:00PM WERNER WILDLIFE MUSEUM
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: WHAT YOUR LIBRARY CAN DO FOR YOU 6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TRIVIA NIGHT
7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
WYOTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
HOOK & NEEDLE STITCHING CLUB
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
MARBLED SCARF WORKSHOP
5:30PM THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM
WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH BOOK CLUB: “THE WOMEN” BY KRISTIN HANNAH
6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
GLITTER IN THE AIR: THE ULTIMATE P!NK EXPERIENCE
9:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
KAREN MORGAN - STAND UP RIALTO CASPER
HORSE NATIONS INDIAN RELAY CENTRAL WYOMING FAIRGROUNDS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
TATA TROT
7:00AM TATE PUMPHOUSE
MARBLED SCARF WORKSHOP
1:00PM THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM
THE SACRED SIP CAFE
2:00PM
SATURDAY,
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
A STEM DAY/BRANDING
Manner of speaking 48 Jet wing fasteners
52 Word before foot, fire or free 53 Grand tales
54 Badlands discovery, maybe
Surface ___ 57 Afflicts
58 Explosive stuff, familiarly
Setting for some White House events
63 Like some chatter
64 Cartoon character who says “Shhh. Be vewy vewy quiet” 65 Pioneering puzzle-laden computer game
66 Yearbook superlative
67 Smart DOWN
1 Prez on a penny
2 Burden
3 Nervous twitch
4 That’s a thought
5 (Stops (false (not any) witness) filming)
6 Makes a mess, in a way, as a pet
7 Compact wooden figures ... and a hint to 5-, 11-, 22- and 25-Down
William L. (Bill) Maiers passed away August 8, 2025 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper. He was born October 27, 1936 in Toledo, Ohio to Lester and Irene Maiers. In 1972, he married Dorothy J. Schubargo and because of a transfer from Ohio Bell to Mountain Bell telephone company, the next day they traveled to Casper to start a new life together. He always said that besides marrying Dorothy, moving to Casper was the best thing he did in his life. From the time he arrived he became involved in the community serving on the boards of MS, the United Way, The NIC, The Lyric (Casper Civic Auditorium), Casper Parks and Recreation Board, and “Put Casper on Ice” that resulted in the current ice arena at the Rec Center. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Casper Oilers Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Casper Elks Lodge, NRA, and RMEF. He served on the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Wyoming Occupational Health & Safety Commission. In addition, Bill volunteered with the Casper Mountain Ski Patrol for thirty years. After leaving US West Communications in 1995, he worked as the campaign manager for U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin for six election terms.
Bill had many notable accomplishments including running the Boston Marathon eight times, plus running several local area
marathons. And, because Bell System, for which Bill worked was a sponsor for the 1984 summer Olympics, he was selected to be on the relay team which carried the Olympic torch across the country. Bill also ran the Olympic torch through Casper for the 2002 Salt Lake City winter games. He loved being in the mountains and climbed, hiked, or walked to the high points of each state in the lower 48 which he said was a great way to see the country. He also climbed Aconcagua in Argentina and Mount Kilimanjaro with Dorothy in Tanzania.
Bill’s favorite place on earth was Green Mountain near Jeffrey City, Wyoming. In 1989, he began construction on a family cabin which then went under roof in 1990. For this endeavor, he worked alongside friends and family to construct the foundation of the cabin. After this, he hired Jack Malmberg to construct the rest of the cabin using the Swedish cope method. The family still enjoys hunting, hiking, and fishing around the cabin.
Always active, he loved sailing with friends on Wednesday nights at Alcova. Bill enrolled in ceramics courses at Casper College and exhibited his work in several venues. Another favorite activity was having lunch with the NC Boys on Fridays.
Most of all, he loved being surrounded by his family and he is survived by his wife, Dorothy; Jeff and Candice Maiers; Karen and Nate Peek; Aaron and Valerie Maiers; Adam and Julie Maiers; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
“All in all, I had a very full life with many, many great experiences. I am a lucky guy”. Bill Maiers
A celebration of life is forthcoming. Contributions can be made to The Lyric, Casper Oilers Hockey, and Central Wyoming Hospice.
