CASPER, Wyo. — Facing an anticipated $3 million drop in property tax revenue, the Natrona County Board of Commissioners reviewed its preliminary $64.88 million budget for fiscal year 2026, scrutinizing requests from various departments and entities for staffing, program funding and facility maintenance. The expected drop in revenue underscores the need for budgets to be […]
County Government
Posted inCounty Government
Natrona County commissioners address public records, road vacation, lease renewals
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners convened Tuesday to address a diverse agenda, including updates on ongoing legal matters and road projects, public hearings on land use and public records, and further discussion regarding state land leases on Casper Mountain. Deputy County Attorney Leda Pojman gave an update on Title 25 […]
Posted inSchools
As Wyoming gets rid of gun-free zones, schools wrestle with limited control
By Joseph Beaudet, Klark Byrd, Rachel Finch, Jasmine Hall, Hector Martinez, Braden Schiller and Ivy Secrest In Campbell County, a place where nearly 90% of voters are registered Republicans, public schools already allow workers to carry concealed guns on school property. Still, the district found itself busy this spring revising those rules ahead of a […]
Posted inLocal Schools
Public weighs in on proposed NCSD1 campus gun policy
CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County School District 1 hosted a public forum Thursday to gather community input on its proposed policy for complying with the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act, which permits authorized staff and volunteers to carry concealed firearms on school grounds following specific training and permitting requirements. The session saw mixed reactions […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 trustees hear pleas for skilled trades investment
CASPER, Wyo. — Amid rumors of program cuts, the Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees faced a wave of public support for its Career and Technical Education programs and the Pathways Innovation Center during Tuesday’s meeting, with community members emphasizing the critical role of skilled trades in the local economy. While district officials […]
Posted inCommunity
Pair of Casper gravel mine lawsuits have day in court
CASPER, Wyo. — The right of landowners to “use and enjoy” their properties, due process and the government’s role in a long-simmering fight over leasing state lands for gravel mining at the base of Casper Mountain all surfaced Monday during back-to-back court hearings for a pair of separate but related cases. “The ability to use […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 trustees have 1st reading for sex-based facility use policy
CASPER, Wyo. — A new policy mandating the use of designated facilities based on biological sex was introduced by the Natrona County School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday. Following the dictates of a new state statute, the proposed “Exclusive Use Designated Facilities” policy outlines specific rules for restroom, changing room and sleeping area access […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 board hears 1st reading of updated in-school cellphone use policy
CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County School District 1 trustees introduced an updated policy concerning the use of personal cellphones and other technology by students and staff Tuesday. This policy, identified as Board Policy 5376 and titled “Student and Staff Use of Personal Cell Phones and Other Technology,” was presented for its first reading. The policy […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 trustees approve $476K in projects, contracts, $1.27M maintenance plan
CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday, the Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees approved several contracts for facility projects, a resource contract and a list of major maintenance recommendations for the 2024–25 fiscal year. The board unanimously approved its consent agenda, which included recommendations for various bids and contracts. Among the items were contracts […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 committee drafts concealed carry, campus firearm rules
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County School District 1 Board Policy Committee finalized plans on Monday for training and qualifications related to firearms for employees and volunteers, moving forward with a new policy that aligns with a state law allowing concealed carry on school grounds. The proposed rule is a response to the Wyoming Repeal Gun […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 committees, trustees to consider firearms, restroom use, cellphone use policies
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees will meet today at the Central Services Facility to discuss various topics, including board policies on cellphone and restroom use. Before the trustees’ regular 6 p.m. session, the district’s Board Policy Committee will meet to discuss Board Policy 4020, “Firearms Policy (Concealed Carry): […]
Posted inGovernment
Natrona County residents bring property tax worries to commissioners
