Destroy your documents properly

D.A.R.E. of Natrona County has teamed up with A Thru Z Document Destruction Inc., to help people in Casper destroy their personal documents in a secure manner.

People can bring their old bank statements, tax records, bills, canceled checks, legal papers and any other papers to the Hall of Justice, 201 N. David St., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. today.

Law enforcement officers will be on scene to assist people with their documents.

People should try to limit their paperwork to about 100 pounds per person.

A small donation to the D.A.R.E. program would be greatly appreciated. This is a fundraising event.

For more information, contact Dave Kinghorn or Michelle Leete at 235-9282.

Health department warns of virus

As the weather warms and people open their cabins, sheds or garages that have been closed all winter, the Casper-Natrona County Health Department wants people to be wary of hantavirus.

A small percentage of deer mice, who might have sought shelter in your cabin, shed or garage this winter, carry hantavirus, which causes a potentially life threatening disease when it is breathed in through dust particles.

The mice deposit hantavirus through their urine, feces and saliva that dries out and becomes part of the dirt and dust in a structure.

When opening these structures for the first time this summer, take caution by:

- Wearing gloves and a mask while cleaning.

- Spraying the dust and dirt with a bleach solution of one cup of bleach per one gallon of water to kill any virus present.

- Using rags, paper towels or a wet mop to wipe up dust and dirt rather than sweeping or vacuuming.

For more information, contact the health department at 235-9340.

Free college credits for high schoolers

ACE, a program that allows high school students in Natrona County to take free college classes, is hosting two orientation sessions this month.

The orientation sessions will cover how to get involved in ACE and will provide additional information about admissions, transcripts, distance education, Hathaway Scholarships and financial aid.

Students who already have summer and/or fall enrollment forms for ACE can turn them in at one of the orientation sessions. Those just learning about the program can pick up enrollment forms.

Sessions are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday or from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Strausner Student Center at Casper College.

Attend either orientation session for more details, or call 268-3309 for more information.

Champions hosts orientation session

Champions Mentoring Program will host an orientation session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Mercer House Family Choices office, 100 N. Center St.

Champions is a new program designed to pair volunteer adult mentors with children in grades four through eight. Mentors will be screened, receive extensive training and will meet with students at school or in supervised large-group activities. Students will be able to receive help with academics and goal-setting, benefit from the friendship and guidance of a trusted adult and participate in fun cultural activities.

Forensics team scores at nationals

The Casper College Forensics Team has returned from its final competition for the 2007-08 school year with six national awards, according to Jessica Hurless, director of forensics at Casper College.

The National Phi Rho Pi Tournament, held in St. Charles, Ill., attracted 71 community colleges from across the country with nearly 700 participants.

"This tournament was more competitive than the last three years, which makes our national wins even more special," Hurless said.

The team was led in winnings by freshman Erica Cushmore (Cheyenne) who won three national awards. Shelley Doninar (Evanston), Jacob Cooper (Casper), and Michelle Anderson (Morrill, Neb.) also won awards.