AGP Executive Report

Local Education & Community: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 trustees will consider Head Start leadership hires and will congratulate Rock Springs Junior High U.S. history teacher Caroline Smalstig as Teacher of the Year. Community Support: The Food Bank of Sweetwater County received a $50,000 award from United Way of Southwest Wyoming to expand emergency food help across Sweetwater County. Arts & Heritage: Green River’s Sweetwater County Historical Museum hosts a free Hispanic Heritage Month festival Sept. 19, featuring Latino art, folklórico dance, and a gallery opening for local artist Angie Quintana Bennett. Local Culture & History: Nicholson Bridge Day returns as a Nicholson Women’s Club-led tradition celebrating the town’s 111-year-old bridge and the coal-and-railroad era it helped shape. Museum Spotlight: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West authenticated rare Western-era medals, including exceptionally rare Indian peace medals, now on view at Rendezvous Hall. Civic Life: Western Wyoming College’s board approved a resolution warning how a proposed 50% property tax cut (Initiative 1) could reduce funding for programs and staffing.

Community Giving: United Way of Southwest Wyoming honored local volunteers and partners at its Sept. 9 event, spotlighting Jim Bridger Power Plant and Utility Workers Union of America Local 127 for excellence and Karli Kiddy for years of service supporting families in Bridger Valley. Hispanic Heritage Month: Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River hosts a free Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 19, featuring Latino art, folklórico dance, and a reception for local artist Angie Quintana Bennett’s “Visual History of Home & Heritage.” Wyoming History & Culture: Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody says it has authenticated rare Indian peace medals tied to major West-era moments, including treaty-era pieces and a particularly rare medal linked to Lewis and Clark. Civic Life & Voting Rights: A national opinion piece warns that election officials fear new federal pressure around voter fraud narratives, while another argues voter ID should be standard—fueling ongoing debate over how elections are protected. Local Safety & Community Updates: WYDOT’s WY22 Safe Pass effort aims to add training and certification for RVs, trailers, and heavy vehicles after Teton Pass crashes, with one young victim reported improving. Sports & Community Pride: Cheyenne runners and teams posted strong results at the Thornton Invitational, with Cheyenne Central’s Adalyn Racines winning the girls race.

Wyoming Safety & Community: WYDOT is rolling out the WY22 Safe Pass program for Teton Pass, requiring training and certification for RVs, trailers, and heavy vehicles after a summer of deadly crashes; one injured victim, 11-year-old Neeka Korn, is now breathing on her own after a GoFundMe update. Education & Research: The University of Wyoming received a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain its new King Air Atmospheric Research Aircraft, supporting specialized staff and ongoing atmospheric science missions through 2031. Arts & Culture: A TIFF-bound documentary, “Cheyenne,” spotlights four women bucking bronc riders—nearly a century after women were excluded from the rodeo circuit—aiming for the Cheyenne Frontier Days showdown. Local Events: Cheyenne’s historic World War I airport terminal monument is set for rededication Sept. 20, honoring more than 1,000 Albany County and UW service members. Sports (Wyoming ties): Cheyenne Central’s Adalyn Racines won the Thornton Invitational, while Central sophomore Cal Bibbey took the boys race.

Teton Pass Safety Update: A GoFundMe update says 11-year-old crash victim Neeka Korn has had her ventilator removed and is now breathing on her own, as WYDOT pushes forward with the WY22 Safe Pass certification plan for RVs, trailers, and heavy vehicles. Local Governance & Heritage: Cheyenne’s historic airport terminal preservation effort has stalled, with the National Register nomination effectively shelved while the board weighs rehabilitation costs. STEM & Research: UW received a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain its new King Air Atmospheric Research Aircraft through 2031. Community & Culture: Cheyenne Frontier Days documentary “Cheyenne” spotlights women bronc riders finally competing after decades of exclusion, TIFF-bound and TIFF-bound. Public Service & Community Life: Dennison Depot is recruiting volunteers for Polar Express Train Rides, with training set for Oct. 7. Sports & Community Pride: LCCC women’s soccer rolls to an 11-0 win over Lamar College, while Wyoming at Central Michigan is on the college football slate. Education & Inclusion: Wyoming Blockchain Stampede returns Sept. 30 at UW, with Gov. Mark Gordon and Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long among speakers.