CASPER, Wyo. — Residents of Natrona County expressed worries about increasing property taxes and how development might affect their finances in the long run during the county commissioners’ meeting Tuesday. They discussed rising assessments, the upcoming end of tax exemptions and the possible impact of bringing in wealthy residents. Susan Martin, a resident on Bates […]
Posted inCounty Government
Natrona County commissioners opt against action on Coates Road weight limits, cite need for process and evidence
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County Board of Commissioners discussed but did not pass a resolution Tuesday to temporarily limit vehicle weight on County Road 503, known as Coates Road. The emergency measure aimed to reduce truck traffic due to a possible gravel mining operation nearby. The lack of support for the resolution drew criticism […]
Posted inCounty Government
Natrona County commissioners support Radiant’s potential nuclear project, defer infrastructure funding decision
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners heard a proposal Tuesday regarding funding for infrastructure to support a potential advanced energy project near Bar Nunn, ultimately deciding to issue a letter of support but deferring any financial commitment at this time. Justin Farley, with Advance Casper, presented a request for the county […]
Posted inCounty Government
Natrona County sheriff seeks in-house attorney as County Attorney’s Office staff dwindles
CASPER, Wyo. — With only one attorney left in a legal department that once had five, the Natrona County Commissioners discussed the impact of the staffing shortage Tuesday. The county sheriff emphasized the need for legal support by suggesting they hire an attorney for his office, while the commissioners agreed to hire a contracted attorney […]
Posted inCounty Government
Natrona County OK’s $3M in bills, $82K for new tractor
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners approved several items on its consent agenda during its Tuesday meeting. The consent agenda allows for the approval of routine business items with a single vote, though items can be removed for separate discussion and action. Commissioners removed three items from the consent agenda before […]
Posted inCounty Government
Natrona County commissioners to discuss legal staffing, approve energy project moratorium
CASPER, Wyo. — The recent resignations of Natrona County’s top legal officials will be a focus of Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, where the board is set to discuss the county’s legal department with Jill Kiester and John Harlin. The commissioners will meet at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Natrona County Courthouse, 200 N. Center […]
Posted inLatest News
Natrona County commissioners confirm resignation of county, deputy attorneys
CASPER, Wyo. — The County Attorney’s Office is about to look a lot different. That’s according to three Natrona County commissioners, who confirmed that County Attorney Heather Duncan-Malone and Deputy County Attorney Jared Holbrook are resigning from their positions effective May 2 and April 30, respectively. The news was confirmed Monday by County Chairman Dave […]
Posted inCounty
Natrona County seeks volunteers for citizen boards
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents to volunteer their time and expertise by serving on various citizen boards. These boards play an important role in advising the county commissioners on a range of issues affecting the community. According to information released by the Commissioners’ Office, the county is currently […]
Posted inCounty Government
NCSD1 trustees questioned on transparency after board chair’s March remarks
CASPER, Wyo. — Transparency and school safety were topics of discussion at the Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees meeting Monday, as members of the public voiced concerns over the board chair’s recent remarks regarding the nature of public meetings and the implications of the impending repeal of the Wyoming Gun-Free Zones Act. […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 board accepts grant, recognizes donations
CASPER, Wyo. — At its meeting Monday evening, the Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees accepted a grant for CY Middle School’s STEM club and recognized several donations benefiting various district programs. Trustees accepted a $2,000 grant from the HR Sinclair Community Giving Grant. The funds will be used by the CY Middle […]
Posted inSchools
NCSD1 trustees approve district roof, heater bids, special education contracts
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees approved a slate of items under its consent agenda during its regular meeting Monday evening. The consent agenda, typically containing routine items, was approved in a single vote. The consent agenda encompassed several bids, including: The approvals were based on recommendations from Superintendent […]
Posted inLocal Schools
NCSD1 trustees to consider contracts, grants at Monday meeting
CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees will consider an agenda that includes several contracts and bids, as well as donations and grants. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. today at the Central Services Facility, 970 N. Glenn Road in Casper. The meeting will be livestreamed on the district’s […]
