Quote Of The Day

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

The federal government shutdown, now in its 12th day, is causing widespread layoffs and major disruptions in public services nationwide.

With more than 4,000 federal workers already receiving reduction-in-force notices, agencies such as the Department of Education, HHS, and the CDC are experiencing significant job losses.

The CDC has cut about 600 positions, hitting vital programs on injury prevention and health statistics.

IRS operations are severely reduced, with nearly half of staff on furlough, leading to expected delays in taxpayer support close to the tax deadline.

All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are shuttered, halting all public access and suspending popular features like the panda cam, though animal care continues.

Military families face growing financial strain, turning to food pantries as uncertainty over military pay persists.

The WIC program for low-income mothers and children could soon be unable to provide support if the shutdown endures.

As political gridlock over health insurance subsidies persists, federal employees and citizens alike face mounting economic and social pressures.

The Kelly Walsh Trojans seized a landmark 35–25 victory over the Natrona County Mustangs in the 2025 Oil Bowl at Dick Cheney Alumni Field, ending a nine-year drought in this fierce Casper rivalry.

KWHS got off to a powerful start, scoring early, but NC answered quickly, tying the game in the opening minutes.

The Trojans surged ahead before halftime and controlled the second half with steadfast defense and dynamic plays, thrilling a packed crowd.

The atmosphere pulsed with excitement from both fanbases, underlining the Oil Bowl’s role as a celebrated tradition in local culture.

As the season continues, both teams look to build on this momentum and fuel community pride citywide.

The University of Wyoming is preparing for a major leadership change as the Board of Trustees begins its search for a new president, following Ed Seidel’s announcement to step down in June 2026.

Seidel’s tenure since 2020 has seen key milestones, including achieving Carnegie R1 Research status, starting a School of Computing, and building the Wyoming Innovation Partnership.

The board has formed a diverse, 17-member search committee chaired by Carol Linton to ensure a thorough and inclusive process, gathering broad input from faculty, students, alumni, and the community.

Stakeholder sessions and surveys have helped define what UW needs in its next president.

Finalists will meet the campus community in spring 2026, with the goal of a smooth transition by July.

This pivotal search is seen as essential for maintaining UW’s strong statewide educational and research presence.

In 1956, Don and Elma Stepp founded Donells Candies, bringing homemade chocolates and sweets to Casper, Wyoming and setting the stage for a beloved local tradition.

Over generations, the Stepp family has handcrafted candies, with Mike and his son Ryan now leading the business.

Even after losses in the family, their legacy of community warmth and dedication to quality endures.

The shop relocated downtown to Atrium Plaza in 1995, later expanding to offer ice cream, espresso, and modern amenities while maintaining the same high standards.

With every treat, Donells continues to welcome new and returning visitors into a sweet, enduring piece of sweet Wyoming history.

Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, has voiced strong support for Kylie Wall, a Natrona County High School senior pushing to start a chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at her school.

Wall, 17, claims that school officials, including Principal Aaron Wilson, have removed her TPUSA posters and cautioned her about promoting the club, raising free speech concerns.

Degenfelder emphasized every student’s right to engage in civic debate, warning school staff against suppressing or treating student organizations unequally. She also met with Wall and District Superintendent Angela Hensley to address these concerns.

Founded by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery in 2012, TPUSA’s profile has risen sharply since Kirk’s assassination in 2025.

Wall’s efforts highlight a growing student drive for political involvement, as Wyoming leaders call for schools to protect diverse ideas and uphold constitutional rights.

Casper and Douglas are rallying behind their small businesses, with new efforts aimed at making shopping local more rewarding for everyone.

A new coupon and local event magazine is launching in November, showcasing the unique shops, eateries, and services that set these communities apart.

Buy Local Casper Wyo leads the charge, highlighting hidden gems and inspiring stories while sharing the benefits of supporting independent businesses.

Casper’s annual holiday tradition returns as the Casper Mountain Makers Market announces its 2025 “Hello Christmas!” Holiday Market, set for December 13 at Highland Park.

This festive one-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., filling the entire building with handmade crafts, baked goods, and locally created gifts.

In a celebration of true creativity, this year’s focus is on local makers and bakers only, ensuring unique, original work takes center stage.

No boutique resellers or MLMs will be present, offering shoppers a marketplace filled with Casper’s authentic talent.

With 57 indoor vendor spaces and ample parking, both visitors and creators will enjoy a welcoming, cozy atmosphere.

