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AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
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CITY GOVERNMENT
Lopez channels love of Casper in new role as interim city manager BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — In 26 years working for the City of Casper, Zulima Lopez's goal has been to help improve the city she loves. Now, she's doing so as the city's interim city manager. "I've lived here since I was in elementary school, and I can't imagine living anywhere else," Lopez said. "I think this is a great place to have a family. It's very livable with a lot of amenities, it's a safe city and has really good schools. I've raised three kids in this community and am glad I was able to do so." Lopez's first taste of government work came in 1999, when she took a position in Casper's engineering department as an engineering technician. Before that, she had graduated from Casper College with a degree in drafting and design technology. As an engineering technician, Lopez was responsible for crafting plan sets to be used in the field on a wide variety of projects. One of the first projects Lopez worked on was the re-striping of the driving
Zulima Lopez was recently named Casper's interim city manager following the departure of Carter Napier. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
range near the Ford Wyoming Center. Over the next few years, Lopez used her skills as an engineering technician to work closely with the Streets Department, the Parks Department, the Solid Waste Division and more, giving her a strong idea of how Casper's municipal government functions.
"That just fueled my interest and passion for what the city as a whole does," she said. Lopez also became familiar with other municipal departments through work she did in the realm of safety during her time on the engineering staff. In addition to serving on the Wyoming-Montana Safety Council for several
years, Lopez was instrumental in crafting the city's first safety leadership team. After serving for years on the city's engineering team that saw her rise through the ranks and take on more and more responsibilities, she eventually moved to wastewater collection supervisor. As wastewater collection supervisor, Lopez's familiarity with local government continued to improve, as she got firsthand experience working alongside her new team and contractors to keep the city's water and sewer utilities running. During her time there, Lopez and her team took massive strides forward in GIS mapping, helping to transition away from less-reliable paper maps. "We piloted some of the first city programs related to maintaining all of that database of work within a GIS system," Lopez said. "That was fairly notable. Going from all-paper [maps] to all-digital was a big undertaking, but our team really embraced it and worked closely with the GIS staff in the city to streamline that." Serving several more years in wastewater collection, Lopez got another flavor of governmental
work when she moved to the city's then-HR Department as the risk manager. In that role, Lopez's top priorities were working to ensure the safety of all city staff, as well as property and liability issues and claims against the city. It was during that time she became better acquainted with the city's police and fire responders. As the one handling many of the claims filed against the city, it also gave Lopez her most experience yet with Casper's legal department. Lopez's tenure as risk manager coincided with a definite test for all working in health and safety fields: the COVID-19 pandemic. When the coronavirus hit, Lopez was on the front lines of figuring out the city's plan for how to minimize risk. "It was a real challenge trying to reopen but still make sure people feel safe and protect them to the greatest extent that we could," Lopez said. "It was just a lot of constant interaction and communication with all the managers. It was me taking the time to really learn and understand those operations so that I could give them the best LOPEZ CONTINUES ON PAGE A15
BACK TO SCHOOL
Natrona County schools kick into gear for new 2025 school year BY DAN CEPEDA FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — Laughter, cheering, music and more than a few tears were some of the sounds and sights as families dropped off their children for the first day of the 2025–26 school year at Crest Hill Elementary in Casper on Monday. Seasoned students lined up to cheer kindergarteners as they walked along a purple carpet for the first day of their school career. Families posed next to a dragon –– the school’s mascot –– and many teachers gave out highfives and warm hugs to returning students. Such scenes were common at elementary schools around the county on Monday morning. Students will be treated to the three-day Labor Day weekend before buckling down through the holiday break. The last day of classes are scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026.
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OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A2 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
LOCAL NEWS CITY GOVERNMENT
Casper seeks grant for Paradise Valley Pool water slide improvements BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — The City of Casper is planning repairs to the water slide at Paradise Valley Pool, and on Tuesday the City Council agreed to seek a grant to fund the project. Casper Recreation Manager Nick Whipps said the city wants to update the pool's slide, which was added in 2007 and is at the end of its life cycle. Whipps said wear and tear on the slide has impacted both its usefulness and aesthetic appeal. Whipps also added that tackling the problem now will help reduce costs in the future when maintenance is again required. The city plans to completely resurface the slide, upkeep that should be done roughly every 10
years, Whipps said. "The surfacing is wearing down to the point where the fiberglass is starting to come through," Whipps said. "At that point, it's a big safety hazard for people going down, and we definitely don't want that." The grant is estimated at $55,000 from the Natrona County Recreation Joint Powers Board. Whipps said no match would be required, and the grant money would fully cover the cost of the work. Over the years, the Recreation Joint Powers Board has helped finance several recreation projects, including funding for the busing costs of the city's summer camp program. Should the grant be approved, Whipps said the city's goal will be for the slide to be repaired in time for the start of summer 2026.
NOTICE: Casper Area Transit, operated by the City of Casper, will not be offering services on Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. This includes ASSIST (door-to-door service and ADA Complementary Paratransit service) and LINK (fixedroute service). Regular hours for LINK and ASSIST resume Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call 307-235-8273 for ASSIST services or 307-235-8287 for LINK services. More info at casperareatransit.org.
Oil City News LLC is a nonpartisan media organization and Central Wyoming’s largest locally owned, independent news platform, specializing in hyperlocal coverage of the people, places and events that shape the community we love. Our mission is building and connecting our community by bringing readers accurate stories first and forever free. TIPS: Facebook Messenger (http://m.me/oilcitywyo), email (news@oilcity.news) and text/voice (307-2670974). ADVERTISE: 307-258-3124 or sales@upslope.media. ACCURACY: Although our journalists work hard to ensure the accuracy of their reporting, mistakes can and do happen. When a mistake is made, we will work quickly to address it. A correction detailing the error will be placed in the story online and it will be added to a running list of corrections. If you find an error, click the “Report a Correction or Typo” button at the bottom of the online version of the story. DISTRIBUTION: We distribute thousands of free copies of Oil City Weekly at your favorite coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores and retail locations around town. For a complete list of distribution points, visit oilcity.news/weekly SUBSCRIPTIONS: Readers may subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter by signing up on our website at oilcity.news/subscribe. Starting in September, readers may use the same form to subscribe to home delivery of our weekly newspaper, Oil City Weekly for $10 per month. CONTACT US: Facebook, Instagram & TikTok @oilcitywyo PUBLISHER: Shawn Houck, shawn@oilcity.news MANAGING EDITOR: Klark Byrd, editor@oilcity.news FEATURES EDITOR: Dan Cepeda, dan@oilcity.news ADVERTISE: Contact Bryan Pekuri, bryan@upslope.media REQUEST DISTRIBUTION: publisher@oilcity.news
The City of Casper will seek a grant from the Natrona County Recreation Joint Powers Board to make repairs to the water slide at Paradise Valley Pool. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
CRIME AND COURTS
Natrona County District Court criminal case hearings (8/18/25-8/22/25) BY GREG HIRST CRIME & COURTS
CASPER, Wyo. — The following are arraignments, judgments and sentences rendered in criminal cases in Natrona County District Court, with links to additional coverage of cases. 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. Most plea 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 was ask the court to impose at sentencing, and the defense may argue for less.
SENTENCES Francisco Michael Sosa – Theft: Fifth or Subsequent; Three to five years imposed, concurrent to other theft case sentence. Douglas William Johnson — Possession of Methamphetamine: Third or Subsequent; Two to four years suspended, three years supervised probation. Michael Scott Hughes — Ag-
gravated Assault and Battery x5; 21-25 years imposed. Staci Dawn Barrera — Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine; Four to five years suspended, three years supervised probation. Steven Michael Gettings Jr. — Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Methamphetamine: Felony Weight; Four to five years imposed, 262 days served.
GUILTY PLEA: ARRAIGNMENTS AND CHANGES-OF-PLEA Jeremy Lee Parke – Burglary, Possession of Methamphetamine; Plea Agreement: three to five years imposed. Cory Morton – Escape/Failure to Return in Prescribed Time to Felony Detention; Plea Agreement: two-year cap. Robert William Hoover — Theft Over $1,000, Misconduct as Public Official: Pecuniary Benefit; Plea Agreement: Suspended Sentence, $10,810 in restitution. Justin James Wentz — Sexual Abuse of a Minor: Third Degree (Immodest, Immoral, or Indecent Liberties). Joshua Scott Vernon — Burglary, Theft Over $1,000. Gina Yolanda Harris — Pos-
session of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine): Third or Subsequent Upon Conviction. Diana Jean Hubbard — Possession of Methamphetamine: Felony Weight.
ARRAIGNMENT – NOT GUILTY PLEAS Jackson Deluna — Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine. Kelley Dwight Faylor — Strangulation of Household Member (x3), Child Abuse, Domestic Battery (x3). Jacob William Degoyette — Sexual Abuse of a Minor: First Degree, Sexual Abuse of a Minor: Third Degree, W.S. 6-4-402 Christopher Jon Hick — Unlawful Entry, Domestic Battery: Third in 10 Years, Property Destruction (misd.). Matthew James Gerhard — Criminal Entry, Property Destruction: Over $1,000.
FAILURE TO APPEAR Betty Elaine Williamson-Wyndom — Sentencing: Failure to Maintain Sex Offender Registration; Defendant located, hearing continued.
