AGP Executive Report

Campus & Community: Wyoming’s Cowboys and Cowgirls swept Air Force at the new aquatic center, setting 18 pool records. A new Wyoming facility, The UnderGRound, is bringing soccer, arts and community together. Western Heritage: The Old West Museum will present its first Raymond C. Kintner Western Heritage Award to the Lummis family, while the Brinton Museum is spotlighting Indigenous people this month. Fall in Wyoming: Cheyenne’s Hauntings and History Tours are bringing the city’s spooky stories to life, and emergency food lockers have arrived in Rock Springs.

Community Support: Rock Springs’ Food Bank of Sweetwater County has installed Wyoming’s first emergency food lockers, allowing eligible families to pick up food outside regular pantry hours. Families & Justice: A parole decision in the 2009 death of two-year-old Konner Allen has left his mother, Phylicia Rasdall, angry and feeling victims’ voices were ignored; she had gathered nearly 4,700 signatures opposing the release. Education: The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled the state must better fund K-12 teacher salaries and account for inflation. Arts & Heritage: Cheyenne’s Hauntings and History Tours bring the city’s spooky past to life, while the Brinton Museum is marking Indigenous Peoples’ history with October programming. UW Homecoming’s parade awards also recognized the university’s Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center.

Food Access: Rock Springs’ Food Bank of Sweetwater County has installed Wyoming’s first emergency food lockers, allowing eligible clients to pick up food around the clock starting Oct. 19. Halloween Plans: Green River’s Parks & Recreation Department is offering October events, including supervised kids’ and adults’ ghost hunts at the recreation center. Indigenous Culture: Oo Vee Das Racing’s women’s team, based in Ethete, celebrated its 2026 Women’s Indian Relay World Championship with family and community supporters. UW Homecoming: The University of Wyoming’s alumni association named the Visual Arts Department the parade’s overall winner; UW’s Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center earned the most-spirited award. Soccer Legacy: Kosta Tsandes, who helped establish high school soccer in Wyoming and led Cheyenne East to eight state titles, has died at 82.

UW & Innovation: University President Shane Reeves will host BoodleBox founder and CEO France Hoang for a campus luncheon and conversation on Oct. 16 about how AI can support learning. Homecoming: UW’s Alumni Association named the Department of Visual Arts the top entry in this year’s parade; UW Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center won most spirited. Western Heritage: Cheyenne’s Old West Museum named the Lummis Family the first recipient of its Raymond C. Kinter Western Heritage Award, recognizing the family’s lasting support for local history and culture. Wyoming Soccer: Kosta Tsandes, who helped bring high school soccer to Wyoming, died at 82. He coached Cheyenne East to eight state titles and a 195-36-25 record. Indigenous Sport: Ethete’s Oo Vee Das Racing team celebrated its 2026 Women’s Indian Relay World Championship, earned in Cheyenne in September.

Western Heritage: The Lummis family will receive the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum’s first Raymond C. Kintner Western Heritage Award, recognizing generations of support for local history, agriculture and Cheyenne Frontier Days. Food Access: Wyoming’s SNAP rules are changing: work requirements now cover more adults and some parents, while a two-year pilot will bar benefits from buying sweetened carbonated drinks starting in February. More than 25,000 Wyomingites rely on the program. Indigenous Culture: Indigenous Peoples’ Day brings a curator-led tour and free admission at the History Museum, while the Brinton Museum is also honoring Indigenous people this month. Community Life: Wyoming coffee shops are putting missing persons’ stories on their sleeves to raise awareness.

Community Well-Being: Buffalo High School FFA students organized “The Long Haul,” inviting neighbors to talk openly about rural life and mental health and reminding people they don’t have to face hard times alone. Jackson Community: Teton County commissioners affirmed immigrants’ dignity and contributions, regardless of status, and pledged clear rules for county cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Laramie Neighborhood: Residents say stacks of creosote-treated railroad ties beside the Greenbelt trail are bringing a strong, worrying odor to the West Side. Wyoming Heritage: A look back at skier and rancher Betty Woolsey highlights how her 270-acre Trail Creek Ranch near Wilson was protected from development. Weekend Plans: Cheyenne’s lineup includes Little America’s fall festival, a family-friendly horror-themed roller derby fundraiser and glow disc golf. Indigenous Culture: A curator’s tour and free History Museum admission are planned for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Youth & Wellbeing: Cheyenne mother Charity Campfield has launched a youth sports league honoring her 14-year-old daughter, who died by suicide. The league aims to make youth sports fairer and more transparent. Community Care: Nuvision Credit Union is matching donations up to $5,000 for a Laramie County food drive supporting children in need through Oct. 16. Wyoming Stories: At 93, Sam Mihara is sharing memories of being imprisoned as a child in a wartime camp in Wyoming, warning that such injustice could happen again. Local Culture: Cheyenne’s Hauntings and History Tours bring the city’s spooky tales to life, building on research and community stories gathered since 1994. Laramie’s Snow Train Music Festival also brings Wyoming-connected performers to local venues through Saturday. Education: Retired teacher Diana Espy is bringing hands-on lessons about organ and tissue donation to Wyoming classrooms. Missing Persons: Coffee shops in Greybull are raising awareness by serving drinks with sleeves featuring photos of people still missing.

