🌱 Public Lands Rule Proposal + Electric Code Updates In Casper

Good morning, hello! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Casper Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 66 Low: 38.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 72 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories in Casper today:

1. A recent proposal allowing lands to be leased for drilling and conservation is being considered in Wyoming. The proposal, referred to as the Public Lands Rule, was declared an “illegal attack on ranching and oil and gas development in the state” by top elected officials and industry members. The oil and gas industry has concerns that conservation leasing will be used to block companies from accessing minerals on federal land. A bill has been introduced by Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (R) in an effort to prevent the Bureau of Land Management from adopting the rule. (Casper Star-Tribune)
2. An amended liquor license code now allows all local liquor license holders to serve alcohol beginning at 6 a.m. On Tuesday, Casper City Council members voted 5 to 2 on a change that is now allowing clubs to serve alcohol during the same timeframe as other license holders. Councilor Amber Pollock refrained from voting due to conflict of interest as a Casper distillery operator. See the full amended liquor license ordinance here. (Oil City News)
3. Electric code updates may be on the horizon in Casper. According to the City’s Community Development Officials, the changes to the municipal electrical code has the potential to add between $500 to $1,000 to newer residential homes. Some of the updates impacting residential and commercial buildings include: Ground fault circuit interrupter protection for 125-250 volt receptacles in kitchens, commercial appliances within six feet of a sink require ground fault circuit interrupter protection, and surge protective devices are required at hotels and motels, dorms, etc. (Oil City News)

Today and tomorrow in Casper:

Thursday, May 18

• Wyoming: The Paradox of Plenty - Book & Panel Discussion At Nicolaysen Art Museum (5:30 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Celebrate Recovery Service At Hyland Park Community Church (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The deadline for the Wyoming Arts Council Art in Public Buildings call is May 24, 2023! Wyoming artists should submit their applications to RFQ through CaFE for the Sheridan College’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Sciences Center. Click here for more info and to apply. (Wyoming Arts Council via Instagram)
• Congratulations to James Grabrick of Gillette, Tacen/Tilden Ferrell of Casper, and Nathan Vondra of Casper! They each won a $100 gift card from the Wyoming Special Olympics Jackalope Jump Fundraiser. Their names were chosen from the random three-name draw. (Special Olympics Wyoming via Facebook)
• Lots of fun events are coming to Casper this summer! Mark your calendars the first Thursday of every month for Casper Art Walk activities beginning Jun. 1 at 5:30 p.m. (Casper Art Walk via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.