Richard “Dick” Jerome Thoen, 89, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. Richard was born March 15, 1936, in Felton, Minnesota, to Ove and Anna Thoen, and he loved causing trouble and starting fires with his brothers on his parents’ farm. Richard told everyone he thought he had died and gone to Heaven when his parents moved the family to Laporte, Colorado, where the weather was so warm that he could play basketball outside at Christmas, and they had both running water and electricity. The only complaint he had about Colorado is that the fish were so much smaller than they were in Minnesota. Dick graduated as Valedictorian of his class at Laporte High School in 1954, where he lettered in football, track, basketball, and wrestling.
Richard joined the Army as a Forward Arial Observer in the Mortar Battery, 187th Infantry, where he was selected as one of only two honor graduates. However, he was proudest of becoming a member of the 101st Airborne Rangers. As Sergeant First Class stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY, he was 165 pounds of rompin’, stompin’ airborne hell, completing 28 jumps. In 1960, he was selected as the outstanding student of Jumpmaster Class #78 of the Airborne School and was nominated by his group commander for Rakkasan Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. He earned multiple letters of commendations, including ones from Colonel Arndt Mueller, Colonel Henry P. Tucker for
“out-performing all others” and General Westmoreland. He was awarded a Quilt of Valor for his military service in March, 2025.
Richard married Kenny Lou Martin, the love of his life, on May 30, 1965, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. They started every morning laughing at the breakfast table together, and he never liked to go anywhere without Kenny. In 1971, their son Jerry was born, and their daughter Kristen followed in 1973. He was incredibly proud of both of them.
After leaving the military, Richard became co-owner of the Linoleum and Carpet Studio in Casper, WY. He was an avid bowler – bowling a 300 game and 800 series – and was selected as 1996 Casper bowler of the year. He was also a master craftsman and woodworker, building several rooms, garages, and furniture items, as well as carving nearly 100 chainsaw bears. During retirement, he was a ranger at the Casper Municipal Golf Course, where he ensured that everyone remembered that “golf is a four-hour sport.”
Richard’s favorite people called him Uncle Dick and never failed to come when he called. He celebrated Sunday Sundaes every week with Kenny, Rick, Pam, Kaylee, Chloe, and Zac, where contested games of dominoes were played and lots of laughter was shared. He also enjoyed golfing, fly fishing, and camping in the Big Horn mountains. Fiercely independent, he shoveled his own snow and mowed his own lawn even when 89 years old.
Richard is survived by his wife, Kenny Lou; their daughter, Kristen and her husband, Kent; his daughter, Vaughn Dee Lee and her husband, Stephen; and his brothers, Orlo and Robert. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were each very special to him.
Richard joins his beloved son, Jerry Dean, in heaven, as well as his parents, Anna and Ove, and his sister, Marlene.
The celebration of life for Richard will be held on August 20, 2025,
at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Casper, Wyoming, with Pastor Bert Eldredge officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Monument Hill Cemetery in Thermopolis, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Quilts of Valor at Crossroads Quilters, PO Box 667, Mills, WY 82644.
MARRIAGES
Congratulations to all of the happy couples applying for marriage licenses in Natrona County. Here is a list of those who applied for a marriage license from August 6 30 through August 12. All filings are reported to Oil City News by the County Clerk’s Office.
The log is not a comprehensive document and may not represent all of the upcoming marriages in Natrona County.
• Gadge Aidyn Rodgers and Allison Larae Drinkwalter
• James Christopher Wallace and Veronica Rose Richardson
• Charles David Nelson and Amanda Jane Willett
• Matthew Charles Rogers and Erika Leigh Miller
• Rylan James Thronburg and Taylor Morgan Hatcher
Thomas Alexander Ackerman and Wendy Ann Rochester
• Gerald Scott Marietta and Jamie Dawn Nesbitt
Benjamin Robert Richards and Miya Harley Helms
• Augustean Austin Montoya and Miriah Victoria Ayala
• Lee Francis Eagle and Shyan Nichole McLaughlin
• Gururaj Singh Khalsa and Elaine Katherine Bressler
• Ty Christian Walker and Mackenna Jeanne Harris
Brandon Tyler White and Brianna Kathleen Warner
• Reed Ray Haga and Maggie Josee Fortier Raymond
• Trisha Lee Ogg and Stacia Nicole Harvey
RICHARD JEROME THOEN 1936 – 2025
>
Development is booming in Casper, Natrona County
BY TERRY WINGERTER CASPER
As I travel around the city, county and municipalities delivering for Meals on Wheels, I catch myself thinking about the good old days and observe new things happening. Let me start with the five municipalities around Casper.
