New Rep. sworn in

Casper real estate agent Mary Hales took the oath of office Monday morning as Wyoming's newest state representative during a ceremony at the State Capitol Building, according to a press release from the Wyoming Democratic Party. Wyoming Chief Justice Barton R. Voigt administered the oath to Rep. Hales, who was appointed by the Natrona County Commission from a pool of three finalists to fill the vacancy in House District 36 left by the resignation of Evansville Democrat Liz Gentile.

After taking the oath, Rep. Hales thanked those in attendance as well as the people of Natrona County.

"I promise I will do my very best to represent them," she said. "I'm looking forward to this."

More live concerts planned

Local band Seeds-N-Stems will play from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday for the fourth week of Wednesday Night Live, the Nicolaysen Art Museum's seven-week summer concert, according to a press release.

Wednesday Night Live concerts, staged behind the museum, are free and listeners are encouraged to bring chairs or blanket so they can relax while enjoying a variety of music. Food, beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

Future concerts include: Jeff Troxel, Aug. 1; the Dan Walker Band, Aug. 8; and the Fireants, Aug. 15.

For more information, call the NIC at (307) 235-5247 or visit www.thenic.org.

Travel meeting today

The Natrona County Travel & Tourism Council's 2007-2008 budget hearing and annual meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. today at the Casper Area Convention & Visitors Bureau office at 992 N. Poplar St. in Casper.

On the agenda are a report from CEO Kurt Box, updates on the Proud to Host the Best committee and a partnership with the Troopers, and the election of officers.