Quote Of The Day

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

Wyoming is among the hardest-hit states as the federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, drags into its third week.

Nearly half the state’s budget relies on federal funding, amplifying economic strain. Governor Mark Gordon has ordered emergency measures to protect critical programs and maintain short-term pay for employees, but these solutions may not last.

About 10,000 federal workers statewide face furloughs, delayed paychecks, and uncertainty—an impact stretching from Yellowstone and Grand Teton to Jackson, Cody, and Dubois.

Federal lands see drastically reduced services, hurting fall tourism and crimping local business revenue.

Energy and agriculture face permit backlogs while family assistance programs deplete reserves. Rural and tribal communities feel added pressure as grants and vital services hang in the balance.

Economists warn that even a short shutdown could cost Wyoming tens of millions in lost income and missed opportunities, exposing the state’s deep reliance on Washington.

Radiant Industries announced it will not open its advanced nuclear manufacturing facility in Natrona County, Wyoming, despite strong local support and months of community engagement.

The company’s plan to build portable nuclear generators and return spent nuclear fuel for temporary storage was unable to move forward due to Wyoming’s strict regulatory limits on used fuel storage outside active reactor sites.

Instead, Radiant will locate its first plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, choosing clarity and predictability as the company continues working with the U.S. military and other clients.

Radiant CEO Matt Wilson expressed personal disappointment, sharing his family’s excitement about Natrona County and gratitude for the community’s transparent and thoughtful participation.

He encouraged Wyoming to continue pursuing innovation, hoping future policy changes may welcome energy sector growth and new opportunities for local families.

Wyoming’s Republican senators, Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso, have urged federal health leaders to reconsider the FDA’s approval of a generic version of mifepristone, a key medication used in abortions.

They, alongside dozens of GOP colleagues, praise ongoing reviews of the abortion pill’s safety and demand a pause in the new generic’s availability until the latest scientific findings are fully assessed.

The lawmakers argue that easier access undermines states’ rights and local abortion restrictions, especially as abortion pills are shipped into states with tighter laws.

This push comes as Wyoming navigates evolving abortion laws.

Recently, courts struck down Wyoming’s broad abortion ban and a ban on medication abortions, allowing Wellspring Health Access clinic in Casper to resume services after legal blocks on certain restrictions.

The future of abortion access in Wyoming remains uncertain, with lawmakers and judges shaping ongoing local and national debates.

The arrival of Tamales Legendario is adding fresh flavor and energy to Casper’s food scene.

This mobile Mexican kitchen is a family endeavor, led by Nathaniel Lujan and Teresa Isais, who honor their fathers’ legacies through homemade tamales and traditional recipes.

With a focus on community and heritage, Tamales Legendario serves up more than just authentic dishes—they foster a welcoming, connected atmosphere at every stop.

The kitchen pops up at varied Casper locations and events. Food lovers can track them through frequent updates on their Facebook page.

They’ve also partnered with Rialto Casper for event nights and operate from The Gaslight Social on Sundays, celebrating “tamale day.”

Locals are raving about the food’s quality and authenticity, quickly embracing Tamales Legendario as a standout in Casper’s diverse and growing culinary landscape.

The site provides updates on events and news from the Casper Humane Society.

It highlights recent activities such as fundraisers, adoption drives, and success stories of animals finding forever homes.

The society focuses on promoting responsible pet ownership, advocating for animal welfare, and providing resources for pet owners in the community.

The article emphasizes the importance of supporting the organization's efforts to help animals in need and create a more humane society.

Despite snowy weather on October 18, 2025, hundreds gathered at Conwell Park in Casper for the nationwide "No Kings" protests, voicing opposition to President Donald Trump and what many called authoritarian policies.

Casper, typically a Trump stronghold, saw its sixth major protest this year, joining 13 other Wyoming cities in the day’s action.

Protesters highlighted concerns including immigration policy, civil rights, and economic hardship, with many warning of a slide toward authoritarian rule.

Demonstrators of all political backgrounds attended, showing unity against what they view as threats to the Constitution and democracy.

Some wore inflatable costumes to symbolize resistance and reject the administration’s labeling of peaceful protest as violent.

Calls for lawmakers to protect public lands, stand up for healthcare rights, and reject divisive rhetoric echoed throughout the rally.

Protesters made it clear: their actions stem from patriotism and a desire for a fair, constitutional America.

Starting October 1, 2025, the Wyoming Department of Transportation will collect fuel taxes and licensing fees from public electric vehicle charging stations statewide.

Under state law, electricity for EV charging is treated as an alternative fuel and taxed accordingly.