In Evansville I see all the excitement around the new Mesa Building including new streets and infrastructure, the new playground at Reahaw River Park and the new
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
sidewalks along Lathrop Road.
In Mills they have a new charter school and also have a lot of exciting plans along the river frontage. Also soon to have a new truck stop.
Bar Nunn erected a new city hall with a rec center combined and is currently developing plans for their own police department. And, of course, we are all hearing about the proposed Radiant manufacturing plant, and a new truck stop to be built in the area off of Interstate 25.
And don’t forget, the Edgerton and Midwest area with oilfield and gas production and the revenues that the Salt Creek Oil Field has brought in over the years for Natrona County.
On the road to the airport there is another RV park that just recently opened with lots of trees and doing very well. A lot is going on at the airport: new modern air traffic control tower
Oil City News publishes letters, cartoons and opinions as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Oil City News or its employees. Letters to the editor can be submitted by accessing the QR code above or at OilCity.news/ opinion. Oil City News editors reserve the right to reject letters we feel are libelous, insulting, obscene, threatening or defamatory. Promotional materials are discouraged, but discussions on nonprofit events and resources are welcome.
IMMIGRATION HOLDS IN NATRONA COUNTY RAISE CONCERN
I have been dismayed in the last several weeks seeing the influx of immigration holds at the Natrona County jail. As it turns out, Natrona County has agreed to accept overflow detainees from the ICE facility in Aurora, Colorado, which has filled its 15,000-bed capacity and must now transfer people in custody
to other facilities — including our local jail. Between July 18 and July 21, 45 of 70 publicly logged arrests in our county were immigration hold transfers.
This is deeply concerning for a number of reasons. First, Wyoming does not have an immigration court, so presumably these detainees are being held in a completely different state from their attorneys, if they even have representation. Many
hopefully coming soon and the new refueling center in operation, refueling single and large airplanes for the fires around our area and all of Wyoming. This center is in conjunction with the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
In the city of Casper, there are three hotels currently being built with the newest one just announced near the Old Yellowstone District. And also, the large Yellowstone Apartment building under construction. And soon to happen, the new arch walkway bridge over the Platte River in the area of the Poplar and Yellowstone district. And near there is the new Homax convenience store to open soon.
I also see where the Lutheran College has temporarily taken over the Wedding Chapel and offices on 5th and Beech streets until their new campus is built behind the Smith’s
lawyers working these types of cases are doing so pro bono, so traveling across state lines to visit defendants may not be possible.
The lack of translators in Wyoming is also a major issue. If any of the detainees require translation, it may be difficult to come by.
We have already seen how the current administration has disregarded due process, deporting people — sometimes mistakenly — without having received a fair trial. Those in power campaigned on a promise to target “the worst of the worst” criminal migrants.
Yet, the most recent ICE detention statistics released as of Aug. 1 show that more than 46% of those currently detained by ICE and CBP nationwide have no pending or convicted criminal charges.
In fact, numerous studies point to statistics revealing that both unauthorized and documented migrants commit crimes at lower rates than U.S. born citizens.
In its zeal to meet detention quotas, ICE has mistakenly imprisoned minors at Alligator Alcatraz and is staking outside of immigration courts to abduct people there for asylum hearings.
The administration has removed temporary protected status for nearly half a million Haitian immigrants who are here legally, and it recently encouraged DACA recipients — many of whom have
Grocery Store on CY Avenue.
Out east on 2nd Street, at Blackmore Shopping Center, there is all sorts of construction for Burlington Coat Factory, Maurices, Five Below, Barnes and Noble and a proposed grocery store.
Just recently a reliable source told me that Chevron Oil will be going out for bids to dismantle the wind towers that were erected on the old refinery site years ago. Lots of people will be glad to hear this. Other goings on in the county is a new health department building being built on 12th and Conwell streets.
