Bank robber pleads guilty

A Casper bank robber pleaded guilty Tuesday to retaliation against a witness in the robbery case.

Jeffrey Craig Morrison, who robbed the downtown Casper branch of Wells Fargo Bank on May 6, is accused of threatening two people for providing information to authorities.

Morrison called a July 9 letter to the witnesses a warning, rather than a threat, according to a federal indictment. The letter said he had friends who would do "just about anything I need."

A week after he allegedly mailed the letter, Morrison pleaded guilty to the bank robbery.

As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will drop charges of mailing threatening communications and witness tampering and intimidation, which carry possible combined penalties of up to 25 years in prison.

Morrison, who was scheduled to be sentenced for the robbery and the retaliation late Tuesday, faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the retaliation charge.

He remains held in Wheatland.

Head of Episcopal church will visit Casper

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is scheduled to visit Casper this week for the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, according to a media release.

Jefferts Schori will attend events on Thursday and Friday at the convention being held at the Parkway Plaza hotel.

Jefferts Schori was bishop of Nevada when she was elected the first female leader of The Episcopal Church in 2006.

In Casper, Jefferts Schori is scheduled to preach at services on Thursday night and Friday morning. There will be a banquet in her honor Friday night.

The convention will also honor retiring Wyoming Bishop Bruce Caldwell with a banquet Saturday evening.

Diocese officials said they expect several hundred Wyoming Episcopalians to attend.

CC Alumni and Friends hold auction

A silent auction of handcrafted items will be held as part of the 2009 Casper College Alumni and Friends Banquet, according to a media release.

The banquet will be held on Friday at the Casper Petroleum Club.

The banquet will honor this year's Distinguished Alumnus honoree, Diana Ohman, and Commitment to Excellence honoree, Jack Romanek.

Tickets for the banquet are $35 per person and can be purchased through Linda Nix, alumni coordinator, at 268-2218, toll free 800-442-2963, ext. 2218 or by e-mailing her at alumni@caspercollege.edu.

RMP conducts power line inspections

Rocky Mountain Power will conduct routine power line inspections by helicopter in central and northern Wyoming, and into southern Montana, according to a media release. The inspections will take place now through Thursday, weather permitting.

Inspections will take place over Casper, Glenrock, Buffalo, Gillette, Sheridan, Cody, Worland, Thermopolis and Riverton.

Crews will check lines and equipment for deterioration or damage in order to ensure safe and reliable electric service. The utility has obtained all necessary work clearances, and the Federal Aviation Administration has approved flight plans for the inspection.