Cheyenne, Wyoming, embodies a unique blend of charming small-town vibes and thrilling western adventures. Known as the heart of the Cowboy State, Cheyenne exudes a welcoming spirit that draws you in with a mix of historical richness and modern-day conveniences. As the state's capital, it offers a vibrant cultural scene amidst stunning natural landscapes, making it a fascinating place to call home.
Residents relish the balance of enjoying big-sky country with the proximity to urban amenities. This friendly community values tradition, yet pulses with a lively spirit during events like the Cheyenne Frontier Days, a massive celebration of rodeo and western culture held annually. Here, neighbors become friends as they share in the festivities and celebrate the town's heritage.
Cheyenne's downtown area boasts a rich tapestry of locally-owned shops, cozy eateries, and compelling museums. Complement this with serene parks and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking trails to picturesque picnic spots, and you have the perfect setting for an enriching lifestyle. Families and individuals alike appreciate the city's safe, family-friendly environment combined with the perks of a rich arts scene and strong educati...
Cheyenne, Wyoming
4 | HelloCheyenne, Wyoming • Winter Issue
Cheyenne, Wyoming: Where Charm Meets Adventure
Cheyenne, Wyoming, embodies a unique blend of charming small-town vibes and thrilling western adventures. Known as the heart of the Cowboy State, Cheyenne exudes a welcoming spirit that draws you in with a mix of historical richness and modern-day conveniences. As the state's capital, it offers a vibrant cultural scene amidst stunning natural landscapes, making it a fascinating place to call home.
Residents relish the balance of enjoying big-sky country with the proximity to urban amenities. This friendly community values tradition, yet pulses with a lively spirit during events like the Cheyenne Frontier Days, a massive celebration of rodeo and western culture held annually. Here, neighbors become friends as they share in the festivities and celebrate the town's heritage.
Cheyenne's downtown area boasts a rich tapestry of locally-owned shops, cozy eateries, and compelling museums. Complement this with serene parks and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking trails to picturesque picnic spots, and you have the perfect setting for an enriching lifestyle. Families and individuals alike appreciate the city's safe, family-friendly environment combined with the perks of a rich arts scene and strong educational institutions.
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, community ties are strong, and nature's beauty is ever-present, creating an unparalleled sense of belonging and adventure for all who choose to settle in this delightful city.
Hello Cheyenne, Wyoming • Winter Issue |5
Cheyenne, Wyoming
How Home Staging Helps Homes Sell Faster in Cheyenne
Selling a home in Cheyenne and across southeast Wyoming often depends on first impressions. Buyers usually decide how they feel about a home within minutes of walking inside. Staging helps shape that reaction by making the space feel open, clean, and easy to understand.Home staging is not about
decorating or following trends. It is about presenting the home so buyers notice the layout, light, and condition rather than personal belongings. When rooms feel balanced and neutral, buyers can imagine how their own furniture and routines might fit.In this region, staging matters because many
6 | HelloCheyenne, Wyoming • Winter Issue
How Home Staging Helps Homes Sell Faster in Cheyenne
Selling a home in Cheyenne and across southeast Wyoming often depends on first impressions. Buyers usually decide how they feel about a home within minutes of walking inside. Staging helps shape that reaction by making the space feel open, clean, and easy to understand.
Home staging is not about decorating or following trends. It is about presenting the home so buyers notice the layout, light, and condition rather than personal belongings. When rooms feel balanced and neutral, buyers can imagine how their own furniture and routines might fit.
In this region, staging matters because many buyers compare several homes in a short period. Weather, travel distance, and work schedules often limit how many showings a buyer attends. A well staged home stands out in their memory and feels easier to picture as a long term place to live.
Decluttering is the first and most important step. Too many items on counters, shelves, and floors make rooms feel smaller than they are. Removing extra furniture, stacks of papers, and collections helps highlight square footage and improves traffic flow through the home.
Personal items should also be limited before listing. Family photos, bold artwork, and hobby displays can distract buyers from seeing the house itself. Neutral spaces allow buyers to focus on the property's features, such as windows, ceiling height, and storage.
Paint color plays a role in how rooms photograph and look in person. Bright or dark colors can be appealing to the owner but may turn off some buyers. Soft neutrals reflect light better and help rooms feel larger, which is especially helpful during the darker winter months common in Wyoming.