The city of Casper is working on plans for a new fire station in the downtown core area and work is continuing on the new police building. The county commissioners just approved 31 lots on top of Casper Mountain. There are also numerous areas in Casper that
lived their entire lives in the U.S. with protected status — to selfdeport. These are not the actions of a conscientious law enforcement agency out to make our country safer. This is an intimidation tactic that is sweeping up working taxpayers and folks tied up in the bureaucracy of our rickety immigration system, all while messaging a focus on removing “dangerous criminals.”
And now, Gov. Mark Gordon wants to increase Wyoming’s involvement in this indiscriminate crackdown. In recent weeks, he has authorized Wyoming Highway Patrol to aid in federal immigration enforcement, and he has now agreed to allow DHS to use the Wyoming National Guard in a “to be determined” capacity. Reportedly, the federal government will cover the cost of National Guard deployments across the country — meaning our tax dollars, presumably in addition to those dispersed in the tripling of ICE’s annual budget, will be spent in deploying the Guard to our own cities. The cost to public safety of the Highway Patrol being utilized in immigration enforcement is also unknown, but we should be exceedingly wary of the opportunity for racial profiling. More worryingly, all of this costly ramp up in enforcement action is being undertaken without input
have new housing developments being built and proposed.
I recently heard about Chris Navarro’s new sculpture, made out of old wind tower blades, going to be constructed on the Platte River trails. They are looking for donations for this worthwhile project.
Being raised in Casper and being active in local governments, I have always keep my ears and eyes open to proposed projects. I also so appreciate the newly published Oil City News weekly newspaper that has made a successful entry into the Casper area market.
Terry Wingerter is a Casper resident, member of the Casper Kiwanis Club and remains active on city and county committees and boards.
from constituents like you and me.
On the heels of the annual pilgrimage to Heart Mountain, I think it is incumbent upon us in Wyoming to remember the history of wrongful detention in our state. We should be demanding transparency from our government. We should be wary of the sharp increase in the ICE budget granted by the OBBB. We should be increasingly vigilant to ensure our neighbors have their constitutional rights protected. Writing in solidarity for a better Wyoming future, Britt Boril, Casper
GIVE NATRONA COUNTY EQUITY STAKE IN RADIANT INDUSTRIES DEAL
I agree with Ross Schriftman’s opinion that the Radiant Nuclear hard sell smells an awful lot like palms are being greased and backroom deals cut so a bunch of billionaires can do another private equity deal. Oh boy, we’ll be getting 250 jobs. OK, if they pay an average of $80,000, that’s $20 million per year for our community. Sounds like great money unless you’re a billionaire venture capitalist who will be disappointed to make five times that every year. I propose we level the playing
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GUEST COLUMN
field a little. Give Natrona County a 5% equity stake and a seat on the board to be filled on a rotating basis by a county commissioner. We could probably cut a lot of property taxes with that kind of deal.
Kevin Wadsworth, Casper
CASPER TAILGATERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE LAW AND BACK OFF
On a normal day, is getting from one place to another truly a matter of urgency to the point that there has to be an abundance of tailgating?
It’s already difficult enough getting to that intended place with the busier streets Casper has gotten during these recent years of population inflation. As a parent, I try to instill appropriate driving law knowledge to my child, who knows I am a defensive driver, looking out for other drivers.
Many times while driving our in-town streets in 20–40 mph areas, I see in my rear-view mirror someone inevitably hurrying to get closer and closer to my rear bumper. But why? Why hurry to get nowhere quick?
Did you know that tailgating is actually illegal? Yes, tailgating is illegal. It is considered a traffic violation in all U.S. states. Tailgating involves following another vehicle too closely, leaving insufficient space to react safely to sudden stops or changes in speed, which can lead to accidents and is therefore prohibited by law.
As the new school year approaches, it would be nice to see more law enforcement officers continue to keep our streets safe by keeping an eye on those who are truly tailgating. It gives the driver, including myself, that feeling of being pressured or rushed, and the disrespect implied by someone driving too closely, can cause frustration and annoyance.
Please, Casper drivers, give that 3-second gap between yourself and the next vehicle, for your safety, and for the safety of those driving along our busierthan-ever Casper streets.
