AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: The Justice Department says it will have a presence in Wyoming during November’s general election, following criticism from Gov. Mark Gordon and local officials over federal monitors’ conduct during the primary. Wyoming PBS will air debates for governor and secretary of state on Oct. 14, followed by U.S. House and state superintendent debates Oct. 15. Energy and Politics: Wyoming leaders are divided over President Donald Trump’s proposed Russian oil and diesel deal. Gov. Gordon and Sen. Cynthia Lummis criticized sending money to Russia, while state officials differ on how to lower fuel costs. Separately, Casper and an environmental group want more water studies before federal regulators rule on the proposed Seminoe pumped-storage project. Public Safety: U.S. Marshals and Wyoming authorities arrested Timothy Dan Thurston in Baggs. He was wanted in Colorado after a child sexual assault conviction and alleged registration violations. Education: Cheyenne South agricultural education teacher Brian Cox was named Wyoming’s 2027 Teacher of the Year by the state career and technical education association. Sports: Wyoming football beat San José State 16-13 in overtime, with Erik Sandvik’s field goal securing the Cowboys’ first road win since 1996.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Mark Gordon says Proposition 1 would devastate Wyoming, while fire chiefs and local officials warn the proposed property-tax exemption could strain essential services. Wildfire Update: The 1,645-acre PK Fire in Sheridan County is 85% contained, and evacuation notices have been lifted. Education & Jobs: The University of Wyoming has received a $2.5 million grant to prepare rural students for outdoor-industry careers; Central Wyoming College has also opened a permanent Jackson campus. Election Watch: Rep. Harriet Hageman faced questions on public lands, immigration and Trump policies at a Sheridan town hall. Early voting in Laramie County is running ahead of 2022. Cowboys & Cowgirls: Wyoming football beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime to end an eight-game road losing streak. Cowgirls soccer followed with a 4-2 win over UNLV, led by Brooke Brown’s hat trick. Public Safety: A Jackson man remains in critical condition after his motorcycle struck a bear on Pine Creek Pass.

Election Watch: Laramie County recorded 1,212 early voters in the first three days—up from 290 in the same period in 2022, though early voting then ran longer overall. Energy Costs: Wyoming’s average gas price rose 2.6 cents in a week to $4.44 per gallon. The state is also urging households to apply for heating assistance before winter. Power and Growth: Carbon County officials are set to discuss the impacts of a proposed 2,000-megawatt natural-gas plant near Sinclair, planned to support growing electricity demand, including from data centers. Public Input: Wyoming State Parks is seeking feedback on possible upgrades and new recreation options at Curt Gowdy State Park, including trails, a showerhouse and a disc golf course. Cheyenne: Roofing work at The Wrangler and The Albany will bring downtown road closures through Nov. 16, while businesses remain open. Cowboys: Kicker Erik Sandvik earned Mountain West special teams honors after making three field goals, including the game-winner in Wyoming’s overtime win at San Jose State.

UW Soccer: Brooke Brown’s hat trick powered Wyoming past UNLV, 4-2, the Cowgirls’ first three-goal performance by one player in a decade. Cowboys Football: Wyoming edged San Jose State 16-13 in overtime for its first road win since 1996. Property Taxes: Rock Springs officials questioned how Proposition 1 could affect local services; a state senator confirmed it includes no plan to replace lost revenue. Online Gambling: Wyoming lawmakers are moving to tighten restrictions, including a proposed felony penalty for online sweepstakes. Energy and Housing: Wyoming families face higher winter heating bills, while Laramie County is requiring workforce housing as industrial development grows. Washington Watch: Sen. John Barrasso called reports about U.S. ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle “troubling” and said an investigation is likely.

Schools: Wyoming’s Supreme Court says the state has failed to adequately fund teacher salaries and account for inflation, requiring lawmakers to increase school funding. Online Gambling: State lawmakers are moving to tighten restrictions, including backing a felony penalty for online sweepstakes. Cheyenne Development: Black Hills Energy plans a $1.8 billion investment to help power Google’s data center in Cheyenne. Wildfire Response: Evacuation levels were reduced as crews continued monitoring the PK Fire. Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime, earning its first road win since 1996 and snapping an eight-game road losing streak. Food Aid: The Wyoming Hunger Initiative awarded nearly $118,000 to anti-hunger organizations statewide, while new food lockers arrived in Rock Springs. Property Taxes: Proposition 1 and proposed tax cuts drew debate, with fire chiefs warning of potential harm to their departments.

Wildfire Response: Evacuation levels were reduced as crews continued monitoring the PK Fire in Wyoming. Gaming Rules: A Wyoming legislative committee unanimously advanced a bill that would make operating online sweepstakes games a felony, aiming to clarify rules around a fast-growing form of gambling. Food Access: Rock Springs will become Wyoming’s first community with emergency food lockers; the Food Bank of Sweetwater County plans to offer verified clients secure, around-the-clock access starting Oct. 19. Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime, snapping an eight-game road losing streak. Energy and Growth: Black Hills Energy plans to invest $1.8 billion in gas-fired power to serve Google’s planned Cheyenne data center.

Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime Friday, ending an eight-game road losing streak with Erik Sandvik’s winning field goal. Fuel Costs: Diesel remains a major burden for farmers at harvest: Wyoming’s average hit $6.20 a gallon, up from $3.53 a year ago. Gov. Mark Gordon is easing federal driving-hour rules for trucks delivering fuel. Property Taxes: Wyoming fire chiefs warn proposed property-tax cuts could squeeze fire districts, putting local emergency services in the spotlight ahead of November’s vote. Cheyenne Energy: Black Hills plans to invest $1.8 billion in gas-fired power to serve Google’s planned data center, a major addition to the state’s energy and technology buildout. Public Services: Federal funding cuts are expected to affect Cheyenne Housing Authority vouchers, while changes are coming to Wyoming’s SNAP program. Elections: Early voting in Laramie County is running ahead of 2022, as Wyoming voters face a heavy wave of political advertising and questions about who is paying for it.

Cowboys Rally: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime Friday, ending an eight-game road losing streak. Tyler Hughes tied the game with a fourth-quarter touchdown, and Erik Sandvik kicked the winner. Property Tax Fight: State fire chiefs warned that Proposition 1’s proposed 50% exemption for primary homes could further strain budgets and threaten emergency services. Voters decide in November. Fuel and Farm Relief: Gov. Mark Gordon temporarily eased trucking limits for agricultural products and adopted a federal waiver to help get gasoline and diesel delivered. Energy Development: Black Hills plans a $1.8 billion investment to power Google’s proposed Cheyenne data center, as the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes impose a three-year pause on data center construction. SNAP Changes: Expanded work requirements will affect more Wyoming residents, while a February pilot will bar SNAP purchases of sweetened carbonated drinks. Fatal Fire: A juvenile died and two adults were hospitalized after a pickup driven by a Thayne man caught fire on U.S. 20 in Idaho; the incident remains under investigation.

Power Costs: Torrington approved an application that could raise electricity rates by 2 cents per kilowatt-hour starting Nov. 1, but only if the state Public Service Commission approves it. Cheyenne Growth: Black Hills plans $1.8 billion in new gas generation and other power resources for Google’s planned data center, including 564 megawatts of new capacity. Election Watch: Laramie County recorded 1,212 early voters in the first three days, compared with 290 over the same period in 2022. In Ranchester, the fire chief warns November ballot measures could cut the volunteer department’s budget by as much as 40%. Public Safety: A Cheyenne man was arrested after an hours-long standoff following a report of shots fired; he faces aggravated assault and stalking charges. Wildlife: Game and Fish is seeking information after finding an illegally introduced northern pike in Lake DeSmet and asks anglers to report any catches.

Cheyenne Crime: A six-hour standoff ended with the arrest of a 42-year-old man on charges including aggravated assault, stalking and interfering with police. Separately, an investigation into a September dumpster fire on Dunn Avenue led to an arrest. Property Taxes: Wyoming voters will decide Nov. 3 on Proposition 1, which would halve property-tax assessments on primary homes. Natrona County officials warned the measure could squeeze local budgets; supporters say homeowners need relief. Industrial Growth: Laramie County is requiring large projects to arrange housing for construction workers outside the local market, aiming to ease pressure on scarce homes and rentals. Winter Costs: Nearly 60% of Wyoming households heat with natural gas. A national forecast projects gas-heating costs will rise 5.8% this winter, while electric-heating costs are expected to climb 9%. Rural Careers: The University of Wyoming’s WORTH Institute won a $2.5 million federal grant to build career pathways in tourism and outdoor recreation, with a goal of serving 2,000 people by 2030. Wildlife: Game and Fish is monitoring an EHD outbreak affecting deer around Casper and Glenrock; officials say the virus poses no risk to people.

Food Assistance: New SNAP rules will widen work requirements to adults ages 18–64 and some parents of teens, while Wyoming’s share of program administration costs rises. More than 25,000 Wyoming residents receive SNAP; a ban on using benefits for sweetened carbonated drinks begins in February. Health Costs: A state task force is weighing a utility-style model for essential hospital services, with elective procedures left to the market, as it searches for ways to lower insurance premiums. Juvenile Justice: A federal judge denied qualified immunity to Wyoming Boys’ School staff in a former-residents’ abuse lawsuit, allowing some claims to proceed to trial. Energy Bills: Wyoming households face higher heating costs this winter, with natural-gas bills forecast to rise 5.8%. Eligible residents can apply for LIEAP assistance through April 30. Kaycee Drilling: Uranium explorer Premier American Uranium says six of eight holes at its West Diane target found mineralization, including a 10-foot interval grading 0.064% uranium.