LOCAL
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | PAGE A3
NEW COLLEGE
Luther Classical College dedicates chapel, launches into first school year BY DAN CEPEDA FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. –– A chapel originally opened in 1950 by the First Baptist Church of Casper will gradually be visually transformed by the Lutheran design language. What won’t change is the brilliant acoustics, which will benefit from the denomination’s emphasis on music for worship. “If you come back in a year from now, this will look very different,” said the Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau, Professor of Theology at Luther Classical College, on Sunday. “We’re Lutheran, so we’re kind of like Catholic in terms of the way we worship. Externally this will look almost the same as a Catholic chapel, but our theology is different, obviously.” Dr. Ristau was among the dozens of staff and students preparing for the chapel dedication on Sunday afternoon, when it would be rechristened the Wilhelm Löhe Chapel. They were joined by an overflow house of worshipers, family and dignitaries for the service. The sanctuary will play an essential role in daily scholastic life for 38 students from 17 states who have enrolled in Luther Classical College’s first year. The school’s curriculum includes a heavy focus on Christian culture, mixed with classic liberal arts academic teachings similar to Hillsdale College. The four programs include a pre-seminary for future pastors, a classical school teacher program, a music major and a general Bachelor of Arts, he said. The school is also working with Casper College for two-year
TURNING
START-UPS INTO
(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
trade programs. The long-decommissioned Baptist church and adjoining school building had most recently been used as a wedding chapel. The final wedding service had just wrapped up the night before, though the transformation into a classical college was months in the making. New HVAC systems were installed, classroom tech moved in, and further south is a brand-new dorm house for students that opened days earlier. Eventually the school aims to have up to 300 enrolled students, and will later construct facilities as the need arises. They still plan to use the sanctuary, however, along with the other rooms and cafeteria areas the downtown building provides. Services for students are twice daily, and again on Sundays. The services are for students and faculty, but the college will offer music programs to the public in the near future. An authentic pipe organ from Chicago is in transit and will be installed in the front of the
chapel, replacing a makeshift digital keyboard. According to Director of Advancement Asa Hoffman, the music is inseparable from the service. “For our church, tradition to music is not just beauty, but the hymns and service itself is used to teach,” he said. “So as much as we look for intricate melodies and harmonies and beauty, the hymns that we sing inform our theology for the rest of the week when we sing them on Sunday. There’s a teaching aspect when we’re singing and taking in music in the chapel.” Music filled the chapel even as worshipers trickled in and staff bustled behind the scenes. Even as an important dedication awaited, the classroom sections took on a lighter feel. As the halls buzzed with movement, someone sat at an upright piano in one of the classrooms and played an impressive version of “Viva La Vida.” “Coldplay is not part of our curriculum,” Hoffman quipped.
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READ JOSH’S STORY:
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.
Rev. Joshua Hayes, Interim President and Dean of Chapel at Luther Classical College, prepares to bless the chapel before the first procession during Luther Classical College’s opening service on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
LOCAL
PAGE A4 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
OIL CITY WEEKLY
NATRONA COUNTY COMMISSION
Natrona County commissioners talk financial, development challenges BY KLARK BYRD MANAGING EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — From communication snafus that forced the Natrona County Fire District to dip into savings to cover payroll to a scramble to fund a local health program, Natrona County commissioners discussed a series of financial challenges at Aug. 19’s workshop while also considering a potential pause on new wind and solar energy projects. The workshop began with a discussion on a proposed sublease agreement for the WIC program, which now operates under the county's umbrella. It’s set to use 2,511 square feet of office space at 475 S. Spruce St. While the state initially offered to pay $17 per square foot, the county, citing a going rate of $21, settled on a compromise of $19 per square foot. The total funding for the remainder of the year will not exceed $23,854, with a new contract expected in the next fiscal year. An issue arose in the unexpected utility costs for the new building, projected at roughly $1.35 to $1.40 per square foot per month. Anna Kinder, executive director of the Casper-Natrona County
Health Department, told commissioners the costs were not factored into the current budget because the project's details were finalized after the budget period closed. While the county has the funds to cover the expense, Kinder acknowledged the budget is "incredibly tight." County Clerk Tracy Good called it “problematic” that the cost increase wasn’t budgeted, adding the county would end up paying for it “one way or the other” from the general fund. Kinder apologized for not recognizing the issue and bringing it to the commissioners sooner, to which Commissioner Dallas Laird said, “I think you’re doing a good job. Budgets can be amended. We’re going to pay the bills, so please don’t lose any sleep over this.” Good also clarified for Commissioner Casey Coates that the estimated $50,000 in annual revenue from the sublease was not in the budget either and would be considered unanticipated revenue for the next fiscal year.
NATRONA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT'S FINANCIAL ISSUES
Natrona County Assessor Tammy Saulsbury reviewed the budgetary struggles of the Natrona County Fire District, highlighting a discrepancy in its approved tax base funding. The district's approved amount for the current period is $2,004,429. That’s based on a real and personal assessed valuation of $668,374,849, minus exemptions, multiplied by the standard 3 mills. However, fire district officials said previous paperwork had shown a figure of $4.3 million, causing confusion among employees and board members. They expressed frustration over the difficulty in getting clear answers from the Treasurer's Office, prompting them to seek assistance from Commissioner Dave North. The issue even extended to missing checks from the county, prompting the district to take $80,000 from savings to cover payroll two weeks ago. The representative said it’s clear how the district is getting its funding after speaking with Saulsbury, adding he’d like to keep an open line of communication between county officials. The representative said the fire district “luckily” didn’t budget on having $4.3 million and instead budgeted for $2 million. Still, the fire district is facing financial challenges with hiring as it offers
a $15 per hour starting salary for a county firefighter, and firefighters are lured away to neighboring city fire departments able to offer better salaries. He spoke to the need for more funds, potentially through legislative action to secure additional mills.
WIND, SOLAR DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM DISCUSSION The workshop also included a presentation by Sabrina Kemper, the county's planning representative, regarding an emergency resolution to institute a moratorium on wind and solar development. The proposed moratorium is primarily driven by the need to update the county's zoning resolution and consider whether such projects should first go through the state's Industrial Siting Council, which has more stringent regulations. Coates asked if the county’s situation warranted an emergency resolution, which is typically issued to preserve public health, safety or welfare, and Kemper responded that she didn’t see any health or safety risks because there’s no pending project applications before the county. The commissioner then asked if Kemper thought the commissioners or the Planning and Zoning
Board were incapable of working through a project application to approve or deny it, to which she said she believed there was “enough in the resolution that if there were some reason to deny it for health, safety and welfare that we could do that.” Laird voiced concern about potential liabilities if large-scale projects, such as solar farms, operate without sufficient local oversight or insurance, especially if they are managed by out-of-state entities. The discussion touched on the nature of zoning and whether current regulations adequately address financial and risk allocation concerns. Kemper said that while the ISC's regulations could provide a "stepping stone" for county requirements, the county's own regulations would also need to be strengthened to cover smaller projects that might not meet the ISC threshold. Kemper also suggested a blanket moratorium on all new development in the county might be a more comprehensive approach while officials work to revise its zoning ordinances. The commissioners concluded that no immediate vote would be taken on a moratorium, allowing for further discussion and feedback on the proposed changes.
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The current Casper-Natrona County Health Department building. (Oil City News)
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AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | PAGE A5
BAR NUNN
Bar Nunn Town Council again hears opposition, but also support, for Radiant nuclear manufacturing plans BY KLARK BYRD MANAGING EDITOR
BAR NUNN, Wyo. — A proposal for a nuclear manufacturing facility nearby continues to divide the small town of Bar Nunn, as plans include temporarily storing spent fuel on-site. For over an hour Aug. 19, residents expressed fears about transparency and safety risks while others championed the potential for economic growth and the chance to put Wyoming at the forefront of a new industry. Radiant Industries, a California-based company, is proposing to build a factory in Natrona County to produce its portable nuclear microreactors, called Kaleidos. The small, self-contained fission reactors would use helium as a coolant and TRISO fuel, a type of fuel that is highly resistant to melting. The factory would manage the entire lifecycle of the reactors, from assembly and fueling to on-site testing and storage of used fuel cores in dry casks. The company says the project will create high-paying jobs and help diversify Wyoming’s economy. Radiant also has partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Air Force and Uranium Energy Corp., which is expected to help the company make Wyoming a hub for advanced nuclear technology. Despite the project’s potential, it faces a legal hurdle. Wyoming law prohibits the storage of high-level radioactive waste unless it’s produced by a nuclear power generation facility located within the state. That means Radiant must convince the state legislature to change the law to allow for the temporary storage of spent fuel cores from its manufacturing process. The project also faces opposition from some local residents who are concerned about the facility’s proximity to homes, potential financial risks and a perceived lack of transparency from the company.
OPPOSITION FOCUSES ON SAFETY, FINANCIAL CONCERNS Rob Kwasnicki, a resident who opposes the project, argued that spent nuclear fuel “presents an unacceptable risk to the health, safety and welfare of residents and is not a permitted use” for certain industrial zoning districts. “As a town council, you are elected to represent the town of Bar Nunn, not the town of Casper, not Natrona County, not the state legislature, not any land owners or business interests,” he said. Jason Foley, a journeyman electrician with experience at Idaho National Laboratory, expressed his opposition to the facility being 2 miles from his home. He said he viewed Wyoming as “a last bastion of state’s rights” and does not want it to cede power to federal agencies that oversee the industry. “If you don’t believe that there
is health and safety risks of dealing with nuclear radioactive material … it’s ignorant and it’s naïve,” he added. Mitchell Groskopf raised concerns about the project’s financial implications. He argued that the tax rules and trade zones related to the project could leave Bar Nunn with costs but little revenue, especially if the reactors are sold out of state. However, Radiant COO Tori Shivanandan has previously said the company would pay the same taxes as any other business in the region. Other residents pressed the council on a perceived lack of transparency. Rozmaring Czaban questioned whether the town had a legally binding contract with Radiant after the council said it could open the town to litigation if it denied water and sewer hookups for the company. Multiple councilmembers said there was no contract. Czaban also pointed to May 6 meeting minutes that suggested councilmembers were open to supporting a state grant for the company, even though later minutes showed the council’s opposition. Czaban suggested that Mayor Peter Boyer’s, Councilor Dan Sabrosky’s and Councilor Tyler Martin’s beliefs that Radiant’s proposal would benefit Bar Nunn creates a conflict of interest in their ability to make decisions regarding site annexation and zoning. The council also heard discontent with the idea to rezone Radiant’s proposed site in favor of the company, which appeared to reference a 6 p.m. Aug. 19 workshop during which councilors talked zoning with the Zoning & Planning Commission. That discussion was not included in a recording of Aug. 19’s Town Council meeting. During the council’s Aug. 5 meeting, Boyer responded to requests to annex Radiant’s proposed site and zone it so the company couldn’t place its facility there, saying the town’s legal authority is limited because the site is outside city limits. Boyer
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Bar Nunn Town Council meets Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (screenshot)
explained that a 2019 state law prevents the council from voting on developments outside town limits, even within its designated growth boundary. The council’s only role in such matters is to provide an opinion to the county, which will make the final decision, he said.
