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BAR NUNN
Crossroads contention Natrona County is ground zero for Wyoming’s nuclear dilemma SCAN FOR ONLINE STORY WITH VIDEO
The Bar Nunn Community Center was filled with area residents, politicians and more on March 25 to hear about clean energy company Radiant’s plans for a possible nuclear microreactor manufacturing facility in Natrona County. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News) BY KLARK BYRD MANAGING EDITOR
BAR NUNN, Wyo. — Natrona County stands at a nuclear crossroads, where the promise of high-tech jobs and energy independence championed by Radiant Industries collides with a wave of community doubts and tough legislative hurdles. As the California-based startup pushes to establish its microreactor manufacturing facility, some residents and lawmakers have become increasingly vocal about critical questions surrounding nuclear waste storage, potential environmental impacts and the project’s lasting effects on this quiet Wyoming community.
Supporters view the plan as a generational opportunity aiming to create high-paying local jobs and diversify Wyoming’s energy economy by leveraging the state’s status as the nation’s largest uranium producer. Radiant’s Kaleidos units are designed to be factory-built, self-contained fission reactors, roughly the size of a standard shipping container, using helium gas for cooling and TRISO fuel. The company wants to build its plant north of Bar Nunn to handle the entire Kaleidos lifecycle, including assembly, fueling and testing, aiming to start deliveries by 2028. However, the ambitious plan has sparked intense debate, revealing divisions among residents
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of a two-part series on Radiant Industries’ proposed microreactor facility in Natrona County. Part I introduced the project, its technology, the company and Wyoming’s nuclear ambitions. Part II will explore the challenges, community concerns and legislative hurdles surrounding the project. and state officials about safety, financial responsibility and nuclear waste issues. At the heart of the debate is Radiant’s business model, which proposes temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel at its site. That conflicts with Wyoming state law on spent nuclear fuel storage, and critics worry
the “temporary” solution could become permanent, making Bar Nunn a long-term storage location.
THE CORE ISSUE: SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL STORAGE Radiant’s business model revolves around its Kaleidos microreactor, a 1-megawatt unit designed to provide power for diverse applications, including military installations, data centers and remote communities. A core component of the model, and a central point of contention, is Radiant’s intent to temporarily house spent nuclear fuel at the manufacturing site. Under its proposal, after a Kaleidos unit has been deployed and
its five-year fuel life has concluded, the reactor would return to the Wyoming factory for refueling. The used cores, referred to as “spent fuel,” would then be stored on-site in dry casks. Radiant Chief Nuclear Officer Rita Baranwal characterized the amount of used fuel per reactor as small, equating to “about two Walmart gas grill propane tanks.” She said the TRISO fuel used in Kaleidos reactors is ideal for dry cask storage, which the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recognizes for its strong safety record. “All nuclear sites across the U.S. are required to hold their spent fuel,” Radiant Senior Operations Manager Makai Cartman told the RADIANT CONTINUES ON PAGE A11
GOVERNMENT
New health department building on track to open in early 2026 BY TOMMY CULKIN
CITY REPORTER
Work progresses on the new Casper-Natrona County Health Department building. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
CASPER, Wyo. — Work on the new Casper-Natrona County Health Department facility is progressing on schedule, and with much of the exterior work completed, the department expects to see the building up and running in March 2026. Most recently, crews finished work on the facility’s north-side parking lot at the corner of East 12th and South Conwell streets, which Sampson Construction superintendent Justin Birt said gives crews the maneuverability to
continue work on the west side of the project. Work on the building itself has progressed to the point that crews are able to work from inside the under-construction building. “That’s a pretty big deal, I think — getting rid of the trailer and moving inside,” health department Executive Director Anna Kinder said. Hailey Bloom, speaking in October 2024 as Casper-Natrona County Health Department public information officer, said the COVID-19 pandemic made clear the limitations of the current facility. During the pandemic,
the health department had extreme difficulties finding space for the additional equipment and personnel needed to battle the coronavirus, while the requirements for social distancing only exacerbated the problems. In normal circumstances, Bloom said, the health department employs roughly 35–40 people; that number jumped during the pandemic, though the facility left the department in a conundrum of where to put the additional workers. “This will help ensure that we can meet any future emergencies HEALTH DEPT CONTINUES ON PAGE A16
OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A2 | AUGUST 7-15, 2025
LOCAL NEWS CITY GOVERNMENT
City Council approves interim city manager employment agreement BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday, the Casper City Council authorized a handful of employment agreements with several members of city staff, including Zulima Lopez, who will be stepping into her new role as interim city manager in the coming weeks. Lopez, who serves as the Parks, Recreation and Public Services director, was named the interim city manager in July after it was announced the month prior that outgoing City Manager Carter Napier had accepted another job in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The City Council also approved employment agreements with City Attorney Eric Nelson and municipal court judges Robert
Hand and Lisa Gillespie. Nelson has served as the city’s attorney since late 2022, when he was hired by the city after serving as the county attorney for a number of years. A base wage increase was also included in the contract changes.
CITY PLANS TO SELL ROUGHLY 48 ACRES TO BLM The city of Casper moved forward with plans to sell dozens of acres of city-owned land to the Bureau of Land Management at its Tuesday meeting. The city is looking to part with just over 48 acres of land adjacent to the Ford Wyoming Center and National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Early plans
had included roughly 11 additional acres in the potential sale, but councilors ultimately decided to retain that land for conservation and public use as parking. Revenue from the sale would go into the city’s revolving land fund, according to a memo from Community Development Director Liz Becher. There is currently no price tag on the land, but City Manager Carter Napier previously said next steps include getting the land appraised.
CASPER FIRE DEPARTMENT, PARKS DEPARTMENT ADD TO FLEET
Casper City Council members Amber Pollock, Ray Pacheco, Matt Larson and Michael Bond discuss city business at a council meeting. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
The Casper Fire Department and Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department will both be seeing additions to their fleets in the near future. On Tuesday, the Casper City Council approved the purchase of two new firetrucks for the CFD and a mower for the Parks Department. The city will be purchasing a pair of pumper trucks in the amount of $1,417,000. The purchase was budgeted for in the fiscal year 2026 budget via one-cent tax funds. According to city documents, the trucks are expected to arrive by the end of the month. The wide-area mower for the
Weed and Pest Division of the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department will be used to mow trails and pathways, the interstate corridor through Casper, and lots like cell towers and snow dump sites. The mower will replace the current one, which Support Services Director Tracey Belser says has racked up thousands of operating hours and more than $60,000 spent on maintenance. The new mower will cost $83,361 and will be paid for with money allocated in the FY26 budget.
CRIME AND COURTS
Natrona County District Court criminal case hearings (7/28/25-8/1/25) 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). 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
BY GREG HIRST CRIME & COURTS
CASPER, Wyo. — The following are arraignments, judgments and sentences rendered in criminal cases in Natrona County District Court. This list may not be comprehensive. Misdemeanor offenses that arise from the same circumstances as a felony charge attach to the case and are adjudicated in district court. Most agreements come with a cold plea provision, meaning if the defendant violates any bond condition or gets new charges, the state is free to argue for any sentence allowable by statute. In some agreements, the state agrees to “cap” that amount of time it was ask the court to impose at sentencing, and the defense may argue for less. Sentences are rendered on each count. Oil City News is reporting the effective sentence. Remanded charges are dismissed felony charges with misdemeanors sent back to Circuit Court.
SENTENCES James Wayne Sack – DUI with Serious Bodily Injury; Three to six years imposed; Cold plea provision invoked. Benjamin Wentz – Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine): Third or Subsequent upon Conviction; Three to four years suspended, three years supervised probation.
Christine Allemand – Possession of Methamphetamine: Felony Weight; Two to four years suspended, three years supervised probation. Grace Ashley Coleman – Child Endangerment with Methamphetamine; Two to four years suspended; 339 days served. Brendan Kyle Sturman – Second-Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor; Nine to 12 years imposed. James Earl Severson – Theft: Fifth or Subsequent, Probation Revocation for Theft: Fifth or Subsequent; Three to six years imposed.
GUILTY PLEAS: ARRAIGNMENTS AND CHANGES-OF-PLEA Rylan Sjostrom – Possession of Fentanyl: Felony Weight, Conspiracy to Deliver Fentanyl; Plea agreement: Eight-year cap. Kyle Phillip Knight – Possession of a Controlled Substance: Methamphetamine: Third or Subsequent upon Conviction, Duty upon Collision: Misdemeanor; Plea agreement: Two to four years suspended, three years supervised probation. Zachary Woods – Aggravated Assault and Battery; Plea agreement: Five-year cap. Austin Paul Workman – Second-Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor; Plea agreement: Nine to 12 years imposed. Shaelynn Marie Lacey – Possession of Methamphetamine
with Intent to Deliver; Plea agreement: Eight-year cap. Shadow Earnest Ray – Possession of Methamphetamine: Felony Weight, Driving Under Suspension; Two to four years suspended, three years supervised probation. James Earl Severson – Aggravated Assault and Battery; Cold plea. John Byrum Dierenfelt – Third-Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor x2; Cold plea (30 years max); Plea information obtained from minute order on record.
ARRAIGNMENT – NOT GUILTY PLEAS Kimberlee Jean Gomez – Child Abuse: Physical Injury; Failure to Appear. James Arthur Perea – Change-of-Plea for Possession of a Controlled Substance: Methamphetamine: Third or Subsequent upon Conviction; Bench warrant issued. Timothy Alan Lee – Possession of a Controlled Substance: Methamphetamine: Third or Subsequent upon Conviction; Missed June sentencing hearing, notice to invoke cold plea after new charges; Bench warrant issued.
REMANDED Daniel William Agin – Reckless Endangerment Charge sent to circuit court; Aggravated Assault and Battery charge dismissed.
LOCAL
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A3
GIVING BACK
Wyoming’s Only Comprehensive Behavioral Health Practice We offer full-spectrum care with prescribers, psychologists, and doctorate- and master’s-level providers — working together to support your mental health with expertise and compassion.