All energy sold through public chargers must now be reported, with taxes remitted using a $0.24 per gallon rate, based on a Gasoline Gallon Equivalent.

Wayne Hassinger of the Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration explained the need for fair taxation as EV travel grows, especially from nonresidents.

Even stations offering free charging are not exempt, with licensing and monthly reporting required.

These rules only apply to public Level 2 and Level 3 stations, not home chargers.

Meanwhile, Wyoming’s federally approved EV infrastructure plan will soon bring more stations to several communities, although some key exceptions to federal siting rules were denied.

These changes aim to support road upkeep and expand EV access.

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.

 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 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.

Dad Joke Of The Day

Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

📅 Casper Events This Week

Monday, Oct 20

• Casper Historic Preservation Commission Meeting — 8:30 AM
  Fort Caspar Museum, 4001 Fort Caspar Rd.
  Regular public meeting of the CHPC. Price: Free.

Tuesday, Oct 21

• Casper City Council Regular Meeting — 6:00 PM
  City Hall Council Chambers, 200 N David St.
  Public meeting; agenda and public comment per council rules. Price: Free.

Thursday, Oct 23

• Family STEAM Night: Chemistry (The Science Zone) — 4:00–6:00 PM
  Ford Wyoming Center concourse (Science Zone-hosted outreach).
  Hands-on family science activities. Price: Free
  .

• Adam Calhoun — AmerACAL2 Tour (Gaslight Social) — 8:00 PM
  314 W Midwest Ave.
  Hip-hop concert. Price: $39–$67.50 (tiered)
  .

Friday, Oct 24

• Haunted Hogadon — Halloween at Hogadon Lodge — 6:00–11:00 PM
  Hogadon Basin Lodge, 2500 W Hogadon Rd.
  21+ Halloween party with DJ, costume contest, hors d’oeuvres. Price: $60 per person / $100 per pair.
  
  

• Spooky Stained Glass Workshop (The NIC) — 5:00–8:00 PM
  Nicolaysen Art Museum, 400 E Collins Dr.
  Make-and-take stained glass crafts. Price: $35 members / $45 non-members.
  
  

• Preacher Lawson — Stand-Up (Night 1) (Rialto Theater) — Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM
  100 E 2nd St.
  Comedy headliner. Price: $31.15.
  
  

• Longshot (Live) — Gaslight Social — 9:00 PM
  314 W Midwest Ave.
  Live music set. Price: Not listed.
  
  

Saturday, Oct 25

• 🎃 Monster Mash (David Street Station) — 12:00–2:00 PM
  David Street Station, 200 S David St.
  Family Halloween games and costumes. Price: Free.
  
  

• Free Discovery Center Project: Coffee Filter Bat Craft (The NIC) — 12:00–2:00 PM
  400 E Collins Dr.
  Drop-in kids’ craft activity. Price: Free.
  
  

• Dancing with the Stars of Casper — 15th Anniversary (Mercer FRC) — Event starts 6:00 PM
  Ford Wyoming Center, 1 Events Dr.
  Community dance gala fundraiser. Price: Not listed.
  
  

• Community Recreation Foundation Fall Carnival — 5:30–8:00 PM
  Casper Recreation Center, 1801 E 4th St.
  Games, bouncers, haunted locker room. Price: Free for children 12 & under with parent.
  
  

• Stage III Theatre: Rumors (Evening Performance) — 7:30 PM
  Stage III Community Theatre, 900 N Center St.
  Price: $12–$15
  
  

• Preacher Lawson — Stand-Up (Night 2) (Rialto Theater) — Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM
  100 E 2nd St.
  Price: $31.15
  
  

• Aquile (Live) —  Gaslight Social — 9:00 PM
  314 W Midwest Ave.
  Live music set. Price: Not listed.
  
  

Sunday, Oct 26

• Wyoming Symphony Orchestra — “Love” (Season Opener) — 2:30 PM
  Natrona County High School (John F. Welsh Auditorium), 930 S Elm St.
  Program includes Bernstein, “Butterfly Lovers” Concerto, Prokofiev. Price: Not listed.

• 🎃 The Science Zone’s Trick-or-Treat Trail (Ford Wyoming Center) — 2:00–2:45 PM (Calmer Trail Time); 3:00–7:00 PM (Open to All)
  1 Events Dr.
  Safe indoor trick-or-treating. Price: Free.

• Stage III Theatre: Rumors (Matinee) — 2:00 PM
  Stage III Community Theatre, 900 N Center St.
  Price: $12–$15.

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 10, 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.