Check Fraud case moves forward

A Natrona County Circuit judge on Thursday ruled criminal cases should move forward against a husband and wife accused of being involved in a check fraud scheme.

Casper police last month arrested Geri and John Dean Daniel in connection with the case, which investigators say involves thousands of dollars worth of stolen and forged checks.

The Daniels are expected to be arraigned in district court in the next several weeks.

Crest Hill students log reading time

Crest Hill Elementary students concluded their 'Reach for the Stars!' reading program recently, tallying more than 79,000 minutes of reading time. The 120 students taking part earned more than $9,000 in pledges for their efforts.

Usborne Books, the program's sponsor, will give the students roughly $7,000 worth of free books. The remainder of the pledge money will be given to teachers, who can use the money to purchase books for their classrooms.

The 'Reach for the Stars!' reading program challenged students to read for two weeks. Students reading over 1,000 minutes are presented with medals.

Last Blast meeting

The last 'Last Blast' meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday in the East Cafeteria at Natrona County High School. All senior parents are welcome to attend. Parents can also call Teresa Dick at (307) 265-3376 to volunteer to help at the event.

Last Blast tickets may be purchased in the NCHS office. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

NC senior earns Merit scholarship

Natrona County High School senior Evan Mitchell recently won a 2008 National Merit Scholarship. Mitchell was one of 2,500 students nationwide to win the scholarship, all of whom were selected from a pool of 15,000 finalists. The scholarship award is for $2,500.

National Merit Scholars are judged on accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Scholars are selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. The scholarships can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university.

Mitchell was one of five Wyoming students that earned the scholarship. He plans to study art in college.

FMS concert postponed

The Frontier Middle School community concert, originally scheduled for earlier this week, has been rescheduled due to weather.

The concert will be Monday at the Washington Park Band Shell. The school's orchestras will start at 5:30 p.m., bands at 6:15 p.m. and choirs at 7 p.m.

Celebrate American Folk Songs

Randy Vlach returns to the Natrona County Public Library for "Come Gather Round: A Celebration of American Folk Songs" at 7 p.m. Tuesday on the library's main floor.

Vlach presented a collection of Woody Guthrie favorites at the library last fall.

For more information, call 577-READ ext. 2.

Wyo Reads is Tuesday

The third annual Wyoming Reads Celebration will be held on Tuesday at the Nicolaysen Art Museum and the Natrona County Public Library. During the event, all Natrona County first-graders will receive a hardback book.

Due to the event, Beech Street and the library's parking lot will be closed from 8 a.m. until noon for the safety of the children. A temporary book drop will be available at the library's Durbin Street entrance. The library's Tech Center will also be closed during the event.

For more information about Wyoming Reads, please call 577-READ or visit www.natronacountylibrary.org/wyreads.html.