Cheyenne Historic Preservation: Cheyenne’s 1960s-era airport terminal push to get listed on the National Register has been shelved, with the airport board saying the grant-funded nomination process won’t move forward—an arts-and-aviation vision now in limbo. Rural Health & Families: A new analysis warns Medicaid changes could force pregnant rural residents to drive much farther for care, with Wyoming already lacking hospitals in multiple counties. Community & Culture: Sweetwater County’s Historical Museum is hosting a free Hispanic Heritage Month festival in Green River on Sept. 19, featuring local art, folklórico dance, and a museum gallery opening. Civic Life: More than 30 people became U.S. citizens at Yellowstone’s Roosevelt Arch ceremony, with candidates from 18 countries. Local Safety: WYDOT is rolling out WY22 Safe Pass this fall, requiring self-certification for certain heavy vehicles to use Teton Pass. Remembering 9/11: Casper students and JROTC cadets held a memorial stair climb honoring first responders 25 years later.

Education & Media Literacy: A new look at how “pictures don’t lie” and how charts, maps, and graphs can mislead students—because numbers and visuals can be engineered to tell a story. Community Support: The Food Bank of Sweetwater County received a $50,000 United Way award to expand emergency food help across Rock Springs and Green River. Aging & Housing: Respect has taken ownership of Wyoming’s Rumbalara House and Adelene retirement village, planning major expansion while keeping local history and relationships in mind. Arts & Civic Life: The Wyoming Arts Council is hosting three virtual public focus groups on artist support, arts education, and grants. Cheyenne Calendar: Cheyenne’s Sept. 13–19 lineup includes Shrek The Musical and a Cheyenne Botanic Gardens heirlooms-and-blooms market. Mental Health & Safety: A local push connects mental health support with firearm safety training to reduce suicide risk. Western Events: Goshen’s Wild West Equifest Horse Expo brings equine demos, trick riding, and a kids area, with proceeds supporting veteran and first responder equine therapy.

Patriot Day in Wyoming: Gov. Mark Gordon ordered flags lowered statewide to half-staff Friday, Sept. 11, from sunrise to sunset, with a moment of silence at 6:46 a.m. MDT to honor 9/11 victims and first responders. Native culture on the move: The Indian Relay Championship of Champions heads to Cheyenne Sept. 25-27, bringing multiple relay categories together for a milestone 10th championship year. Education and immigration stress: The ACLU of Wyoming urged school leaders to be ready for possible ICE interactions, saying fear on school grounds is raising stress and harming learning. School policy and access: A new literacy law is expanding K-12 reading assessments in Campbell County, aiming to catch students who are still reading below grade level. Local governance and housing: A Republican Teton County Commissioner candidate withdrew over a conflict of interest, leaving an unopposed race for the seat. Community and culture events: Cheyenne’s Indian Relay is one highlight, while Wyoming’s WY22 Safe Pass program is set to roll out this fall to improve mountain pass driving for RVs, trailers, and heavy vehicles. Wildfire future: A new study warns faster, more severe wildfires could push North American forests toward non-forest conditions.

ACLU & Schools: The ACLU of Wyoming is urging superintendents to keep schools safe and welcoming for all students, including those facing immigration enforcement, and to follow constitutional protections around searches and student privacy. Education Policy: A new Wyoming literacy law is rolling out with more ungraded tests across K-12, aiming to catch reading gaps earlier while adding pressure on teachers to build individualized plans. Student Life Rules: Wyoming’s new cellphone law doesn’t force blanket bans; it requires each district to publish clear device-use policies for the 2026-27 school year. Local Governance & Tech: Natrona County residents are split over a proposed $500 million, 940-acre AI data center, with commissioners weighing whether to bypass parts of the state industrial siting review. Community & Culture: Jackson Hole is gearing up for a packed mid-September weekend—Old Bill’s, LOTOJA, One Fly, and the Fall Arts Festival—bringing a late-season boost for local businesses. Wildlife & Outdoor Life: Wyoming Game and Fish funding proposals are advancing in the Legislature’s TRW committee as inflation strains license and grant revenue. Health & Safety: Wyoming’s Supreme Court will hear an appeal tied to a deadly crash involving a Memorial Hospital EMT, while suicide prevention updates highlight ongoing urgency for youth mental health. Sports & Youth: Cross-country and swim teams across the state are turning in strong early-season performances despite heat, injuries, and small rosters.