SUPPORTERS CHAMPION ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY On the other side, supporters of the project focused on the opportunity for economic and technological advancement. Matt Keating, a Casper resident, said he was excited for Radiant to come to Natrona County, believing it could attract other businesses that will help feed already incoming power-hungry companies like data centers and AI operators to “keep the advantage that we need.” “I really believe that you’re here at a pivotal moment because you guys are very much going to help influence the future of Bar Nunn,” he said. Amy Womack, thanking those who were speaking about Radiant’s plans, said she believed that discussions have been held with integrity and honesty. She said the company will “put not only Wyoming, but America first in the world in this technology.” She dismissed fears about nuclear energy as “old” and urged the council to
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“stay steadfast in this resolution that we need to move forward.” William Wallace emphasized the need to retain young talent in Wyoming. He argued that Radiant’s presence would create “the kind of high-skilled, forward-looking work that makes our young people think twice about leaving.” He also addressed concerns about the spent fuel, calling dry cask storage “the most boring part of nuclear energy” and stressing the safety redundancy of the technology. He pushed back on the idea that an outside company shouldn’t be
allowed to bring investment to the state. He said Wyoming’s economy already depends on outside companies like Exxon, Conoco Phillips and Walmart, the state’s largest private employer. “Union Pacific Railroad has operated here for generations. Halliburton, McDonald’s, Ford, they are not from here, yet they employ our people, they pay taxes here, and they are part of our daily lives,” Wallace said. “So, if outside companies are already part of our economy, what is the problem with Radiant?”
RECA IS Back! Get Ready to File Your Claim
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Caring for Wyoming Energy Workers
PAGE A6 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
LOCAL
OIL CITY WEEKLY
NEW CONDUCTOR, WHO DIS?
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Proposed state bill on explicit library content stirs debate among NCSD1 trustees BY KLARK BYRD MANAGING EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees on Monday spoke about a proposed state bill that could impact local libraries, pitting the desire for parental oversight against concerns over potential book bans and the sheer logistics of reviewing countless texts. Trustees expressed varying viewpoints on the proposed legislation and how it might impact local school libraries. Trustee Mary Schmidt voiced concerns about a state library bill with "extremely explicit" and "very graphic" language. She said that if a library's collection is built on such explicit material, it might not be suitable for public consumption. Schmidt said some librarians believe the bill would "wipe out their collection," and she encouraged the public and staff to get involved in the legislative process. Conversely, Trustee Thea TrueWells clarified that librarians' concerns are rooted in the impracticality of reviewing every sentence in "tens of thousands of books" for "concerning topics." Trustee John Bolender also weighed in on the issue of "book banning," contrasting it with the district’s existing opt-in and optout policies that allow parents to manage their children's reading without restricting others. He also mentioned the irony of such limitations given students having broad access to information via smartphones. Trustee Jenifer Hopkins suggested that librarians should be able to use digital cataloging to ensure age-appropriateness and urged that they be given adequate time for book review. She recalled
finding an inappropriate book not listed on opt-in/opt-out forms the previous year. Trustee Michael Stedillie agreed with Schmidt that citizens have an "absolute responsibility" to monitor government actions. He offered a strong opinion on the term "book banning," saying, "if you take a book out of a library and you don’t allow it back in … the book has been banned from that location."
OTHER BOARD, PUBLIC COMMENTS The meeting also included comments on other topics. Resident Mike McNulte raised concerns about the scheduling of middle school football games, stating that some schedules included "four games in seven days" and games on "back-to-back nights," which he described as unsafe based on USA Football national guidelines. Ross Schriftman spoke in favor of firearm policies that allow responsible citizens to carry weapons, saying they can deter malicious actions. He contrasted what he called the failure of trained officers in incidents like those in Uvalde, Texas, and at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida with the success of armed citizens elsewhere. Sarah Bieber, representing Moms for Liberty, thanked the board for accepting the group’s donation of pocket U.S. Constitutions for every eighth grader, saying that "patriotic education is about sharing that story." Stedillie and Schmidt both expressed support for a proposed resolution to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Schmidt said "propaganda is not a bad word" when used to celebrate the country's unique freedoms.
Wyoming Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jerry Hou poses at David Street Station in May, 2025. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
New but familiar face takes the reins at the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra BY DAN CEPEDA FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra is entering its next chapter under new yet familiar leadership. Conductor Jerry Hou was named the WSO's new music director, replacing the increasingly in-demand Christopher Dragon, who stepped down after five seasons. Hou has been the WSO's music advisor for several years and has conducted numerous concerts with the orchestra, but last weekend's Pops in the Park performance was his first as the orchestra's new director. Hou was able to make room in his busy schedule for the position after earlier agreeing to a temporary role during a search for a permanent replacement. He has signed on for three seasons, he said during an interview in May with Oil City News. "It will give us a longer time span, so it doesn't feel like such a rush to look for a music director, and to help give us a sense of continuity," he said. "I really care about the organization; I care about the people here." Hou said he's been impressed with Casper's relationship with the orchestra and the sense of community and companionship within the orchestra itself. "They have such a great time playing together," he said. The positive relationships among the WSO's players was something Dragon also men-
tioned when he last spoke to Oil City News. Having worked with numerous large orchestras around the world — including most recently the New York Philharmonic and the Houston Symphony Orchestra — Hou echoed those feelings. "That's not always the case," he said of the positive vibes. "There are strong personalities, artistic personalities within orchestras, and part of the orchestra director's job is to manage those personalities and help them get along, but that takes time." Under Dragon's leadership, the orchestra made new hires and reached new artistic heights. That's something Hou said he plans to continue. "As I've come back several times as guest conductor, I've seen great improvement and development of the orchestra, and I wanted to make sure that kept on going," he said. The 2025–26 season has been carefully and meticulously programmed by Hou and the board to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in creative ways. The season will feature works by American composers of the past and present, he said, and also have the pieces draw a connection and through line. "We wanted it to be thoughtful," he said. "What does it mean to celebrate America's 250th anniversary?" "For me, I went back and read the Declaration of Independence to see what it is that we're celebrating," said Hou, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in Arkansas. He said the document was
a list of grievances against King George III and a culmination of the forefathers' desire for unalienable rights for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. "At that time they were thinking about everyone in the States," he said, "but I started thinking about these rights, [and what] everybody throughout the world wants for themselves. So in this time where it can feel like we're becoming somewhat isolated as a country, just to celebrate these things can still connect us with so many people in the world." Bernstein's "West Side Story" was programmed to reflect the story of people from two different cultures falling in forbidden love. Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" and another piece based on a Chinese story of forbidden love keeps the theme going. The idea of "liberty" will be marked by Beethoven's "Fidelio," about the fight against tyranny. American female and Black composers will also be featured throughout the season. "Celebrations are great, but it can also be a time for reflection, about what it means and how we got to where we are now, and where we want to go," he said. One deviation from the theme will come along during the popular Christmas performance, which will be packed with traditional holiday music. For the first time in the orchestra's history, this season will feature an added matinee performance, which reliably sells out each year. "We want everybody to come celebrate the transformative power of live classical music," he said.
EVENTS
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | PAGE A7
WEEK OF
AUG. 28
KIERA HETT
NCSO PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
What upcoming event for your organization are you excited about, and what pro tips or advice do you have for making the most of the experience? I’m excited for our Annual Emergency Response Expo happening during National Preparedness Month on Sept. 6. This free, family-friendly event is where Natrona County residents of all ages can meet their local public safety professionals, see the tools we use when we respond to an emergency, and learn practical skills to apply to their homes. Pro tips: When you arrive, check in with us at the Emergency Management table to receive your Expo Passport, and don’t forget to turn it in at the end of your visit for a prize. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes for a morning of fun with your first responders. What are two other upcoming events in the community not associated with your organization that you're excited for, and why? Two upcoming events that I’m looking forward to are Funky Junk on Sept. 20 and the Sergeant Nevada Krinkee Memorial 5k on Sept. 13. Funky Junk spotlights our homegrown creativity. There is something for everyone with a vibrant mix of handmade treasures, and you have the chance to meet and connect with the person who began with an idea and brought it to life. Funky Junk is an incredible way to support small Wyoming businesses and our Casper community. The Sergeant Nevada Krinkee Memorial 5K is a meaningful chance to come together in remembrance of Sheridan Police Sergeant Nevada Krinkee, who was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 13, 2024. Whether you run or walk, it’s a special opportunity to honor Sergeant Krinkee and to support Wyoming’s law enforcement officers and families. Beyond the individual experiences, how do you see events like these contributing to the unique spirit and sense of community here in Casper? Events like these turn strangers into neighbors. They put faces and stories to the interests and talents we share. That’s the Casper I know and love: we show up, we support each other, and we leave with more neighbors than we came with.
