Good morning, Gillette.

The 2025 Festival of Lights opens today in Campbell County with holiday lights, music, and community gatherings that run nightly until Jan.

4, 2026. The event features themed music nights with kids tunes on Tuesdays and Fridays, country tunes on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and traditional Christmas music on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays while lights stay on from dusk until 11 p.m.

The 34th Annual Festival of Trees runs from today through Nov 23 at CAM-PLEX Wyoming Center and will showcase over 60 decorated trees, live music and more to support local healthcare—Gillette also welcomes stand-up comedy by Art Delgado tonight at 8 p.m. and continues with a chili cook-off on Saturday at 4 p.m. and karaoke at 8 p.m. at local venues.

Wyoming lawmakers are proposing a $70,000 starting salary for teachers—education advocates warned that the measure could hurt public school employees.

SmartAsset data from May showed that 42 million Americans relied on SNAP for food with benefits averaging $188 per month while states differed widely in enrollment and payouts.

Wyoming had the lowest use at 4.62%—this could affect local food assistance if halted payments occur during a government shutdown.

Campbell County Board passed a resolution Tuesday that backs nuclear energy projects—if they do not produce, receive or store high-level waste—and urged state lawmakers to allow residents to vote on future waste storage decisions.

BWXT said its planned TRISO fuel facility in Gillette will not create or store radioactive waste.

The House passed a bill on Nov.

18 and the Senate approved it on Nov. 20 that could let new coal mining in the Powder River Basin if signed by the president. The bill would reverse the current BLM plan—one that stopped new leasing since 2024—and will allow new leases if market demand exists.

The Nutcracker Ballet by World Ballet Company

7-10 p.m. — CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities — Tickets $33.00 - $97.00 — Experience the magical journey of Marie and her Nutcracker prince in this festive ballet classic.

Gillette Main Street Parade of Lights & Winter Walk 2025

5-9 p.m. — Gillette Main Street — $5 for buttons — Participate in the Winter Walk for prizes and festive fun in the heart of Gillette.