Lighting is another key factor in staging. Homes in Cheyenne benefit from maximizing natural light whenever possible. Opening curtains, cleaning windows, and adding lamps in darker corners can make rooms feel warmer and more inviting during showings.
Furniture placement should support how a room is meant to be used. Seating should create clear walkways and show how people move through the space. Oversized furniture can overwhelm smaller rooms, while too little furniture can make a space feel awkward or unfinished.
Before listing, it is wise to address small repairs that buyers notice quickly. Loose door handles, chipped paint, and dripping faucets suggest neglect, even if the home is otherwise well maintained. These fixes are usually inexpensive but can improve a buyer’s overall impression.
Outside areas matter as much as interior spaces. In southeast Wyoming, curb appeal can be affected by wind, snow, and dry conditions. Tidying landscaping, clearing walkways, and ensuring the entry looks cared for help set a positive tone before buyers step inside.
Staging helps buyers focus on the home’s space and condition, not the seller’s belongings, which often leads to quicker offers.
While staging does not guarantee a specific sale price, it often shortens the time a home spends on the market. Homes that show well tend to attract more interest early, which can lead to smoother negotiations and fewer price adjustments.
Barbara Kuzma
buyers compare several homes in a short period. Weather, travel distance, and work schedules often limit how many showings a buyer attends. A well staged home stands out in their memory and feels easier to picture as a long term place to live.Decluttering is the first and most important step. Too many items on
counters, shelves, and floors make rooms feel smaller than they are. Removing extra furniture, stacks of papers, and collections helps highlight square footage and improves traffic flow through the home.Personal items should also be limited before listing. Family photos, bold artwork, and hobby displays can distract buyers from seeing the house itself. Neutral spaces allow buyers to focus on the property's features, such as windows, ceiling height, and storage.Paint color plays a role in how rooms photograph and look in person. Bright or dark colors can be appealing to the owner but may turn off some buyers. Soft neutrals...
Staging helps buyers focus on the home’s space and condition, not the seller’s belongings, which often leads to quicker offers.
About the Author
Barbara Kuzma is a licensed real estate broker based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She has led Kuzma Success Realty since 1994 and brings decades of local market experience. Barbara works with buyers, sellers, investors, and landlords, focusing on residential, investment, commercial, and property management across Cheyenne and southeast Wyoming markets professionally.
HelloCheyenne, Wyoming • Winter Issue |7
Wyoming Employers’ Guide to Pre-Employment Screenings
For Wyoming employers, hiring safely and efficiently begins long before a new employee starts work. A thorough pre-employment screening program ensures candidates are qualified, capable, and compliant with both company standards and state or federal regulations. These screenings protect not only the
workplace but also the people who keep it running. Whether your business hires commercial drivers, warehouse workers, or office staff, having a structured and consistent screening program can make the difference between a smooth onboarding process and costly hiring mistakes.
8 | HelloCheyenne, Wyoming • Winter Issue
Wyoming Employers’ Guide to Pre-Employment Screenings
For Wyoming employers, hiring safely and efficiently begins long before a new employee starts work. A thorough pre-employment screening program ensures candidates are qualified, capable, and compliant with both company standards and state or federal regulations. These screenings protect not only the workplace but also the people who keep it running. Whether your business hires commercial drivers, warehouse workers, or office staff, having a structured and consistent screening program can make the difference between a smooth onboarding process and costly hiring mistakes.
A typical pre-employment screening program includes several core components: drug testing, background checks, and in many cases, a physical exam. Each element plays a distinct role in verifying that a new hire is both reliable and fit for duty. Drug testing helps ensure a safe work environment and may be required for regulated positions such as those covered under Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. Background checks confirm a candidate’s identity, past employment, and criminal history, helping employers make informed decisions about who joins their team. Physical exams confirm that the applicant can safely perform the physical demands of the job, especially in labor-intensive or safety-sensitive roles.
For Wyoming employers, one area that deserves special attention is functional testing. Functional testing goes a step beyond a standard physical exam by evaluating a person’s strength, flexibility, endurance, and ability to perform specific job-related tasks. For example, a test might simulate lifting, carrying, or bending requirements that are part of daily duties. This approach helps employers confirm that a candidate can safely meet the physical expectations of the role, reducing the likelihood of workplace injuries. Functional testing provides an objective measure of job readiness, helping employers match the right people to the right positions.