2025
T H UR S DAY, AUG UST 2 8 STORYTIME DANCE PARTY
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
INTERMEDIATE SEWING: MINI BACKPACK
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
HOW TO THRIVE IN A WORLD OF CONSTANT CHAOS WITH ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST DR. TASHA EURICH ONLINE 12:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
SOUL EXPLORATIONS
3:00PM SCARLOWS ART AND COFFEE
OPEN HOUSE AT MOURNING DOVE GRIEF CARE Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar set to perform Saturday for Fiesta WYO at David Street Station. (Courtesy)
Fiesta WYO at David Street Station CASPER, Wyo. — Casper is once again celebrating Hispanic culture, art and more at David Street Station with the annual Fiesta WYO event happening on Saturday. The event, put on in partnership with ARTCORE and Bluepeak, is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. and will last until 9 p.m. and it will feature a myriad of performances, food, beer and more. Performing at the event are Las Angelitas Unidas y Los Rayos del Sol and headliner Mariachi
THE WEATHER A CHILDREN’S WEATHER SHOW 4:00PM CASPER PLANETARIUM
FREE FEISTA-VAL
BY NICK PERKINS FEATURES
4:00PM 245 S. FENWAY
Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. The event will feature two food trucks: Tacos Locos and Selena’s Eat and Treats, and the famed beer garden will be open as well. “It will be a beautiful night,” said David Street Station executive director Whitney Asay. “This year we really decided to focus on the arts and the performances and it’s just a really beautiful look at Hispanic culture.” The event is free and open to the public, and it gives the community a chance to see and experience a different culture. It’s an opportunity to learn, to be entertained and to spend time
with their neighbors. Fiesta WYO is also the last major summer event at David Street Station and it offers up a chance for the station to go out with a bang. “This is what David Street Station is really about,” Asay said. “We are this community hub where we really do have something for everyone. And any time we can collaborate with any of the other organizations in town, it’s better for everyone. We’re thrilled to work with ARTCORE; it’s another great organization that does a lot for the community. And we’re proud to partner with them.”
YMCA FLAG FOOTBALL 4:30PM CASPER COLLEGE
BIG SCREEN BLITZ: UW VS. AKRON
5:00PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
KNOW YOUR GOVERNMENT: FROM CITY HALL TO THE STATE CAPITOL 6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
ASHTANGA - FULL PRIMARY SERIES 6:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
CONNECTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY W/ SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST KURTIS HIPPIE 6:00PM RESTORATION CHURCH
LOGAN RYAN - LIVE IN CONCERT 7:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
NIGHT OF SWING DANCING 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
8:30PM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
FR I DAY, AUG UST 2 9 ALEX DRAGICEVICH 7:00PM RIALTO CASPER
KARAOKE NIGHT
8:00PM BLACK TOOTH BREWERY
JUNIPER BLUE
9:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
SAT UR DAY, AUG UST 3 0 SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ SAMANTHA MARTINEZ 9:00AM AMOCO PARK
LEATHER FORAGING BAG
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
WY CONCEALED FIREARM PERMIT CLASS
10:00AM SPORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE
WYO VOLS UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FOOTBALL WATCH PARTIES 10:00AM BULLHORN BREWING SEE ALL THE ART WALK EVENTS: OILCITY.NEWS/ARTWALK EVENT GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE A8
OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A8 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
EVENTS GUIDE
CASPER’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE EVENTS CALENDAR
FIESTA WYO
W EDN ESDAY, SEPTEM B ER 3
QUINLAN VALDEZ AT GRUNER BROTHERS BREWING
WEDNESDAY WRITERS
4:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
SHOW REE headliners Ffiestawyo
mariachi garibaldi de jaime cuéllar AUGUST 30 AT DAVID STREET STATION
the SEPTEMBER desert nudes 5 AT THE LYRIC FREE SHOW
denver taiko deer creek brass soul street dance triple c cowboys SEPTEMBER 20 AT RESTORATION CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 28 AT OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
7:00PM GRUNER BROTHERS BREWING
FREE SHOW: MARIACHI GARIBALDI DE JAIME CUÉLLAR, HEADLINERS FOR FIESTA WYO 7:15PM DAVID STREET STATION
ALEX DRAGICEVICH - COMEDY RIALTO CASPER
SUNDAY, AU GU ST 3 1 SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00AM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
MONDAY, SEPTEM B ER 1 CHILDREN’S EENTREPRENEUR MARKET 10:00AM EL MARKO LANES
SEPTEMBER DIY CHALLENGE: HANDSEWN FELT FABRIC MUSHROOM KEYCHAIN NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
OCTOBER 7 AT HIGHLAND PARK CHURCH
OCTOBER 10 AT FRONTIER BREWING
take3:
TUESDAY, SEPTEM B ER 2 TINYTOTS STORYTIME
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
NATRONA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING 2:30PM NATRONA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
whereOCTOBER rock19 ATmeets bach CASPER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR THE LYRIC MEETING
folk legacy trio OCTOBER 24 AT THE LYRIC
get tickets
6:00PM CASPER CITY HALL
NATRONA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 BOARD INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
NATRONA COUNTY PREDATOR MANAGEMENT DISTRICT MEETING
LIBRARY FOR ALL
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
NEVER TOO OLD BOOK CLUB: “BORDERS” BY THOMAS KING
POP-UP LIBRARY
FREE CHRISTIAN MUSIC CONCERT: STEPHEN BAUTISTA 6:30PM LORD OF LORDS LUTHERAN CHURCH
MILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10:30AM CASPER COLLEGE
JACKPOT BINGO
THE DESERT NUDES
1:30PM CENTRAL WYOMING SENIOR SERVICES, INC
7:30PM THE LYRIC - WITH CASH BAR
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
AFTERSCHOOL @ THE LIBRARY: DRAGONS LOVE TACOS (AND CRAFTS!)
OPEN MIC COMEDY NIGHT
NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
READS & RHYMES STORYTIME 10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
FOOD TRUCK FOOD COURT 4:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
ON WRITING DARKLY CHARMING VILLAINOUS LOVE WITH HANNAH NICOLE MAEHRER ONLINE 5:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
STAGE III COMMUNITY THEATRE
SATU RDAY, S E PT E M B E R 6 2025 T-BIRD TREK SWAG PICK UP AND DOG TREK
GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT
9:00AM WASHINGTON PARK BANDSHELL
6:00PM THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM 7:00PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
TH U R SDAY, SEPTEM B ER 4 VOLUNTEER REFERENCE ATTORNEY PROGRAM 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
SATURDAY SURPRISE @ WASHINGTON PARK BAND SHELL WOMEN’S GATHERING
10:00AM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
BEST IN THE WEST CORN HOLE CLASSIC! 10:00AM BLACK TOOTH BREWERY
TEEN GAME NIGHT
5TH ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
FIRST THURSDAY ART WALK
4TH ANNUAL ATF (ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS) PARTY
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 5:30PM ART 321
10:00AM MIKE SEDAR PARK
12:00PM STAHOO’S BREWERY & TAPROOM
BAR NUNN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, THE MUSICAL
9:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
KARAOKE THURSDAY
7:00PM BAR NUNN TOWN HALL
RIALTO CASPER
THE IRIDESCENT BASH & MIDSUMMER DREAM GALA
READING THE WEST BOOK CLUB: “THE WESTERN HORSE: A POPULAR HISTORY OF THE WILD AND WORKING ANIMAL,” 6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
10:00AM CENTRAL SERVICES FACILITY
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
6:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
CORNHOLE AND SPIKEBALL TOURNAMENT
F R IDAY, SEPTEM B ER 5
BIG SCREEN BLITZ: UW VS. NORTHERN IOWA
2:00PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
FROM STRESSED TO CENTERED: A NERVOUS SYSTEM RESET THROUGH HYPNOTHERAPY 4:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
SATURDAY SING-ALONG – SONG SHARE 6:00PM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CASPER
CONVERSECOUNTYTOURISM.COM
THE STATELINE RAMBLERS 6:00PM 4155 LEGION LANE
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
DATE NIGHT @ THE SQUARE FEATURING THE BOY IN THE WOODS 8:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE
SU N DAY, S E PT E M B E R 7 CENTRAL WYOMING CORVETTES AUTOCROSS
7:00AM CENTRAL WYOMING FAIRGROUNDS
SATURDAYS 9a-NOON
AUG. 30 / SEPT. 6 & 13 JACKALOPE SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN DOUGLAS
HIKE & YOGA
9:00AM CASPER MOUNTAIN BIATHLON PARKING LOT
RELAX & RESTORE: YOGA & AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE 5:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
THE GREAT MOUNTAIN MINGLE FORD WYOMING CENTER
M ON DAY, S E PT E M B E R 8
FRESH PRODUCE HOMEMADE GOODS CUSTOM CRAFTS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
HOMESCHOOL MEETUP: LEGO FREE BUILD
11:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
NATRONA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 BOARD ACADEMIC STEERING COMMITTEE 3:30PM CENTRAL SERVICES FACILITY
Honoring all those who serve
ament Golf TournSaturday September 6, 2025
2nd ANNUAL
THINKING MONEY FOR KIDS: PET CENTS
DOWNTOWN
NATRONA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
SEPT. 20, 2025 FOOD, FUN & FESTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES!
