AGP Executive Report

Cowboys Football: Wyoming rolled past Northern Illinois 41-23, powered by quarterback Tyler Hughes’ four rushing touchdowns and 510 yards of offense. Fatal Crash Charges: An 88-year-old Cheyenne man was arrested in connection with a deadly August crash in Fort Collins, where his pickup struck pedestrians; he faces vehicular homicide and assault charges. UW Poisoning Case: A graduate student accused of poisoning a colleague with a neurotoxin was arrested last week while allegedly trying to flee to China, according to court records. Wildlife: Game and Fish crews found no black-footed ferrets during surveys near Meeteetse, raising fears that plague and drought have wiped out the reintroduced population. Property Tax Debate: Wyoming fire departments warn Proposition 1 could force budget cuts, while school officials have outlined potential losses if property taxes are sharply reduced.

Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat Northern Illinois 41-23 in Laramie as quarterback Tyler Hughes piled up 379 yards of offense and four rushing touchdowns, lifting the Cowboys to 4-3. UW Investigation: A graduate student was arrested after prosecutors alleged she poisoned a colleague with acrylamide. The student’s symptoms worsened over weeks; coworkers helped test a white powder found near his coffee maker and water bottle. Election Watch: Wyoming’s U.S. House debate and a rally at the Capitol drew attention as early voting continues. Voters are also weighing Proposition 1, with schools and fire departments warning that property-tax cuts could threaten funding. Federal Lands: A judge temporarily blocked the Forest Service’s sweeping reorganization, including plans affecting a proposed Wyoming state office, ruling that the changes require congressional approval. Yellowstone Water: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Gov. Mark Gordon have begun a process aimed at restoring Wyoming’s management of water from the Yellowstone River.

Meta Settlement: Wyoming plans to send its share of Meta’s child-safety settlement to the general fund, with no specific requirement that the money support youth mental health or safety. Emergency Services: Questions remain over Fremont County’s ambulance contract. The county signed a two-year, $5.3 million deal after a short extension, though the previous contract included an automatic renewal clause. Election 2026: Republican U.S. House nominee Chuck Gray skipped a televised debate, while his opponents made their case. A Cheyenne rally also urged residents to vote early. Property Taxes: Wyoming voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to exempt half the assessed value of a primary home from property taxes; officials have warned the measure could affect schools and local services. Cowboys Football: Tyler Hughes ran for four touchdowns and threw for 196 yards as Wyoming beat Northern Illinois 41-23, improving to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in Mountain West play.

Property Tax Vote: Wyoming voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to exempt half the assessed value of a primary home from property taxes. Supporters cite rising bills; critics warn the measure could leave schools and local services without replacement funding. UW Poisoning Case: A graduate student accused of poisoning a colleague with a neurotoxin was arrested last week while allegedly trying to flee to China, court records say. Schools: Wyoming students’ standardized-test results have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while Sweetwater County School District 1 reports gains in math and improved ratings at four elementary schools. Water Management: Gov. Mark Gordon and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have begun a process aimed at restoring Wyoming’s management of its Yellowstone River water. Election Watch: Laramie County says early-voting numbers are already outpacing 2022, as a Wyoming legislative committee advances election-related bills.

Water and Public Lands: Wyoming and the federal government have started the process of transferring environmental authority over the state’s portion of Yellowstone National Park to Wyoming. Election Watch: Laramie County early voting is surging: 3,168 people had voted in person by Oct. 15, up 194% from the same point in 2022. State lawmakers also advanced election-related bills on ballot drop boxes, ballot collection and paper ballots. Taxes and Household Costs: Gov. Mark Gordon warns a proposed property-tax cut could strain local services, including fire departments. A Cheyenne economist said energy growth is boosting state revenue even as fuel, housing and borrowing costs squeeze families. Schools: Wyoming test scores rose in English, math and science, reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels statewide, though some middle-grade results fell. Sports: Cheyenne Central’s Adalyn Racines and Laramie’s girls won 4A East cross-country titles. Wyoming hosts Northern Illinois in football Saturday.