Mental Health Care: Natrona, Laramie and Sheridan counties can now seek state reimbursements for holding and treating people with mental illnesses in jail while they await competency evaluations. The program has $5 million through 2028. Property Taxes: Proposition 1, which would halve property-tax assessments on primary residences, faces opposition from educators, community colleges and the Wyoming Taxpayers Association, despite state Republican Party support. State estimates project revenue losses topping $92 million in fiscal 2028 and $95 million in 2029. Data Center Boom: Fremont County officials say the Lost Cabin project is part of a planned $66 billion investment, while the county has few zoning controls. In Cheyenne, Black Hills Energy plans to invest $1.8 billion in generation to serve Google’s proposed data center. Health Costs: Wyoming’s affordability task force is weighing a model that would treat essential hospital services as a utility while leaving nonessential care to the market; lawmakers would need to define which services qualify. Tribal Governance: A prolonged leadership dispute in the Northern Cheyenne Nation continues, with competing claims over the presidency and the authority of tribal council members.

Data Center Boom: A project near Lost Cabin is described as the first phase of a proposed $66 billion data center investment, raising questions about Fremont County’s limited zoning authority. Separately, Black Hills plans to invest $1.8 billion in power generation for Google’s planned Cheyenne data center. Health Care: Wyoming lawmakers are advancing a pathway for foreign-trained doctors to practice under supervision, while the state is set to lose 43% of its Medicare Advantage plans in 2027 and face the nation’s steepest premium increase. Election 2026: Wyoming’s general-election early and absentee voting period has begun. Fire Response: A BNSF train sparked multiple fires near the Montana-Wyoming border; crews contained them after several agencies and landowners responded. Preservation: This year’s Preserve Wyoming Awards honor three recipients for restoring and protecting historic buildings and cultural sites across the state.

Energy & Industry: Meta Critical Minerals says the BLM has approved a 10,500-foot drill program at the Dugout Creek deposit in Washakie County, with a $52,800 reclamation bond posted and plans for about 53 air-rotary and 19 diamond-core holes to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced annexation, zoning, and land-use steps for the Hitching Post District and the Orchard Hills data center, setting up major votes ahead of final consideration. Tech & Power: Black Hills Corp. signed power service agreements with Google for a Cheyenne data center, planning $1.8 billion in new natural gas generation (564 MW) to support Google’s load. Community & Health: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center will host its annual diabetes conference Nov. 7, and Meals on Wheels Cheyenne added four small community pantries with Fortis Construction. Wyoming Sports: UW men’s rodeo won the Antelope Stampede team title, while UW swimming and diving swept Mountain West weekly awards; in high school sports, Teton Valley’s Ellie Schumacher committed to Division I lacrosse at La Salle.

Skilled Trades Boost: Mitchell Technical College Foundation received a $945,000 grant from BlackRock Future Builders to expand rural energy and utility trades training for 240 participants across the region, including Wyoming. Cheyenne Air Service: Cheyenne Regional Airport announced additional United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027, adding one more daily flight on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Wildlife Accountability: A Uinta County judge sentenced three men in a moose abuse case, warning that Wyoming “values our wildlife” and jail time will follow cruelty. Drug-Price Lawsuit: Wyoming Attorney General Nick Brown joined a 43-state coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing conspiracies. Wyoming Education Leadership: Central Wyoming College will hold public sessions in Riverton, Lander and Jackson with presidential finalists as it searches for its next president. Local Community Health: Cheyenne-area recovery support continues through The Salvation Army Cheyenne Corps’ weekly recovery classes, aimed at building community during early sobriety. Sports & Community: Wyoming Cowgirls earned their first Mountain West volleyball win with a straight-set sweep of San Jose State. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports lowest midgrade gas at $4.55 in Sheridan County and lowest diesel at $6.19 in Teton County for the week ending Sept. 26.

Wyoming politics & policy: A Colorado federal judge granted Wyoming’s request to join an oil-and-gas leasing lawsuit as an intervenor, keeping the state’s challenge alive. Elections: Wyoming voters are weighing Proposition 1, the 50% homeowner property tax exemption, with a new poll showing more support than opposition so far. State government: Lawmakers discussed covering volunteer ski patrollers with workers’ comp benefits, including mental health care, as a draft bill heads toward a November vote. Energy & transportation: Cheyenne Regional Airport added more daily United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027, and Wyoming gas prices fell 10.1 cents to average $4.42. Public safety: Casper police warned residents about fake invoice scams that push wire transfers—city departments don’t accept wires. Wildlife & outdoors: Game and Fish approved a fencing project near Pinedale using wildlife conservation license plate funds to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions. Sports: Wyoming football is regrouping after an offense-heavy struggle vs. North Dakota State ahead of a Friday trip to San Jose State.