Douglas Community Club Douglas, Wyoming
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
6:00PM CENTRAL SERVICES FACILITY
EVANSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING 7:00PM EVANSVILLE TOWN HALL
TU ESDAY, S E PT E M B E R 9 GLOWFORGE: PAGE HOLDER
12:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CASPER CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4:30PM CASPER CITY HALL
NATRONA COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION 5:30PM NATRONA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
LIFE’S MANY DETOURS
WATCH WEEKLY FOR A LIST OF DOUGLAS AND GLENROCK EVENTS
6:00PM SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
6:00PM WYOMING WOOL GROWERS
6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 7:00PM MILLS CITY HALL
12:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
ARGUE LESS AND TALK MORE WITH COMMUNICATION EXPERT JEFFERSON FISHER ONLINE 12:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
PIN-BACK BUTTON MAKING 1:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
AFTERSCHOOL @ THE LIBRARY: DIY GEODE 4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CRICUT: SUBLIMATION MUGS 5:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
AMOCO REUSE AGREEMENT JOINT POWERS BOARD 6:00PM BIG HORN CONFERENCE ROOM
T H UR S DAY, S E PT E M B E R 1 1 FALL BOOK SALE
9:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
DATA GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 3:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE NATRONA COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION SYSTEM 5:30PM NATRONA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CORNER STUDIO: WATERCOLOR BUGS 5:30PM THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM
PING PONG TOURNAMENT 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
FR I DAY, S E PT E M B E R 1 2 SEWING: FABRIC BASKET
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CASTLE BRAVO GAMES PRESENTS: DUNGEONS & DRINKING @ FRONTIER! 6:30PM 150 W 2ND ST
BEST LAID PLANS RIALTO CASPER
SAT UR DAY, S E PT E M B E R 1 3 RAINBOW PIONEERS
8:00AM SCARLOWS ART AND COFFEE
DOGFEST
9:00AM TATE PUMPHOUSE
CRICUT AND HAND SEWING: FAUX LEATHER LEAF EARRINGS 10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
BARK TO SCHOOL: PAWS TO READ STORYTIME
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
YARN DYING 101 WORKSHOP 10:00AM ART 321
CASPER HOLISTIC EXPO FALL 2025 10:00AM 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
WYOMING PUNK ROCK SHOWCASE CHESTERFIELD, SHOCKTROOPERS, THE SHIVERZ, A PATH TO FOLLOW 7:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
SOUTHALL
8:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
CASPER KID’S FEST FORD WYOMING CENTER
CAROLINE RHEA - COMEDY RIALTO CASPER
S UN DAY, S E PT E M B E R 14 CASPER PRIDE RAINBOW REALMS 3:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
WHY I BELIEVE DEVOTIONAL
6:28PM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
EVENTS
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | PAGE A9
ADD YOUR EVENT TO THIS CALENDAR FOR FREE! >
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CENTRAL WYOMING FAIR BOARD MEETING 5:00PM CENTRAL WYOMING FAIR & RODEO
T U E S DAY, S EPTE MB ER 16 NATRONA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING
3:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
FUNKY JUNK: FALL EDITION 2025! 4:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
HATED- WITH LUNGBURN, IRAH NOX, AND CROWNS MAY FALL. 7:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
FREE SHOW: DENVER TAIKO 7:30PM RESTORATION CHURCH
BUMPIN UGLIES & FORTUNATE YOUTH THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
MONDAY, SEPTEM B ER 22 HOMESCHOOL MEETUP: BEADED CORN CRAFT
40TH ANNUAL HUMANITIES FESTIVAL FAMILY AFTERNOON 1:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
STAHKTOBERFEST - OKTOBERFEST AT STAHOO’S BREWERY & TAPROOM 3:00PM STAHOO’S BREWERY & TAPROOM
WYOMING HARDCORE 2025 4:30PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
SATURDAY SING-ALONG
6:00PM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CASPER
WE MIGHT OFFEND YOU COMEDY TOUR 7:30PM RACCA’S PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA
SU N DAY, SEPTEM B ER 28
11:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
POTTERY PAINTING
LIVING ROOM CONVERSATIONS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
TWEEN MONDAYS: CARDBOARD LOOM WEAVING
DEER CREEK BRASS
CC BOARD MEETING 2025
EVANSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
M ON DAY, SEPTEM B ER 29
TUESDAY, SEPTEM B ER 23
TWEEN BOOK CLUB: “THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH” BY ALI BENJAMIN
2:30PM NATRONA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
BAR NUNN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING 7:00PM BAR NUNN TOWN HALL
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 7:00PM EVANSVILLE TOWN HALL
1:00PM CASPER COLLEGE 4:00PM OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
A STEM DAY/BRANDING CEREMONY
27TH ANNUAL CASPER AWARDS & RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
MILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00PM MILLS CITY HALL
HUMANITIES FEST
LITERARY CONFERENCE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
COMMUNITY PREVENTION GRANT ANNUAL MTG
5:45AM FORD WYOMING CENTER 8:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
SBS EMPOWER CHANGE SEMINAR 2025 8:30AM CASPER COLLEGE
OUR FAILED ATTEMPTS TO MAKE ENGLISH EEZIER TO SPELL WITH AUTHOR GABE HENRY ONLINE 12:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
SBS LIVING ROOM CHATS 2025 1:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
BELLS ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATION 1:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
AFTERSCHOOL @ THE LIBRARY: ELEPHANT & PIGGIE / MO WILLEMS PARTY
8:30AM CASPER COLLEGE
GRAB & GO CRAFT: DIY MARACAS 4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CASPER GOLD PROSPECTORS
7:00PM GAME AND FISH BUILDING, PRONGHORN ROOM
25 WY SUPREME COURT ORAL ARGUMENTS 10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
THURSDAY, SEPTEM B ER 25 WYOMING HISTORY SERIES
6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TIE DYE NIGHT
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
TEEN CROCHET CLUB
ANTHONY RODIA - STAND UP
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
T HU RS DAY, S EPTE MB ER 18 BIRDS, BURGERS & BLUES
6:00PM WERNER WILDLIFE MUSEUM
RIALTO CASPER
FRIDAY, SEPT EM B ER 26 NCSD CASPER INVITATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT 9:00AM FORD WYOMING CENTER
TU ESDAY, SEPTEM B ER 3 0 7:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
5:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TEEN BOOK CLUB: “ENIGMA GIRLS” BY CANDACE FLEMING 6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
W EDN ESDAY, OCTOB ER 1 COFFEE WITH A COP DAY 2025 9:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
TH U R SDAY, OCTOB ER 2 SWEATER WEATHER STUDIO 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
F R IDAY, OCTOB ER 3 COLE SWINDELL: HAPPY HOUR SAD TOUR WITH PRISCILLA BLOCK 7:00PM FORD WYOMING CENTER
6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TRIVIA NIGHT
DUELING PIANOS
7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
RIALTO CASPER
DEATH OF A GANGSTER
WYOTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
JEN FULWILE - STAND UP
MESSY STORYTIME
10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE RIALTO CASPER
SATU R DAY, OCTOB ER 4 GEAR AND BEER
10:00AM GEAR UP AND GET OUT THERE
now playing THIS WEEKEND
AUGUST 29-31
SCAN FOR MORE TIMES & TICKETS
5:30PM AIKIDO OF CASPER
TU ES DAY, O CTO B E R 7 HALL OF JUSTICE JOINT POWERS BOARD
ARQ 1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:50 (also 10:30AM SAT-SUN)
EAST 6:45 (also 10:40AM, 1:25 SAT-SUN)
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
DETENTION FACILITY JOINT POWERS BOARD 10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
7:30PM HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY CHURCH
TH U RS DAY, O CTO B E R 9
1:15, 3:55, 6:50, 9:20 (ALSO 10:45AM SAT-SUN)
LUXX 2:00, 4:35, 7:20, 9:55
SOUL STREET DANCE
(ALSO 11:30AM SAT-SUN)
4:10, 6:40, 9:10 (ALSO 1:30PM SAT-SUN) LUXX 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 (ALSO 11:30AM, 2:10 SAT-SUN)
WYOMING ARTS SUMMIT 7:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
ADVANCE CASPER BOARD MEETING
MESA 7:10; 9:35 east 4:20, 9:40
9:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASS 6:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
4:30, 7:05, 9:35
(also 10:40AM, 1:55 SAT-SUN)
ZACH RUSHING RIALTO CASPER
mesa 7:00 sun-thu (also 4:15 SUN)
F R IDAY, O CTO B E R 1 0
THE TRIPLE C COWBOYS
7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE—WHEELER CONCERT HALL
SATURDAY, SEPTEM B ER 27
AIKIDO OF CASPER NEW STUDENT NIGHT
40TH ANNUAL HUMANITIES FESTIVAL BOOK CLUB: “THE POWER OF PLAY” BY DAVID ELKIND
THEATRE AND DANCE GALA
F R I DAY, S EPTE M BER 19
5:00PM WYO SPORTS RANCH
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
FALL COLLAGE CONCERT
RIALTO CASPER
WYORVC SEASON TRYOUTS
9:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: WHAT YOUR LIBRARY CAN DO FOR YOU
10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
M ON DAY, O CTO B E R 6
MESA
TWEEN MONDAY: REVERSE COLORING
UKULELE JAM
RIALTO CASPER
MESA
12:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
JASON MEWES
10:00AM DAVID STREET STATION
11:00AM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
EAST
THERAPY DOGS @ THE LIBRARY
FALL FEST
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
east
12:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: “TWO DEGREES” BY ALAN GRATZ
5:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
7:30PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
MESA 4:20, 9:55 east 9:05 (also 1:05 sat-sun)
east 3:55
SATU R DAY, O CTO B E R 1 1 12:35, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25
SECOND SATURDAY COFFEE CAFE & ART WALK
mesa
WYOMING SOCIETY OF RESPIRATORY CARE
SITTIN’ AT A BAR 25TH ANNIVERSARY MINI-FESTIVAL
IN THIS MOMENT: BLACK MASS TOUR
MESA 12:30, 2:40, 4:55, 7:25, 9:40
(ALSO 10:50AM SAT-SUN)
10:00AM DOWNTOWN CASPER, WY 10:00AM FORD WYOMING CENTER
TH U R S DAY, O CTO B E R 1 6 PARKER MCCOLLUM TOUR 7:30PM FORD WYOMING CENTER
F R IDAY, O CTO B E R 1 7
4:50, 7:15, 9:30
EAST
8:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
SATURDAY STORYTIME: ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!”