Schedule your appointment today at (307) 462-4876. Casper’s Cynthia Olson smiles during a parade as she represents the Reveille Rotary Club. She was named the club’s Rotarian of the Year. (Courtesy Reveille Rotary Club)
TURNING
Casper native Cynthia Olson named START-UPS INTO Reveille ‘Rotarian of the Year’ SUCCESS STORIES BY NICK PERKINS FEATURES
CASPER, Wyo. — Cynthia Olson’s life was supposed to be filled with the excitement of a new leadership role. As a newly elected president of the Reveille Rotary Club, the Casper native and certified public accountant was set to undergo essential training in March 2025. Then, everything changed. Her husband of 46 years passed away suddenly, leaving Olson in a state of shock and grief. “It kind of knocked me out to begin with,” Olson said with a trademark laugh. “I just wasn’t expecting it. So now I’m just adjusting to a whole new world.” Part of that new world still included the Rotary club, and despite her grief, Olson was determined to serve as president. Olson, one of the club’s founding members, had served as treasurer for 12 years. Her experience, skill set and heart made her the natural choice for the presidency. “I was pretty comfortable as treasurer, and I got to see how Rotary worked,” Olson said. “I saw pretty much all sides of it. I was happy with what I was doing, but I wanted to be president earlier, actually. I couldn’t because of my job. I had to travel a lot and I wasn’t available enough. But as soon as I retired, they said, ‘OK, now’s your chance!’” She was born in Casper but grew up in Cheyenne, where she met her husband. After attending Central High School, she worked at Safeway, managing produce departments in Cheyenne, Casper, Douglas and Laramie. While in Laramie, she attended the University of Wyoming, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Olson became a certified public accountant in 2001. She worked as an accounting clerk at the Wyoming Community Development Authority in Casper before beginning her public accounting career at Skogen,
Cometto and Associates in 2006. She became a partner in 2016 and worked there for 18 years before retiring in 2023. Now retired, Olson is not slowing down. As president, she’s determined to lead the group to even greater heights. “I just had a desire to go out and find some way to help,” she said. “I don’t like to be self-centered. I like to help other people if I can. I knew Rotary was an international organization that does a lot of good things, so I thought it’d be a good fit for me. To be part of something that’s global and in our community — it’s an honor.” The club’s motto, “Service before self,” is one Olson said she lives by. “That’s truly what we all believe,” she said. “If more of us would do service for others, maybe we wouldn’t have so many issues.” The Reveille Rotary Club was founded in 2011, a process that took 18 months of planning. “I was looking for some kind of organization where I could help in the community,” Olson said. “I was told there was a new Rotary club forming for people who wanted to do things a little differently, and a little earlier, instead of a lunchtime thing. I thought that sounded good.” The club meets at 7 a.m., an hour that Olson said doesn’t deter members. “We have pretty lively meetings and everybody enjoys each other,” she said. “Sometimes we’ll sit there longer than we need to just because we enjoy being with each other. But the idea is that at 7 a.m., people can come before work and still get to work by 8 a.m. if they need to.” The work they do is “honest work, work that makes the world — or at least their small part of it — better.” One of the club’s early projects was to install a bench in every park in Casper. The benches, which are inscribed with “Reveille Rotary,” are almost all installed.
The club also focuses on Natrona County’s senior population, a cause close to Olson’s heart. “We came up with a program where we replace batteries in smoke alarms for senior citizens,” Olson said. “That’s evolved to where we go in and actually replace the smoke alarms and make sure there’s a 10-year battery life to them. We hardwire them if we have to. We also give seniors night lights and resources for things they need.” The club also provides rides for seniors who want to attend the symphony but are unable to drive at night. Olson’s dedication to these projects is one of the reasons she was named the 2025 Reveille Rotarian of the Year. “When I found out I was chosen, I was a little taken aback,” Olson said, laughing. “I was just sitting there taking my notes, and then they said my name! It was a complete shock.” Part of the honor included riding in the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo Parade, which the club organizes. It was a rare chance for Olson to be in the spotlight, and she reluctantly agreed. “It made me cry and everything,” she said. “It was really an honor to get chosen. It was a really special thing.” The honor was a bright spot in a year marked by struggle. Since her husband’s death, she has found comfort in her community. “I have a lot of family here in Casper. I have a lot of support,” Olson said. “I had support from Rotary, of course, and then my church and other groups that I’m involved in. Everybody’s been so supportive and helpful. So I don’t really feel alone, you know?” For Olson, the motto “Service before self” is more than a saying. It’s a way of life that has provided her with a community and a purpose that carries her through the most difficult of times.
2024 FINALIST Josh Kalinowski The Chilly Dip
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.
LOCAL
PAGE A4 | AUGUST 7-15, 2025
OIL CITY WEEKLY
GOVERNMENT
Minerals Committee tables nuclear spent fuel decision Bill could allow incoming Radiant Industries business model in Wyoming BY TOMMY CULKIN CITY REPORTER
CASPER, Wyo. — After hours of deliberation and hearing from community members, experts and politicians alike, the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee on July 30 decided to table a proposed amendment that would allow nuclear reactor manufacturers in Wyoming to store spent fuel on-site at the manufacturing facilities. Had the committee voted in favor of the amendment, it would not have become law yet. Rather, a “yes” vote would have brought the matter forward to the upcoming 2026 legislative session. That the bill was tabled did not yet kill it, either. The committee can meet again, take it off the table and vote whether to give it support. And, even without committee support, the bill can be brought to the Wyoming Legislature floor via a motion to discharge the committee. “Committee, I’m going to table this bill. I think it needs some work. I think we’ve got five months to work it to see if we really can change some minds in Wyoming to work this bill,” committee cochair and Casper Republican Sen. Jim Anderson said. The topic has been hotly contested in recent months, both locally in Natrona County and across Wyoming, as Californiabased energy company Radiant looks to build a nuclear microreactor manufacturing facility in the county just north of Bar Nunn. Radiant’s planned facility will build container units with a reactor and all of the equipment needed to convert heat into electricity. The units will have a life expectancy of 20 years, though
they will need to be refueled every five years. The used cores, referred to as “spent fuel,” will be put in a dry cask once fully expended. A legislative hurdle exists before the company’s Wyomingbased facility can become a reality. Wyoming statute prevents in-state companies from storing spent fuel expended outside the state. The proposed amendment would change that. The draft bill would allow nuclear facilities to store the spent fuel generated from the facilities’ own reactors. It also sets industrial siting requirements and mandates several detailed reports. At Wednesday’s meeting, committee members heard from dozens of people who were staunchly opposed to the amendment and Radiant’s plans for the area. Among concerns raised were fears regarding environmental impacts, health and safety risks, the impacts of regularly transporting microreactors across Wyoming’s highways, ceding local control to groups like the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and more. “The people of Bar Nunn have a vested interest in a residential community,” town resident LeeAnn Newquist said. “The threat of nuclear manufacturing and storage has placed more than one burden on all who are hardworking families contributing to society.” “We moved here for a family community. We did not move here to expose our kids to this kind of danger,” Bar Nunn resident Alex Sherrow added. Community member Ryan Perry worried that long-term storage of spent fuel would heighten the risk of a disaster without a national repository to send it to. Bar Nunn resident
Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee members, from left, Chris Rothfuss, Tara Nethercott and Scott Heiner listen to a presentation from Department of Energy reps at Wednesday’s meeting in the Thyra Thompson State Office Building. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
Michael Newquist called the amendment and planned nuclear site one with “high risk and zero reward.” Nuclear sites across the U.S. are required to hold their spent fuel, though Radiant representatives say it’s a temporary solution until the federal government approves a national repository. Northern Arapaho Tribe member Rae Friday gave an impassioned plea to the committee members, claiming uranium poisoning gave her two forms of breast cancer, gave others close to her cancer, and contaminated water and soil. “I’m one of the lucky ones; I’ve had a lot of relatives pass on because of this exposure,” Friday said. “It has contaminated our water. We can no longer use our water that we drilled for. “I’m here today to tell you that we stand behind Bar Nunn. We stand behind Midwest in stating we do not want this nuclear Radiant program here.” Several people said they were concerned about how the microreactors would be transported, with worries including security on the road,
how the nuclear cores would be shielded and impacts to the road itself. “The question has come up to Radiant — and to my knowledge it hasn’t been answered — how is it going to be shielded as it traveled across the country,” asked Jayme Locke. “I feel like there’s a lot of unanswered questions that folks are concerned with.” Following her question, Radiant Chief Nuclear Officer Rita Baranwal said the microreactors will have shielding built into their design, with layers of protective coating to contain the radioactive materials. And meeting attendee Laura Redmond urged caution. “I would just urge you to think that slowing down might not be a bad idea,” she said. “We don’t have to be the first. We can let other people make the mistakes, and we can capitalize on that. And when we do make the decision to allow something like this into our state, it would be with less of a chance [of something going wrong].” Opinions weren’t unanimous, though, and many spoke in favor of the amendment and Radiant’s
plans for Wyoming. Meeting attendee Will Almas questioned whether working in nuclear power was any more dangerous than working in a coal mine or on an oil rig. “There’s been a lot of discussion about risk today,” Almas said. “What it really is, is risk that we’re used to and risk that’s unknown. When we talk about risk, how many people are killed in the coal mining industry? How many people are killed in the oil patch in a year?” Gillette resident Mike Wandler, who has experience with nuclear industries as president of L&H Industrial, called nuclear power “the cleanest, safest energy period.” “The only thing that’s even close to it is solar,” he said. “I’m starting to believe the nuclear industry is safer than the restaurant industry,” added Bar Nunn Town Councilmember Dan Sabrosky, who supported the amendment and Radiant’s plans. Sabrosky and Mayor Pete Boyer both said they previously had fears and questions, but that those were largely quelled and answered with a visit to the Idaho National Laboratory, where Radiant’s microreactor will need to be tested next year before the company can be licensed. Meeting attendee Tristy Thomas spoke positively about what she sees as the economic benefits of opening the state to nuclear industries, saying, “The opportunities it brings for our home are truly inspiring.” “A facility of this scale will create a major project that could offer a wide range of jobs to Wyoming residents,” she said, referring to construction. “After construction, once the facility is operational it will continue to generate longSPENT FUEL CONTINUES ON PAGE A16
CASPER MOUNTAIN
Natrona County approves new 31-lot Casper Mountain subdivision BY KLARK BYRD
MANAGING EDITOR CASPER, Wyo. — A new 31-lot subdivision on Casper Mountain is moving forward after receiving approval from the Natrona County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. The Timber Springs Major Subdivision, which will be built on about 170 acres, was initially delayed by concerns about road grades up to 16% and an easement that wasn’t confirmed. However, after developers made fixes and gained fire department approval, commissioners gave the green light for the new mountain community. The project, requested by Bottom Rock LLC, is situated in a Mountain Residential 2 zoning district. The subdivision’s properties are planned to be accessed via Archery Range Road and KTWO Road.
Since the July 1 tabling of the request, developers have worked to fix the issues. A big concern was the proposed road grades, with some parts reaching 12% to 15%, and one section reaching 16%. That’s higher than the county’s usual 8% limit for local mountain roads and the 10% limit set by the International Fire Code, which needs special approval. County staff also said the application needed the local fire department’s approval for grades over 10%. Natrona County Fire Protection District Chief Brian Oliver later looked at the roads and approved the grades, which helped get the subdivision approved. The applicant’s attorney, Keith Nachbar, said they included a request for a variance on the grades, adding the road designs aimed to reduce problems caused by erosion and loss of trees. Another challenge with KTWO Road is that only half of it has an
official easement. Developers are trying to get full public access. A temporary turnaround is set up at the corner of lot 31 and will stay until access to the other half of KTWO Road is secured from TriState Generation, commissioners were told. The Natrona County Planning Department had recommended an expanded drainage study. On Tuesday, Edge Engineering Group said the drainage report indicated no increase in runoff due to the subdivision, and possibly a slight decrease, which was verified by a licensed engineer. Regarding concerns about density, Nachbar said the MR2 zoning requires a minimum 5-acre lot size, leading to a sparsely developed area with ample space between neighbors. Property owner John Kornkven spoke about the need for developed land on Casper Mountain that includes amenities
Natrona County Commissioners learn more about the Timber Springs major subdivision request for Casper Mountain on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (screenshot)
like electricity, which he said are often lacking in other available properties. He also said that a Homeowners Association would be incorporated for road maintenance, a requirement of the county zoning resolution. Public comments during the hearing included both support and opposition. Paul Ashcraft voiced his concerns about road maintenance and potential impassability during spring runoff, given current issues with truck traffic on KTWO
Road and Crooked Pine Trail, which he helps maintain. Katie Lijewski reiterated that the road past KTWO tower is private and suggested Archery Range Road be the primary access, adding that her section of road is also subject to damage from truck traffic. However, the surveyor’s research shows only a specific piece of KTWO Road near lot 31 is not dedicated to the public. The commissioners approved the subdivision request unanimously.