Election 2026: Wyoming’s governor’s race took center stage in a PBS debate featuring Republican Eric Barlow, Democrat Kenneth Casner and Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel, as voters prepare for November’s races. Taxes and Local Services: Fire departments warn Proposition 1’s property-tax cuts could squeeze budgets, while voters are also weighing tax relief. Energy and Jobs: Utah, Idaho and Wyoming’s governors toured TerraPower’s Natrium plant site near Kemmerer as construction advances; Black Hills Energy also signed a power deal with Google for its Cheyenne data-center campus. Schools: New state results show student proficiency rose in English, math and science, while half of traditional schools met overall performance standards. State Government: Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell resigned amid agency reform efforts, with the board declining to discuss the reason. Wildlife: Game and Fish welcomed Cheyanne Colton as West Rawlins’ new senior game warden. National data also point to fewer wildlife-vehicle collisions near Colorado’s I-25 overpass, a promising model for the region.

University Investigation: A University of Wyoming graduate student accused of poisoning a colleague was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport while allegedly trying to leave the country. She faces a felony aggravated-assault charge. State Leadership: Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell resigned after six years; the board plans to appoint an interim leader while it searches for a replacement. Election 2026: Laramie County voters will decide whether to renew a 2% lodging tax that Visit Cheyenne says helps fund visitor marketing and community events. Fire officials, meanwhile, warn a proposed property-tax cut could reduce fire department budgets. Cheyenne Development: The City Council approved plans for a new Hitching Post District, paving the way for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association headquarters and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame to move from Colorado Springs. Energy: Gov. Mark Gordon and regional officials toured the Natrium nuclear plant site under construction in Kemmerer, a project supporters say could bring jobs and reliable power.

Capitol Investigation: Cheyenne police and fire crews responded to a report of white powder at the Wyoming State Capitol loading dock Thursday. The area remains secured, and officials have released no further details. Property Tax Fight: Wyoming voters will decide in November whether to cut residential property taxes by half. Fire officials warn the measure could sharply reduce budgets for districts that rely solely on property-tax revenue. Election 2026: Gubernatorial candidates Eric Barlow and Rebecca Bextel debated, while candidates for secretary of state discussed taxes and elections. Cowboys Football: Wyoming hosts winless Northern Illinois on Saturday after snapping its road losing streak with an overtime victory over San José State. Winter Preparations: Applications are open for the state’s 2026-27 low-income heating assistance program. Drivers south of Kemmerer are also urged to watch for wildlife while a crossings project remains unfinished until spring. Sheridan Roads: Work to replace the Works Street bridge begins the week of Oct. 19, closing the street and detouring traffic until the project is scheduled to finish in July 2027.

Election 2026: Wyoming’s governor and secretary of state candidates debated taxes, elections and data centers in Riverton. Gov. Mark Gordon is retiring; the governor’s race features Republican Eric Barlow, Democrat Kenneth Casner and Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel. UW Investigation: A University of Wyoming graduate student accused of poisoning a colleague’s tea was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport while allegedly trying to flee to China. The allegations have not been proven in court. Cheyenne Development: City Council approved the Orchard Hills data center despite continued opposition from nearby residents concerned about industrial impacts. State Economy: Wyoming oil prices and September sales-tax collections rose year over year, with collections up 11.5% to $98.8 million. Business Leadership: Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell is stepping down; the board will begin searching for an interim leader. Wildlife Safety: WYDOT warns drivers to watch for animals south of Kemmerer while a wildlife-crossing project remains unfinished until spring. Yellowstone: Luna, a Jack Russell terrier missing for more than a month, was found in a trap and reunited with her family.

UW Investigation: A University of Wyoming graduate student accused of poisoning a colleague’s tea was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport while allegedly trying to leave the country. She remains accused; the case involves research with pending patents. Election Watch: The Justice Department says it plans to have a presence in Wyoming for the Nov. 3 election, following complaints about federal monitors at Cheyenne polling places during the primary. Wyoming PBS is airing debates for governor, secretary of state, U.S. House and schools superintendent candidates this week. State Government: Wyoming’s Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday at UW’s College of Law, with the public invited. Gov. Mark Gordon also extended emergency permits for oversized livestock-feed and livestock loads, citing drought and wildfire damage to forage. Land and Wildlife: A 233-acre working ranch near Boulder is now protected by a permanent conservation easement, safeguarding pronghorn migration habitat and a stretch of the New Fork River. Community: Volunteer fire departments joined forces to contain a haystack fire in Carpenter, protecting nearby properties from heat and embers.**

Wyoming Politics: Mental Health PAC endorsed gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow, citing his support for rural health care and suicide-prevention education. Wyoming PBS is hosting general-election debates tonight and Thursday in Riverton, including the governor’s race. UW Investigation: A University of Wyoming graduate student arrested at Los Angeles International Airport faces an aggravated-assault charge over allegations she poisoned a colleague in a campus lab. The allegations have not been proven. Wildlife Alert: Game and Fish is tracking an outbreak of EHD and bluetongue among wildlife near Casper and Glenrock, especially white-tailed deer; neither virus affects people or pets. Parks and Energy: Wyoming State Parks is seeking public input on a 10-to-15-year plan for Curt Gowdy State Park, with open houses later this month. Developers have also withdrawn county applications for the Laramie Range Wind Project while addressing a condition on its state permit.

