Donell’s Candies, a beloved fixture in downtown Casper, is celebrating its incredible 70th anniversary this March.

 

Located on E. 2nd Street, the shop has helped generations of families mark life’s milestones with handcrafted chocolates, earning a place in the hearts of locals over decades.

 

As a downtown institution since the 1950s, Donell’s has weathered change yet stayed true to its roots of tradition, quality, and personal connection.

 

The Casper Area Chamber of Commerce will honor this legacy with a Business After Hours celebration at Donell’s Candies on March 19, 2026, from 5–7 PM, inviting the community to join in the festivities.

 

Special anniversary discounts will begin March 17, offering a sweet thank-you to loyal customers.

 

This milestone reflects Casper’s enduring spirit and the deep ties between Donell’s and the community.

In Wyoming, the critical battle for elected office happens in August’s primary—not November’s general election. With Republicans overwhelmingly controlling state politics, the primary often decides who will ultimately lead. Low turnout in these races means a small, motivated group can steer the entire state’s direction.

 

As seen recently in Cheyenne, when moderate voters stay home, more extreme candidates—like members of the Freedom Caucus—win, then move swiftly on major cuts to education, healthcare, and economic programs.

 

Too often, voters rely on familiarity instead of researching candidates’ records and platforms.

 

This has lasting consequences for our schools, businesses, and communities.

 

Wyoming’s tradition of independence demands active, informed participation.

 

Your vote in the primary matters—it can shape our state for years to come.

 

Rachel Hawkinson, local silversmith and owner of T. Hawk Studio, unveiled her solo ring exhibition at the Red Creek Gallery last night, drawing a vibrant crowd from the Casper arts community.

 

Hosted under the guidance of gallery director Kathleen Willy, the show spotlighted a stunning range of rings, each one distinct.

 

Some pieces showcase features like Wyoming-gathered geology, living flower petals, butterflies, and delicate feathers, blending nature with art in every design.

 

Hawkinson emphasized the connection between art and science during her artist talk, sharing how creative experimentation intertwines with scientific discovery throughout her process.

 

The evening also featured music by Cory McDaniel and special guest Chad Lore, adding a lively soundtrack to the celebration.

 

The exhibit runs through February at Red Creek Gallery, 330 S. Center, offering locals another chance to experience Hawkinson’s unique artistic vision.

On January 10, David Street Station's downtown ice rink invites families to its beloved Princess & Superhero Skate, where children in shimmering gowns or bold capes glide beside parents bundled up for winter.

 

The event promises more than playful costumes.

 

It transforms a cold January evening into a warm, communal experience, drawing neighbors out of hibernation to laugh, cheer, and connect around the rink.

 

Children, sometimes unsteady, hold tight to trainers or supportive hands, while friends savor slow laps and conversation.

 

Throughout winter, themed skate nights at David Street Station breathe life into downtown Casper, keeping the city center vibrant with both family-friendly and adult-focused gatherings.

 

More than entertainment, each ticket helps fund year-round community events, as the rink’s proceeds support free concerts and public programming.

 

The true magic is in the rink’s familiar, welcoming spirit—a reliable space that brings Casper together when it matters most.

ART321’s monthly ArtWalk enlivens downtown Casper, transforming a winter evening into a celebration of local art and community.

 

Residents gather in the warmth of ART321, greeted by familiar faces and the inviting buzz of a new exhibition opening.

 

The showcased works span experimental to deeply personal, and artists mingle comfortably with guests, fostering straightforward and engaging conversations.

 

This welcoming atmosphere distinguishes Casper’s ArtWalk from bigger city counterparts—there’s no pressure to be an “art person.”

 

Live music, local refreshments, and a sense of belonging draw people downtown, encouraging connections among neighbors and friends.

 

For many, the evening extends beyond the gallery as downtown businesses enjoy increased foot traffic, giving the local economy a modest but meaningful lift.

 

ArtWalks remind Casper residents that, even in the heart of winter, their creative community thrives close to home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee has decided to table a bill that would have banned municipalities from using taxpayer money for lobbying activities.

 

The proposal, 26LSO-0184, targeted any state or local agency funded by tax dollars, aiming to stop them from engaging in or funding lobbying efforts.

 

Local officials, including Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdoch, strongly opposed the measure, warning it could undermine the ability of municipalities to represent their residents’ interests.

 

Ashley Harpstreith of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities emphasized that their advocacy is funded independently, not directly by tax dollars.

 

Some legislators also raised concerns about potential conflicts with the Wyoming Constitution’s guarantees for citizens to assemble and advocate.

 

After legal and practical issues surfaced, the committee chose to delay action, highlighting ongoing tensions over the use of public funds and local government autonomy.

Casper residents are invited to join a vital discussion about the city’s budget, property taxes, and public funding allocations.

 

Casper City Council member Amber Pollock will lead the session, set for November 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mental Health Hub, 701 Antler Drive.

 

Hosted by Better Wyoming’s Natrona County chapter, the free event gives community members a chance to interact directly with local leaders and ask key questions.