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A5
PEOPLE OBITUARIES
SUBMIT OBITS FOR FREE AT OILCITY.NEWS/OBITUARIES > stand the ever changing needs of the workers. She completed her initial foray to Gillette as an employee in the Campbell County Health Department as a maternal and child care nurse. The time in Gillette was well spent as Suzey moved west to become the first public health nurse in Johnson County. She was a one-woman office covering the large county from Kaycee to Buffalo and everything in between. Suzey had fond memories of her time in Buffalo and the people she worked with and befriended.
SUZEY JANE DELGER 1953 – 2025 Suzey Jane Delger (nee Abrams), 72, passed away August 2, 2025 at the Casper Hospice and Transitions after a courageous battle with cancer. Suzey was born June 30, 1953, in Greeley, Colorado to Ella Fern (nee Pittington) and Theodore (Ted) Arthur Abrams. She was the last baby of five children. Due to their home being razed for a highway project, the family moved to Milliken, CO where Suzey attended elementary and middle schools, graduating from Johnstown High School in 1971 . Suzey was a woman of many firsts. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wyoming in 1975. In 1983, she earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a Family Nurse Practitioner License from the University of Wyoming, another first in her family. Suzey had an incredibly accomplished career in nursing. Always an adventurer, Suzey moved to Gillette, WY during the initial mining boom to work as a field nurse for the US Government, helping to ensure the health and safety of the many who worked in the area. She made house calls to homes, apartments, trailers, and even tents to help provide much needed care as well as to under-
Prior to her return to Nursing School for her Masters Degree, the very fearless Suzey and two friends travelled Europe for ‘three months with little more than a backpack and $10.00/day to live on. Her parents were very worried for her, but the trip went fine and ended well. Back in the US and in Laramie, Suzey earned both her MSN and her Family Nurse Practitioner certificate. It was said that her FNP license was the second granted in Wyoming. Again, her spirit took hold of her when she moved to Riverton after graduation. Suzey and two other nursing professionals wrote the curriculum for the 1st ADN program to be approved in many years in Wyoming. There, on a blind date she met the love of her life, her husband Stephen. After a whirlwind romance, Suzey accepted his proposal for marriage. They married on June 23, 1984, and enjoyed more than forty-one all-too-short years of devoted life together. After her marriage in Riverton, the family moved back to Gillette, where Suzey again worked as a Campbell County Public Health Nurse. Her first daughter, Dana, was born in 1985 in Gillette. The family then moved to Casper where they have lived since then. Her second daughter, Allison, was born in Casper. While here, Suzey was a UW Adjunct Nursing Professor, a Public Health Nurse for Natrona County and a volunteer clinic nurse for the homeless. She retired from NCSD working
both as a School Nurse and as the Nursing Coordinator for the School District. She and her staff provided needed health services to the students in the schools. Retirement was not to be as, very quickly, Suzey went right back to work. She traveled daily to Douglas in order to write and then get approved for another ADN Nursing Program at Eastern Wyoming Community College. In all weather, she made sure that she was there for her students. Suzey was proud of each and every one of the students as they journeyed to become nursing professionals. Generations of students have benefitted from her wisdom, patience and support. Finally, Suzey was named 2025 UW School of Nursing Alumni of the Year. While she was deeply proud of her nursing accomplishments and accolades, Suzey’s most beloved title was that of “Granny.” She was deeply devoted to her three grandchildren, Brydger, Barrett and Felix, who were each devoted to her in return. Suzey was an equally adored mother and mother-in-law to her two daughters, Dana and Allison, and their spouses Daniel and Josh, as well as being a special aunt and friend to many. Sustained by a profound faith throughout her life, Suzey was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where among other acts of ministry, she and Stephen were known for their incredible baked goods. Suzey, like her father, loved to fish and camp, most always at the family cabin on Casper Mountain. It was her favorite place on Earth. Suzey is survived by her husband, Stephen, daughter Dana Delger (Daniel Harris) of Stockholm, Sweden, daughter Allison Barkell (Josh) of Casper; and three grandchildren, Brydger Barkell, Barrett Barkell, and Felix Delger-Harris. Suzey’s sister Sally Boyd and husband Tim, of Wright, Wyoming and their 3 children, Thea, Graham and Bethany Boyd, also survive. She is also survived by numerous other nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
Suzey was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ted and Fern Abrams, and her three brothers. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses (oh the nurses), and staff at Banner Health, Rocky Mountain Oncology, Wyoming Family Practice especially Dr. Tina Stanco, Elkhorn Rehabilitation Hospital, Wyoming Neurologic Associates, and finally. Casper Hospice and Transitions We also thank her many friends, colleagues, students, neighbors and nurses who were a big part of her life.
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Suzey’s memorial service is set for August 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 701 S Wolcott St, Casper, WY 82601.
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delger Family Nursing Scholarship offered through the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation. These funds will carry Suzey’s love for the nursing profession onward into the future through educating new professional nurses.
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MARRIAGES
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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 July 23 through July 29. All filings are reported to Oil City News by the County Clerk’s Office.
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The log is not a comprehensive document and may not represent all of the upcoming marriages in Natrona County. • •
Bridger Forrest Berry and Melissa Jean Roberson Jadon Laine Harden and Sydney Rose Cornett
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Kody Alan Kizer and Jessica Lynn Novotny Kasey Lee Joyce and Monica Paige Cardenas Charleen Joann Brunelle and Gregory Stanton Curkendall Michael Hasely Harshman and Maddison Florence LeClair Ethan Sawyer Gackle and Alyssa Ann Anderson Jere David Spaulding and Anita Lorene Sullenberger Marcus Fitzgerald Nolan and Adrianah Adela Rodriguez Joshua Ray Hartford and Jera Dawn Wells Brayden Austin Deere and Katlin Rose Opal Martin Denny Allen Johnson and Tanya Jeffrivna Larsen Joshua Price Goad and Sadie Rae Hough Erik Alexander Michel and Deicy Caterine Pena Tarazona Weston Micheal Mathill and Elizabeth Vivian Rene Martinez Malachi Thomas Lane and Helen Marie Brungardt James Douglas Waggener and Jackie Renae King Trey Stuart Campbell and Sydnee Marie Mason Brett David Dovala and Sara Denise Morris Bruce Dale Stewart and Melanie Cathleen Dunn Craig Andrew Mitchell and Drew Taylor Jaussaud
OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A6 | AUGUST 7-15, 2025
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EVENTS
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A7
VOOICCES
WEEK OF
AUG. 7 2025
T H UR S DAY, AUG UST 7 PROSPER: WYOMING SUICIDE PREVENTION 8:30AM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PIRATES OF THE PLATTE 9:00AM THE SCIENCE ZONE Playwright Matthew Spangler, Author Nina McConigley, and Director of Literary Programs with the DCPA Leean Torske will lead a thought provoking conversation on the power of the performing arts, the art of adapting literature for the stage, and their new collaborative play Cowboys and East Indians. (The Lyric)
ALLISON MALUCHNIK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE OIL CITY? The Nicolaysen Art Museum’s 40th Annual Gala and Bash are coming up on Sept. 3 & 5. Gala week is always exciting. The art that has been accepted for auction is fabulous, and the theme, “Midsummer Dream,” has brought about brilliant ideas for invitations, food, entertainment and decor. We are creating an incredible experience for art and museum lovers. This is The NIC’s major fundraiser of the year and the night we acknowledge the excellence of the arts in our community. Pro Tip: Dress up to match the theme in iridescent or dream-like attire. I am excited for the Wyoming Fringe Festival. I look forward to hearing Nina McConigley describe the creative process of turning her novel, “Cowboys and East Indians,” into a play. I am also looking forward to the Mercer Family Resource Center’s Dancing with the Stars of Casper fundraiser. It’s always a blast. You never know what’s going to happen on that stage! Casper’s events highlight our abundant local talent and creativity and do an excellent job of creating memorable experiences that greatly benefit our community.
9:00AM WYO SPORTS RANCH
2nd Annual Wyoming Fringe Festival happening this weekend CASPER, Wyo. — For the second year in a row, The Lyric is partnering with 5150’ Local, the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund and Wyoming Humanities to put on the Wyoming Fringe Festival, happening Aug. 8–10 in downtown Casper. The weekend-long event will feature local artists and performers from across Wyoming and beyond, as they bring theater, music, magic, performing arts and more to the stage of The Lyric. “We’re super excited to be hosting this for its second year,” said Sarah Saulsbury, the
9:00AM WYO SPORTS RANCH
VOLLEYBALL OPEN GYM
GET SCHOOLED
BY NICK PERKINS FEATURES
BLACKOUT WEEK OPEN GYM
campaign coordinator for The Lyric. “When we started this festival last year, which was the first of its kind in the state as far as we know, we wanted to really make it a celebration of the performing arts, giving the community a reason to pull together and see different types of art, theater, music, dance, magicians, and storytelling. It was really exciting to see it be successful last year, and we wanted to make it even bigger and better for this second year, and we’re excited to be able to do that.” Tickets for the show are available online now and include access for all three days of the festival. Tickets can also be
purchased at the door. The 2nd Annual Wyoming Fringe Festival will feature a wide array of talented artists, each with their own story to tell. “There’s something for everyone,” Saulsbury said. “If you like theater, we have that. We have comedy and dramas. We have two magicians. We have seven different musicians. We have all types of storytelling. There’s so much variety at this year’s festival there is truly something for everyone.” The festival is sponsored in part by Visit Casper, 5150’ Local, Wyoming Arts Alliance and Scarlow’s Coffee.
LEGO CONTEST
10:00AM TOYTOWN
TOBY KID’S SILLY ADVENTURES: LEARN THE ART OF BEING WEIRD 10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
BASKETBALL OPEN GYM 11:00AM WYO SPORTS RANCH
VOLUNTEER REFERENCE ATTORNEY PROGRAM 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
YMCA YOUTH T-BALL 4:30PM CASPER COLLEGE
E-SPORTS CLUB
5:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
FIRST THURSDAY ART WALK 5:30PM ART 321
EVENING YIN + NIDRA
5:30PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
HILLTOP/HAT SIX SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: NEAL MCCOY 6:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
DRINK & DRAW @ FRONTIER!