Jennifer Markwardt, Casper
PROPOSED NATRONA COUNTY NUCLEAR FACILITY MEANS JOBS, ENERGY LEADERSHIP
As a Vietnam veteran and former CEO in Wyoming’s uranium industry, I’ve spent my career focused on two things: defending our country and securing the energy that powers it. I’ve seen firsthand how critical Wyoming’s leadership in energy is and I know Natrona County does too. Wyoming has always led the way in powering America. We lead in uranium, coal, oil and gas. Now, we have the chance to lead again with next-generation nuclear manufacturing. Radiant’s proposed facility in Casper represents a critical opportunity for Wyoming to stay at the forefront of American energy, defense and innovation.
Radiant isn’t just bringing a factory. What they are proposing
will create enormous opportunities for the Cowboy State’s future. Their microreactors will be built by Wyoming workers, using Wyoming vendors and generating millions in local tax revenue. These reactors will provide portable, reliable power for U.S. troops, supporting military readiness and defense around the world.
Radiant’s technology uses TRISO fuel, which is known widely as the safest in the world. Their designs exceed federal standards. As President Donald Trump’s Department of Energy testified at a recent Casper legislative hearing, this is no science experiment. The nuclear industry and spent fuel are safe and secure. Finally, this project also aligns with national priorities. President Trump and his administration made clear that expanding America’s nuclear capabilities is critical to energy independence and national security. This is Wyoming’s shot at leading that charge: building the reactors that power our troops, strengthen our grid and cement our state’s place as the cornerstone of America’s energy future.
Wyoming has never been afraid of hard work or big ideas. If we shut the door on Radiant, we’re not just walking away from good-paying jobs, we’re turning our backs on the kind of energy leadership President Trump is asking for. Let’s keep Wyoming open for business.
Former Lt. Cmdr. Glenn Catchpole, Casper
OPPOSITION TO RADIANT: TRUST AND COMMUNITY
Radiant Nuclear’s proposal for nuclear waste storage on Bar Nunn’s doorstep has caused a passionate and justified firestorm of opposition, one which I join. My reason for opposition, which I imagine is shared by many, is quite simple and fundamental to all other concerns about Radiant: I simply don’t trust a big, outof-state company to take care of our community in the event of something happening and/or if it’s not in their profit interest. History proves time and again that big companies, especially ones with CEOs and executives living cushy lives and coming from places where money is all that
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matters, will always choose profit over people. If and when the time comes, they will leave us high and dry. That’s what big companies from big communities like Radiant do to small communities like ours. It’s a story as old as time. We’re not all anti-nuclear. We’re not all anti-energy diversity. We’re not all anti-growth or antibusiness. I think we are, however, anti-big business essentially taking over our community in the long term by making us subject to their profit margins and their “promises” to do right by us. I don’t trust it, because we’ve seen this movie before.
I don’t have a proposal for how Radiant can overcome the trust gap that exists between them and our communities, primarily because I don’t think that gap can be bridged. History is too clear and too evident. People do not want to be, and should never be, gaslit into believing that profit-driven nuclear experiments on their doorsteps is something to cheer on. It is something, rather, to question, critique, and investigate through every lens available.
When considering Radiant’s proposal, our legislators, city and town councilors, mayors, and county commissioners need to remember this: This is Wyoming. Our growth should be locally sourced, locally grown, locally beneficial, locally supported, and independent of out-ofstate big business interests.
If Radiant wants to win any semblance of a substantial share of community support, it seems to me they’ve got two choices: 1. Move their experiment farther away from our homes; or 2. Leave us alone. If history proves right, though, and I’m sure it will, profit will drive Radiant’s choices, and in the end they won’t be looking for our trust or our support. That’s why we must continue to speak out for our community and refuse to roll over.
Keenan
Morgan, Bar Nunn
RADIANT A NEW WYOMING INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGY, COURAGE
Please allow this to serve as a letter of support for Radiant Energy’s proposed construction of portable microreactors in Natrona County. The benefits that will
accrue to Natrona County are well documented and numerous: high-paying jobs, an increase in county revenues, diversification of our business community. Most importantly, the message is sent that Natrona County welcomes capital investments and is open for business.