University & Education: Western Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming launched a new Express Transfer Agreement, letting eligible students map a degree plan from day one and connect with UW through coaches, events, and even a UW student ID. Arts & Culture: The Wyoming Arts Council is taking public input via three virtual focus groups on artist support, arts education, and grants as it updates its strategic plan. Community Health: Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health hosted a free Community Baby Shower with local partners, plus Cheyenne’s Lions Park is set for an Out of the Darkness Walk supporting suicide prevention. Public Lands & Stewardship: Wyoming State Parks is joining National Public Lands Day with volunteer projects statewide and free park entry on Sept. 26. Sports & Local Pride: The Rawlins Outlaws posted strong showings at the Wyoming Invitational, and UW is rolling out PRCA branding on Jonah Field end zones. Civic Life: Cheyenne’s BOPU received an award for its role in the “Value of Water” documentary. Policy & Rights: A lawsuit over a transgender woman’s admission to a UW sorority heads to the 10th Circuit for opening arguments.

Education & Access: Wyoming County Career and Technical Center will test learning styles and career interests for 10th graders with disabilities, including some 11th/12th grade resource students, to meet federal and state requirements and improve programming. Community Learning: Wyoming Department of Education invites the public to a Chapter 57 Language & Literacy Program rules hearing on Sept. 16 (4–5:30 p.m. MDT). Hunting & Safety: Sheridan’s hunter education class has only female in-person openings left, with Game and Fish urging people to watch for cancellations or split-course options. STEM & Local Culture: The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum and UW NASA STEM engagement team host a NASA STEM dinner Sept. 12 in Buffalo. College Pathways: Western Wyoming College and UW launch an Express Transfer Agreement to help students map a direct associate-to-bachelor path. Health & Service: A $10,000 donation supports Pathways Health Centre for Children, backing rehab and speech services for kids. Civic History: Wyoming Women’s History House marks Louisa Swain’s 1870 vote reenactment and celebrates the house’s milestones in Laramie.

Water Worries: A new look at Grand Valley reservoir levels paints a grim picture for next spring, with key storage numbers sitting dangerously low as demand stays high. Disaster Aid Uncertainty: Even as FEMA’s fate looks less dire, states still face confusion over when disaster declarations unlock recovery funds. Wyoming Politics & Governance: Cheyenne’s Rebecca Bextel lays out a “First 100 Days” plan while Wyoming’s election-season churn continues. Culture & Community: Linkville Players bring “The Diary of Anne Frank” to Linkville Playhouse (Sept. 11–26), and First Congregational Church of Rock Springs marks 145 years with a Sept. 13 celebration. Health Access: Planned Parenthood of Montana announces a Bozeman clinic opening in summer 2027 to expand abortion services. Education & Equity: Wyoming’s UW president is named in a federal lawsuit alleging suppression of climate-related classroom speech. Sports: University of Wyoming rodeo opens its season in Nebraska, and UW cross-country’s Habtamu Wetzel and Eowyn Dalbec earn Mountain West weekly honors.

Cheyenne Data Center Fight: A Cheyenne activist says data center growth is “steamrolling” residents and calls for major updates to local rules, arguing the risks aren’t being taken seriously. Public Safety & Immigration: Records show ICE detainers in Campbell County have sometimes stalled violent-crime investigations, with many transferred people not facing district court charges. Community Conflict on the Wind River: A pastor filed for an order of protection against protesters after a dispute tied to a July sermon escalated into ongoing demonstrations. Wyoming Outdoor Recreation: Six of Wyoming’s 12 Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives will hold public meetings in September and October to set local outdoor priorities. Culture & Heritage: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody authenticated rare early 1800s Indian peace medals, including one of only three tied to the Lewis & Clark expedition. Arts & Live Music: Rosanne Cash postponed three shows, including a Sheridan date, due to an unexpected medical emergency. Health & Giving: The Red Cross is urging fall blood and platelet donations as supplies remain vulnerable.