Cheyenne History: The city’s ghost tours turn local lore into a lively history lesson. Val Martin and her father began researching the stories in the 1990s, drawing on archives and residents’ memories. Youth & Agriculture: Wyoming students are among the young ranchers showing livestock at the 89th Western Junior Livestock Show in Rapid City. In Cheyenne, high school welders from three states will compete Oct. 22–23 for $45,000 in scholarships at SteelDays. Indigenous Arts: The Brinton Museum welcomes Oglala Lakota artist Dwayne “Chuck” Wilcox for a talk and demonstration Oct. 10, followed by a lecture on Plains Indian art Oct. 15. Jackson’s history museum marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day Oct. 12 with free admission, a ledger-art exhibition and a curator-led tour. Family Support: Wyoming received $2.4 million in federal funding to continue home visits for families with young children; the program made about 4,500 visits to nearly 290 households last year.

Halloween Around Cheyenne: Trunk-or-treat events are returning, with the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum drawing about 3,000 children last year. Police say the gatherings offer a controlled setting, not a replacement for traditional trick-or-treating. Western Art: Wyoming State Archives hosts historian Colton Bowden’s free talk on commercial artist Edgar Church, whose work shaped Mountain West telephone directories for decades. Women Shaping the West: Author and photographer Lindsay Linton Buk brings portraits and stories of Wyoming women to Rock Springs’ White Mountain Library on Oct. 21. Preserving Wyoming: The 2026 Preserve Wyoming Awards recognize historic preservation efforts across the state. Ranching Heritage: Doug Wallingford, a lifelong Hot Springs County rancher and horseman, has been inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Outdoor Safety: Wyoming officials are investigating turquoise-colored water in the Wind River near Dubois, possibly linked to a harmful algae bloom at Brooks Lake. Avoid discolored or scummy water, and keep children and pets away. Education & Agriculture: Central Wyoming College student Giana Biagioni has received a $10,000 equestrian scholarship recognizing her work in agriculture, horses and leadership. Historic Preservation: Three Preserve Wyoming Awards honor Thomas Tisthammer, Mary Kelley and GROWYo for preserving historic buildings and cultural landscapes, including Green River’s Tomahawk Hotel. Community Resources: New emergency food lockers are planned for Rock Springs and Green River, with access beginning Oct. 19. Arts & History: Wyoming’s State Archives will host historian Colton Bowden for a talk on commercial artist Edgar Church, while the Wyoming Arts Council plans a community coffee in Pinedale.

Indigenous Education: Glendive students held an Indigenous Peoples Day assembly Oct. 1, with tribal representatives, music, and lessons that Native history is “Montana history” and living today. Local Politics & Voting: Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterms is underway in places including Wyoming, as campaigns push for control of the House and Senate. Health & Community: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center announced its Nov. 7 diabetes conference, and the state also opened the 2027-28 FAFSA for federal student aid. Cyber & Tech Skills: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 returns Oct. 16 at LCCC, focusing on practical cybersecurity habits and workforce development. Arts & Culture: The Wyoming Arts Council board meets Oct. 19-20 in Pinedale, with public comment and updates on arts programs. Sports & Pride: UW men’s rodeo won at Lamar, and UW swimmers earned Mountain West weekly awards as the season kicks off. Women’s Leadership: Wyoming Women of Influence honored 20 leaders across categories at Little America.

Domestic Violence Awareness: North East Wyoming Advocacy Resource Center (FOCUS) is asking Wyoming businesses to “Shine a light” with purple candles in windows through October, spotlighting support and remembrance during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Election Access & Intimidation: Voting rights groups are organizing volunteers to monitor potential intimidation at polling places as the Trump DOJ plans to deploy large numbers of federal monitors, drawing lawsuits and criticism from civil rights leaders. Wyoming Politics on Air: Wyoming Public Radio and KHOL Jackson continued candidate interviews for competitive statewide and federal races, including U.S. Senate nominee James Byrd and U.S. House candidates Shawn Johnson, Jeffrey Haggit, and Lisa Kinney. Energy & Tech in Cheyenne: Black Hills says it will spend $1.8 billion to add power capacity for a proposed Google data center in Cheyenne, with agreements requiring Google to cover electricity supply costs. Community Health: A community baby shower in Scranton highlights maternal health resources and early prenatal education. Local Justice: A Rawlins man and co-defendants were sentenced in federal court for a statewide meth trafficking ring, with prosecutors saying the operation flooded multiple Wyoming counties. Arts & Culture: Arcadia Chorale opens its season Oct. 11 with a concert celebrating America’s diversity. Sports & Schools: New PIAA playoff formats for football and girls volleyball are set for the 2026-27 school year.