 

Understanding city finances matters more than ever, especially after Casper reported a projected $1.8 million revenue shortfall for 2025 due to property tax reassessments.

 

Recently, voters approved a temporary 1% Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax to support major projects, ranging from the Metro Animal Shelter rebuild to improvements at Washington Park Bandshell.

 

Active participation ensures community priorities are reflected in Casper’s future decisions.

Casper City Council focused on local priorities at its November 4, 2025 regular meeting.

 

Mayor Pacheco delivered a Veterans Day proclamation, honoring the service and ongoing contributions of Casper’s veterans with members of the Veterans Park advisory group in attendance.

 

During public comment, residents raised issues about holiday policies, government transparency, and the use of public funds, receiving clarifications from the city attorney.

 

Representatives from Casper Youth Baseball voiced concerns about the future of the Field of Dreams complex as their lease nears expiration, with city leaders promising open dialogue and cooperation on upgrades.

 

The council reaffirmed Casper’s inclusive non-discrimination ordinance while urging respectful civic discourse.

 

Members also approved contracts for local infrastructure and celebrated milestones such as the reopening of a Burger King and the upcoming Wyoming Senior Olympics.

 

The meeting closed after highlighting service, civic engagement, and key upcoming dates for public participation.

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.

Sirius Power PC is setting a new benchmark for tech service with integrity and speed in Casper.

 

Founded by local builders and gamers, this startup is tackling delays, poor customer care, and inflated prices in the PC industry head-on.

 

Every computer is hand-built and thoroughly tested in the USA, with transparent updates throughout the process.

 

Owner Devin and his team’s commitment extends beyond performance — they actively support first responders, veterans, and service members with special discounts and partnerships, investing back into the Wyoming community.

 

After expanding into Casper, Sirius Power PC hired local technicians, providing new opportunities for area job seekers.

 

Their fast, personal touch proved invaluable to clients like Casper Buzz Media Group, who experienced same-day repair and transparent, expert care.

 

If you're seeking reliability and community spirit, Sirius Power PC is quickly becoming Casper’s local favorite.

Evansville Mayor Candace Machado has resigned after five years of service, citing a “broken political system” and reinforcing her commitment to transparency in an emotional farewell.

 

In her public statement, Machado reflected on significant town accomplishments, including a balanced budget, the celebrated 100-Year Town anniversary, a community garden, a new park playground, animal shelter, expanded mental-health support for employees, and establishing a code of ethics.

 

She also noted new grants and infrastructure that brought neighbors together in Evansville.

 

However, Machado strongly criticized persistent discrimination, bigotry, and a culture of silence within local government, declaring she could not stay in a system resistant to reform.

 

She will continue as a social worker, activist, and business owner, vowing to inspire and speak honestly.

 

The Town Council has not yet announced plans to fill the mayoral vacancy.

Mills City Council tackled major community issues at its October 28, 2025 meeting, including rezoning, a park name change, and ongoing efforts for a unique ZIP code.

 

The council heard spirited debate over rezoning Mountain Meadows Subdivision No. 2, Lot 2A from Urban Agriculture to Residential One, allowing for single-family homes.

 

While city staff supported the change, residents such as Donald Oaks and Francis Ackley raised concerns about drainage, flooding, and construction impacts.

 

Despite objections, the ordinance passed its first reading and will face further review.

 

Council also advanced the renaming of Mills Memorial Park to Service and Sacrifice Park, honoring local veterans and first responders.

 

Additionally, resolutions supporting a unique Mills ZIP code were approved, reflecting the city’s push for a distinct identity.

 

Residents can comment as the ordinances move to second readings at future meetings.

Casper City Council tackled a wide range of issues at their October 28 work session, with a local focus on safety, community, and city policy.

 

Poplar Street safety was a major concern after a student was struck, leading to a new crosswalk and an extended review of routes near Southridge and Crest Hill Elementary Schools.

 

A new Legislative Calendar was introduced by Flur Treml to ensure Casper stays proactive before the 2026 state session.

 

The Council agreed to continue the extra holiday tradition for staff, as outlined by Zulima Lopez.

 

Nomination dates for mayor and vice mayor were confirmed, with Ray Pacheco stepping aside for new leadership.

 

Upcoming community highlights include tree planting, downtown art, and expanded local events—showing Casper’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and resident well-being.

Casper’s annual “Tailgate for a Cause” will bring together football fans and community members to honor local veterans on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

 

The event hosted by Honoring 307 Heroes at the Best Western Downtown celebrates Wyoming pride while raising funds for Wreaths Across America.

 

Donations and ticket sales help ensure every veteran in Natrona County is remembered with a wreath this December.

 

This local nonprofit, founded by volunteers, seeks to remember, honor, and teach through direct action and education.

 

All proceeds go toward wreath purchases and supporting community ceremonies, where residents can gather to place wreaths and share stories on December 13 at four Casper sites.

 

The event highlights the strong bond in Casper, uniting neighbors to pay tribute to the sacrifices of local service members and keep their memory alive.

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 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.