6:00PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
THEATER THURSDAY: PADDINGTON IN PERU
7:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE
TROPIDELIC WITH SHWAYZE AND JARV 7:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC: BIGGER & WEIRDER 2025 TOUR WITH PUDDLES PITY PARTY 7:30PM 1 EVENTS DRIVE
WEIRD AL YANKOVIC: BIGGER & WEIRDER 2025 TOUR 7:30PM FORD WYOMING CENTER
LILA MCCONIGLEY MARTIN
7:30PM OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
MEN’S BASKETBALL
8:30PM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS
BUILT FOR BATTLE - FIRST RESPONDER MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE BEST WESTERN DOWNTOWN
FR I DAY, AUG UST 8 SEE ALL THE ART WALK EVENTS: OILCITY.NEWS/ARTWALK
FOUNDATION RETREAT 8:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
EVENT GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE A8
OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A8 | AUGUST 7-15, 2025
EVENTS GUIDE
CASPER’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE EVENTS CALENDAR
WESTERN VISTA FCU - SYNERGY SESSION
ROCK THE GLEN CONCERT SERIES: SOUTHERN FRYED
KAYLA CLARK: PUBLIC LETTERPRESS PRINTING & RESIDENCY
80’S PATIO PARTY
9:30AM CASPER COLLEGE
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
SOULSHINE SUMMERTIME YOGA JAMS 12:00PM 200 S DAVID ST
SOULSHINE SUMMERTIME YOGA JAMS 12:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
AN EVENING WITH PLAYWRIGHT MATTHEW SPANGLER, AUTHOR NINA MCCONIGLEY, AND LEEAN TORSKE WITH THE DCPA 6:00PM 230 W. YELLOWSTONE
2ND ANNUAL WYOMING FRINGE FESTIVAL 6:00PM THE LYRIC
7:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE 8:00PM BLACK TOOTH BREWERY
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD 8:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
80’S PATIO PARTY
8:00PM BLACK TOOTH BREWING
STURGEON MOON NIGHT HIKE
9:00PM EDNESS K. WILKINS STATE PARK (START AT MOUNTAIN VIEW SHELTER)
THE SCIENCE BENDERS THE SCIENCE ZONE
SATURDAY, AU GU ST 9 RAINBOW PIONEERS
8:00AM SCARLOWS ART AND COFFEE
ANDY GROSS
6:00PM RIALTO CASPER
CASTLE BRAVO GAMES PRESENT: DUNGEONS & DRINKING @ FRONTIER! 6:30PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
BOWTIE AND BOTOX AT THE WYOMING FRINGE FESTIVAL 7:00PM THE LYRIC
SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ ALICIA ROBERTS 9:00AM AMOCO PARK LABYRINTH
SECOND SATURDAY COFFEE CAFE & ART WALK 10:00AM DOWNTOWN CASPER
BOOK SIGNING WITH STEVEN W HORN 11:00AM WIND CITY BOOKS
AUGUST 7 AT OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
music & poetry at frontier brewing
8/11 DALE BOHREN & DAVID ROMTVEDT 8/18 OIL CITY SLICKERS & INDIA HAYFORD
gale alexander’s
“the crack in the canyon” AUGUST 21-24 AT CASPER THEATER COMPANY
FREE SHOW
fiestawyo headliners
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 SEPTEMBER 20 AT RESTORATION CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 28 AT OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN
get tickets
8:30AM WYO SPORTS RANCH
DOCTOR NOIZE
GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT 7:00PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
UKULELE JAM
3:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TH U R S DAY, AUG UST 14
NIHIL / REPENT / BARTLETT
TWEEN TIE DYE: TOTE BAGS
ADVANCE CASPER BOARD MEETING 11:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
DATE NIGHT @ THE SQUARE FEATURING CHOSEN FAMILY
YMCA FLAG FOOTBALL 4:30PM CASPER COLLEGE
SUMMER ANIMAL HOUSE AT WERNER WILDLIFE MUSEUM
DRAWN TOGETHER
MUSIC & POETRY: DAVID ROMTVEDT & DALE BOHREN
SOAR
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 3:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
7:30PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
COSMIC CALAMITY
1:00PM WERNER WILDLIFE MUSEUM 2:30PM CASPER COLLEGE
7:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
8:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE BOOKIN’IT
S UN DAY, AUG UST 1 7
FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT AT BANNER WYOMING MEDICAL CENTER
SIP THE SKY: AN ELEVATED WINE & CHEESE EXPERIENCE
THE SCIENCE ZONE
TEEN TIE DYE PARTY
TAKE & MAKE FOR KIDS & TWEENS: DINOSAUR ROAR! T-REX PUPPET
MONTHLY TRANS AND GNC DINNER... BRUNCH THIS MONTH!!
BREATHWORK & ICE BATH
THE SCIENCE ZONE
THINGS THAT GO VROOM
NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TU ESDAY, AU GU ST 1 2 ROBOTICS COACHES CLINIC 9:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
WYOMING CONGRESSIONAL AWARD COUNCIL 10:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
4:00PM CONWELL PARK
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 6:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
1:00PM FORD WYOMING CENTER
5:00PM RACCA’S PIZZERIA
M O N DAY, AUG UST 1 8
KNOW YOUR GOVERNMENT: FROM CITY HALL TO THE STATE CAPITOL
WYDOT TRAINING
BOOKS ON TAP BOOK CLUB: “MISTER MAGIC” BY KIERSTEN WHITE
REP. HAGEMAN TOWNHALL
6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
ARMCHAIR BOOGIE
7:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
1:00PM CASPER COLLEGE 5:30PM CASPER COLLEGE
CINEMA AT THE STATION 7:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
RIVERFEST
EVENT COORDINATOR AND FACILITIES MEETING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING EXTENDED EDITION IN STUDIO LUXX
BOOK SIGNING WITH AUTHOR RENA OLSEN
YMCA OF NATRONA COUNTY YOUTH GOLF CLINIC
URANIUM UNLEASHED: U2025 GLOBAL URANIUM SYMPOSIUM
NEVER TOO OLD BOOK CLUB: “LIES WE SING TO THE SEA” BY SARAH UNDERWOOD
30TH ANNUAL YMCA OF NATRONA COUNTY GOLF TOURNAMENT
TAKE & MAKE FOR KIDS & TWEENS: POPSICLE STICK CATS
HOOK & NEEDLE STITCHING CLUB
T UE S DAY, AUG UST 1 9
1:00PM CROSSROADS ADVENTURE PARK
lila mcconigley martin
NIKE BASKETBALL CAMP
1:45PM STUDIO CITY MESA
JUNK JOURNALING 101: WORK SESSION WITH TIPS, TRICKS, AND TOOLS 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
I-REACH FOR ART 5:30PM THE HANGAR
SATURDAY SING-ALONG – SONG SHARE 6:00PM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CASPER
PLAYIN FOR KEEPS, GETBENT., CORTEZ, VENOM AND VALOR AND CROWNS MAY FALL 6:30PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
RUSSELL DICKERSON - LIVE IN CONCERT 7:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
QUEER TEEN SPACE
10:00PM METRO COFFEE COMPANY
ANDY GROSS RIALTO CASPER
SUNDAY, AU GU ST 1 0 HIKE & YOGA
9:00AM CASPER MOUNTAIN BIATHLON PARKING LOT
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING EXTENDED EDITION IN STUDIO LUXX 1:45PM STUDIO CITY MESA
CASPER PRIDE RAINBOW REALMS 3:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
MONDAY, AUGU ST 1 1
10:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
11:00AM WIND CITY BOOKS
6:30PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
SUNSET YOGA
7:30PM DAVID STREET STATION
F R I DAY, AUG UST 1 5 9:00AM THREE CROWNS GOLF CLUB
12:00PM THREE CROWNS GOLF CLUB 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
MUSIC & POETRY: INDIA HAYFORD & OIL CITY SLICKERS 7:30PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
FORD WYOMING CENTER
NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
BATTLE WITH THE BANDS
TINYTOTS STORYTIME
JOEY PATTERSON
CC BOARD WORK SESSION 2025
DIESEL SCR DIAGNOSTICS
LIVE MUSIC WITH THE DAVID TYLER BAND
SUMMER MARKET
JACKPOT BINGO
MICROMANIA MIDGET WRESTLING
TEEN BOOK CLUB: “STRANGE THE DREAMER” BY LAINI TAYLOR
BEGINNER SEWING: BANDANA BAG
RHETT HANEY
NEST FEST!
FOOD TRUCK FOOD COURT
KEVIN FARLEY
LAURA JANE GRACE & BAND, TRAPPER SCHOEPP, TEAM NONEXISTENT
W EDN ESDAY, AU GU ST 1 3 WELLNESS WEDNEDAYS
6:00AM DAVID STREET STATION 10:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
1:30PM CENTRAL WYOMING SENIOR SERVICES, INC 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 4:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
FAMILY FUN NIGHT - MUSIC NIGHT 5:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
WRITING CLUB
5:00PM BOOKIN’IT
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
5:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: THE BLIND GUY
4:00PM RESTORATION CHURCH
6:00PM GRUNER BROTHERS BREWING
7:00PM BLACK TOOTH BREWERY 7:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
9:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL RIALTO CASPER
SATU R DAY, AUG UST 1 6 SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ BETH JOZWIK 9:00AM AMOCO PARK LABYRINTH
COMPASS & COURAGE (2 DAY WORKSHOP)
10:00AM WYOMING PATRIOTS
5:00PM 730 E. 2ND ST
5150’ FESTIVAL
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING - EXTENDED EDITION IN ARQ PREMIUM CINEMA
THE SACRED SIP CAFE
7:00PM STUDIO CITY MESA
2:00PM DAVID STREET STATION 2:00PM BOOKIN’ IT
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 4:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
5:00PM DAVID STREET STATION
6:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 6:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
7:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
CC BOARD MEETING 2025 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
U2025 GLOBAL URANIUM SYMPOSIUM FORD WYOMING CENTER
DON MCMILLAN - STAND UP RIALTO CASPER
W E D N E S DAY, AUG UST 2 0 READS & RHYMES STORYTIME 10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
CASPER LUNCH & LEARNS FOR FORMER ENERGY WORKERS! JOIN US THE 3RD
EVENTS
OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A9
ADD YOUR EVENT TO THIS CALENDAR FOR FREE! >
TEEN LAST BLAST MOVIE MARATHON 9:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
STORYTIME DANCE PARTY
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
5TH ANNUAL WORLD SENIOR DAY INFO FAIR
10:00AM CENTRAL WYOMING SENIOR SERVICES
AUGUST SOUND BATH
6:30PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
WELCOME BACK BINGO 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
LONESTAR
7:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
“THE CRACK IN THE CANYON” BY GALE ALEXANDER
7:30PM CASPER THEATER COMPANY 735 CY AVENUE
STAHOO’S UNDER THE STARS MOVIE NIGHT
9:00PM STAHOO’S BREWERY & TAPROOM
SOUL EXPLORATIONS
9:00PM SCARLOWS ART AND COFFEE
F RI DAY, AUG UST 22 GLOWFORGE: PERSONALIZED STICKY NOTE & PEN HOLDER 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
REBEL DANCE
6:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
THE WYOMING WAYFINDERS
6:00PM FRONTIER BREWING COMPANY
SYLANCE TRIBUTE TO OZZY WITH BLACK SABBATH PARANOID! 7:00PM OIL CITY BEER COMPANY
THE GRIND 5280
THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
PETER ANTONIOU RIALTO CASPER
4:00PM HOGADON BASIN SKI AREA
NOW PLAYING
10:00AM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
SOUTHALL
THIS WEEKEND
YMCA PUPPY PLUNGE
THE IRIDESCENT BASH & MIDSUMMER DREAM GALA
CASPER KID’S FEST
TWEEN BOOK CLUB: “CITY OF SECRETS” BY VICTORIA YING
TREK SWAG BAGS - ASSEMBLE
STUDENT JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR
TH U R SDAY, SEPTEM B ER 4
MONDAY, AU GU ST 25 3:00PM YMCA OF NATRONA COUNTY
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY 10:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
TAKE & MAKE FOR KIDS & TWEENS: EGG CARTON TURTLE NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
TUESDAY, AUGU ST 26 ART TRADING CARD NIGHT
5:30PM THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM
A BREATHWORK QUEST: A JOURNEY INWARD
7:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
NATURE JOURNALING
10:00PM EDNESS K. WILKINS STATE PARK PLATTE RIVER SHELTER
WED NESDAY, AU GU ST 27 CLUB AND INFORMATION FAIR 10:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
AFTERSCHOOL LEGO CLUB
4:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
THURSDAY, AU GU ST 28 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
OPEN HOUSE AT MOURNING DOVE GRIEF CARE 4:00PM 245 S. FENWAY
ASHTANGA - FULL PRIMARY SERIES 6:00PM WYOMING YOGA & WELLNESS
CONNECTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY W/ SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST KURTIS HIPPIE 6:00PM 956 N POPLAR ST
LOGAN RYAN LIVE IN CONCERT
SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ NIKKI ALLEN
NIGHT OF SWING DANCING
CANADIAN DOUBLES BLIND DRAW CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT 1:00PM FRATERNAL ORDER OF THE EAGLES
LEATHER FORAGING BAG
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: “THE SWIFTS: A DICTIONARY FOR SCOUNDRELS” BY BETH LINCOLN 2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
HAM & JAM PIG RACES
2:00PM GRUNER BROTHERS BREWING
BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY 3:00PM 2000 S. WASHINGTON
SATURDAY SING-ALONG
6:00PM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CASPER
ROCK THE GLEN CONCERT SERIES: TOWN APPRECIATION DAY WITH PEYTON PHILLIPS 7:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE
7:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
F RIDAY, AUGU ST 29 KARAOKE NIGHT
8:00PM BLACK TOOTH BREWERY
JUNIPER BLUE
9:00PM THE GASLIGHT SOCIAL
ALEX DRAGICEVICH RIALTO CASPER
SATURDAY, AU GU ST 3 0 SATURDAY YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH W/ SAMANTHA MARTINEZ 9:00AM AMOCO PARK
WY CONCEALED FIREARM PERMIT CLASS SPORTSMAN’S IN CASPER, WY 10:00AM SPORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE
POPS IN THE PARK
ALEX DRAGICEVICH COMEDY
ROCK THE GLEN CONCERT SERIES: TOWN APPRECIATION NIGHT WITH JACKRABBIT 8:00PM GLENROCK TOWN SQUARE
THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES STAGE III COMMUNITY THEATRE
CORNHOLE AND SPIKEBALL TOURNAMENT 7:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
F R IDAY, SEPTEM B ER 5 2025 T-BIRD TREK - SET UP DAY 12:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
LIBRARY FOR ALL
2:00PM NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
FORD WYOMING CENTER
SU N DAY, S E PT E M B E R 14 SHAYNE SMITH
M ON DAY, S E PT E M B E R 1 5
1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:05
EARLY SHOW SAT-SUN 10:20
ARQ® 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:35
RIALTO CASPER
EARLY SHOW SAT-SUN 11:00
1:15, 3:55, 6:40, 9:15
EARLY SHOW SAT-SUN 10:35
LUXX® 1:55, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45 EARLY SHOW SAT-SUN 11:15
WORKFORCE SERVICES CBT TRAINING 8:00AM CASPER COLLEGE
WYOMING SOCIETY OF RESPIRATORY CARE 12:00PM CASPER COLLEGE
7:30PM THE LYRIC - WITH CASH BAR
W EDN ES DAY, S E PT E M B E R 1 7
THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, THE MUSICAL
27TH ANNUAL CASPER AWARDS & RECOGNITION BREAKFAST 5:45AM FORD WYOMING CENTER
COMM ED STATEWIDE MEETING
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OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A10 | AUGUST 7-15, 2025
ACROSS 1 Sound from a flock 4 It gets dropped in a pot 8 “Buffalo soldier, dreadlock ___” (Bob Marley lyric) 13 Like well-known news 14 Lessen in strength 15 Toronto N.B.A. player 16 Played a bar game? / [Yawn] 18 Preserved, in a way 19 Boo-boo 20 Go pillaging 22 Swerve, as an airplane 23 Fully add up 25 Friend or family member / Clichéd 27 Emcee’s lines 29 Comment that might be said with a push 30 It might be bruised in a fall 31 City where the Dalai Lama was enthroned 34 Actor Sebastian ___ of Marvel Studios films 35 Formal dress code / What may “burn” in a drag race 38 Member of the South Asian diaspora 41 Connect with 42 Having a full stomach 45 Holy Roman ___, title for Maria Theresa 48 Gymnast Biles 50 Area with no coverage? / Sore loser 53 Like a Venti at Starbucks 54 School of higher learning, in Britain 55 Biblical Promised Land 57 Losing roll in a casino
58 It connects to the tailbone 60 Directional signals that flash on and off, as suggested by the circles in this puzzle 62 Features of many war hero statues 63 Home to Florida Atlantic Univ. 64 Fruity cooler 65 Kind of question that’s binary 66 Pac-Man ghost with the shortest name 67 Field DOWN 1 Southwestern neckwear / Baby’s foot warmer 2 “Baby Cobra” comedian 3 Come clean about 4 Co.’s $$$ watcher 5 Injury / Christmas entree 6 Perfect / Concept 7 Actor Pascal of “The Mandalorian” 8 Was exhausted / Lustful 9 On point 10 “Don’t come in here!” 11 State park in the Santa Monica Mountains 12 “Is this date happening?” 15 City on the Seine 17 Animal whose Greek name is the etymology of the word “arctic” 21 Fly 24 Idle / Texter’s chuckle 26 Amount of meds 28 Olympic sprinter ___’Carri Richardson 32 Follows, as a tip 33 Trail runner?
35 National Audubon Society subject 36 “___ hard to say” 37 Perturb / Frying need 38 “Clair de Lune” composer 39 Come (forth) 40 Does some genetic manipulation on / Some aromatics 42 “No lie!” 43 Them’s fighting words! 44 Anglerfish locale 46 Portuguese currency before the
euro 47 Inundates with messages, say 49 ___ truck 51 Religious leader / Actress Jacobson 52 Avian claw 56 Shaving mishap 59 ___ Faire 61 House cry that sounds like a horse cry
in... never too late
Sometimes you just gotta start the day at 2:00 pm!
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OIL CITY WEEKLY
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A11
RADIANT (continued from front page) Casper Kiwanis Club on July 24. He added it’s a temporary solution to the lack of a permanent national repository for high-level nuclear waste. Yucca Mountain in Nevada, once a prime candidate for that repository, is no longer being considered, and the U.S. Department of Energy is now working through a siting process in search of host communities. That temporary approach faces a direct challenge, though: Wyoming state law bans commercial high-level radioactive waste facilities unless a federal repository exists. The state allows spent nuclear fuel storage only if it was produced and used in Wyoming, a change made by lawmakers in 2022 in preparation for the TerraPower nuclear facility near Kemmerer. State Rep. Bill Allemand, a fierce opponent of Radiant’s waste storage plans, said the company’s business model is “not lawful” under existing Wyoming statutes. He also told a state legislative committee Wednesday that a poll conducted on his behalf last week showed more than 70% of respondents did not want nuclear waste “in their backyards.” Radiant Chief Operating Officer Tori Shivanandan confirmed to Oil City News that without an amendment to state law to allow nuclear reactor manufacturers to temporarily store spent fuel from their devices, the company will not be able to enter Wyoming and will be forced to seek another site instead. “I’d just like to add that Radiant’s not in the business of storing spent fuel. We’re in the business of making microreactors for our military,” Shivanandan said, “so we don’t want the fuel on-site any longer than it has to be. And as soon as the interim storage facilities or the permanent storage facility are available, we will move the fuel. Storing spent fuel will cost us money.” Critics worry that delays in establishing a permanent facility could mean “temporary” storage could last for decades, making Bar Nunn like other U.S. sites with scattered spent fuel. For many residents, the amount of spent fuel, regardless of size, is a serious concern due to its proximity to their homes.
“No nuclear plant belongs here. It’s nice they want to do this; just not in our backyards,” Bar Nunn resident Amber Sparks wrote in a July 18 letter to the editor published by Oil City News. Efforts to change the law have faced setbacks. Two bills introduced in the recent legislative session — House Bill 16 and Senate File 186, which aimed to set requirements for nuclear fuel storage and to allow advanced nuclear reactor manufacturers to store high-level radioactive waste, respectively — failed in the House. In recent town halls and local meetings, opposition has come from state representatives, including Rep. Kevin Campbell of House District 62 and State Rep. Tony Locke of House District 35, the latter of whom stressed the need for more research on spent fuel storage safety. “Of course, the nuclear waste,” Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray said during his July 21 town hall in Bar Nunn. “We’re here in Bar Nunn, the epicenter of the debate, and I want to tell you and be very clear, nuclear waste is wrong for Wyoming.” With the Wyoming Freedom Caucus — now the majority in the state legislature — also publicly taking an anti-nuclear waste position, the path for Radiant to change the law may have become much harder. “We support homegrown energy, not out-of-state waste subsidized to the tune of $25 million in taxpayer dollars,” the WFC said in a July 24 statement, referencing a $25 million Wyoming Business Council grant sought by the Casper/Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board for infrastructure development, including sewer, water and a new public road that’s intended not only to benefit Radiant but also to attract other companies. Radiant has said it has the money to build the infrastructure itself, but also said the grant factored into its decision to select the site. Justin Farley, CEO and president of Advance Casper, said the grant money was not sought by Radiant, but was instead offered by the Wyoming Business Council. Campbell argues that allowing a nuclear waste storage exception
House District 58 Rep. Bill Allemand, right, speaks with a Rocky Mountain Power representative about constituents’ concerns regarding a proposed rate increase at the Ramkota on Aug. 28, 2024. (Greg Hirst, Oil City News)
would create a dangerous precedent, possibly transforming Wyoming into a “dumping ground” for nuclear waste from “anywhere on the globe” and putting unfair burdens and risks on state residents. Some outspoken residents share that concern. “Once a reactor and storage infrastructure are in place, it is much easier to expand the scope to accept waste from other projects or companies,” Mitchell Groskopf wrote in a May 13 letter to the editor published by Oil City News. In the national search for a permanent repository, Baranwal said some communities are open to hosting consolidated interim storage sites, often attracted by hefty financial incentives. However, for communities like Bar Nunn, the concern that “temporary” storage could become “permanent by default” is a major worry. “My understanding is, too, that only a small number of our legislators want to bring in spent fuel from other states,” Judy Jones said during a July 22 Bar Nunn Town Council meeting. “What if we end up being like one of the 10 storage facilities that the United States is looking for or like a Yucca Mountain program?”
