07/01/2025
NEWS BRIEFS for Tuesday, July 1, 2025
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers
Wyoming gasoline prices increase slightly in past week
CHEYENNE (WNE) — Average gasoline prices in Wyoming have risen 0.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy.com’s survey of 494 stations in Wyoming.
Prices in Wyoming are 3.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and stand 9.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the lowest price in the state Sunday was $2.69 per gallon, while the highest was $4.90, a difference of $2.21 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.14 on Monday. The national average is up 1.1 cents per gallon from a month ago, and stands 32.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
The national average price of diesel has increased 2.7 cents in the last week, and stands at $3.676 per gallon.
GasBuddy on Monday also released (go.gasbuddy. com/july-4-2025) its 2025 Independence Day gas price forecast, projecting the national average price of gas fall to $3.15 per gallon on Friday, down nearly 35 cents from last year’s July 4 average to the lowest Independence Day tally since 2021.
Though recent events have caused some turmoil and volatility in energy markets, gas prices have returned to decline due to cooling Middle East geopolitical tensions and increased oil production from OPEC in recent months.
This story was published on July 1, 2025.
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Game and Fish director confirms endorsement of shooting complex
CODY (WNE) — After reports of environmental concerns by Wyoming Game and Fish being suppressed to approve the State Shooting Complex site, G&F Director Angi Bruce and Commissioner Ashlee Lundvall set the record straight.
Bruce’s statement, made at the State Shooting Complex’s June 26 board meeting, comes in the wake of reports that the department she heads had concerns regarding the environmental impact of construction on the site. As reported by WyoFile, the site is a core sage grouse habitat and crucial range for struggling mule deer.
“We all know there’s been some miscommunication or maybe some department staff sending a different message. I just want to apologize for that, ” Bruce said. “Like I said, we’re 100% supportive and want to show that in any way shape or form that we can.”
Bruce’s statement in favor of the project was reinforced by G&F Commissioner Lundvall, who also spoke at last Thursday’s board meeting.
“I hear comments on all sides and I want it to be known that Game and Fish has been involved since the beginning and we appreciate the involvement moving forward to make sure that this is not only a great move for Park County and Cody in general, but for the wildlife that we all love and support as well,” she said.
Both Bruce and Lundvall saw an opportunity in the SSC project to increase outreach and education for hunters and other members of the public.
“The state of Wyoming made this a priority. We saw that during the legislative session by them passing this thing through twice… This is a priority for the state, we want this to be successful, and we are right on board with that,” Bruce said.
On the subject of wildlife, SSC board member James Klessens said wildlife was taken into consideration during the drafting of the final site plan.
This story was published on June 30, 2025.
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New local government investments takes effect this week
CHEYENNE (WNE) — Legislation enabling local governments across the state to invest in equities as part of their broader financial strategies became effective on Tuesday, July 1.
Senate File 145, championed by Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, during the 2025 legislative session, builds upon existing authority that already allows local governments to invest in other financial vehicles, such as bonds and money market instruments.
“This legislation gives our local governments the tools they need to take greater control of their financial futures,” Nethercott said in a news release. “By allowing local investment in equities, we’re helping communities generate stronger returns, reduce dependency on state aid, and ultimately lessen the need for future tax increases. It’s a win for taxpayers, local leaders and our state as a whole.”
The bill includes responsible parameters to ensure local governments make prudent investment decisions and maintain transparency with their constituents, the release said. As local governments face growing infrastructure, public safety and service demands, the ability to responsibly grow assets through diversified investments is expected to provide valuable stability.
“This is about local control and financial independence,” Nethercott said. “Our communities know their needs best. This law gives them the flexibility to meet those needs more effectively and with less burden on the taxpayer.”
This story was published on July 1, 2025.
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