(also 11:15AM, 2:40 SAT-SUN; 12:30 sun)
MESA
WORKFORCE SERVICES CBT TRAINING
2:00PM BOOKIN’ IT
1:30, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 fri-sat; 1:30, 4:20, 6:55, 9:30 sun (ALSO 10:55AM SAT-SUN)
east
M O N DAY, S EPTE MB ER 15
THE SACRED SIP CAFE
4:15, 6:55, 9:30
east mesa
RIALTO CASPER
1:25, 4:15, 7:05, 9:55
(also 10:50AM, 1:35 SAT-SUN)
KINGPIN POSSE - GASLIGHT SOCIAL 8:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
FALL ALUMNI BOARD MEETING 10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
(ALSO 10:35AM SAT-SUN)
4:05, 6:50, 9:45
(also 11:05AM, 1:15 SAT-SUN)
RUMORS
STAGE III COMMUNITY THEATRE
SATU RDAY, O CTO B E R 1 8
MESA 10:00 (also 4:25 fri-sat) east 7:05, 9:20 (ALSO 10:55AM SAT-SUN)
YMCA PUMPKIN PLUNGE
1:00PM YMCA OF NATRONA COUNTY
STATE MARCHING BAND
1:00PM FORD WYOMING CENTER
MESA
SHAYNE SMITH
1:35, 4:00, 6:35, 9:05 (ALSO 10:40AM SAT-SUN)
EAST 4:05, 6:35 (also 10:40AM, 1:35 SAT-SUN)
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
MARBLED SCARF WORKSHOP
EAST
HOOK & NEEDLE STITCHING CLUB 4:00, 7:00, 9:50
(also 10:45AM, 1:10 SAT-SUN)
5:30PM THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM
WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH BOOK CLUB: “THE WOMEN” BY KRISTIN HANNAH
MESA 1:05 (also 6:45 fri-saT)
GLITTER IN THE AIR: THE ULTIMATE P!NK EXPERIENCE
MESA 1:10, 6:55 (ALSO 10:35AM SAT-SUN)
6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
9:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
MESA
1:45, 4:25 (EARLY SHOW SAT-SUN 11:15AM)
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OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A10 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
ACROSS 1 Beat at chess 6 Speech therapists’ targets 11 Adds to the chain, in a way 14 † symbols, on manuscripts 15 Square 16 It may be brown or blonde 17 “Nice of you to show up” 19 Something to play by 20 Marching syllable 21 Utter nonsense 22 Vocal flourish used by Lady Gaga in “Shallow” and “Bad Romance” 24 Tries, tries again 27 Univision article 28 “Hey, England, happy Fourth of July!” 33 Cow or cobra, in yoga 36 Do it! 37 Suffix with Sudan or Bhutan 38 With 41-Across, a hint to this puzzle’s theme 39 Stereotypical attire for tech bros 41 See 38-Across 42 Head into? 43 Speak hoarsely 44 ___ blanc (type of white grape) 45 “Say ‘goodnight’ Alexa.” “Goodnight Alexa” 49 Trash 50 Relative of a votive candle 54 Attire for an acrobat 58 Era in which daylight saving was introduced as a way to conserve energy, in brief 59 Lion in ancient Rome
60 “omg, u r too much” 61 “Bottom-of-the-barrel barrel prices! Buy today!” 64 Love, at Wimbledon 65 Softened 66 “___: The Origins of Our Discontents,” Isabel Wilkerson best seller 67 Like one who might prefer platonic relationships, informally 68 Fathers’ last words? 69 “Challenge accepted!” DOWN 1 Japanese rice cake 2 Approximately 3 Home for the Sun Devils 4 ___ City (nickname for New Haven, Conn.) 5 Many a Joseph Cornell artwork 6 Shine 7 Tavern 8 A matchbook, for a wobbly table, say 9 “___ down!” (“Shut up!”) 10 Explore a cave 11 Like the Roman Empire around 48 B.C. 12 One might be cooked “casino”style 13 Will be, in Spanish 18 Musical building block 23 Company name ender 25 South African currency 26 Doesn’t get hit, say 29 Hard animal to herd
30 Bad ending? 31 Site of a Nobel Prize award ceremony every December 10 32 Lasting lash effect 33 “East of Eden” girl 34 Setting for “The King and I” 35 Mammal that can roll up into a ball 39 One might help you move 40 Medium capacity? 41 ___ Field (M.L.B. venue since 2009) 43 Skin condition that causes facial flushing
44 Major that might require International Relations and U.S. Government classes, informally 46 Pimple 47 Ties another knot, so to speak 48 Comical growl 51 Word with cut or shot 52 Observe closely, as orders 53 Symbol 54 Forearm bone 55 Genre for “Double Indemnity” 56 Last word in the first line of “Home on the Range” 57 One tablespoon, maybe
62 Write 63 Porkpie, e.g.
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | PAGE A11
PEOPLE
SUBMIT OBITS FOR FREE AT OILCITY.NEWS/OBITUARIES >
NOTABLE CASPER NATIVE
Prolific Casper YouTuber Josh Saunders, aka ‘King Cobra JFS,’ dies at 34 BY GARRETT
GROCHOWSKI AND GREG HIRST
FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — Josh Saunders, the Casper native and internet personality known to thousands of fans as King Cobra JFS, died Thursday at the age of 34. His father, Clint Saunders, made the announcement online Friday, saying he found his son unresponsive in his apartment. Initial conversations with the coroner indicate Josh may have died in his sleep from organ failure, Clint said. Josh leaves behind a YouTube channel with over 117,000 fans and over 5,000 videos documenting his life and thoughts on the world at large. Josh was a prolific musician, was an obsessive fan of Ozzy Osborne and was proficient with woodworking, crafting wands, walking sticks and other items for sale to fans of the King Cobra brand. He filmed himself playing guitar, experimenting
with novel beverage and culinary combinations and railing against the “trolls.” “Josh was harassed and bullied terribly his whole life,” Clint said in his video. He added Josh struggled constantly with depression, suicidal ideation and alcohol. He said Josh was also renowned for his kindness, hospitality and respect for life. “We weren’t even allowed to kill insects; we had to save them,” Clint said. Despite the relentless harassment, the King Cobra channel garnered him support he might not have had otherwise. “You guys helped him more than you can ever know, because you made him feel like a person,” Clint said. “I can never repay you for that. Thank you for supporting him, encouraging him, and for all the gifts you sent.” Josh’s death sparked an outpouring of reflection from fans across the country and in his hometown. “After over a decade of consum-
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 13 through August 19. All filings are reported to Oil City News by the County Clerk’s Office.
SCAN FOR JOSH'S YOUTUBE
The log is not a comprehensive document and may not represent all of the upcoming marriages in Natrona County. • • • • • • •
Josh Saunders, aka King Cobra JFS (Facebook)
ing Cobra’s content, there were many highs and lows,” Casper resident Michael Sanford told Oil City News. “But he stayed true to himself and I will always admire him for that. YouTube and Casper have lost a real, genuine, authentic person.” Longtime Casper resident and King Cobra fan Jeff Cater agreed, saying that what may have started as an exercise in watching someone be weird on the internet turned into an abiding fascination and respect. “People stuck around because he was sincere, had funny jokes and was just an interesting dude all around,” Cater told Oil City News. “How many self-proclaimed warlocks stream their lives for us almost every day? It takes a different kind of energy to even do that, and a different kind
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of strength to keep doing that despite the miserable haters and trolls.” Cater added that King Cobra also provided solidarity to the social oddballs of Casper, a city more widely known for rodeos and roughnecking. “It hits hard with Cobra because our feet had trodden the same paths and it’s easy to put ourselves in his shoes,” Cater said. “Our eyes have seen the same sights; we’ve heard the same trains crossing intersections; we were subject to giant plumes of smoke when the mountain was on fire. “My favorite bits were probably when he would stream around the holidays; he was always so happy and festive in his own way. He loved having a good time, and the vibe he put off was more than a bit contagious.”
• • • • • • • • • •
Billy Joshua Liska and Raegan Marie Moore Austin Paul Lindquist and Chasity Ann Eklund Steven James Drake and Tanya Dee Turpen Jacob Ryan Duke and Alyssa Nickole Poulsen Dakotah Joseph Apostolou and Charalee Joy Jones Damion Seth Espinosa and Bree Ann McLean-Monson Holt Harrison Hayes and Hillary Colleen Morrison Chandler John Meeboer and Graclyn Marie Brown Jeffery Wallace Van Antwerp and Madison Nicole Gillum Nicholas Parker Brost and Madison Paige Nipper Chad Allen Erdman and Talia Lynn Thornburgh Garrett Tyler Vest and Remyra Luta Bruce Decio Oliveira Leonardo and Rebecca Lynne Mabey William Gene Duncan and Anastasia Avramidis Jackson Robert Hult and Echo Timmy Irene Sonesen Cameron Keith Ryan and Shania Lynn Sanderson Benjamin Jacob Carl Fortier and Julie Ann Elliott
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PAGE A12 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
OPINION
SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS HERE >
GUEST COLUMN
Radiant microreactor project can bring jobs and growth to Wyoming
BY JERAD STACK GUEST COLUMNIST
As a startup founder, technology executive, and angel investor in Wyoming — and as someone whose family owns property in Bar Nunn — I believe we should welcome Radiant to Wyoming the Wyoming
way: with a firm handshake, clear expectations and a bias for getting good work done. I’m pro-business and pro-jobs because steady, year-round work is what lets families put down roots here. If Radiant meets the highest safety and community standards, this project can help us do exactly that. From a business owner’s seat, this is about compounding opportunity. At Flowstate Solutions, we’re part of a growing energy-tech cluster in Casper — companies building software, sensors and services for pipelines and power. A microreactor manufacturing campus would plug into that ecosystem: machinists, welders, quality techs, and engineers working alongside local vendors — machine shops, electrical contractors, logistics and safety services. That’s how you get a real supply-chain and talent flywheel, not just a one-off ribbon cutting. Natrona County should insist on local wins up front: strong hiring targets, apprenticeships with Natrona County School
District 1 and Casper College, alignment with University of Wyoming programs, and open procurement so homegrown firms can bid and grow. Radiant has discussed starting with dozens of positions and scaling toward a couple hundred as production ramps. Those are durable, skills-based jobs that broaden our tax base and keep paychecks circulating on Second Street and Center Street. Being “open for business” also means building public infrastructure that outlives any one company — roads, power, and water that can attract the next employer too. What about the safety and waste concerns? Let’s talk plainly. “Nuclear waste” in this case isn’t some endless parade of drums; it’s the fuel inside each microreactor, which only needs changing every five years. The used fuel from one reactor core would literally fit in a couple of backyard propane tanks. It will be sealed in a rugged steel cask onsite until the federal government identifies a permanent repository. These storage casks have
a flawless safety record over decades and already are transported through Wyoming as part of the Navy’s nuclear program. And when people hear “nuclear reactor,” they might picture Chernobyl — but that was nearly 40 years ago, and that’s not what we’re dealing with. These microreactors are the size of a semi-truck trailer and use an advanced nuclear fuel form that is even safer than the fuel used by legacy nuclear reactors in the U.S. today. They’re cooled by inert helium gas, not water, so there’s no risk of a steam explosion. In fact, the reactor isn’t even turned on until it’s installed far away at a customer’s site, and if there were to be any problem, it shuts itself down. The bottom line: the nuclear industry is among the most heavily regulated and safest energy industries in America. I would never support something that I thought would put my family or employees in danger. I respect those who are saying “not so fast” — skepticism is healthy. But if we demand the
highest safety standards, I believe this project can be done responsibly. Our local officials will need to be fully involved in planning, and Radiant will need to earn our trust every step of the way through transparent operations and oversight. Let’s continue to ask the tough questions — and listen to the answers — in good faith. This is a chance for Natrona County to embrace a new energy era, rather than watch from the sidelines. My ask is simple: let’s lead. Neighbors, stay engaged and keep the questions coming. Leaders, negotiate strong community benefits, require bonds and independent oversight, and if state law needs a narrow update for temporary on-site storage, craft it with tight guardrails. We can be pro-jobs and proaccountability at the same time. Let’s shape this opportunity to fit Wyoming values and keep our kids building their futures right here in Wyoming.