COMMUNITY CONCERNS BEYOND STORAGE Beyond the issue of where to store spent nuclear fuel, area residents have shared many concerns at town halls and local meetings
about Radiant’s plant. Their worries include safety, environmental impact, openness, financial responsibility and direct effects on the community. Safety and environmental concerns are the most frequently discussed issues for residents, who have asked about possible accidents, fires, water issues, high-energy impacts or even attacks on the facility. They’re also anxious about whether the community is ready for leaks or other emergencies. “If it goes off within 10 miles and the people outside are exposed to anything like that, what are we going to do when we get an alert on our phone and it says everything outside is radioactive and we’re watching our kids play in the front yard?” Bar Nunn resident Alex Sherrow asked the Town Council during its July 22 meeting. “If an evacuation was needed, we don’t have to worry about looking at our kids in the front yard and noticing later, because of radiation exposure, their hair, their fingernails are going to fall out from a terrorist attack or something like that.” Mike Newquist, a resident of Bar Nunn who often speaks at town halls and addressed concerns with the Natrona County Board of Commissioners, talked about shielding as an indication that a nuclear facility and its product transportation would be unsafe. “I pity the guy, like me, that
might have to work on [the vehicles that will be used to transport the microreactors], unsuspecting that, ‘Oh man, I’m getting irradiated right now while I’m underneath this trailer working for the next five to 10 to 12 hours,” Newquist said during Allemand’s July 24 town hall. “They refuse to talk about shielding. They will not talk about the shielding of these things. They refuse to. Why? It’s a basic question.” Some residents feel Radiant often refers questions to the NRC or deflects them instead of answering them directly. At a town hall in Bar Nunn on June 14, community member and Natrona County School District 1 Trustee Jenifer Hopkins asked what residents should do to prepare for a possible leak or emergency. When Radiant Director of Operations Matt Wilson discussed safety, attendees said he was not addressing the question. Wilson then said Radiant would create plans for handling disasters. Another concern is the longterm financial responsibility for waste storage. Residents are worried about who would pay for storage if Radiant fails, especially since the danger of spent fuel lasts much longer than the 40-year recertification period for dry casks. Radiant’s representatives say the company must hold a bond, and the Price-Anderson Act offers extra insurance coverage up to $500 million, with potential for anothRADIANT CONTINUES ON PAGE A16
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OIL CITY WEEKLY
PAGE A12 | AUGUST 7-15, 2025
OPINION
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GUEST COLUMN
A guide to easing back-to-school jitters for success during the day. Start moving bedtimes back so that students have enough time to get 8 hours of sleep before needing to get up and get ready for school. Don’t forget reading each night is an important part of bedtime. Determine how long your child takes to get ready and eat a good breakfast and set the wake-up time early enough to get that done before heading out the door.
SET EXPECTATIONS BY MELISSA WHELAN, ED.D.
PRINCIPAL, ST. ANTHONY TRI-PARISH CATHOLIC SCHOOL August has arrived quickly, and the stores are already preparing for Halloween signaling it is back to school time. There are three key things families can do to help prepare students to return to school and, in some cases, begin at a new school.
REESTABLISH ROUTINES Now is the time to restart bedtime and morning routines. Sleep is essential for optimal brain function and getting students enough sleep helps them to set up
Talking with your child about your expectations for a successful year helps to focus on the important things. Reflect on the past year and set two to three measurable goals. Goals like being late only 2 times in the first trimester, earning a set number of A’s or getting a grade higher in two classes your child struggled in last year, or participating in one new extra-curricular activity are measurable goals that give your child something to work toward. It is important that children know they don’t need to be perfect; they need to do their best, have integrity and persevere through hard tasks.
Returning students and staff reunite on the first day of the new school year at Crest Hill Elementary on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Casper. Schools around Natrona County kicked off the 2024-2025 school year on Monday morning just one week before the Labor Day weekend. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
GET ORGANIZED There is a reason that teachers love to go back to school shopping, it is a good reset and a great way to get reorganized. Be sure that your child has all the essentials for school, but also a space at home to be organized
and work. The space doesn’t have to be a desk, but it should be a good work surface that has access to school supplies like pencils and paper. A family calendar is also good for children to be able to see important events that may take them away from school time. Older students should be looking to plan projects.
When schools and families can partner together, success is easier for students. If your child is nervous about going back to school, I recommend reaching out to your school to see if there are ways to ease the transition. Enjoy these last days of summer vacation by looking ahead to a great school year of learning.
local news available in Casper. Sincerely,
government’s $36 trillion debt. The other two funding sources approved by council are a $2 million transfer from the balance of the city’s water fund and $250,000 from the balance of the city’s sewer fund. Who pays into those funds? We do with our utility bills. If there are such balances in those funds, why do our utility rates keep going up? Is a pedestrian bridge necessary? Not because some people try to walk across the vehicle bridge. Whoever is doing that, please stop walking in traffic. There is already a safe, easy-access way to get from one side of the river to the other. Walk east from Poplar Street on West Yellowstone four blocks, then turn left on Elm, turn left on 1st Street and walk over the bridge on the sidewalk. It connects right to the trail by Jonah Bank. You can also walk to the corner of 1st and Poplar and cross to the north at the light. As far as moving the utilities or maintaining them until WYDOT gets around to replacing the Poplar Street bridge, why is that not the state’s responsibility? If it is our city’s responsibility, how about applying for a state grant to maintain these infrastructures in place for now? Why are we dipping into our utility fund reserves for something that might not be needed to be done for 10 more years when WYDOT finally gets around to replacing the bridge? I found it interesting that one of the members of council believes that tourists will come here to see our pedestrian bridge. I am sure Casper citizens
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.
REAL NEWSPAPER, REAL LOCAL NEWS A big THANK YOU for bringing a real newspaper back to Casper. We subscribed to the Casper Star Tribune 45 years ago and for several years it was a good newspaper. Over time, however, it became less and less so. First, they moved operations to
Cheyenne, still calling themselves the CASPER Star Tribune. Then I believe they were sold to an out-of-state company and it’s been downhill since. If the weather was bad, we didn’t get our paper until the roads cleared up. Then the Casper news diminished and the sports page became larger and larger. Following that, the crossword puzzle which I had
enjoyed all those previous years was replaced with the New York Times crossword puzzle, which I could never finish. Then, over time, most of the paper became how-to articles, apparently which came over the wire and was a money saving issue. Then the Star Tribune, as it was later named, got too expensive to place articles such as weddings, obituaries, for sale items, garage sale notices and apparently any local news unless it was a murder or huge drug deal. The last straw for us was when they went to three days a week and we received that in the mail, again raising the price. When we called to cancel, we were told we could read the news online. We’re old school and have always read our paper over morning coffee, discussing various articles of interest. Now, in your publication, we have a real newspaper again with real local news. The only thing I see missing are garage and yard sale ads. Placing a garage or yard sale ad in the Star Tribune wasn’t cost effective because everyone wants a bargain and sale prices had to be so low that after paying for the ad, it wasn’t worth the time and effort to put one on. I’ve noticed over the years that garage and yard sales are very popular in Casper, they’re a fun way to spend a Friday or Saturday afternoon, getting bargains and meeting new people. So perhaps you could start advertising those sales, charge a nominal fee to make money, and get this community friendly again. Thank you for the opportunity to comment and for again making
W. Marie Beekley, Casper
POLITICIANS SAVING US MONEY, SPENDING FOR BRIDGE Only politicians claim that they save us money by spending our money. A prime example of this is stated in a letter to the editor from Casper Councilmember Kyle Gamroth concerning the approved pedestrian bridge across the North Platte just down river from the Poplar Street vehicle bridge. The price tag to the taxpayers for this project is projected to be $5,750,000. Of this expense, $3.5 million will be provided from a federal grant of left-over American Rescue Plan Act funds; supposedly related to the coronavirus scare. You might ask, “what does a walking bridge in Casper have to do with a virus?” Municipalities and states were provided these funds because the government shut down our businesses and our lives during the scare and then they needed to “rescue” us. The shutdown resulted in a dramatic reduction in revenue for local governments. So, Congress passed this law and the federal government pumped out trillions of dollars they printed that raised our federal debt. It was stated at a council meeting that this is a “use it or lose it” grant. If we do not spend it, the federal government will take it back. Maybe it could have made a small dent in paying down the federal
OPINION
OIL CITY WEEKLY are aware that there are other bridges in other places; many of which are famous. A pedestrian bridge will not make us unique nor, in itself, attract tourism. I am assuming that the Ayres Natural Bridge near Douglas did not cost taxpayers any money and people do go there to see it. I am pretty sure the God of the universe designed and built it and blessed us with it to enjoy at no cost. The hype about how wonderful this new pedestrian bridge will be informs me that this is a vanity project. Finally, Councilmember Gamroth states that the $3.5 million grant is from “outside dollars.” Hence, his belief that somehow council is saving us money. I disagree. This money comes from our federal tax dollars that Wyomingites pay and, because of inflation caused by the massive spending by Washington, D.C. politicians, we also pay a hidden tax called inflation which also raises the ultimate cost of projects like this bridge for construction materials. As Milton Freedman, the Nobel prize winning economist once said, “Inflation is taxation without legislation.” Ross Schriftman, Casper
FOOD CRISIS IN GAZA In June 1948, the Soviet Union closed off Berlin, Germany, to all land and water transport. They were attempting to compel the Berliners to accept Soviet domination and they were trying to expel American, British and French forces from the city. The U.S., with British help, became more and more involved with trying to feed Berliners with supplies flown in by air. The Berlin Airlift gave the U.S. immense international prestige and won over many Germans, and other Europeans, to the ideals of democratic government. “Candy Bombing,” started by pilot Hal Halvorsen, involved dropping candy from small parachutes to the delight of hungry children. When the U.S. Air Force learned about Candy Bombing, it quickly and enthusiastically promoted expanding it. The U.S. soon basked in the glow of global admiration for being a bastion of goodness and decency. Now, 80 years later, Israel is attempting to starve Gaza into submission. Much of the world has accepted this as fact. Rather than being a bastion of goodness and decency, the U.S. is fully backing the Israelis: financially, with weapons, and with diplomatic support that prevents proposed sweeping international sanctions and war crimes prosecutions against Israel. On Aug. 4, Canada joined relief efforts of airdropping food aid into Gaza. Our northern neighbor is among a growing number of nations that cannot idly stand by and watch people being starved into subjugation. Another nation providing aid, interestingly enough, is Germany. Apparently, Germans learned well the lessons about basic human decency we helped teach them after their totalitarian nightmare. Their teacher seems
to have forgotten them. I am embarrassed and ashamed to be a citizen of a nation that seeks to starve and subjugate rather than aid and liberate. Instead of dropping candy on children, today American policy is responsible for dropping shells and drone strikes on children. If folks really want to make America great again, perhaps we should look to returning to being a bastion of goodness and decency. Or, at the very least, not being a force actively blocking basic goodness and decency. Tom Smyth, Casper
vote against any appropriations bill that contained items which are not appropriations, only one legislator, Scott Heiner, R-Lincoln, Sweetwater, Uinta, agreed to do so. None of the other eight legislators responded to the question. I suggest it’s time we insist that our legislators stay true to their oath to support, obey and defend the Wyoming Constitution. If they will not do so, it’s time to find legislators who will. Writing in Solidarity for a Better Wyoming Future, Debra L. Cheatham, Casper
WYOMING LEGISLATORS IGNORE THEIR OATH TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION
USE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE FUNDS TO LOWER CITY BILLS
The Wyoming Constitution is the fundamental legal document and supreme law of the State of Wyoming. Upon taking office, Wyoming legislators are required to take an oath to support, obey and defend the State Constitution. Why, then, are so many of them choosing to ignore their oath of office? A court recently held that the legislators violated the State Constitution by failing to adequately fund public schools. In another matter, a district court judge issued an injunction halting the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act, school vouchers, siding with the argument that the State Constitution prohibits public funds being used to support private or religious educational institutions. More than one piece of legislation has been successfully challenged as violating the Wyoming Constitution’s provision that competent adults have the right to make their own health care decisions. In the legislative session, which begins in February 2026, the legislators will be tasked with passing an appropriations, or budget, bill. The constitutional requirements for this bill are clear. The appropriations bill “shall embrace nothing but appropriation for the ordinary expenses of the [state government], interest on the public debt, and for public schools.” All other bills must contain only one subject, which is required to be clearly stated in the title of the bill. The appropriations/ budget bill, therefore, should contain nothing but a series of line items and numbers. In the recent past, however, our legislators have chosen to ignore these constitutional requirements by including in the budget bill substantive changes to the laws of the state. What excuse could they have for this violation of the Constitution? Is there too much to do in a budget session to consider each bill separately? Is it because they have done it this way for years? Do they want to obscure their work from public scrutiny? Or do they just not care about the oath they took? At a recent event organized by the Freedom Caucus, a panel of nine legislators was recently asked if they would follow their oath of office during the upcoming budget session and
Regarding the pedestrian bridge currently being debated in Casper, what troubles me far beyond design, location or necessity is the fact that $2.25 million dollars is suddenly available to match the grant when we are constantly told by city leadership and council members that the budget is critically short and services must be cut. If so, why do we have an extra $2 million in the water budget and an extra $250,000 in the sewage budget? This happens time and time again in Casper. A few years back we were being threatened with the extra 1% tax in perpetuity without voter input because Casper city budget would not be able to cover costs without it. Then, due to extreme inflation, $1,000 bonuses were doled out to city workers along with a 5% pay increase and a 3.5% increase for inflation, to total 8.5%. If the budget is so tight, how is it extra funds always seem to be found for these situations? Personally, I would prefer the $2.25 million extra be used to reduce my water and utility costs, which have increased significantly. My grass is dead because I cannot afford to water it. Give the money back to the citizens who paid in the first place instead of building an ugly bridge which is not necessary. The city of Casper offers so much, and I relish time spent hiking and walking along the trails provided — and my Anatolian Shepherd, Fionn gives you 5 stars for the dog parks. It becomes very difficult to trust city leadership and council members when one minute we are told how short the budget is and the next there is an extra $2.25 million dollars lying around to build a bridge. Julianna Babcock-Souza, Casper
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A13 doesn’t fully address nuclear development. Updating it — perhaps with severance taxes on uranium or levies tied to nuclear resource exports — could unlock millions in revenue. Picture this: tax dollars funding better schools, smoother roads or even workforce programs to make Wyoming the “Silicon Valley” of Energy. Yet, recent legislative sessions have zeroed in on fossil fuels, leaving nuclear tax strategies largely unexplored. Our legislators hold the key. Have they studied how to capture this revenue? Are there plans to adapt our tax framework for this growing industry? Without action, we risk exporting our resources and missing the payoff for our communities. Wyoming deserves a tax system that matches its energy ambitions — one that complements oil and gas while securing nuclear’s potential for all of us. What’s your take? How should Wyoming balance this opportunity with smart taxation? Let’s get this conversation going. Eric Paulson, Casper
ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTION FOR MUCHNEEDED CASPER BRIDGE In response to my fellow citizen who wrote in decrying the gross waste of effort and tax dollars on a “postmodern, brutalist garbage” bridge that “no one will actually use,” I would like to offer an alternative perspective. Firstly, I must agree with one of his sentiments: the bridge’s design is not in congruence with Casper’s tradition or ideals. I agree that it could be in better taste to propose a more traditional style, but to completely reduce it to a mere foolish idea, I must push back against. The commenter confidently states that he “drives by [Poplar] every day” and the “current sidewalks are sufficient.” Definitely! (pardon my sarcasm) The currently sidewalks are excellent — if you’re driving.