Wyoming Arts & Culture: The Wyoming State Archives is hosting a free Speaker Series talk Oct. 8 in Cheyenne on the life and legacy of commercial artist Edgar Church, with a live-stream watch party and Q&A. Community & Service: The Zonta Club of Cheyenne marked 70 years of advocacy and service, focused on ending human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Local Travel & Lifestyle: Cheyenne Regional Airport announced added United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027, with more daily options on select days. Outdoors & Family Fun: Wyoming Game and Fish is running a free workshop Oct. 6 on handling black bear and mountain lion encounters, plus tips for securing attractants. Education & Tech: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 is set for Oct. 16 in Cheyenne, bringing together regional experts to discuss AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Sports & Community Pride: Union Pacific’s steam locomotive No. 844 will reunite with Big Boy No. 4014 for a holiday tour that includes a Cheyenne-to-Denver fundraising run and a public display at Union Station. Health & Safety: The American Red Cross of Mile High Area is sharing Fire Prevention Week tips (Oct. 4–10) to reduce home fire risk.

Wyoming Arts & Culture: The Wyoming Arts Council Board will meet Oct. 19–20 at the Sublette County Library in Pinedale, with public observation and a public comment window on Tuesday. Local History & Art: The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series brings commercial art historian Colton Bowden to Cheyenne Oct. 8 for a talk on Edgar Church, the longtime advertising artist whose work shaped Mountain West telephone directory culture. Community & Outdoors: More than 100 runners and walkers took part in the SRMC Oktoberfest 5K/10K in Cheyenne County, with proceeds aimed at buying a ZipThaw system for the lab. Education & Agriculture on Screen: Sheridan College’s student documentary “Grit & Grace” premieres Oct. 9, spotlighting Wyoming women in agriculture, rangelands, and conservation. Public Safety & Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish hosts a “Living in Large Carnivore Country” workshop Oct. 6 in Rawlins, focused on how to avoid and respond to encounters. Health & Food Safety: EAK Distribution of Casper recalled sprouting Calabrese broccoli seeds sold via Amazon due to possible Salmonella contamination. Digital Security: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 is set for Oct. 16 in Cheyenne, focusing on AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Civic Life: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands.

Mental Health & Movement: A new take on campus life argues students should “worry less, walk more,” saying indoor, closed-off study spaces can worsen mental health even when free time exists. Reproductive Health Equity: A major Canadian study finds Black Canadians face higher rates of serious maternal complications, renewing calls for better data and anti-Black racism protections in care. Wyoming Education & Workforce: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 won a $15,000 CTE Cutting Edge Grant to build a hands-on drone/UAS engineering pathway. Indigenous Culture: Northern Cheyenne members led the 10th annual Portage Path Walk in Akron, with drumming, regalia, and traditional dances along a historic trail. Wyoming Politics & Homeowners: Wyoming Realtors and the Wyoming Taxpayers Association oppose Proposition 1, warning property-tax relief could strain local services without replacement funding. Community & Learning: Daniels Scholarship applications are open through Oct. 15, with details on who qualifies and how support works for students in Wyoming and nearby states. Public Health: An alfalfa sprout outbreak has expanded to 76 illnesses across 16 states, prompting wider kitchen recalls. Sports (Wyoming spotlight): Wyoming’s Cowgirls and Spartans matchups keep rolling, while local high school football and volleyball results highlight another busy weekend.

Education & Workforce: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 won a $15,000 Wyoming Department of Education CTE “Cutting Edge” grant to launch “Engineer Your Own Drone,” teaching students how to assemble, configure, test, troubleshoot, document, and improve unmanned aircraft systems. Cultural History: UW-Eau Claire opened “The Small and the Mighty: Chippewa Valley,” an exhibit spotlighting Japanese-American experiences during WWII through archival stories tied to four women. Community & Health: A national outbreak linked to contaminated alfalfa sprouts has grown to 76 illnesses across 16 states, widening seed recalls beyond restaurant sandwiches to home sprouting. Civic Life: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, economic, and transparency concerns. Public Lands & Education Funding: The U.S. Senate passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting returns for K-12. Local Outdoors & Recreation: Wyoming’s new commercial fishing guide regulation and Snake River recreation fees are already changing how people use the river in Teton County. Sports & Community Pride: Wyoming women’s golf sits fifth after Saturday’s round at the Ron Moore Intercollegiate, while local swim meets and cross-country results keep rolling in across the state.