furtherance of their financial bottom line and under the guise of growth, jobs and progress. I say this to highlight an important aspect of the backand-forth conversation regarding Radiant Industries’ Bar Nunn nuclear facility and storage proposal, an aspect which I feel is underrepresented and/ or miscommunicated: Bar Nunn residents’ opposition to Radiant is not personal, irrational or inextricably motivated by fear; rather, it is based upon an adherence to the principles of independence, community and trust. Residents do not trust a multimillion dollar company to take care of our community when such care will not benefit the company’s profit margins, because our community recognizes that such an entity would never see itself as truly part of our community. It has no real motivation or nonprofit related incentive to. Yes, to an extent this is just the nature of big
business. The problem, though, is that Radiant will always see our community as little more than an opportunity to line the pockets of its executives in the name of innovation, growth and progress. That is the nature of greed. As a lifelong resident of Wyoming and the Bar Nunn area, I believe we are at a critical juncture. Yes, the evolution of nuclear technology that Radiant is a part of is impressive. Yes, nuclear energy and industry is going to be an increasingly important part of our state’s and our country’s energy future. Yes, it is important that we look for ways to diversify our energy and our economy. Yes, Wyoming should look for safe, sensible and important ways to be part of the future of the nuclear industry. I do not think most residents disagree with any of that. It seems clear, however, that residents are particularly frustrated with Radiant’s apparent insistence on launching their nuclear project on our doorstep, right on the edge of town. Why? Because having Radiant’s project so close to our homes and families rightfully makes us worried that the qualities that make Bar Nunn a desirable place to live, such as our smallness, our independence and our tight-knit community, will be traded in for profit, primarily for the financial benefit of an out-of-touch company. Due to a variety of valid concerns, many have insightfully suggested that, if Radiant is
allowed to move forward, that they at least move their project far away from our community so as to alleviate the most prominent worries expressed by residents. So far, it seems as though these suggestions have either been dismissed, ignored, or not heard at all. The explanation for this is simple: it is cheaper and easier for Radiant to place their project on the edge of town rather than somewhere farther out, regardless of the possible risks posed to us seen and unseen; short-term and long-term. Why? Radiant has a financial interest in reducing costs by taking advantage of Bar Nunn’s existing resources and infrastructure, as well as our proximity to Interstate 25. This demonstrates Radiant’s loyalty to profit over people, highlighting how their allegiance to us will only ever be as strong as the financial benefit they get from using our town and its resources to sustain their project. Of course we are opposed to this. As a matter of principle, this is why residents feel that to allow Radiant’s project on the edge of Bar Nunn is a violation of our sense of independence, an encroachment on our community and a significant breach of trust, never mind all of the other valid concerns associated with the project. Profit is not everything. We should not sell ourselves out as a town, based on the promise of money and growth, to please Radiant and its wallet. Keenan Morgan, Bar Nunn
Jerad Stack is the CEO of Flowstate Solutions in Casper.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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.
GPS DEVICES WOULD BENEFIT LOST HIKERS Regarding the missing hiker, you'd think they would make a law requiring a GPS tracking device for hikers, campers and whoever is going into regions where getting lost can happen, and that'd facilitate someone being found. A GPS device like a black box on airplanes. Edward Schneider Dania Beach, Florida
RADIANT ON OUR DOORSTEP, OF COURSE WE'RE OPPOSED Ask any longtime resident and
they will tell you just how different our state is compared to others. As Wyomingites, we live far away from the bustle and density of big cities, where profit-motivated corporate greed is at its worst and political gamesmanship is an everyday, in-your-face spectacle. We favor a quieter life, free from corporate and political overreach and the slow dying of community that follows it. We recognize that each other is all that we have. It is no wonder that so many of us are deeply averse to the idea of outsiders coming to our community and proposing to change it permanently in
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OPINION
OIL CITY WEEKLY
CASPER LAWMAKER'S PROPERTY TAX PROPOSAL WILL SHIFT BURDEN AWAY FROM THE WEALTHY There’s no four-letter word in this state like the word “tax” — the gasp is silent. It’s a joke, and it’s also true. But especially now, any additional cost can be a real burden for so many families. And that is not a joke; it’s very real. Yet, it’s also important for us to understand the value of some taxes, and how right now some powerful people are trying to bend the system for their own gain, in a way that will harm the wellbeing of the entire community now and far into the future. In Wyoming, we love to hate taxes. We love that we do not have a state or corporate income tax. We love that we don’t pay taxes on real estate sales or gifts or minerals or inheritance. We love and appreciate that Wyoming's sales tax is just 4%, keeping costs low for all of us. At the same time, in Wyoming, we value the ability to drive to the mountains, ensure our children receive a quality education, and know that help is available when emergencies arise — all of which are funded from tax revenues. As Wyoming residents, we have paid less for more largely because our energy and mineral industries have provided so much revenue to the state. Although, with the strong support from those industries, it has never been enough to keep our state running the way we need it to. This is where property taxes come in. Property taxes in Wyoming are lower compared to most other states, they are essential funding for the services we need to thrive as communities. Property taxes fund about half the budget for K–12 education statewide. Property taxes fund police and fire departments, ambulances, road repairs, snow plows, libraries and parks. In other words, Wyoming’s low property tax rates make it a place where people can pay less taxes and share the cost of services to still live safely and raise their families. We should not take this for granted. Safety, public education, good roads: clearly these are not priorities of the 11 legislators who supported a motion to abolish property taxes this June. Those same legislators met this past Thursday and Friday here in Casper for the Revenue Committee interim session to review this proposal. They were met with a strong presence of community members who support leaving property taxes in place. The individual to bring the motion? Casper’s own Sen. Bob Ide. It might be worth mentioning that Sen. Ide himself owns a lot of property in the state. I wonder why he would like to abolish property taxes? He says it is because they are confusing, but you know what is actually confusing? How he could run for office claiming to represent his constituents when clearly his goal is to just make himself richer. He does not mind depleting his own community of vital resources and appearing unwilling to
contribute in that manner. Sen. Ide has remarked that the system lacks fairness and suggested that we move to a sales tax system, that, in my opinion, is far less fair and far less burdensome for those that are wealthy. The problem with sales tax? Everyone pays the same rate, regardless of income. So if you make $50,000 a year or if you make $2,000,000 a year, you are still paying the same percentage on every purchase you make. However, with property tax, you pay the rate based on the assessed value of your property. So if you have a $250,000 home, you pay on that value; if you own millions of dollars in property, then you pay on that value. If we increase sales tax in Wyoming, regular families will end up paying more every time they buy food, clothes or gas, while the biggest landowners and corporations pay less. How is that fair? Not everyone has to own a lot of property, but everyone has to buy food and clothing. Sales tax is a regressive (i.e., “unfair”) tax. Bottom line: Eliminating property taxes would hurt the average family in Wyoming far more than it helps. Property taxes actually tax people far more fairly and those funds are used for services that benefit the entire community, including adding literal value to neighborhoods and property. Wyoming should be accessible and affordable for all current and future residents. Casper and all of Wyoming deserve thriving communities and continued access to essential services, and the ability to live, work and play for generations to come. Writing in solidarity for a better Wyoming future, Fatima Bujosa, Casper
RADIANT INDUSTRIES VS. HF SINCLAIR I am a resident and property owner in Bar Nunn. I have read numerous letters and heard numerous people voice their opinions about the proposed factory from Radiant Industries that would build and sell portable electricity generators that operate on a design of a TRISO fueled nuclear microreactor. One element that I see repeated by many opponents of the plan is the idea that Wyoming doesn't want or need out-ofstate corporations building factories in Wyoming. They say things to the effect of, "These greedy corporations will change our way of life that is built on neighbors helping neighbors and the Code of West," etc. I am the first to align with the concepts of individual liberty, limited government and state rights. However, regarding the subject of citizen protest against out-of-state corporations, I want to offer up as an example — tongue in cheek — HF Sinclair, an oil company based in Dallas, Texas, not Wyoming, that owns and operates a massive oil refinery in Natrona County. This corporation engages in highly dangerous refining of crude oil every day. The potential for hazardous materials spills and fires is
always present, and the threats of explosion and contamination of our land, our county and the health of everyone who lives here from this refinery are immense. Compare those threats to a factory that builds portable electricity generators that operate on dry, marble-sized uranium pellets that are encased in a silicon shell that withstands 1,800 degrees. Yet, there are no organized protests or private Facebook groups against HF Sinclair. This corporate behemoth takes our local Wyoming crude oil and exports it from our state and sells it all over the world for profit. The allegations of corporate greed are not leveled against this company in the same manner as they are against Radiant. There are no organized citizen protests against the politicians who continue to approve the business permits and provide utilities for this corporate behemoth. Contrariwise, there are also no protests against the massive amount of wealth that this corporate behemoth generously donates to University of Wyoming, Casper College and a myriad of other nonprofit entities around the county. I want to publicly thank HF Sinclair for the generous scholarship that I received when I was a student at UW Casper. It stands to reason that a Radiant Nuclear corporation with contracts that supply the Department of Defense, after establishing a massive factory
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | PAGE A13 using Wyoming uranium, would also involve themselves in the realm of generous donations to nonprofits around this county and establish scholarships for students at UW Casper and Casper College. They most assuredly would have a department dedicated to grants, donations and community outreach that is tasked with spending some of the corporate money right here in the community to benefit all the people. I ask my fellow citizens in Bar Nunn and Natrona County: Why? If the health of the citizenry, the health of our land, water and air is such a concern to you, why are you so adamant about stopping a Radiant factory, yet you live in the shadow of a hazardous explosion or haz-mat spill as every day you drive right by this massive oil refinery, owned by an out-of-state corporation, that has the potential to scar the environment, pollute the water supply and cause catastrophic levels of human suffering? To be clear, I personally love HF Sinclair and all that they do to make human life better. I am writing this to illustrate the cognitive dissonance between the opposition to Radiant and the acceptance of HF Sinclair. I want to challenge every citizen that reads this to ask yourself: Is your hatred of Radiant Industries based truly on critical thinking arising from facts, or is it something else? Dustin Smart, Bar Nunn