The primary argument against Radiant’s proposal relies on the familiar tropes of fear of the waste product. This argument ignores the facts that the waste product is safely contained in concrete casks and is subject to strict regulatory oversight.
In roughly 50-year cycles Wyoming is fortunate to find itself at the intersection of technology and courage. Oil discovery at the advent of the 20th century transformed Wyoming into a state with opportunities uplifting all classes of people. Roughly 50 years later, Powder River Basin coal mining provided the state with a new source of tax revenues benefiting all Wyoming, especially our beloved university. And again, 50 years later, the development and success of multi-state frac technology led to the re-discovery of the natural gas business in southwest Wyoming and the resurgence of oil-gas production in the Powder River Basin. This successful technology rescued the state from serious discussions of a possible state income tax.
Each opportunity was both rare and transformative. And each opportunity was opposed then and continues to face opposition today. Thank goodness we had leaders with the vision to see through the cloud of fear and seize the chance to grow Wyoming.
And so now we are, again, at the intersection of technology and courage. The easy route for legislators, the safe route, is to say, “No, I don’t want this to happen.” Nobody can be faulted because nothing happens. A period of stasis is prolonged.
I urge our legislators to raise their sights to the long term. This is a safe technology, particularly regarding spent fuel. Radiant Industries’s proposal has the potential to, once again, show the nation what is possible when technology and courage collide.
This meeting is not only good for Natrona County and Wyoming, but for our nation, as well.
Cary E. Brus, Casper
B.S. Geology, U.W, ‘81
M.B.A. Finance, U.W. ‘87 WYOMING IRRADIATES MORE THAN RADIANT WILL
We do not need to run another business from this community.
If any of you have visited Shirley Basin and did any hunting or walking or exploring out there, you have exposed yourself to more radiation than what Radiant could ever release or if you’ve ever been to Jeffrey City area and Green Mountain, it’s all around us.
If you live in Wyoming, you have been exposed.
John Jolovich, Casper
SUPPORTING RADIANT IS IMMORAL
What is the value of respect in a community? Apparently in our community, the value for others is low.
It’s appalling to see letters about a nuclear plant put 2,100 feet from our town’s nearest backyard. The lack of care and respect for the folks that worked hard to buy those homes and build lives there. To put human lives at risk for profit and gain. That says it all. Sorry, these California folks that will get the jobs don’t want to commute like the rest of folks in Wyoming have had to all their lives. That’s also a lack of respect. It’s the families in Bar Nunn that are at risk. This plant doesn’t need to be built near peoples homes. Put the plant in the Gas Hills where it belongs. Why risk someone’s family because of greed? Maybe this says it all as a society and community. If you don’t have a home in Bar Nunn, why should you care? Our folks here have cancers and MS and different ailments caused by pollution from the different industries. It’s easy to form opinions when it isn’t about you, why should you care? I guess another Flint, Michigan, is OK to create here. It won’t be as safe as we’re told it never is. People in Bar Nunn deserve to have a safe environment for their families. People aren’t expendable. When backdoor deals and money belittle the respect for human life, I would say there’s a problem. Lest we forget our community said “No.” Put
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the nuclear in the Gas Hills. Respect human life; respect the families that have built a quiet town away from Casper. Care for your fellow men and women and children? Or is that too hard? Cling to your delusions about how this will bring jobs and look the other way while you sacrifice the folks dreams. That’s where we are at as a society as a community. Why not? The level of disrespect for human lives is all over the country. We see it blatantly coming from the legislatures and elected officials. Morality seems to be dead even here in this community. In our own state. The hate you spew now will come back to haunt you later. The pendulum swings both ways, a friend of mine said once. I believe it was a true statement. As I try to explain to my great-granddaughter this very moment as I write this, peoples’ hearts and minds have lost common decency, common morals of right and wrong. Put that plant in your backyard, not ours! Put human life’s value over profit for a corporation. Quit making backdoor deals and kickbacks the new normal.
