PSC plans meeting to discuss heating costs

The Wyoming Public Service Commission, the state's regulatory agency overseeing utility rates and service, will hold a town meeting to discuss winter heating costs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday in Room 150 of the UW Outreach Building, located at 951 North Poplar.

"We all will likely find ourselves making difficult decisions when it comes to heating our homes this winter," Chairman Kathleen A. "Cindy" Lewis said in a release. "The town meeting is a place for us to learn what to expect, how our rates are set, what we can do to reduce our energy consumption and what resources are available as we work to manage these rising costs."

Local gas and electric utility representatives will discuss the prices their customers can expect to see in the coming months, their efforts to provide safe, reliable service at reasonable rates and home heating efficiency measures.

Representatives from Department of Family Services and Energy Share of Wyoming will be available to discuss options for customers who have difficulty paying their heating bills and increasing their energy efficiency.

Additional information, including a schedule of other town meetings, is available at psc.state.wy.us or by calling (307)777-7427.

Library sets more info meetings

Natrona County citizens are invited to attend public meetings in September to learn about the new project and ask questions, according to a release.

A library design slideshow will be presented at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16. It will include design trends from several recently constructed libraries, and designs that might work in a new Natrona County Library will be considered. Patrons will have the opportunity to contribute their own ideas.

Library officials will present "comprehensive information" about the project at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30. Patrons will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their understanding of the project.

For more information, call (307) 577-READ.

Student reaches finals for FFA award

Jimmy Owens of Casper was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA's Proficiency Award in Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement, according to a release from the school district.

Owens, a member of the Casper FFA Chapter and the state award-winner earlier this year, is one of four finalists for the award, which will be given at the national convention in October in Indianapolis.

The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience in 47 different programs.

Each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and $500. The national winner will receive an additional $500.

Food, brew benefit Parkway Pumphouse

The Platte River Parkway Trust will host its annual Fall Festival from noon until 5 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the parking lot between Mike Lansing Field and Crossroads Adventure Playground, according to a release.

This year's festival includes a barbeque feast; live music from Chad Lore, Free Bier and Rock N Roll Susie; and microbrew tasting; as well the chance to buy a duck in the Great Duck Derby. Family events include face painting, balloon tying and story times.

All proceeds from the festival will be directed toward the renovation of the Tate Pumphouse to create indoor public restrooms, outdoor plaza, trail center, bike/kayak vendor space and restaurant.

Artcore celebrates 30 years

Artcore will celebrate its 30th year with a "Birthday Party" concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Kelly Walsh High School Auditorium, according to a release.

The schedule for the event features performers who have had long-time connections with the group, including The Tremors, JD Blues, Jody Murray, Tom Empey, Painted Past, Michael Stedillie, Terry Gunderson, Delores Thornton, Carolyn Deuel, George Armijo and Kristi Armijo.

Proceeds from the event will go toward Artcore's school outreach program.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $6 for students and school teachers, and $4 for students ages 12 and under. They can be purchased at Hill Music, Simply Shelia, Ayre's Jewelry, The Shade Tree, and Sonic Rainbow.

For more information, call (307) 265-1564.

Natrona County's PTSA plans meeting

The Natrona County High School Parent Teacher Student Association will meet from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the NCHS library classroom, according to the school district. Lunch will be provided.

NCHS counselors will discuss enrollment issues, body of evidence, and graduation requirements for incoming freshmen and sophomores. There also will be a tour of the school.

The PTSA meets monthly to discuss items of interest to NCHS parents, teachers, and students. The group's purpose is to work together to improve education at NCHS.

For more information, call Ann Hudson at (307) 265-5510.