The distinction between DOT and non-DOT screening guidelines also plays a major role in pre-employment programs. DOT guidelines apply to employees in transportation-related roles, such as commercial drivers, who are subject to federal safety standards. These employees must complete DOT-specific drug tests and medical exams conducted by certified examiners. Non-DOT employees, while not bound by federal regulations, still benefit from similar screening processes designed around company policy and state law. Understanding the difference between these categories helps Wyoming employers maintain compliance without unnecessary duplication or confusion.
Employers who handle both DOT and non-DOT roles often benefit from partnering with occupational health providers who understand the separate regulations. These professionals can structure a combined program that meets federal standards while still aligning with internal HR policies. Streamlined programs ensure each applicant receives the appropriate level of screening without adding delays to the hiring process.
Another important consideration is how screening results are managed. Many businesses in Wyoming still rely on paper forms for tracking test results and documentation. While this may seem simple, it often leads to delays, lost records, and extra administrative work. Switching to electronic reporting systems can save time, improve accuracy, and make onboarding smoother. Electronic reports provide instant access to results, allow for secure recordkeeping, and simplify compliance audits. When data is digital, HR teams can focus on hiring rather than paperwork.
An effective pre-employment screening program is also about consistency. Applying the same standards to every candidate ensures fairness and reduces the risk of legal disputes. Clear policies on when and how testing is conducted, who reviews the results, and how long records are retained demonstrate professionalism and compliance. For Wyoming employers, maintaining written protocols that align with both state law and federal workplace safety guidelines helps establish trust with employees and regulators alike.
Beyond compliance, pre-employment screening supports overall workplace safety and productivity. When employees begin work already vetted for health, capability, and background, the likelihood of accidents, absenteeism, and turnover decreases. Workers who pass screenings are more likely to feel confident in their ability to perform, and employers can operate with greater peace of mind knowing they’ve taken reasonable steps to protect both staff and company assets.
For positions that involve physical activity, especially in transportation, construction, or manufacturing, pre-employment screening can also reduce long-term workers’ compensation costs. Identifying potential limitations before hire helps employers make accommodations or assign duties more appropriately. Over time, this proactive approach builds a culture of safety and accountability.
To create an efficient system, Wyoming employers should review their current process at least once a year. If drug tests or background checks take too long, or if records are stored manually, there is room for improvement. Modern screening providers offer integrated systems that combine drug testing, physicals, and background results into one secure platform. This level of organization speeds up onboarding and minimizes compliance risk.
At its core, pre-employment screening is about preparation. Every new hire represents an investment, and ensuring that person is capable, healthy, and dependable protects that investment from day one. By incorporating functional testing, using electronic reporting, and maintaining clear standards for both DOT and non-DOT employees, Wyoming employers can streamline hiring while staying compliant and secure.
A comprehensive pre-employment screening program is more than a checklist; it’s a foundation for workplace success. When safety, compliance, and efficiency work together, both employers and employees benefit from the confidence that every person on the job is ready, reliable, and equipped to perform safely.
Kat Parmer
pre-employment screening program includes several core components: drug testing, background checks, and in many cases, a physical exam. Each element plays a distinct role in verifying that a new hire is both reliable and fit for duty. Drug testing helps ensure a safe work environment and may be required for regulated
positions such as those covered under Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. Background checks confirm a candidate’s identity, past employment, and criminal history, helping employers make informed decisions about who joins their team. Physical exams confirm that the applicant can safely perform the physical demands of the job, especially in labor-intensive or safety-sensitive roles.For Wyoming employers, one area that deserves special attention is functional testing. Functional testing goes a step beyond a standard physical exam by evaluating a person’s strength, flexibility, endurance, and ability to perform specific...
A typical pre-employment screening program includes several core components: drug testing, background checks, and a physical exam.
About the Author
Kat Parmer is a Nurse Practitioner and founding partner of Employee On-Boarding Specialties, bringing decades of experience in occupational health and safety. She’s DOT-certified, a hearing conservationist, and spirometry specialist. Based in Cheyenne with her husband, three sons, and five grandchildren, Kat enjoys reading, crafting, and gardening in her personal time.