Vendor applications are open until October 1, but spots are expected to fill quickly.

Organizers caution participants to avoid scams and confirm all communication comes from the official team.

Casper City Council Recap — October 7, 2025

Casper’s latest City Council meeting blended public safety, infrastructure, and community development into a packed agenda.

Mayor Ray Pacheco proclaimed Fire Prevention Week, with officials warning about lithium-ion battery fires and urging residents to buy UL-listed products and recycle batteries properly.

Public comments centered on the Sino Pumped Storage Project near Seminoe and Pathfinder Reservoirs, with concerns about fish habitats, wildlife, and recreation. The draft EIS is open for comment until Jan. 2, 2026.

The Council also showed strong support for a proposed youth “third space”—a community hub blending creative skills, workforce training, and mental-health support—and agreed to draft a letter backing grant funding for the project.

A new budget amendment added about $4.1 million in net spending (a 2.3% increase), mainly to fund critical wastewater infrastructure upgrades financed at an ultra-low 0.25% interest rate.

Other actions included advancing a zoning change for the Irma Addition, approving a broad consent calendar (covering police remodeling, transit buses, lighting, and more), and setting an Oct. 21 public hearing for Oil City Beer Company’s new license.

The meeting closed with updates on opioid settlement funding, Metro Animal Shelter’s TNR program, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month events.

The article at https://k2radio.com/casper-weather/  provides current weather updates for the Casper area, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation.

It also includes a detailed 7-day forecast, as well as information on weather alerts and advisories.

The article helps residents and visitors stay informed about changing weather conditions in the Casper region.

 Next time you’re downtown, pop into Donells. Whether you’re craving ice cream, picking up a gift, or just want to see how tradition tastes, you’ll be walking into a living piece of Wyoming history — one handcrafted chocolate at a time.

The Facebook group "Casper Buzz" is a community page dedicated to sharing news, events, and information related to the city of Casper, Wyoming.

Members can engage with each other, ask questions, and stay updated on local happenings.

The group serves as a platform for residents to connect, share resources, and support one another within the community.

Joining the group allows individuals to stay informed on various topics and participate in discussions with fellow Casper residents.

Dad Joke Of The Day

Why don't scientists trust atoms?

Because they make up everything!

📅 Casper Events This Week

Monday, Oct 13

• Mills Work Session Meeting — 9:00 AM · Town of Mills
  Municipal meeting; public may attend.

Tuesday, Oct 14

• Casper City Council Work Session — 4:30 PM · Casper City Hall
  Regular public work session. 

• Never Too Old Book Club: White Smoke (T. D. Jackson) — 6:30 PM · Metro Coffee Co., downtown Casper
  Discussion hosted by the Natrona County Library. Free.

Wednesday, Oct 15

• Raynes + Lennon VanderDoes (Live at The Rialto) — Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM · The Rialto Theatre
  Live concert featuring folk-pop and singer-songwriter acts. From $25.50.

• Creepy Terrariums & Planters Workshop — 6:30–8:00 PM · Gruner Brothers Brewing
  Craft your own spooky terrarium for Halloween. Price not listed.

Thursday, Oct 16

• Parker McCollum — 2025 Tour (with Kameron Marlowe & Laci Kaye Booth) — 7:30 PM (Doors 6:30) · Ford Wyoming Center
  Country music concert. Tickets available.

Friday, Oct 17

• Open Mic Comedy Night — Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM · The Rialto
  Local comedians take the stage. Free - $15 (ticket required).

• 👻 Ghost Hunting at Fort Caspar — 7:00–10:30 PM · Fort Caspar Museum
  Small-group paranormal tours. $15.

• The NIC: Fall Opening Reception — 5:30–7:30 PM · Nicolaysen Art Museum
  Celebrate new exhibits with light refreshments. $5 adult / $10 family / Free for members.

Saturday, Oct 18

• Tate Geological Museum — Fossil Day — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Tate Geological Museum, Casper College
  Family-friendly fossil activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Free.

• [The NIC: Fall Open House]— 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Nicolaysen Art Museum
  Pumpkin carving, cider, and hands-on art for kids. Free.

• 🍺 Oktoberfest at Gruner Brothers Brewing — 4:00 PM · Gruner Brothers Brewing
  Stein-holding competition, games, and live music. Price not listed.