College Sports (Wyoming): Indian Hills women’s soccer stayed hot, beating No. 14 Laramie County CC 2-1 in Cheyenne to extend its unbeaten streak to six. Community & Health: A new report warns rural hospital closures would mean longer drives for pregnant Medicaid patients, with big gaps between rural and urban access. Outdoor Culture: Trailfest brought the Continental Divide Trail Coalition to Steamboat, pairing trail work and local business promotion around the 3,100-mile route. Public Events (Cheyenne): Botanic Gardens in Cheyenne is gearing up for fall with Heirlooms and Blooms, Storytime at the Children’s Village, and weekly classes for kids and adults. Arts & Music: Country singer Jessica Lynn talked Nepali music and how to build sustainable careers through workshops and collaboration during a U.S. Embassy arts visit. Safety Watch: Synthetic kratom 7-OH is linked to two Yampa Valley deaths, including a Steamboat case tied to drug toxicity. Local Spotlight (Laramie): LGBTQ activist Rihanna Kelver faces felony charges tied to a 2025 altercation, with the case drawing attention to how identity and self-defense are being argued.

Route 66 & road-trip culture: KJZZ’s “The Show” marks Route 66’s 100th anniversary with a look at the highway’s complicated history and why Southwest motels are booming again as boutique, community-focused stays. Cycling: The 44th LoToJa Classic kicks off Saturday from Logan, with about 1,500 riders heading toward Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on a 200+ mile course. Local sports: Star Valley and Rigby both turned in strong showings at the Cardinal Classic in Soda Springs, with Star Valley’s teams and Wyoming’s Star Valley runners among the standouts. Faith & community: A Montpelier Idaho Temple open house runs Sept. 10–26, inviting tours for people of all faiths before regular operations begin after a later dedication. Wyoming outdoors & wildlife: The Wyoming Wildlife Federation highlights growing pressures on habitat and wildlife in Jackson Hole, urging practical conservation work and stronger partnerships. Wyoming culture spotlight: A Laramie LGBTQ activist, Rihanna Kelver, faces felony charges tied to a 2025 bar-area incident that has drawn national attention and debate over identity and self-defense. UW athletics: The University of Wyoming women’s soccer team beat Eastern Washington 2-0, with Erin Dahl scoring her first career goal.

Indigenous Culture & Solidarity: An Indigenous delegation is set to visit Derry for a six-day Developing International Solidarity program, bringing together organizers, cultural leaders, and artists focused on sovereignty, land rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. Local Sports Spotlight: University of Wyoming women’s soccer opened with a 2-0 win over Eastern Washington, and Cheyenne Central inducted its second Athletics Hall of Fame class. Faith & Community Life: The Montpelier Idaho Temple opens for public tours starting Sept. 10, and Wyoming-area religious gathering schedules run Sept. 6–12. Wyoming Youth & Learning: A Wyoming-area education item looks at Hispanic enrollment shifts at Grandville Grand View Elementary, while another report tracks Hispanic bachelor’s completion rates at University of Wyoming. Food & Tech Culture: A growing backlash is hitting AI-generated food images on restaurant menus, with diners calling them misleading and unappetizing. Wyoming Sports Notes: Sheridan and Buffalo swimmers posted top finishes at the Natrona County Invitational.

Wyoming Community Safety: A Campbell County jury convicted Evan Haywood of stalking his ex and violating a protection order, with incidents spanning Gillette and Denver hotels and involving dozens of voicemails and contacts with friends and an ex-husband. Education & Outcomes: Albany County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic or Latino students (2018 cohort) at University of Wyoming was 57.1% by 2024, with many non-completers transferring elsewhere. Local Giving & Food Access: Powell Economic Partnership Grants and Giving AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Bridget Zuniga is running “Loose Change for Local Change,” collecting spare coins to fund community development tied to local foods access, agriculture education, and outdoor recreation. Culture & Community: Cheyenne Children’s Museum is taking chess set donations for a new club, adding to the city’s youth-focused cultural offerings. Tech & Everyday Life: A growing backlash is hitting restaurants using AI-generated food images for menus, with diners calling the results misleading and “unappetizing.” Sports & Pride: Cheyenne Central’s Adalyn Racines set a school-record time and placed fourth at the Liberty Bell Invitational, highlighting Wyoming’s cross-country momentum.