I would counter that, as a cyclist, I have very much desired a bridge in that general area. I regularly cycle from downtown to Amoco park, and to cross the river, my first option is to cross at Yellowstone, where there’s barely enough room for one, much less two bikes. Less than 3 feet from you are cars only starting to slow down from 40 mph. Very unsafe. My second option is to cross Poplar on Midwest from the brand-new protected bike lane, very enjoyable to use, very safe. Crossing a big road like Poplar is not ideal, but better than the former option. For my sister and my almost 3-month-old nephew, who is in a stroller, it’s a different story. Both routes offer bumpy paths, damaged tires, unhappy baby, and fastmoving traffic kicking up gravel. A dedicated pedestrian bridge from the Yellowstone district to Amoco park would offer a much safer, quieter route for cyclists and families, rather than the noisy, stressful sidewalks around that area, which are definitely not sufficient for stroller usage, or bikes without suspension. I would offer an alternative to the proposed bridge: instead of seeking to build a contemporary styled art piece that looks like a “futuristic” display from the early 2000s, construct in the same place an industrial styled bridge designed to reflect old railway bridges. This honors the history of Casper as an industrial railway town, which my fellow commenter acknowledged, fits with the existing theme of our trails, which follow the old railroad, and offers safer paths for those who enjoy getting out of their cars to touch grass and smile at their fellow citizens. Colin Brooks, Casper
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Bells will be ringing! Casper nominated and voted these winners of these school essentials in 2024. Who will take the crowns (cans) in 2025? Find out at 5150’ Festival next Saturday, August 16 at David Street Station! Until then, explore all the 2024 winners now at OilCity.News/best24. BEST PHOTOGRAPHER 2024 1. RADIANT REIMANN PHOTOGRAPHY 2. JESSICA SIMKIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Shawn Houck launched a zine with his friends as a UW college student in the ‘90s. Fast forward 25 years, and the entrepreneur is behind another print product, the free Oil City Weekly. Here, Houck poses in his Casper office with one of his old zines and the first edition of Oil City Weekly. (Katie Klingsporn/WyoFile)
He helms Casper’s top digital news site. Now he’s jumping into the print game. In a landscape where print media has been rapidly eroding, Shawn Houck adds a product with Oil City Weekly. In the process, he’s coming full circle. BY KATIE KLINGSPORN
WYOFILE
CASPER—Oil City Weekly didn’t quite make its deadline today. The weekly’s sister product, Oil City News, has been a digitalonly publication for more than a decade, so the staff is well-versed in churning out news. But posting an article and photos online is a whole different affair than shoehorning that same article along with several other stories, letters to the editor, obituaries, advertisements and a sprawling events calendar into 12 printed pages. And just two weeks into the endeavor, staff was still ironing out the process. “We’re trying to work from going from online to print, as opposed to print to online,” Shawn Houck, the publisher and owner of Oil City Weekly, said from his Casper office that Wednesday afternoon in July. “So we’re trying to find our process.” Despite the production manager shipping the file to the Douglas press 30 minutes late, Houck’s team remained on schedule to print and deliver the second edition of Casper’s brandnew newspaper the following day. The accomplishment marked a small landmark for Houck and the team. One edition is just a newspaper. But with the second edition, he said, “we are now officially a weekly.” In a media landscape where local news has been rapidly eroding for more than a decade, creating a new print product may
raise some eyebrows. Plenty of people warned Houck against what they see as a risky venture, he said. But the Casper native isn’t new to building things from scratch or experimenting with media iterations. Along with starting several companies, he owns Oil City News, a site in the vein of the hyper-local websites that began proliferating across the internet around 2010.
“I think there’s nothing more punk rock than embracing this format,” Houck said, “and trying to think about it in a way that will work for today’s news environment.” Readers, he added, are jazzed to see Casper restored to a twonewspaper town. “They’re saying things like, ‘thanks for bringing the newspaper back,’” he said. “We’re not bringing the newspaper back. We’re just distributing it in a different way.”
“I think BACK TO THE ROOTS OF there’s PRINT nothing more punk rock than embracing this format.” Creating a print publication isn’t new for him either. Houck launched a zine as a college student in the ‘90s. It was a popular pastime then, a punk rock gesture of free expression. In a way, Oil City Weekly is punk rock too. It’s a clear step away from the internet that has utterly consumed daily life in 2025. To sit down with a newspaper and read about historic buildings or city council meetings without distractions popping up on screen is to defy the always-online status that has become commonplace.
Houck is a Casper native, the oldest of six children who grew up in the wind-swept central Wyoming city. He has the wiry build of a marathon runner and the frenetic energy of an ideas guy. His work experience is a blend of advertising, media and upstarts. While studying English at the University of Wyoming, Houck enrolled in journalism courses. Outside of the classroom, he published a zine, calling it the 630 Chimichanga — named after his dorm room in White Hall. The small tabloid started as a platform for inside jokes shared among his friends. “It was just things we thought were funny,” he said. But over time, it grew to include CD reviews, feature articles, political commentary and regular contributor content. He discovered he enjoyed the ad and design side of journalism. After graduating, he started an advertising agency called AdBay
BUSINESS
OIL CITY WEEKLY and spent many years helming it. An admitted serial entrepreneur, Houck had other enterprises percolating. He sold ads to movie theaters around the state, co-owned The Casper Cutthroats baseball team and launched Frontier Brewery, which he still co-owns. In 2020, he sold Adbay and launched Upslope Media. Along the way, he acquired Oil City News in 2016, and now also publishes Cap City News in Cheyenne and County 17 in Gillette. That put him in the thick of the hyper-local digital sites that sprouted up to help cover incremental and breaking news in small towns or even neighborhoods. The trend was seen as an effort to fill news holes as traditional newspapers downsized or shifted more coverage to national syndicated wire reporting. It coincided with a rise in social media and represented a way for people to get their news for free. And it wasn’t always good for journalism, Houck realizes now. Longer features and deeper dives faded with the rise of bitesized news, he said, and daily newspapers took a hit. He also came to realize that digital-first practices like publishing arrest reports only partially tell the story. Oil City News no longer does that. “So our understanding of what it means to do it right has changed quite a bit in the 10 years that I’ve been involved with the organization,” he said. Oil City News also strives now not to cherry-pick coverage based on what may be “clickbait,” he said. For example, staff makes an effort to cover every item on the city council agenda, not just the controversial ones. With a growing team and more sophisticated approach, he said, Oil City has been feeling ready to take another step. “We’ve been wanting to do a newspaper for many, many years,” he said. “We saw there was a need for it in our community, and we also saw an opportunity to advertise so that we could better support reporters.”
OFFLINE BY DESIGN Casper has a rich history of journalism. It’s home to Wyoming’s largest print
newspaper, the Casper StarTribune, which traces back more than a century. In its heyday, the paper had a bureau in Washington, D.C, and dozens of editorial staffers. It also had a competitor: The Casper Journal, a free weekly. The Star-Tribune acquired the Journal in 2004 and published it until 2022, when it was discontinued. That left a hole in the local newscape, Houck said: the free, community-focused weekly. Houck hopes to occupy that role. Oil City Weekly intends to be 100% local — no national or even state news. From the advertising side, he added, it’s a way to expand the offering of Upslope Media. Wyoming news veterans like Dan Neal are happy to see the new product. “We need local news, and that’s where Oil City is focused,” said Neal, a Casper journalist who worked at the Star-Tribune from 1981-2004. “Staff at the StarTribune is working hard, but, you know, they’re limited, and so I think it’s great that Oil City is going to take reporting that has already been going online, and getting it in a physical format where people could find it around town, in coffee shops and places like that.” Competition is healthy in journalism, Neal said. It pushes outlets to be better, faster and more accurate. Creating a new print product in this internet age can be seen as questionable. And some people warned Houck against it. But, he said, Oil City has a deep understanding of social media and digital news, and he thinks starting from that foundation will be advantageous. Plus, he really believes Casper readers will embrace Oil City Weekly. “It just feels right,” Houck said.