MOURNING THE LOSS OF KING COBRA JFS I never heard of this town until I became a fan of one of your most (in)famous sons, Joshua Faye Saunders, a.k.a. King Cobra JFS. Like thousands of strangers all over the world, today I am in shock to learn of his passing and mourning his loss. For well over a decade, we have followed the twists and turns his life has taken. He made us laugh, often, though not always, intentionally. He was unique, bizarre, funny and sometimes frustrating to keep up with. But he was truly and totally himself. And the world is a little less interesting without him in it. To his family and friends, I know that Josh’s notoriety and his trolls have made things even more difficult over the years than they would have been anyway. But please know that there are an awful lot of us out here who are grieving with you and wishing you peace and comfort during such a trying time. A lot of us were hoping that ultimately things would turn around for him, even if it meant walking away from YouTube. Josh Saunders wasn’t just the internet’s goth badboy. He was an iconoclast. Long live Ozzy, and long live King Cobra. Joe Buck Roberts Columbia, South Carolina
OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A14 | AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
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A bartender at Backwards Distilling Co. pours a shot of the new Pretty Good Horse bourbon, which was created in collaboration with the University of Wyoming. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
Cowboy concoction: Backwards Distilling partners with UW on new bourbon BY TOMMY CULKIN
CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — Fans of the University of Wyoming will now be able to support their favorite collegiate sports teams while enjoying the latest liquor from Casper-based Backwards Distilling Co., after the distillery on Friday launched its Pretty Good Horse Bourbon in partnership with the university and the state. UW put out a request for proposals to Wyoming distilleries in late 2024, looking for a whiskey drink to collaborate on. Tracy Richardson, senior assistant athletic director for trademark and licensing, said the idea came from a similar initiative a few years prior, which saw the university partner with Black Tooth Brewing on a craft beer. "That was our first foray into alcohol," Richardson said. "That went really well, was a great way to get the brand out and bring fans and alumni together." When the team at Backwards Distilling Co. learned of the opportunity, the owners — most of whom are UW graduates themselves — knew they had to throw their hat in the ring. As part of its application, Backwards gave a description of its planned drink, provided background information about the business, highlighted its past collaborations, offered tastings of other drinks and more. Richardson noted the local distillery's long history of collaborating with various
organizations and businesses was a strong selling point. "We've done quite a number of collaborations over the years, and so we put some of them forward, such as 11 Graves Bourbon with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and Rhapsody 75 with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra," co-owner Amber Pollock said. The crew at the family-owned distillery spent many long hours tinkering with the Wyomingthemed liquor. Ultimately, they came up with a four-grain bourbon with 54% corn, 18% wheat, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. Pollock said the corn and wheat provide a smooth, sweet taste, which is balanced by the kick in the rye. The barley then offers a malty finish. This also marks the largest batch Backwards has ever produced, using seven barrels instead of the typical four. "I think this has a noticeable difference from our other whiskeys, especially in the hint of rye coming through," Pollock said. "We wanted this drink to really stand apart from the rest, so that it didn't seem like we were just slapping a new name on one of our existing drinks." "I've had it myself, and I really enjoy it," Richardson added. "It goes great in an old fashioned." The flavor profile wasn't the only thing the staff at Backwards Distilling Co. worked to iron out: Pollock said much discussion was also had about the drink's name. They knew they wanted the name to correlate to the cowboy's importance to the university
and the state as a whole, which eventually led them to the Eddy Howard song "Ragtime Cowboy Joe." The drink comes in a bottle featuring the iconic bucking horse and cowboy synonymous with the university. In keeping with the theme of the UW Pokes, it will also be branded in Wyoming brown and gold. When the Backwards Distilling Co. team learned it had been selected as the partner brand earlier this year, the owners were thrilled and humbled, they said. "It felt awesome," co-owner Chad Pollock said. "We were a bit apprehensive, so the fact that we were able to win feels very validating." "Three of the four of us who founded Backwards are UW alumni," Amber Pollock added. "That's part of the reason this means so much to us. There's so much pride in Wyoming for the university, and for Wyomingmade sensibility." A portion of all sales of the liquor will go back to the University of Wyoming Athletic Department, Richardson said. People will be able to purchase the bourbon at retailers throughout Wyoming, as well as at several bars and restaurants. It will also be available for purchase via online spirit store Big Thirst. Juan Soto, a representative from Cowboy Joe, the fundraising arm of UW, said the bourbon will also be available at the university's Wildcatter Club and in the Wyo Sports Ranch Club in Laramie.
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LOPEZ
YOUTH OF THE YEAR
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2025–2026 Youth of the Year Finalists Graphic
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming announces 2025 Youth of the Year finalists BY NICK PERKINS FEATURES EDITOR
CASPER, Wyo. — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming recently announced six finalists in its annual Youth of the Year competition. That’s according to a release from the club, which states that teens will compete for the title of BGCCW Youth of the Year, as well as a $7,500 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming Foundation, endowed by the late Ruth R. Ellbogen. They’ll be competing on Sept. 9 and 10. The release states that the Youth of the Year competition was established nationally in 1947 and is the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s premiere recognition program for teenagers. It honors youth who excel in leadership, service and academics, while also preparing them with practical skills in communication, teamwork and goal-setting that the club says are pivotal to success in
this day and age. “Youth of the Year is more than a recognition, it is an investment in the future,” said Derek DeBoer, vice president of operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. “These finalists demonstrate the results of hard work, resilience, and the life-changing impact of having a safe place, trusted mentors, and opportunities to lead.” According to the release, participants must be at least 14 years old and must be active club members for two or more years. They must also demonstrate strong character and academic excellence. The release notes that the competition includes a written application, personal essay, speech presentation and panel interview. This year’s finalists are: Seth A. – Sophomore, Natrona County High School Jase B. – Junior, Heathrow Academy Daniel E. – Sophomore, Natrona County High School
Brynn M. – Junior, Natrona County High School Madison M. – Eighth Grade, Dean Morgan Middle School Derrek K. – Sophomore, Kelly Walsh High School The release states that the winner will be announced at the 27th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast, which will honor former U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Cubin. It will be held on Sept. 17 at the Ford Wyoming Center. According to the release, the Youth of the Year will advance to the Wyoming State Youth of the Year competition in Cheyenne and receive a $7,500 scholarship. The runner-up will receive $3,500, and the remaining finalists will each be awarded $500. The Awards & Recognition Breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m. There’s no cost to attend and it is open to the public, but guests are encouraged to reserve a table and make a meaningful contribution to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
guidance I could so that we could craft a reopening plan." Following her time as risk manager, Lopez was promoted to the head of the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department in 2021 — a position she has maintained until recently moving into her new interim city manager role. The promotion marked Lopez's first time as a department head, which she said was a humbling accomplishment. "The opportunity presented itself and I went for it," she said. "I'm very grateful to [former City Manager Carter Napier] for giving me a chance, especially since I didn't have any experience as a director or directly overseeing Parks and Rec divisions. … Since then, I've worked to show that it was a good choice on his part." Lopez has spearheaded many improvements since manning the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department. In the last four years, she and the rest of the department's staff have secured more than $13 million in grant funding for citywide projects. Currently, the Parks Department is working on upgrades and renovations at the North Casper Sports Complex and Marion Kreiner Pool. Marion Kreiner also recently saw the completion of a new skate park and pump track that Lopez hopes will bring more vibrancy to the North Casper area. Lopez said the addition of pickleball and tennis courts at Washington Park and the renovation of the park's bandshell are another improvement project she hangs her hat on. Lopez was quick to deflect the recognition for the various projects, though, praising the work of other department members. "I've got such an amazing,
passionate team," Lopez said. "They're really committed and love the work that they do, and that was a huge benefit for me. We just built off of that passion and culture." When it was announced that Napier would be leaving his position, Lopez applied to step in as interim city manager, which city staff readily approved. According to Mayor Ray Pacheco, the decision to offer the position to Lopez was an easy one based on her wide breadth of experience and rapport with the many department heads. "Her experience really stood out, being with the city for 20-plus years and being involved with so many departments in that time. We know that she knows the inner workings of everything," Pacheco said. "That, plus the reputation she has within the city and staff." Though Lopez is still new to the role, having only stepped into the position a little over a week ago, she said it's already been a positive experience. Lopez again emphasized the importance of the other city employees, saying meetings with the city departments and the Casper City Council have helped ensure a smooth transition. The city's HR department will handle the hunt for the next fulltime city manager, Pacheco said. Looking to the future, Lopez said she's considered applying for the permanent position, though she hasn't done so yet. Whether she ultimately decides to put her name in the running or not, though, one thing is certain: Lopez will continue looking for ways to improve the city she loves. "I love this city and want to see us continue to thrive," Lopez said. "I just want to help us do that in any way I can."
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