Star-Tribune lays off 15

Casper Star-Tribune Communications announced Tuesday that it has laid off 15 employees as part of an effort to reduce costs.

The national recession and slowdown in the local economy prompted the decision to reduce expenses, said publisher Nathan Bekke. The Star-Tribune and Casper Journal also cut costs in other areas.

"The nation is experiencing very challenging economic times, and we have certainly begun to feel the effects," Bekke said. "Regretfully, this has resulted in the elimination of 15 positions within our communications company, along with other cost reductions."

Two of the 15 laid-off employees have been offered other jobs within the organization.

The eliminated positions included six in circulation, three in the newsroom, three in advertising, one in marketing, and two from the Casper Journal.

The circulation layoffs are related to plans for a regional circulation call center that will be located in Billings, Mont. Beginning Feb. 16, Star-Tribune customer calls on circulation issues will be handled by customer service representatives at the regional center.

"We fully expect to maintain the quality experience our customers have come to expect through this regional approach," Bekke said.

The Star-Tribune, trib.com and Casper Journal now employ 116 full-time and 25 part-time staffers.

The Star-Tribune is Wyoming's largest newspaper, in print and online. It is one of 54 newspapers owned by Davenport, Iowa-based Lee Enterprises.

Boating trial pushed back

The trial of a man charged in connection with the boating death of an Evansville boy has been postponed.

Mark Blackett was set to stand trial Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of negligent vehicular homicide. It was not immediately known when the trial will now take place.

Blackett, who is free on bond, was charged following the Aug. 30 boating death of 11-year-old Brenton McCullar on Alcova Reservoir. The boy died after the Yamaha personal watercraft he was driving collided with a 25-foot speed boat piloted by Blackett.

Authorities have not detailed the circumstances of the crash and the Natrona County Circuit Court had declined to release documents related to the case.

The Star-Tribune has filed a lawsuit seeking access to those court documents. A hearing on the matter is set for April 16.

College hosts homecoming

The Casper College Alumni Association will host its annual homecoming festivities at the Swede Erickson Thunderbird Gym on Saturday, according to a release.

The association will provide free chili beginning at 2:30 p.m. prior to the start of the women's basketball game at 3 p.m. The men will take to the court at 5 p.m. Both teams will play Central Wyoming in their first meeting since the early 1990s.

Admission is $1 per person.