AUGUST 7-15, 2025 | PAGE A15
internet algorithms don’t often push those stories, favoring instead more sensational headlines. So those stories will take priority — stories about school-board decisions, city development, new businesses. “We want to provide news to the community that we think is important for them to understand and know about,” he said. The second principle for determining content is a direct response to readers, he said, who consistently ask for event listings. With that in mind, Oil City Weekly has an extensive calendar of events designed to be pulled out for ease of use.
Sheepherders
Readers also want physical copies of certain types of stories, Houck said, like obituaries, marriage announcements, business stories. Those, too, will be published in the weekly. Houck used some of his own marketing savvy for the paper’s debut. In early July, Oil City staff and friends dressed up as newsies and marched in the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo Parade in Casper, handing out fresh copies of the first edition to readers. It was fun to see the crowd’s response, he said. Holding the physical paper in his hands, he added, “feels awesome.”
It also reminds him of another time. “It’s funny, I found my old zine,” he said. “And I put them side by side. And we’re basically doing the same thing I was doing 20-plus years ago. It’s the feature, it’s the events calendar, it’s a little bit of the cheeky attitude. It’s all those things that haven’t really changed much.” This article was originally published by WyoFile and is republished here with permission. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
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FULL CIRCLE Oil City News churns up a lot of content for the website; the staff couldn’t possibly fit it all into the weekly paper, Houck said. To determine what goes into the print product, he said, they will follow two guiding principles. First, “we know there’s a lot of important news that we’re covering, primarily things like elected boards, city councils, things like that.” But, he said,
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HEALTH DEPT
(continued from front page) and demands, but also better meet our day-to-day demands,” Bloom said then. “The ability to shift, modify and adapt what we’re doing will be really helpful.” Looking ahead, Birt said next steps are to complete the building’s roofing and add electricity to the facility. The roughly 32,000-squarefoot facility will boast several new amenities and improvements over the health department’s current headquarters. The new health department building will be more than double the size of the current one, allowing for more varied and flexible work. With additional office space, the new building will be able to host training sessions for things like CPR. Technological improvements will allow the department to more easily host broadcasts and video conferences, and the department’s environmental services will also see improvements, as health department staff hope the new building will provide them with more robust tools to serve the public. “There will be six exam rooms and two large procedure rooms,” said project architect Britney Sulzen with MOA Architecture. “The existing building has four operating exam rooms. We’ve increased their clinic size by double the storage, and double the soiled hold and medication hold.” Kinder stressed that the health department does not intend to compete with private care providers, and said the department’s care will focus more on preventative measures than providing reactive care. When it comes to the building’s design, Sulzen said the new facility
will place an emphasis on natural lighting, as the building was conceptualized with a biophilic design in mind — an approach that integrates nature into a building’s interior and exterior designs to promote health, wellbeing and connection with the outdoors. “We tried to bring as much light into it as we could,” Sulzen said. “If you’ve been in their existing space, you know it can be a bit like working in a dungeon, with very little in the way of natural lighting.” “That idea carried through a lot of the design choices, including the colors that will be used,” MOA Architecture project designer Brandon Daigle added. Birt said about 90% of all the subcontracted work was done by businesses local to the Casper area. “We’ve always emphasized working with local businesses whenever we can. All of our civil is local from here in Casper, most of our contractors are based in town or very close to town and we have very few out-of-state contractors,” he said. “Not only is it important for us to work with local businesses, but these really are some of the best people we’ve worked with on a project of this size.” Kinder added the project currently looks to be completed under budget, as the department has not needed to dip into a contingency fund yet and has lowered the project’s budget from what it was originally set at. Work on the building is expected to be completed in late January 2026, with the facility fully up and running two months later.
SPENT FUEL
(continued from A3) term, stable jobs and contribute positively to the local economy.” Also present at the committee meeting were several politicians from Campbell County and Gillette. Gillette is commonly referred to as the “energy capital of the nation” due to its significant role in the nation’s energy production, particularly coal. “I am for the bill. I think it’s good and it accomplishes two things,” Campbell County Commissioner Scott Clem said. “One, I think it gives the people another opportunity to speak. When you have the industrial siting process and you invite more public input, I think that’s a good thing. … I also like the bill from the standpoint that we are controlling the waste that does come into the city.”
DOE PLANS Before listening to public comments on the proposed amendment and Radiant’s plans, the committee heard from U.S. Department of Energy representative Paul Murray, the deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Spent Fuel and HighLevel Waste Disposition. Recently, President Donald
Trump issued four executive orders designed to strengthen America’s nuclear industry. The orders direct the NRC to create a pathway to approve reactors that have been safely tested by the DOE or Department of Defense, with the aim of seeing three new reactors power up by 2026. Trump also ordered that the DOE has 240 days to produce a report detailing plans for the backend of the fuel cycle. “Part of that plan also calls for us to consider the processing of spent nuclear fuel,” Murray said. The federal government is currently looking to build a national repository for spent nuclear fuel, but Murray stressed that his visit was to share information and dispel misinformation, rather than site a location for the repository in Wyoming. “At this point in time, all the work we’ve been doing is to raise people’s awareness about spent nuclear fuel,” he said. “We’re not trying to site any facilities at this moment in time.” Murray spoke to the safety of holding spent nuclear fuel in dry casks, saying that the
RADIANT (continued from A11)
Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer has become a strong supporter of the project. He said he learned about the nuclear industry by researching, consulting experts and visiting the Idaho National Laboratory at his own expense, which eased his concerns and assured him of its safety. Boyer sees the project as an important opportunity for the town’s growth and prosperity. Likewise, Bar Nunn Councilor Dan Sabrosky, who also visited the laboratory, was initially doubtful but now thinks nuclear energy is the safest option. He criticizes what he terms “controlled Townhalls” and “misinformation” meant to frighten people. Radiant, addressing safety and environmental concerns, has touted the design and strict regulatory oversight by the NRC
for the Kaleidos microreactors and the dry cask storage of spent fuel. Baranwal said Kaleidos uses a safe “gobstopper”-like nuclear fuel, encased in ceramic layers designed to prevent meltdowns even at extreme temperatures. Unlike traditional reactors, the microreactor cools with non-radioactive helium gas and has an automatic shutdown system that enables natural, air-based cooling due to its compact size, Cartman said. Radiant says its facility, fuel storage area and transport methods will be built to endure natural disasters and accidents, with shielding used in the reactors and areas where nuclear work is conducted. Cartman added that the manufactured reactors will not operate until they are connected at customer sites. Daniel Thomas, a department manager at INL Used Fuel Management, told Wyoming lawmakers in May that dry cask storage has a strong safety record, with “zero release of radiation” in nearly 40 years in the U.S., according to WyoFile, adding that there have been “zero accidents” during transportation over millions of miles. While a 2016 presentation by Donna Gilmore, founder of San Onofre Safety, raised concerns about canisters leaking or cracking and advocated for thickwall casks over thin-wall, the NRC says that since the first casks were loaded in 1986, dry cask storage has not released any radiation that affected the public or contaminated the environment. The NRC estimates the radiological risks of transporting spent nuclear fuel as very low — often four to five times lower than natural background radiation — and has not identified any likely truck accident scenarios that could result in the release of radioactive materials. Discussing the risks and the project in interviews with Oil City News and during town halls and government meetings, Radiant representatives have maintained the company’s commitment to transparency. “We know the details of what we’re doing and we want to be able to share as much as we can,” said Ray Wert, Radiant Industries’ Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “We are very interested in continuing to be transparent and continue to answer literally any question that comes our way.” That includes discussing why Radiant wants to be so close to Bar Nunn. Shivanandan said there are several reasons: to meet NRC distance rules for its minimal fuel use, to encourage com-
casks undergo rigorous testing, including testing them against strong impacts, fire, extreme cold and much more. “In the U.K., they actually took a spent fuel cask and crashed a train into it,” he said. “They put it across the tracks, a passenger train hit it, the passenger train was destroyed and they went and picked up the spent fuel cask.” According to Murray, there have only been a handful of road accidents involving spent nuclear
fuel transports in roughly 55 years, the most recent of which came in 2014 when there was a collision with a pineapple truck. None of the accidents resulted in the hazardous waste being released. Murray gave a brief timeline of nuclear energy’s history in America, beginning with investigation into the possibility of a repository in the 1950s, continuing into the 21st century. The country stopped looking
er $15 billion from taxpayers for health, property and environmental damages. The site’s proximity to the town and its possible effect on property values have been raised as concerns as well. Residents are asking why Radiant picked a location so near the town when there is plenty of open land available further away. “I’m not anti-you,” a resident said during Radiant’s July 14 town hall, “but I prefer that you build it, like, 10, 20, 30 miles out of town.” Some residents, like Susan Martin, worry that attracting high-income residents for the new industry could drastically hike property tax valuations, making it difficult for long-term residents to afford their homes. With each town hall Radiant has hosted, views have reportedly turned more negative, though many feature the same speakers repeating their concerns or heckling the company’s representatives. In the political scene, Allemand has emerged as perhaps the fiercest critic, arguing that the project provides “no benefit” for Natrona County or Bar Nunn, especially when weighing the potential costs against predicted job creation. He’s also questioned Radiant’s job estimates and the costper-job analysis. “Radiant says that within 10, 15 years, we’re going to have 250 people working out there, and we know that number is exaggerated so that they can get it through the Business Council,” the representative said, estimating closer to 100 jobs, with some potentially based outside of Wyoming.
PROPONENT, COMPANY REBUTTALS AND REASSURANCES
OIL CITY WEEKLY
munity involvement, to shorten employee commutes and to lower utility costs. Radiant’s technology is selected to be the first tested at INL’s DOME facility in 50 years, with a test deadline of July 4, 2026. That will mark a key step toward commercial use and a response to President Donald Trump’s executive orders for new reactor tests. The economic benefits are a cornerstone of the project’s appeal to supporters. Radiant expects to create 70–80 jobs, growing to about 230–250 local jobs as production increases to 50 reactors per year. Company executives say they anticipate 90% of the jobs would be filled by local hires from Wyoming. “I’ll continue to evaluate it based upon the information I have, but the information I have up to this point is that this is a legitimate, viable project that can be beneficial to our community for generations, and so in that respect, I’m going to keep an open mind about it,” Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen said during the Natrona County Board of Commissioners meeting June 17. During that meeting, the commissioners lent their support to the Economic Development Joint Powers Board’s application for a $25 million state grant from the Wyoming Business Council.
A FUTURE IN THE BALANCE The Wyoming Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee met July 30 to discuss a draft bill that, if passed by the Wyoming Legislature in 2026, would specifically allow for Radiant’s business model of storing spent nuclear fuel within Wyoming, provided the device it’s used in is manufactured in the state. After over seven hours of discussion with speakers including Allemand, his fellow state lawmakers, Radiant representatives and residents and leaders from Bar Nunn, Casper and Gillette presenting arguments for and against the bill, the committee postponed a decision on sending the draft to the full Legislature for the 2026 session. Oil City News reporters Tommy Culkin, Nick Perkins and Garrett Grochowski and WyoFile contributed to this report. Disclosure: Radiant Industries is an advertiser with Upslope Media, an agency owned by Oil City News owner and publisher Shawn Houck. Upslope Media clients play no role in Oil City News’s journalism. into the possibility of a repository in the 1970s, Murray said. When committee member Sen. Tara Nethercott asked why the idea was temporarily abandoned, Murray responded that it was a policy decision of the administration at the time. Murray also said other countries have stopped and restarted nuclear programs, including Spain, the U.K. and Canada. “It’s time for America to come out of the penalty box,” he said.