Amber Sparks, Bar Nunn
ECONOMIC LONGEVITY OF THE ONCE-INA-GENERATION
OPPORTUNITY
As a lifelong resident of Wyoming, I believe we are standing at the threshold of one of the most promising economic and technological opportunities our community has ever seen: welcoming Radiant Nuclear’s Kaleidos microreactor project to be built right here in our hometown. Beyond the payroll impact, the broader financial footprint of this project is difficult to overstate. Radiant’s investment would begin with millions of dollars in direct spending on site development, specialized equipment and operational infrastructure. These funds would be flowing immediately into Wyoming from outside the state. That initial investment alone would benefit construction firms, heavy equipment suppliers and
local service providers before a single reactor is built. Yet, the real value is in the long-term streams of income that follow. Because the Kaleidos microreactors are specifically engineered for military and secure government applications, Radiant will operate under stable, multi-year federal contracts. These agreements, backed by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, do not fluctuate with oil or gas prices and are not vulnerable to the same economic downturns that have historically hit Wyoming’s energy sector. For the community, this means a steady inflow of outside capital, year after year, as the facility produces, services and deploys these units.
In addition to production, the facility’s secure storage capacity creates another revenue source. Microreactors built ahead of deployment will be maintained and housed under high-security protocols, with the federal government effectively paying a “retainer” for that capability. This is ambient economic activity in the truest sense, income generated even when the plant is not in full manufacturing mode. The presence of these reactors on site also requires ongoing technical inspections, materials handling, and logistics work, which in turn supports local contractors, security personnel and specialized service providers.
The ripple effect does not end at the plant gates. Federal contract dollars spent on manufacturing and storage will circulate into the wider economy into restaurants, grocery stores, housing markets, small businesses and municipal services. Higher levels of local spending translate into increased sales tax revenue, more robust property tax contributions, and a healthier fiscal base for Casper and Natrona County. And because these positions are skilled, long-term roles rather than temporary boom-cycle jobs, the tax base expands without placing sudden strain on housing or schools. This is the kind of growth that can be planned for and sustained over decades.
There is also the potential to
leverage federal clean energy incentives and grants, given that the Kaleidos reactors produce zero-emission energy. These programs can offset infrastructure costs, fund the workforce training partnerships with Casper College and University of Wyoming that I wrote of in the previous letter. Channeling additional resources into local research and development. By positioning Casper as a leader in nextgeneration nuclear technology, the project also enhances our reputation as a location capable of hosting advanced, high-security, and environmentally responsible industries. That credibility or halo effect can attract other tech-driven businesses and further diversify our economy without detracting from our robust oil and gas industries. When you combine direct investment, federal contracts, storage retainers, local spending and incentive programs, the long-term revenue impact is transformative. Radiant’s presence would not just bring jobs, it would create a permanent economic engine, generating reliable, diversified income that supports families, businesses, and public services across our community. This is the kind of opportunity that can change the trajectory of a city and a state, not for a year or two, but for generations.
We should not let fear or outdated ideas about nuclear energy close the door on such a rare opportunity. Let’s welcome Radiant, embrace the Kaleidos project, and show the rest of the country that Wyoming can lead in clean, safe, and innovative energy while creating jobs and securing lasting prosperity for our community.
William T. Wallace, Casper
HAGEMAN’S EMAIL ON ‘INDIAN COUNTRY’ A BETRAYAL OF TRIBAL INTERESTS
Rep. Harriet Hageman’s recent email titled “WY IT MATTERS: Combatting Cartel Activities in Indian Country” is not just disappointing, it is dangerous,
racially coded and historically ignorant. It is a continuation of a centuries-long narrative that casts Indigenous peoples and their sovereign lands as problems to be solved, threats to be contained, or pawns in political theater.
Let me be clear: this is not about cartel activity. This is a modern echo of colonial scapegoating, draped in the language of law and order. For decades, no, centuries, tribal lands have been underfunded, underserved and disproportionately targeted by law enforcement systems. While jurisdictional boundaries mean county sheriffs and city police typically do not operate within reservation lands, Indigenous people still face dramatically higher rates of stops, searches, arrests, and incarceration in surrounding communities and border towns.
According to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Native Americans are incarcerated at a rate 38% higher than the national average, and in some states, Indigenous people are jailed at rates up to seven times higher than white residents. These disparities are not about isolated incidents. They are the product of a system that criminalizes Native identity both on and off the reservation.