• 👻 Ghost Hunting at Fort Caspar — 7:00–10:30 PM · Fort Caspar Museum
  Small-group paranormal tours. $15.

• ART 321: Postcards & Pintsized Art — 6:00 PM · ART 321, 321 W Midwest Ave
  Fundraiser auction with live music and refreshments. Tickets from $40.

• 🌽 Green Acres Corn Maze  (Seasonal) — Open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM · 8451 Haines Rd, Casper
  Family-friendly corn maze and pumpkin patch. Admission varies.

Sunday, Oct 19

• [object Object] Where Rock Meets Bach — 4:00 PM · The Lyric
  Trio performance blending classical and rock styles. Tickets available.

• 🍷 Sip the Sky:  Part 2 — Elevated Wine Tasting — 12:00 PM · Hogadon Lodge, Casper Mountain
  Wine tasting with food pairings and scenic views. $65 single / $120 pair (21+).

Notes & sources checked: Visit Casper’s events calendar (plus specific Visit-Casper event pages), Ford Wyoming Center, The Rialto, Natrona County Library, Casper Area Chamber of Commerce, and municipal calendars for Mills and Evansville.

The Wyoming Wildlife Photo Contest is now open for entries, encouraging photographers to submit their best wildlife images of the state.

Entries will be accepted until October 1, with winners announced in November.

The contest aims to celebrate Wyoming's diverse wildlife and natural beauty, while also highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

Participants can submit photos in various categories, including mammals, birds, scenic landscapes, and more.

Prizes will be awarded to the top entries, showcasing the talent and creativity of photographers capturing Wyoming's wildlife in stunning images.

Please Drink Responsibly

We’re building Casper’s most complete happy hour guide. If you’re a venue owner and your spot isn’t here yet, let us know—we’d be happy to include you! [Click here to submit your happy hour ➝]

🎣 Natrona County Fishing Report

Updated the Week of October 6, 2025

River Reports

North Platte River: Grey Reef · Miracle Mile · Fremont Canyon

Reservoirs: Pathfinder · Alcova

North Platte River – Grey Reef

Conditions:
Flows steady around 800 CFS with clear to slightly tinted water. Cooler mornings and mild afternoons have trout feeding actively throughout the day.

What’s Working:

• Nymph rigs with leeches (olive or brown), Pheasant Tails, RS2s, and Spanish Perdigons.

• Foam-wing emergers during morning hatches.

• Small streamers and articulated patterns like Rusty-T and Goldie under cloud cover.

Tactics:

• Early morning: dry/dropper combos such as hopper-to-nymph setups.

• Midday: indicator nymph rigs with light split shot and natural patterns.

• Evening: swing or strip streamers along deeper seams and undercut banks.

Miracle Mile

Conditions:
Flows near 1,500 CFS, good clarity, and consistent activity through the day. Trout are taking advantage of trico and midge hatches.

What’s Working:

• Dry fly action early with Tricos, BWOs, and small attractors.

• Deep nymph rigs with RS2s, CDC Pheasant Tails, and Perdigons (sizes 18–22).

• Three-fly indicator setups perform well in deeper channels and pockets.

Tactics:
Fish the tailouts and current breaks. Midday, focus on seams and eddies. Keep presentations light and natural in the clear water.

Fremont Canyon

Conditions:
Lower but stable flows with excellent water clarity. Fish are holding tight to structure and deeper pockets.

What’s Working:

• Small midge patterns, zebra midges, and tiny mayfly nymphs.

• Subtle dry-dropper setups in slower current lanes.

• Short, precise drifts near rock edges and undercuts.

Tactics:
Stay stealthy and approach quietly. Long leaders and soft casts pay off here.

Alcova Reservoir

Conditions:
Surface temperature near 58 °F. Good mix of rainbow, brown, and walleye action. Water level stable; clarity moderate.

What’s Working:

• Early and late: spoons, spinners, and jigs near shorelines and points.

• Midday: trolling crankbaits or slow-rolled soft plastics 15–25 ft deep.

• Shore anglers doing well near marina coves and submerged rock shelves.

Pathfinder Reservoir

Conditions:
Surface temps around 60 °F. The bite remains steady for trout and walleye with fish suspending deeper as days shorten.

What’s Working:

• Trolling spoons and diver plugs across drop-offs and creek channels.

• Jigging in 20-30 ft range near structure.

• Early morning and dusk provide best action, especially near the dam and Goose Bay areas.