Public Safety: A fugitive convicted of sexually assaulting a child was arrested in Baggs after more than two years on Colorado’s most-wanted list. Election Watch: Wyoming PBS will air debates for governor, secretary of state, U.S. House and state superintendent Oct. 14–15 in Riverton. The Justice Department also plans a presence in Wyoming during November’s election, following complaints about federal monitors at the primary. Energy and Politics: Wyoming leaders are divided over President Trump’s proposed Russian oil deal, though they agree fuel costs need to come down. Casper and an environmental group are seeking more water studies before federal regulators rule on the Seminoe pumped-storage project. Cowboys: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16–13 in overtime, with kicker Erik Sandvik’s field goal sealing the win.

Wildfire Update: The PK Fire in Sheridan County is 85% contained after burning 1,645 acres; recent moisture allowed officials to lift evacuation notices. Election Watch: Gov. Mark Gordon says Proposition 1’s proposed 50% property-tax cut could undermine funding for schools, roads and emergency services. Early voting in Laramie County is running ahead of 2022, while Republican U.S. House candidate Chuck Gray will not join a Wyoming PBS debate. Public Safety: A Jackson man remains in critical condition after his motorcycle struck a bear on Pine Creek Pass. In Yellowstone, a horse is missing near the remote Bechler area; its owner is offering a $1,000 reward. Education and Jobs: Central Wyoming College will celebrate its first permanent Jackson campus on Nov. 5. UW also received a $2.5 million grant to help rural students pursue outdoor-industry careers. Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime, snapping an eight-game road losing streak. Coach Jay Sawvel says the team must improve turnovers, offense and penalties in its final six games.

Education: Wyoming is taking applications from nonprofits seeking approval to distribute scholarships under a new federal K-12 tax-credit program. Starting in 2027, taxpayers can receive a credit of up to $1,700 for donations to approved organizations. Election 2026: Laramie County recorded 1,212 early voters in the first three days, compared with 290 over the same period in 2022, though the early-voting period is shorter this year. Energy: Carbon County commissioners are set to discuss potential local impacts of a proposed 2,000-megawatt natural-gas plant near Sinclair, intended to complement the nearby wind farm and meet rising power demand. Cheyenne: Roofing work at The Wrangler and The Albany will close parts of 15th Street and Lincolnway through Nov. 16; detours are planned and businesses will remain open. Outdoors: Wyoming State Parks is seeking public feedback on proposed trail, facility and day-use upgrades at Curt Gowdy State Park. Cowboys: Kicker Erik Sandvik earned Mountain West special-teams honors after making all three field goals, including the overtime winner against San Jose State.

Wyoming Politics: Sen. John Barrasso called reports about U.S. ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle “troubling” and said he expects an investigation. In Rock Springs, officials debating Proposition 1 noted it has no plan to replace local funding lost to property tax cuts. Gaming Rules: Wyoming lawmakers are moving to tighten online gambling restrictions, while a state panel backed felony penalties for online sweepstakes. Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime, snapping an eight-game road skid with its first road win since 1996. Community: The Shawn Dubie Memorial Rodeo brought college teams from seven Wyoming schools to Cheyenne, raising support for an LCCC rodeo scholarship. The Wyoming Hunger Initiative also awarded nearly $118,000 to statewide anti-hunger groups.

Education Funding: Wyoming’s Supreme Court says the state has failed to adequately fund K-12 teacher salaries and account for inflation, requiring lawmakers to provide more support. Online Gambling: A legislative committee unanimously backed a draft bill that would make operating online sweepstakes games a felony; the proposal is not yet law. Cowboys Football: Wyoming beat San Jose State 16-13 in overtime, snapping an eight-game road losing streak and earning its first win at San Jose State since 1996. Community Support: The Wyoming Hunger Initiative awarded nearly $118,000 to anti-hunger organizations statewide, while emergency food lockers have arrived in Rock Springs. Parole Dispute: Jacob Anglesey, sentenced for the 2009 death of 2-year-old Konner Allen, was granted parole after completing a community corrections program, drawing strong objections from the child’s mother and supporters.