Instead of advocating for Indigenous sovereignty, healthcare access, mental health services, infrastructure, or economic investment, our representative chooses to recycle the oldest play in the American book: fear.
What makes this even more insidious is the hypocrisy: Rep. Hageman has sponsored bills around land leasing reform, claiming to support tribal selfdetermination, yet she rejected proposed rules that would have codified tribal consultation. She chairs subcommittee hearings where tribal voices are invited, but too often they are tokenized, sidelined or ignored. She claims to support tribal sovereignty while backing legislation like the Power Butte Conveyance Act, an attempted land transfer from the Wind River Reservation without consent from either tribe. That’s not allyship. That’s
exploitation dressed up as policy. By framing Wind River as a lawless wasteland ripe for cartel takeover, Rep. Hageman perpetuates a false and harmful stereotype. She weaponizes the very neglect that her office, and those before her, have enabled. Rather than working with tribal leaders in partnership and respect, she peddles panic to justify federal overreach, further erode tribal sovereignty, and sow division. Where is the same energy for investigating the systems that have left reservations without adequate healthcare, schools, housing, and opportunity? Where is the concern for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis? Where is the legislation rooted in listening to Indigenous voices, rather than speaking over them with 20thcentury war-on-drugs rhetoric?
If Rep. Hageman truly cared about Wyoming’s tribal communities; she would be fighting for their resources, their autonomy, and their future, not exploiting them to boost her political image or amplify a partisan agenda.
It’s not lost on us that Rep. Hageman often wears Native jewelry while standing firmly against the interests and sovereignty of Native communities. Culture isn’t a costume, and turquoise doesn’t excuse betrayal. You don’t get to drape yourself in the symbols of a people while silencing their voices. Indigenous communities deserve more than to be used as a talking point in a campaign email. They deserve reparative action, respect, and representation that does not traffic in fear or perpetuate centuries of harm. I believe in a Wyoming where tribal sovereignty is honored, not just in words but in action. A Wyoming where Indigenous communities are not scapegoated, but celebrated and empowered. Where leaders don’t weaponize fear, but build trust. That future is possible, if we demand it, together. Writing in solidarity for a better Wyoming future,
Tori Feronti, Casper
2025 WINNER HIGHLIGHTS
Casper nominated and voted these winners of these categories in 2025! The full list of winners was published in last week’s issue of Oil City Weekly. If you missed it, the full list is live online TODAY at OilCity.News/best
BUSINESS
Farnham’s Furniture in Casper to close after three decades of business
BY DAN CEPEDA FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — A Casper furniture store that has done business for more than three decades is closing permanently.
Farnham’s Furniture Galleries, located at the Mountain Plaza business center on CY Ave., announced its clearance sale last week as it prepares to wind down business.
The store was opened in 1993 by Chaz Farnham and business partner Chad Bergman, and has been owned by Bergman since 2021.
“The market has changed, the business has changed,” Bergman said Sunday. “A lot more people are buying online.”
“Business just really slowed this year dramatically,” he added. “I think the economy slowed in general, and this is a big store for Casper.”
The store’s showroom covers nearly 50,000 square feet and features nearly everything needed for furnishing houses, including rugs and mattresses. They were among the few stores in Wyoming to carry the high-end Stressless line by Nordic furniture maker Ekornes, and the only Wyoming store to feature a full La-Z-Boy gallery, Bergman said.
“We had five different Amish lines of rustic furniture we did business with, so I know it’s going to be missed,” he said. “It was a very hard decision to make in closing it, but it was just time.”
The market for local and
family-owned furniture stores has become more complicated by large corporate and chain stores, which can spread out costs, buy in larger quantities and purchase advertising at better rates. Online stores selling so-called “fast furniture” — imported and cheaply made products meant to be essentially disposable — is another factor, he said.
There are currently eight employees who will lose their jobs after the store closes, he said. The store launched a clearance sale last week to unload its stock. “We don’t have a final [closing] date yet — it’ll be based on sales — but we’ll be going for a few months I think,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a loss for Casper,” he added.
Farnham’s Furniture Galleries is closing after more than 30 years of business in Casper. It’s among the last family-owned furniture stores in the area. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
