Good morning, Casper.

Hilltop Bank, a locally owned community bank from Casper, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cheyenne State Bank to expand its services in Wyoming— the transaction will close in the first quarter and supports the bank’s new branch development in Cheyenne.

Flaming Wok, a food stand that has served Asian food for nearly 25 years, will close permanently on Friday, Oct.

31—leaving the mall’s food court without its last food stand. An employee confirmed the closure after online rumors spread among Casper shoppers.

Casper-based Hilltop Bank has agreed to acquire Cheyenne State Bank (with assets of $30.2 million as of Sept.

30) to expand its reach into new communities. Both banks approved the deal on Oct. 13 and it is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 along with plans for a new branch at 1820 Cutoff Road in Cheyenne.

Wyoming's housing market has led the nation in home value growth in 2025, with the average home value reaching $360,352—a 4.6% increase from last year.

In Casper, median home prices climbed 6.7% to $320,000 as strong demand and limited inventory create a competitive market.

Gas prices in Wyoming dropped as the statewide average fell to $2.86 per gallon on Monday and the lowest price reached $2.45 on Sunday, according to a survey by GasBuddy of 494 stations.

Prices in nearby areas were $2.77 in Fort Collins while gas in Ogden and Billings was higher—national prices rose slightly.

Natrona County’s average gasoline price increased 8 cents last Monday to $2.65, keeping it as Wyoming’s cheapest fuel price for the 10th consecutive week with rates as low as $2.45 at Loaf—N Jug, Sam’s Club and Ridley’s Family Market.

National data reported a rise of 2.5 cents to $3 per gallon, partly due to a Midwest refinery fire and US—China trade optimism that may keep prices elevated until Thanksgiving.

The Natrona County School District 1 trustees approved today new purchases including two driver’s education vehicles, a refrigerated food truck and a CNC router for classroom use — as part of a consent agenda meeting they also approved over $2 million in facility upgrades covering intercom replacements at high schools, playground improvements at Evansville Elementary and Fort Caspar Academy, and various electrical and security enhancements. If the board votes Nov. 10 on closing Woods Learning Center and Bar Nunn Elementary, they will review whether to modify these projects.

Natrona County Schools reported a drop of 460 students this school year.

The school board will review the FY2027 budget plan today (which includes ways to manage a potential shortfall of $10 to $12 million) in its budget meeting.

Casper is experiencing a cold front that brings gusty winds, rain and light snow while a crash blocks the northbound lane on I-25 and road conditions slow travel.

The National Weather Service says drivers should be cautious today — rain is expected before 7:00 a.m. with winds gusting up to 48 mph.

S-38 and the Interstellar War

7:30 p.m. — Stage III Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an intergalactic battle as S-38 confronts an alien fleet in a thrilling space adventure.

Casper Public Car Auction

11:30 AM — 2305 Salt Creek Hwy, Casper, WY — Free registration — Discover unbeatable deals on over 300,000 salvage cars available for bidding.

Jim Curry - John Denver Tribute

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Natrona County High School — Check event page for costs — Celebrate the music of John Denver with a tribute performance by Jim Curry.

Great American PRCA Rodeo

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — The Arena at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of rodeo action in Casper, WY.