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"Crisis in the Community: Massive Power Outage Disrupts Wyoming, Casper PD Elevates Leaders & Controversial Gaming Rule Sparks Debate"


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"Crisis in the Community: Massive Power Outage Disrupts Wyoming, Casper PD Elevates Leaders & Controversial Gaming Rule Sparks Debate"

Casper Buzz
Archives
"Crisis in the Community: Massive Power Outage Disrupts Wyoming, Casper PD Elevates Leaders & Controversial Gaming Rule Sparks Debate"

CasperBuzz Staff
Nov 17, 2025
Quote Of The Day |
"Opportunities don't happen. You create them." - Chris Grosser |
The Ford Wyoming Center came alive as the Community Recreation Foundation Craft Fair welcomed the holiday season in Casper.
Celebrated as Wyoming’s largest craft fair, the event gathered more than 200 vendors and eager shoppers from across the state and beyond.
Visitors browsed an impressive mix of unique, handcrafted goods—ranging from vibrant pottery and woodwork to festive baked treats and homemade ornaments.
This annual tradition offered not just gifts, but the chance to support passionate local artisans, many of whom bring their work as a labor of love rather than business.
Proceeds from booth sales and raffles fund valuable scholarships, helping local youth and seniors access recreation facilities and programs throughout Casper.
The lively crowd, creative displays, and spirit of giving confirmed the fair’s special place in the community—celebrating both holiday cheer and meaningful support. Read More... |
CitiWerks Café is breathing new life into downtown Casper, blending historic architecture with a modern hub for community and creativity at 162 S. Wolcott St.
Inside the restored 1896 building, visitors can savor expert espresso and hand-made chai beneath towering brick walls that speak to Casper’s past.
Baristas serve fresh pastries and locally beloved chocolates, while upstairs is a bright co-working space—complete with meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and a 3D printer—aimed at entrepreneurs and remote professionals.
CitiWerks stands out not only for its quality drinks and food, but for its mission to support connection and local growth.
This innovative spot invites freelancers, students, and innovators to share ideas and build Casper’s future—all with a cup of exceptional coffee in hand. Read More... |
Spot the Difference |
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A sweeping power outage struck Wyoming and western South Dakota on Thursday, disrupting daily life for tens of thousands.
The blackout began around 12:45 p.m. when two critical 500-kilovolt transmission lines near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, failed, unleashing a regional grid disturbance. About 95,000 customers lost electricity by mid-afternoon, most in cities like Casper, Gillette, and Sheridan.
Rocky Mountain Power and Black Hills Energy battled to restore service—over 60,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers were affected, and the situation reached western South Dakota.
By 4:30 p.m., roughly half the service had returned, but officials warned of lingering instability.
Soon after the outage, a fire broke out at the Dave Johnston power plant near Glenrock. Emergency teams quickly put out the blaze, believed to be linked to the outage.
Communities faced facility closures, canceled activities, and heightened vigilance for residents needing medical equipment.
Officials urge continued preparedness and caution as restoration efforts proceed. Read More... |
The Casper Police Department has promoted four standout members, underscoring its commitment to community safety and strong local leadership.
Kendra Guldan, a U.S. Navy veteran, steps into the role of Lead Animal Protection Officer after years of dedicated service and ongoing professional growth.
Sergeant Kellan Stenhaug, a Marine Corps veteran and two-time Life Saving Medal recipient, advances after excelling in multiple key roles since 2016.
Sergeant Andrea Husted brings a history of award-winning leadership, including Officer and Detective of the Year honors, boosted by her recent graduation from the Rocky Mountain Command College.
Sergeant Matthew Lougee, a former Army sergeant and Task Force Officer, earns recognition for his mentorship style and decorated service record.
These promotions reflect the department’s investment in experience, mentorship, and service, strengthening Casper’s safety and sense of community. Read More... |
Casper City Council’s pre-meeting on November 4, 2025, highlighted budget season kickoff, the closure of the Veterans Park Task Force, and potential upgrades to Washington Park.
Finance Director Jill Will introduced the new budget calendar, setting the stage for extensive city planning and review.
Park Manager Randy Norvell and Task Force Chair Eric Distad celebrated a successful year for Veterans Park, including new ADA pathways, LED lighting, and military benches funded by generous local donations.
The park will remain the city’s official site honoring veterans, with future oversight by the Natrona County United Veterans Council.
Council also discussed a $1.5 million proposal for Washington Park improvements, including a sledding hill warming hut and safer power line burial, backed by a $750,000 grant request.
A police firearm purchase item was delayed for review, while the Washington Park grant resolution is expected at the next council meeting. Read More... |
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 Mills Town Council is backing a proposed bill that would grant the town its own ZIP code. Currently sharing a ZIP code with Casper, Mills residents often face confusion with mail and package deliveries. The proposed bills seek to give the town its own distinct ZIP code to alleviate these issues and improve recognition for the community of Mills. The move has received strong support from the council and could potentially lead to better mail delivery services for residents. Read More... |
The Mills Planning & Zoning Commission has given tentative approval to new zoning regulations for simulcast and gaming businesses to protect local control before state legislation potentially changes gaming laws.
The commission also approved a site plan amendment for Vision Beyond Borders, allowing a delay in paving their parking lot until July 2026 due to contractor shortages, provided ADA spaces are paved immediately and access meets city standards.
The new zoning proposals restrict gaming operations to general commercial zones, establish required buffers from homes, schools, and churches, and require special operational standards, including parking, hours, landscaping, and police-approved security plans.
Existing gaming sites would be grandfathered in, though future ones must follow the updated rules.
Commissioners stressed the importance of acting before state lawmakers, aiming to keep final decisions in local hands. Read More... |
The article at https://k2radio.com/casper-weather/ provides current weather updates for the Casper area, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Read More... |
Tip of The Day |
Explore the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center to learn about the rich history of the area and gain a better understanding of Casper's past. |
The Facebook group "Casper Buzz" serves as a platform for residents of Casper, Wyoming to share news, events, and recommendations within the community. Members use the group to stay informed about local happenings, ask for advice, and make connections with fellow residents. The group aims to foster a sense of community and support among its members by providing a space for communication and collaboration. Overall, "Casper Buzz" serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to stay connected and engaged with their local community in Casper. Read More... |
Casper and the surrounding metro communities are bustling with activity for the week of November 17–23, offering a diverse lineup for all ages and interests.
Highlights include Natrona County Commissioners Meeting, Family STEAM Night at The Science Zone, and youth programs like Lil’ Wranglers at WYO Sports Ranch.
Families can dive into festive fun with the Festival of Trees opening and hands-on cookie decorating classes, while music lovers will enjoy the Casper Civic Chorale Fall Concert and lively performances at local venues.
Nightlife options feature stand-up comedy, acoustic concerts, social dance nights, and community meetups such as Foodies + New Friends.
Specialty events include art round tables, speaker series at Casper College, and the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference.
Whether you're interested in civic gatherings, creative workshops, or catching a game at The Drinkery, there's something happening in Casper, Mills, Evansville, and Bar Nunn to connect with neighbors and celebrate the season. Read More... |
The article provides a summary of Wyoming Game and Fish Department's radio news for the week of November 17. Topics covered include information on winter feeding of wildlife, fishing opportunities, updates on Chronic Wasting Disease in the state, and a reminder to hunters to be aware of changes in hunting regulations. Additionally, information on a special hunt for landowners in hunt areas 45 and 51 is provided, as well as an update on moose and elk populations in the Hoback area. Read More... |
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 ➝] |