BAR NUNN, Wyo. — Casper native Keenan Morgan recently announced his intention to run for the House District 58 seat, which is currently occupied by Rep. Bill Allemand.

Morgan is a fourth-generation Wyomingite. He went to school in Bar Nunn and Casper and is an alum of Casper College and the University of Wyoming.

“My family has been in America since before its founding, arriving on my mom’s side as pilgrims and on my dad’s side as slaves. Over time, my family landed in Wyoming,” Morgan said in his campaign statement. “I am proud of my Wyoming history and desire to stay. But this desire is becoming less common in our state as people leave seeking opportunities elsewhere, never to return.”

Morgan said that 60% of Wyoming’s young people choose to leave the state, citing a story from WyoFile.

“Young people leave often for one simple reason: they do not see leaders building a vision of Wyoming that includes them,” Morgan said. “They do not see young leaders looking out for them. They are driven away by a lack of educational and job opportunities, a sense of hopelessness, a lack of progress, and an increasingly divisive political landscape.”

Morgan said that, despite that, he chooses to stay in Wyoming because he believes what is possible for the state.

He also provided a list of tenets he said Wyomingites collectively hold.

We all share the same values and the same vision for our state:

• We believe in freedom, opportunity, justice, and equality.
• We all want success for our families and our community.
• We understand that we must lift each other up instead of beat each other down.
• We know that people need ready-access to the care and services they need.
• We know that prices are too high and our government seems incapable of accountability.
• We believe in fostering economic diversity and innovation in Wyoming.
• We understand that in Wyoming, we have to protect public education, public lands, and access to opportunities for youth.
• We believe in autonomy, protecting public institutions, ensuring integrity in government, and always putting Wyoming First and moving Wyoming Forward.

– Morgan’s campaign statement

Morgan called this series of beliefs the Wyoming vision and said that representation across the state is struggling to lead with this vision, which is something he’s trying to change.

“My name is Keenan Morgan and I’m running for House District 58 because I believe in empowering a new generation to put Wyoming First and move Wyoming Forward,” he said. “We need a Wyoming vision of progress, principles, and passion in politics.”

Morgan said he believes in listening to the community, fighting for people-centered solutions, accountability and looking out for those in the community who are struggling.

“I recognize that issues are rarely simply black and white, and understanding nuance is required to make real change last,” he said. “That is why I believe in telling the truth as I understand it — always.”

Morgan said he’s committed to working on lasting solutions that move the state forward, rather than relying on buzzwords and empty promises. He said he believes in practical leadership, which is what real representation looks like.

“I am asking for your support in this race not because I think we will agree on 100% of the issues 100% of the time — that’s an unrealistic and dishonest expectation — but instead because I promise to always look out for your interests by putting Wyoming First and Wyoming Forward,” Morgan said. “Every time. Decisions are made by those who show up. Whether or not you decide to vote for me in this race, if elected, I will always do what is right for you.”

Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer is also running for House District 58.

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Debra Moerke spent some time on Wyoming’s morning radio talk show, Wake Up Wyoming, with Glenn Woods, to talk about a new, safe haven for single mothers in the Cowboy State.

The McKenzie Home will provide a safe haven and essential resources, empowering single mothers to gain stability, achieve independence, and build a bright, self-sufficient future for their children.

The McKenzie Home is a supportive residential community dedicated to single mothers. They offer the tailored programs and skills development necessary to secure affordable housing, increase job readiness, and break the cycle of instability.

You can listen to the radio interview below.

The mission of The McKenzie Home is to provide single mothers with a home and a program with access to resources, skills, and support needed to enable them to become successful parents and contributing members of their community.

Women who find themselves as a single parent often fall between the cracks in our society, with little support or help to become strong and independent. Many times, they will turn to unhealthy alternatives, putting themselves and their children in jeopardy. The McKenzie Home gives them a safe place to live, while providing that essential support toward a healthy, productive life.

McKENZIE’S STORY.
Born of a single mom and adopted into a loving family, McKenzie was a warm and fun-loving little girl. At the age of five, she lost her fight against childhood cancer. While visiting McKenzie’s memorial site in Green River, Wyoming, her grandmother, Debra Moerke, felt drawn to a nearby historical elementary school.

After the building was gutted by a fire, Moerke was given a vision to bring the landmark back to life by restoring a community treasure and creating a transitional home for single moms in need of a new start.

MEET THE TEAM.
The McKenzie Home enjoys the support and expertise of a Board of Directors, an Extension of the Board housed in Green River, and an Advisory Board. Meet them here.

GOLDEN, Colo. — The University of Wyoming track team made program history on Wednesday, setting a new school record in the men’s 4×100 meter relay to start the week.

The squad, composed of freshman Ryan Elsen, senior Carter McComb, senior Gavin Cougle and sophomore Bridger Norton, surpassed the previous record of 40.54 seconds established in 2000 and tied in 2010 with a new mark of 40.12 seconds.

In the men’s 100-meter dash, the Cowboys placed three runners in the top five. Elsen won the event in 10.51 seconds, matching his personal record. McComb finished second with a season-best 10.75, and Cougle took fifth with a time of 10.93.

On the women’s side, junior Gabbreiella Mendoza-Molina led Wyoming in the 400-meter hurdles, placing fourth with a personal-best time of 1:00.53. Sophomore Carly Norman followed in fifth with a personal-best 1:02.53, while freshman Payton Becker finished sixth in her event debut.

In other track events, senior Faith Jehu took fourth in the 100-meter dash (12.61), followed by sophomore Melody ZumBrunnen in seventh with a season-best 12.74. Sophomore Lily Nichols placed 12th in her first collegiate 400-meter race with a time of 1:01.40.

In field and multi-events, freshman Desirae Iacovetto holds second place in the heptathlon after the first day of competition, totaling 2,924 points. Iacovetto recorded personal bests in the 100-meter hurdles (14.46), 200-meter dash (25.30) and shot put (10.84 meters). She also cleared 1.45 meters in the high jump. Meanwhile, ZumBrunnen finished eighth in the long jump with a season-best leap of 5.41 meters.

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